Prophecy of Dragon Sight

By E. L. Roff

Once again, it’s time for the Mating Gathering to take place on Cordray Central. High Dragon Lord Dorian and First Lord Mandrake are working hard to ensure that the festival goes off smoothly. The needs of the many attendees must be addressed. There’s much to be done, and they certainly don’t need to deal with the unexpected problem of having unmated females arriving early.

High Lord Dorian also wonders if he will find his own mate at this Gathering. He knows it’s not up to him, but up to Dray–Dor, his dragon half, as well as the magic of the dragons. Only time will tell.

Anna is trying to convince Tressa to go to the festival with her. Both young women are eligible to attend. Tressa longs to go, but her uncle, who is also her guardian, has forbidden her to attend, stating that no man will take a blind girl as his wife. Tressa fears her uncle’s retribution should she go in defiance of his wishes. It’s up to Anna to get Tressa to the festival for a chance at a better life, one away from her abusive uncle.

It soon becomes clear to Dorian and Mandrake that the Mating Gathering is only the beginning of the difficulties facing the Dragon Lords.

Welcome to Cordray, home of the dragons, where the dragons are the Lords and the Lords are the dragons!

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. L. Roff
• Release date: Feb 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215209660

Book preview

Chapter 1

High Lord Dorian sat at his desk, reading over the reports from the other Cordray castles, when he was interrupted by a knock on the door of his study. He put down the reports in frustration. So much still needed to be done before the upcoming Mating Gathering, and it seemed there were not enough hours in the day to get it completed in time. There would be many people arriving to attend the five–day festival, and the accommodations, food, and protection, as well as the other needs for all the expected guests, had to be calculated and planned. He was currently trying to gauge the exact number of Lords who would soon be arriving.

Enter, Dorian called in response to the knock.

Lord Mandrake, First in Command at Castle Cordray Central, entered the room and inclined his head in deference to his High Lord and commander. He noted that Dorian looked a little haggard. The man’s golden blond hair was disheveled, and his green eyes were shadowed by lack of sleep. It appeared that his 6’6" frame had lost some weight over the last few days.

Dorian acknowledged him and motioned for him to give his report.

I am sorry to disturb you, High Lord, but we have had an interruption in the preparations for the Mating Gathering, Mandrake said—a little formally, given their years of friendship.

What kind of interruption? Dorian asked wearily.

We have had three girls arrive early, Mandrake reported. I have instructed them to be placed in the women’s quarters, but they are protesting this.

Dorian blew out his breath and sighed. Where else would we be boarding them but in the women’s quarters?

They demand the best rooms in the castle, and they demand to see you immediately, Mandrake replied sarcastically.

I am not available to meet with any unmated women until after the Mating Gathering is over, Dorian replied with incredulity.

I have explained to them that the rules of the Lords forbid all unmated males to be with unmated females during the mating month, Mandrake replied, and as an unmarried male, you are forbidden to meet with them at this time. They are under the false impression that you will make an exception to this rule because they are the daughters of Magistrate Calvert from Cordiff. They seem to feel that their father’s station means they are entitled to better accommodations and a certain level of honor from you.

Dorian shook his head wearily. He had been through this before. It seemed to happen every year at the Gathering. There was always some young woman who thought to make a play of some sort that would result in an early choice of a mate.

No, he told Mandrake. I will not violate the traditions and the rules governing the Gathering to meet with any unmated woman before the appointed time. Let them know that since they came a week early, they have the choice of returning home until the date of the Gathering or remaining in the women’s quarters, helping the other women with the preparations.

Mandrake threw up his hands. They have been told that, and they continue to make their demands, he responded with equal parts frustration and weariness. He had been interrupted four times that day alone by their demands.

Dorian shook his head again and sat thoughtfully for a minute before he came to a decision. Send word to their father regarding their arrival here, as he may be unaware of it. Tell him they will be given no special considerations on account of their parentage. Should they fail to obey the rules of the castle and are found wandering around like married women, no men will accept them as mates during the Gathering. That may make him come get them. Inform them of this as well. Tell them that if they do stay, they are required to help prepare the quarters for the arriving women and to help prepare the garments to be worn after the three–day Ceremony of Choosing. Stress that if they give us any more trouble, they will be escorted home, and they will not be allowed at any future Gatherings. If they are so eager to be mated, then they will agree to follow the rules.

