EYE OF THE DRAGON

By Dee Carey

Two groups of beings have a problem. The answer to this problem is to have a dragon provide light to the Subtaras, so the crops will not fail. The Dragon Callinda is enamored of a fox, Quinnm and his friend, Tucker, an ermine. Together the three must solve this problem by vanquishing Bezel, a minion of

• Language: English
• Publisher: Writers Branding LLC
• Release date: Apr 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781639456451

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EYE OF THE

DRAGON

DEE CAREY

EYE OF THE DRAGON

Copyright © 2023 by Dee Carey

ISBN:

ebook: 978-1-63945-645-1

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

The views expressed in this book are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

To my children and grandchildren,

and to my late husband, who is always in my heart.

My critique partner, without whom I would be lost.

Steve Yates.

Introduction

Ha, think you can best me? I think not, my scaly friend. Easily, the small fox circled the cumbersome dragon. The beast outweighed him by many stone and had fire as a weapon, but in truth was no match for the clever fox. Swiftly he sidestepped the large reptile.

The dragon whipped his massive tail, swinging it right and left, to trip the fox. Landing a single blow, he knocked the animal to the ground. The fox lay still and the dragon thought him vanquished and turned to walk away. A gleam in the eye of the fox showed he was fooling his opponent. Rising, the furred creature crept around the dragon who was unaware of his movement.

The fox cried out, You have not yet won, you serpentine pile of useless garbage.

Enraged, the dragon turned, its own flame burning its tail. It howled and expelled even more fire to itself. The tail scales curled with the heat of the flame and exposed the under skin, turning it to ash. The beast fell onto its side, the injury more severe than any other he’d ever experienced. The right hind leg so gravely burnt the scales were not recognizable. Blood oozed from the open sores and the stench of burning flesh clogged the air. There was no escape from the smoke and the eyes of both the opponents watered profusely.

The fox was moved to pity. I shall spare you, if you provide light to my people, the Subtaras.

The dragon was now crying, the salty tears stinging the eyes of the reptile. Whatever you say, friend fox, I give my word that henceforth me and my kind will provide light to the underpeople I will honor the wager. Now can you please ease my pain?

As I believe you to be as honorable, I will bring you the healing water until you are able to stand and immerse yourself in yon spring.

The dragon cringed and dared to look at the injuries. Knowing when the challenge was accepted failure could be the result as well as success. Please, I will truly be appreciative of the soothing liquid.

The fox went to the edge of the spring and found there a pail with a rope handle. A bucket was always left near the spring for wayfaring strangers. It was a matter of courtesy of the Uppers. Taking the handle in his mouth, he padded into the water and filled the vessel. Holding the rope tightly in his teeth he brought it to the injured reptile. Gently, he poured it out over the leg and tail of the fire-breathing beast. The dragon once again sighed and tentatively tried to stand, to no avail. The creature began to cry.

Now there, fear not, your injuries will not hamper you long. In due time you will heal and with your healing will understand the power of your flame and perhaps use it more judiciously.

That, friend fox, I will most certainly do. No one, neither man nor beast, should suffer this kind of pain. I believe death might be easier to bear. At least there would be an end to the suffering.

Several weeks passed and the dragon was sufficiently healed, as the fox had tended him daily.

Now that you are healed, do not think to go back on your word, Dragon.

I assure you, I shall keep my word. I will not shame my family. Where do the Subtaras live? I will endeavor to provide them with what they need. My flame will warm them and give them illumination.

Nay, dragon, tis not your flame they require, but the light that shines as bright as the sun from your eyes.

Chapter 1

As the openings were daily growing smaller in numbers, the Subtaras were becoming more and more fearful. If the situation was not reversed the entire race would perish.

The Uppers had no wish to wipe out the Subtaras, but were filling in the holes to protect their livestock. They’d lost nearly an entire dairy herd, as the clumsy animals fell into the openings. They tried to pen the animals in an area not having any holes, but the coverings were not sufficient to support the weight of the livestock.

The governor of the Underpeople addressed the gathering tribe of the frightened Subtaras.

Something must be done. I’ve sent out Quinn to deal with a dragon whose eyes will provide the light we require.

But, Governor Stanton, the fox is so small, how can he best a huge dragon?

Ah, but our Quinn is more than a woodland creature, he has abilities beyond our scope of knowing.

You mean he’s magic? A small, rather weak voice implored.

Of a sort. Let’s just say he is favored by the gods.

Again the soft voice spoke, this time with greater confidence. I see. The gods are on our side?

Governor Stanton smiled and ruffled the lad’s hair. I wouldn’t say exactly that, but I am certain Quinn will negotiate a viable situation for us.

An ample-bosomed woman pushed through the crowd and took the lad in tow.

The child protested, But, Ma, we need to know. What’s he gonna do?

Never mind, Timmy, the governor will handle the matter. It’s not for children.

The boy nodded and pushed his hand into his pocket, where he felt the furry creature rubbing against his palm. His mother observed his behavior and demanded, Timmy, do you still have that disgusting rodent? Let it go at once.

Reluctantly the boy set the tiny ermine on the ground. Quickly it scampered away, running until it was out of sight.

Tucker raced through the fallow fields that once held enough feed for the entire clan. Now the plot was filled with decayed drying stalks of wheat that would never yield a harvest.

His friend Quinn was not to be found in the briar patch he called home. Nor was he in any other areas he frequented. Had he dared to venture to the land of the uppers?

For as small as