Mandrake crossed his hands over his chest in acknowledgement of his High Lord’s word and turned to leave the room.

How are the rest of the preparations going for the Gathering? Dorian asked before Mandrake could turn away completely.

The young women from the farthest outlying towns and villages have been picked up and are on their way, Mandrake reported. There are twenty so far. I have seen to it that the storage trunks have been brought up from the lower levels and are being prepared by the mated females. The rooms have mostly been cleaned, and the sewing of the garments is well underway. The food stores have mostly arrived, except the most perishable items, and the precooking has begun.

Only twenty so far? Are those all the girls ages eighteen to twenty–three in those towns and villages? Dorian asked, concerned. He needed to make sure that all the eligible girls were encouraged to come to the Gathering.

Mandrake nodded. Yes, as far as we can tell. I know that sometimes the inhabitants of the outlying villages tend to be afraid of the Gathering due to misinformation and superstition, but we are attempting to quiet this fear by having Jayna accompany Gordon on the trip to the villages. That seems to be working well. She has convinced the girls and their families that they would be kept safe and sound throughout the whole trip, and that the unchosen girls would be returned to them unharmed. It appears that the biggest fear is that the girls would be violated or injured in some way, therefore rendering them unmarriageable to the local townspeople when they returned—or that they would never return at all.

I am pleased that Jayna is able to put those fears to rest, Dorian replied. Given that the Gathering happens every five years, it seems that this fear arises each time, and that it is never quite eased. It may be because the local men are afraid that the girls they are interested in will be chosen and not return to marry them.

Mandrake nodded in agreement. That is the most likely source of the problem. The girls who are chosen do not have any emotional ties to men in their home villages, he noted.

Dorian sat thoughtfully for a minute, reviewing all the various pieces of the planned event. Have we gotten the final schedule set for the castle security—above ground, below level, and exterior?

Yes, the schedules have been set. I may have to increase the interior above–ground patrols if things continue to be problematic with the Magistrate’s daughters. I have several mated males tapped to be moved quickly if necessary.

Dorian nodded at that possibility. Increase the patrols on the route the wagons and carriages will travel. I will send word to the other castles to send additional Lords for security needs. With that said, Dorian waved his hand toward Mandrake. Go ahead and see if you can take care of the Magistrate’s daughters. I hope they do not think that their father’s position in the community will have any bearing on the choosing process, he said drily.

It is hard to say what they know and what they hope to achieve by their early arrival, Mandrake mused. I think they were hoping to grab you early, though. Mandrake had a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he made that last comment.

Dorian gave his longtime friend a sardonic scowl and shook his head wearily. That is not how all this works. Perhaps their father should have informed them that the choosing is not done by me or any other Lord. He more than anyone else should know that the choosing for all positions on Cordray is done by the dragons. It has been that way for millennia, and we have no indication of a change in the near future.

Mandrake chuckled as he bowed his head in acknowledgement once again and left the room, leaving Dorian to return to his work.

Dorian noted that there would be approximately 180 Lords attending the Gathering from the four other continents’ outpost garrisons and castles combined. That, along with the forty–five Lords from this continent’s castle and outpost garrison meant a large number of Lords looking for mates over the course of the three days of the Ceremony of Choosing. He hoped they could have at least a hundred girls there to be reviewed.

The Gatherings were held yearly, with the location rotating among the five castles. The unmated Lords attended each year, but the girls who attended were only those from that castle’s continent. The Lords were able to travel with ease and speed, whereas the girls were not able to travel with any kind of ease or over the oceans with speed or comfort. Thus, the girls who would be arriving were those who were too young to have attended the last Gathering in their own locale.

Dorian stood and paced the room restlessly. Once again, he would be among the unmated Lords looking over the long line of young women being presented. He had been searching for his mate for seventy–five years and had not yet found her. That was not unusual, as the Dragon Lords were very long–lived, and some took hundreds of years to find their mates. He knew that the finding of his mate would help to quiet Dray–Dor, his dragon side, and settle them both.

He pondered the legends of how the dragons used to find their mates. The dragons only look for their mates one month every year. In long–ago days, the dragons would spend the mating month flying over the five continents of Cordray, trying to feel the pull of their mates below. This had made the villagers and townspeople very wary and stirred up a lot of fear, as there would be hundreds of dragons flying over their villages in that month.

Then the Dragon Lords had decided that if they had the eligible girls brought to a central location for a festival, it would ease the nervousness of the villagers, and the girls would have the experience of their lives. They would rotate among the five continents, which would put the villagers further at ease regarding the choosing of the girls as Dragon Lord mates. That seemed to have worked to some degree, lessening the overall fear, but some superstitions lingered, especially in the more remote areas of the world.

He finally shrugged off his thoughts and returned to the paperwork on his desk and the matter at hand. As there was not a High Lady or a First Lady in this castle, the planning fell on his shoulders. Whether or not he found his mate this year was irrelevant. The festival still needed to go forward, and it was his responsibility to see that it was completed and successful.

After having left the High Lord’s study, Lord Mandrake returned to the women’s quarters with Maude, the head housekeeper, by his side. As the First in Command at Castle Cordray Central, he was in charge of assuring the women’s safety and comfort during the Gathering. He made it a point to never be alone with any of the unmated girls; he wanted no allegations of impropriety attached to his name. He had been mated, and his mate had passed away forty years before in childbirth. It was unlikely that he would ever mate again. Dray–Man, his dragon side, had made it clear that his mate had died. Dragons mated for life and very rarely mated a second time. Though Mandrake was currently unmated, he was viewed as a mated male, given that he had found and lost his mate.

Mandrake entered the room. Lilith, the self–appointed leader of the three girls, stood up and approached him. Her two younger sisters, Meredith and Edith, followed on her heels. Lilith asked in an imperious tone, Well, what is the decision? When will we be allowed to see the High Lord?

Mandrake looked at the young woman of about twenty–two or twenty–three; this would likely be her last chance at a Dragon Lord mating. Her blond hair was arranged on her head in an elaborate manner, and her brown eyes were flashing with impatience. She was about 5’4" tall, with a slender build. He supposed she was pretty enough, but beauty did not matter. A dragon chose its mate based upon the inner essence of the young woman. It was the combination of the girl’s inner characteristics and the magic spark that would call to the dragon.

This magic spark that was part of the mating choice was not entirely understood by Mandrake. Though he had been through the choosing of his own mate, he did not know why Dray–Man had chosen Lauren for him. But the choice had been right for them both. After her death, he had suffered her loss as much as Dray–Man had.

Mandrake shook his head. You will not see any unmated Lords until the Gathering starts. I have explained this to you. You will not be given better quarters, as these are the quarters provided to all the unmated girls before, during, and after the Gathering. You have a choice of returning to your father’s house in the town or remaining here and helping the other women prepare for the Gathering. This means helping with the cleaning of the quarters and the sewing of the garments for the Gathering. I have confirmed this with High Lord Dorian. If you do not agree to one of these courses of action, you will be escorted to your father’s house and not be allowed to attend the Gathering at all. If you leave these quarters at any time, you will be escorted immediately from the premises and not allowed to attend the Gathering. Do you fully understand these rules?

You cannot do that to us! Lilith shrieked with indignation. Do you have any idea who our father is? She looked at Mandrake with a calculating eye and wondered if she could use her feminine wiles on him to get to High Lord Dorian. Mandrake was handsome with his black hair and blue eyes. His large, 6’4" frame was muscular and well defined. She decided she would tuck that thought away for future consideration.

Yes, I know who your father is, as you have thrown that information in the face of every person in the castle since your unannounced arrival. Are you aware of who gave your father his position? Mandrake asked stonily. In case you do not know, it was bestowed upon him by the High Lord. Thus, if you and your sisters do not follow the rules of the Gathering, it could mean that not only will you not be allowed to attend it, but your father might lose his position as Magistrate. If he cannot raise daughters to follow the rules and laws, how can the High Lord know that he will enforce the rules and laws of Cordray in his town?

Lilith stepped back in shock as Meredith grabbed her arm and whispered in her ear, I told you we should not come early! If Father finds out we are here, he will lock us up in the cellars, and we will not be able to attend at all. You know he will not risk insulting the High Lord and losing his position. We should return home before he finds out.

Edith was nodding in agreement with Meredith, but they both knew it was hopeless to argue with Lilith when she got an idea in her head.

Mandrake glanced at the other two girls. They looked very much like their older sister, but they were not as arrogant as she was. It was clear who was in charge.

Mandrake gestured toward the woman at his side. I am leaving you in the care of Maude, he told the girls. She is in charge of the women who are preparing the rooms and garments for all the girls. You may assist her, or she will have you escorted out of the castle. With that, he gave a nod to Maude, and turning on his heel, he left the room.

Well, girls, what will it be? Leaving, sewing, or cleaning? Maude said to them briskly. She had also had more than enough of these young women and their interruptions. She was much too busy to play nursemaid to three very spoiled girls.

We are not leaving, Lilith said stubbornly, tilting her head defiantly and crossing her arms over her chest.

I like sewing, Edith spoke up, and Meredith quickly agreed to that. None of them had ever done any cleaning, and Meredith did not want to start learning how to do it now.

Maude looked at Lilith. Are you also going to sew? she asked her with raised eyebrows.

Lilith curled her lip in derision. I have no need to sew. I already have my dress for the Gathering.

This statement caused Maude to pay closer attention to the clothing worn by the three girls. It was very elaborate, with copious embroidery, and the fabric was very finely made. She would have to talk to Lord Dorian about this, as she knew that the Magistrate should not be able to afford to dress his daughters so elegantly.

All girls at the Gathering wear identical dresses, Maude informed the sisters. These are provided by the Lords as part of the traditions of the festival. You will dress like the other girls, or you will not be allowed to attend. This issue is non–negotiable. No girl is allowed to dress in anything other than those garments provided by the Lords, she said sternly.

I cannot believe this! Lilith was shrieking again. I have never been so insulted in my life. My father will hear about this!

I doubt that he will argue the point, Maude said. I am sure he knows the rules of the Gathering. They have been in place for hundreds of years. No girl can be made to look either poor or rich; they must all appear as equals. If you do not wish to attend the Gathering, then you may leave. That is your choice. This will be the only Gathering held here for the next five years. As the Gathering is only for those girls between eighteen to twenty–three, I assume you will be too old to attend the next Gathering here in five years, or even the Gathering next year at Castle Cordray Northeast—if you could get there, that is.

Lilith made a slashing movement with her arms. No, I need to be here to see if I am chosen. She began to show her panic. She could not afford to be sent home or miss the Gathering. All her plans depended upon getting the attention of the High Lord.

Then I suggest that you fall in line. You can clean or sew, Maude stressed again. Which will it be?

I will sew, then, Lilith said through clenched teeth, her hands fisted at her sides.

Maude took the girls to the room where the sewing was underway. She introduced them to the head seamstress and instructed them to follow directions exactly. If they did not, they would be cleaning or leaving.

Maude then left the women’s quarters and went to High Lord Dorian’s study. When she heard the command to enter in response to her knock, Maude went in and bowed her head to the High Lord.

I hope you have been eating the food that I had sent to you, as I know you have not been out of the study in days, Maude said to him in a scolding manner.

Yes, I have attempted to eat, Dorian replied with a chuckle. Thank you for your concern. Is that why you are interrupting me, to check into my eating habits?

No, that is just one of the perks of my job, Maude told him with a smile. Though Dorian was older than Maude, she tended to mother all the Dragon Lords. They all allowed that, as it made life at the castle easier. The main reason I am here, she said, is to talk about the Magistrate’s daughters.

Has that issue not yet been resolved by Mandrake? Dorian asked in frustration. He wanted the issue taken care of and his stack of problems dealt with in the coming days.

Yes, Lord Mandrake spoke to the girls following your meeting with him, Maude said. The oldest girl seems to have made the decision for all three that they will not be leaving, and after much argument, she has agreed to help with the sewing.

Then what seems to be the problem? Dorian asked in confusion.

It is not their current actions that I want to talk about, but their dresses, she told him.

Their dresses? What about them? Did they not bring any additional clothing with them when they arrived early?

Yes, they brought several trunks. It is the style of the dresses themselves that I wish to discuss. They are much too richly made and elaborate.

What do you mean, too elaborate? Could they not be ones that the girls saved for this event? he asked.

Maude shook her head. She was a woman in her early fifties, and she had a lot of knowledge about clothing, as that was part of her duties as head housekeeper. No, she said, the dresses show slight signs of wear, so they are not newly made. The girls also arrived with multiple trunks, as I said, which means they have other dresses with them. I just wanted to let you know that the oldest had also commented on having sewn a dress specifically for the Gathering.

I see, said Dorian, having guessed her point at last. So they have finer clothing, and more of it, than should be expected for their father’s income and position.

Yes, exactly. It is just a thought, Maude confirmed. I grew up near Cordiff and went to town during fairs and festivals, as well as on the occasional market day. Though the town might have grown some since I left there over thirty years ago to come here, I do not think it could have become that much richer in that period of time.

No, I do not think it has, Dorian agreed. As High Lord of Cordray, he was aware of what went on in all the towns regarding their size and wealth. He would have to investigate further the reason why these girls were so finely dressed. That issue, however, would have to wait until after the Gathering. He tucked this interesting bit of information away.

Thank you for bringing this information and your concerns to my attention, he told Maude.

I know that Lord Mandrake has spoken to them several times, but as a male, he most likely paid no attention to their clothing or to the cost of such materials, Maude told him with a chuckle. She then crossed her arms in the traditional salute of parting and left the room.

Lilith waited and watched late into that night, until she heard both of her sisters snoring lightly. She sat up and looked around the room. There was some faint light in the room from the moon and the banked fire. She noted that the other women in the room appeared to be asleep as well. She got up from the pallet where she had been pretending to sleep and tiptoed to the door. Opening the door quietly, she peeked out into the hallway. Finding it empty, she slid into the hall and closed the door quietly behind her. Then she began to tiptoe down the hall toward the main portion of the castle.

At the junction of the corridors, she peered around the corner and looked right and left. She had thought long and hard about the layout of the castle—that is, what little they had seen as they were escorted into it. She was pretty sure that the men’s quarters and the study of the High Lord were to the right, but she was not positive. She had determined she would try to look around tonight, as she still had a few nights to put her plans into action.

She turned right and crept down the corridor as quietly as possible. She had just reached the first door when two Lords came around the corner ahead of her. She stopped in her tracks at the sight of them. One was Lord Mandrake; she did not know the other.

It would appear that our warning was not stern enough, Mandrake told her. I will give you this one last warning. You will immediately return to the women’s quarters, or we shall have you taken to your father’s house, and you will not be allowed to return.

Oh, I seem to have gotten lost, Lilith said, batting her eyes innocently. I was on my way to the necessary.

I doubt that, as there is one located in the women’s area, Mandrake replied drily. He made a circular motion with his finger, indicating that she should turn around. Turn around now and return to the quarters. Also, be warned that a Dragon Lord’s hearing is very acute. We were aware of your leaving the quarters as soon as you stepped out of the room. Do not do so again. This is your final warning.

Lilith turned around and returned to the quarters. As she sat back down on the pallet, she heard a lock turn in the door. She flung herself onto her back and huffed in frustration. She had to find a way to carry out her plans.

Mandrake re–entered Dorian’s study and said, As we thought, it was Lilith, sneaking around the castle. I have locked the door to the women’s quarters.

Dorian ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. Tomorrow, you and I will go pay a visit to her father. I want him informed of her actions and the repercussions it will have for both her and him, he informed Mandrake.

I will have a mated guard put on the door to the quarters each night and have a mated female sleep in the quarters, Mandrake said.

Good idea. I do not want to be accused of mistreatment or of a violation of the rights of one of the girls under our care, even if she is at fault. Dorian stood and stretched his back. I need to sleep if we are to get an early start to Cordiff.

I think you need sleep in any case, Mandrake said. I do not think you have had more than three or four hours of sleep each night for the past two weeks.

It’s part of the job, Dorian replied with a shrug. It happens each time there is a Gathering. There is much planning and calculating to be done. The problems seem to crop up nonstop. These three girls are just a sample of them.

The Lords then left the office for their sleeping quarters.

Chapter 2

The next morning, in the large room that served as both dining hall and ceremony hall, Dorian and Mandrake had a quick meal of bread and cheese to break their fast. Then they, along with six other Lords, stepped out onto the roof to the dragons’ launch point on top of the castle. The air shimmered around them, there was a flash of light, and they shifted into their dragon forms. Dray–Dor launched himself into the sky, with Dray–Man following him. The six other dragons took flight right behind them. The men on guard duty down below raised their arms in salute as they saw the golden dragon Dray–Dor and the black dragon Dray–Man fly overhead.

Dray–Dor circled the castle, checking out the security. The castle was a large fortress, with several turrets and towers. It could safely house several thousand people if necessary. The surrounding area was used for the needs of the castle.

They flew down the mountain, looking over the land as they did so. It was normal to look for things out of place as they flew. It was even more important now, as the young women placed in their care for the upcoming Gathering would soon be traveling along these roads to the castle. The mountainous terrain looked peaceful, with nothing out of place.

After flying for some thirty minutes, they reached the town of Cordiff. They circled it to observe what was happening down below them. The town was mid–sized, with about 500 people in the town proper and another hundred or so in farms on the outskirts. There was the usual bustle of people walking along the streets, working on the farms, and engaged in all kinds of other daily activities.

She is here, Dray–Dor thought to Dorian. Our mate is here somewhere.

After they had circled the town twice, they landed on the end of the town closest to the Magistrate’s house. Is she close to this house? Dorian thought to Dray–Dor.

No, she is much farther away, Dray–Dor responded.

After they had shifted back to their human forms, smoothed down their hair, and straightened their clothing, Dorian looked at Mandrake. Dray–Dor has informed me that my mate is here in the town.

Mandrake looked at him with surprise. Really? He has felt her presence? That is most unusual.

It would appear so. For the purpose of propriety, I will only see Magistrate Calvert. Dray–Dor has indicated that she is not close to the house, so as long as I make the visit and then leave, there should be no problem. May I ask that you assist Gordon and the others when it comes to picking up the girls from this town? Please, ensure that every eligible girl has been gathered, Dorian requested.

Yes, of course, Mandrake responded. I will do my best to make sure that all are accounted for at the given time.

The Lords then walked to the door of the Magistrate’s house and knocked loudly.

The door was opened a few minutes later by a disgruntled manservant. As he noted who was standing on the doorstep, his demeanor instantly changed from disgruntled to groveling. He bowed deeply and stepped away from the door, motioning for them to enter. He began to sputter his apologies.

Magistrate Calvert did not inform me that he was expecting you this morning, or I would have had the door open for you before you were forced to knock and wait. I apologize for the delay, he said, bowing deeply.

Dorian motioned for the six Lords who had accompanied them as guards to wait outside. He entered the house, waving aside the apology.

Magistrate Calvert was not given prior notice of our intent to visit this morning. It is a matter that came up unexpectedly. Please inform him that High Lord Dorian and First Lord Mandrake are here to see him in regard to his daughters.

The manservant escorted them into the formal sitting room and ran from the room to find his employer. He pounded on the door of the Magistrate’s bedchamber in panic at the possible delay.

Enter, Magistrate Calvert called gruffly. What is the meaning of this? What is all this ruckus about? Who would dare wake me in this manner?

I am sorry, Magistrate, but High Lord Dorian and First Lord Mandrake are in the formal sitting room, waiting to speak with you. High Lord Dorian said it was about your daughters, the man responded in a rush of words He wrung his hands at the notable anger from his employer and the fear of making the Dragon Lords wait too long.

The Magistrate leapt out of bed. What, High Lord Dorian is here?! he exclaimed. Why did you not wake me right away? Why are you making them wait? Go fetch them some refreshments and get my valet here immediately to help me dress. Quickly, hurry! Move, move! The Magistrate began to spin around his room, looking for something. But as he rarely dressed without the assistance of his valet, he had no idea how to begin to dress for an audience with the High Lord.

The manservant rushed out of the room and flew down the stairs to the kitchen and staff areas. He found the valet eating his breakfast and told him what was happening. The valet jumped to his feet, nearly overturning his chair in the process, and ran up the stairs to assist his employer. The servant turned to the cook and asked for a tray of refreshments to be prepared for the High Lord. In less than a minute, the whole house was buzzing to ensure that the right impression was given to the Dragon Lords.

Just a few minutes later, the manservant entered the sitting room, carrying the refreshment tray. The Lords were still standing in the center of the room. They had not moved to take a chair or to make themselves more comfortable in any other way. The manservant saw that they were dressed in a semi–formal manner. Their tan trousers were tucked into the tops of their high boots. They wore dark blue tunics, with the symbol of the Dragon Lords embroidered on the center. High Lord Dorian’s dragon was done in gold and held six arrows in its talons. First Lord Mandrake’s dragon was done in silver and held five arrows. Each wore a wide belt at his waist, with a jeweled dagger sheathed at his side. Rich leather gloves were tucked into their belts. Each Lord had a huge sword sheathed upon his back.

The manservant bowed low and told them that the Magistrate would be with them in just a few minutes, and that he had been instructed to see to their comfort. The Lords inclined their heads in acknowledgement. After convincing the man that they needed no other assistance and the servant left, Dorian looked at Mandrake and said under his breath, The fawning gets old rather quickly at times.

Mandrake chuckled at this comment. I do not know about that. As we had little time to eat earlier, the refreshments do not hurt my feelings at all.

As Mandrake moved toward the refreshment tray, Dorian moved around the room, examining the furnishings. He recalled how it had looked twenty–five years before, when the previous Magistrate had died and he had appointed Calvert to take the position. The previous Magistrate was Calvert’s father, and he had been a good and loyal manager of the town. It appeared that the simple furnishings that occupied the room back then had been upgraded over the years. These furnishings were much more expensive than Dorian would have expected.

A few minutes later, Magistrate Calvert came rushing into the room, still straightening his clothing. I apologize for my tardiness, my Lords. I was not informed of your arrival until just a few minutes ago. I was not told you would be visiting today. I hope I have not kept you waiting too long! He bowed low to show his deference to their position.

Dorian looked closely at the middle–aged man. His figure was rotund, and his hair was streaked with gray. Dorian noted that the Magistrate’s clothing was also much finer than anything his father had ever worn, even in the most formal of settings. He waved away the man’s apology. I did not know I would be visiting today until late last night, he informed the Magistrate, so I was unable to warn you about my impending visit. I apologize for throwing your household into upheaval so early this morning. I trust that you have received my message about your daughters coming to the castle too early?

The Magistrate nodded slowly as he pondered how best to respond to this line of questioning. Oh, yes, my Lords. I just received that message yesterday. I was not aware that they had left the house or town. I sent word that they were to return home immediately. They should be here now. I apologize for their impetuous actions. Are there further problems?

They have not left the castle, Dorian said. I will let First Lord Mandrake explain the situation to you in more detail, as he has been the one interacting with them, in accordance with protocol. He moved to the side so the focus would shift to Mandrake.

Mandrake stepped forward and looked the Magistrate over as he spoke. Your daughter Lilith has made it clear that she will not be returning to your house before the Gathering. The other two girls have been mostly quiet on the subject, although they have tried to convince her to return. The girls have been informed of the rules of the Gathering and of the castle. These rules are to ensure the safety of all the unmated girls. Lilith does not seem to think that the rules apply to her. She left the women’s quarters late last night and was sneaking around the castle when I approached her and instructed her to immediately return to the rooms provided. Due to her actions, a guard has been posted on the door to the women’s quarters, and a mated female will be staying with the three girls at all times. The door to the women’s quarter will also be locked at all times. Their actions have caused many difficulties in the preparations for the festival.

I assure you that I had no idea they had left, the Magistrate replied in panic. I would not have allowed them to go early. I hope this has no bearing on my position or with my interaction with the Lords.

Dray–Dor could tell that the man was attempting to hide something from him. However, he did not want to encroach on his mind unless given just cause. He would hold off on any kind of mind probe just yet.

It does bring up the question of your ability to manage the town if you cannot manage your household, Dorian said quietly.

The Magistrate was clearly shaken by these words, and sweat was beginning to appear on his forehead. Please, my Lord, you must understand that my wife died when Lilith was twelve, and she has always been strong–willed, he whined. You must do what you think best to protect the girls and their reputations. If you wish for them to return, I will send some staff to fetch them right away. Please let me know how you want this handled.

Dorian clasped his hands behind his back and slowly circled the room and the Magistrate. He then stopped in front of the man and looked at him intently. I am here to notify you that if any one of the girls does not abide by the rules, the three of them will be immediately returned to your house, and they will not be allowed to attend the Gathering. In addition, they will not be allowed to attend any future Gatherings at any other castles. If you have any sway with your daughters whatsoever, I strongly suggest that you convince them to do what is required. It is best for all involved, he stressed.

Magistrate Calvert nodded vigorously. I will make arrangements right away to go to the castle to speak with them—that is, if I am allowed to see them, he said in a groveling manner.

Dorian looked at him hard. Do what you can to get them under control. This is the final warning for you and for them. We will have more than 200 unmated Lords going about the castle over a three–day period, and I do not want any infractions from your daughter causing a problem. Lilith’s antics are quite unacceptable.

By this time, the Magistrate was nearly sobbing. Yes, yes, I understand. I will be there this afternoon, he said, bowing deeply.

The Lords left the room and then the house.

Mandrake made a sound of disgust. I doubt he will convince Lilith to obey the rules, he said.

Dorian sighed deeply. No, I doubt he will. I think the trouble with her has just started.

He thought that the trouble with the Magistrate had also just begun. There was something more going on, but he would need more time to investigate that after the Gathering had concluded. There was definitely something off at the Magistrate’s house.

Across town, Tressa was sitting outside the cottage she lived in with her uncle. She was daydreaming as she knitted. She was thinking about the upcoming Mating Gathering. She was the right age to go but doubted she would be allowed to attend. Her uncle would demand that she stay at the cottage—and what he demanded, he usually got.

She ran her hands over the swelling from the bee stings she had received that morning while gathering the honey. She had strained it and had taken it to Randall, the owner of the sheep farm, in exchange for the wool she was now knitting. She had learned long ago how to gather honey and prepare it for eating. She had learned to find her way through the forest to the beehives with the assistance of Patchy, her dog. There had been many trials in her life, and she had survived them all. She yearned for a simpler life—not necessarily less work, but less fear.

She knew that was unlikely to ever happen. She had been told often enough by her uncle that no man wanted a blind wife, that no one would ever want her. She sighed in resignation. Her life was as it was. Nothing was likely to ever change it, so why wish for something you were unlikely to get? It was a waste of time and effort.

She tilted her head when she heard noise from the interior of the cottage; her uncle was awake and moving around. She stood up and motioned to Patchy to remain outside. She slipped inside and began to serve the porridge that she had prepared for her uncle’s breakfast. She set it down in front of him, took the small pot of honey she had kept behind, and drizzled some on top of the porridge for him.

He shoved at the bowl with his finger. What is this slop? he bellowed. Where are my bread and eggs?

I am sorry, Uncle; we are out of flour. I have prepared the porridge for you instead. I have also gathered honey to sweeten it for you, Tressa said quietly.

He slammed his hand onto the table. What do you mean, no flour or bread? What have you done with it all? he raged. Are you wasting our food again?

Tressa fought to stand her ground. If she showed any fear, he would accuse her of lying. I served you the last of the bread last night, she replied. I have taken the rest of the honey to the shepherd’s home and gotten woolen yarn in trade. I am making a shawl to take to the miller’s wife to trade for more flour. I hope to have some bread for your dinner tonight.

Her uncle seemed somewhat mollified after her explanations. He grunted as he began to eat. See that you get that done, as I do not want to eat this slop all the time.

She slipped back outside to her stool and picked up the knitting she had set aside, then continued to work on the shawl. A short time later, her uncle left the cottage. She heard his footsteps as he descended the road toward the town. She knew he would be going to the tavern. That would allow her the day to finish the shawl, go for the flour, and make the bread.

She re–entered the cottage and collided with the chair that he had left in the center of the room. As she rubbed her bruised foot and leg, she shook her head in frustration. You would think that after living with a blind girl for so long, he would be more careful about leaving things out of place, but she knew he would never change. She quickly ate the remainder of the porridge, as she had not yet eaten that day. One of the house rules established by her uncle was that she was never to eat until he had eaten his fill. It surprised her that while he had called the porridge slop, there was very little left for her to eat.

She quickly washed the dishes and tidied the cottage. She noted that the bin in which she had placed the finished knitting was empty. This meant he would be gone all day and likely quite drunk when he returned. She returned to her knitting with a sigh.

A few hours later, Anna saw her friend Tressa walking down the road. Tressa was accompanied by her big, black guiding dog, Patchy, who helped her navigate the roads around town. Tressa had a satchel across her shoulder and her walking stick in her right hand. Anna and Tressa had been best friends their entire lives. Anna lived on the neighboring farm, and the girls were the same age. Anna had made it her mission in life to keep a