Zala Ra Quina Queen Dragon: Queen Dragon, #1

By Ruby Raynes

     Zala is sent to a strange world. In a time of legends and myths, full of magic and mystical beings. She must survive as she learns to be a dragon and learn her own powers. She does not know what a dragon is. With a hug from her father, he secretly slips her some magical seeds that will help her shape shift. Then with a wave of a Serafin staff sends Zala to a new world full of mystery, magic and mythical people.

 

     Her adventure really begins when a handsome king invades her lair. By instinct, she almost kills him. Until she senses he has a good heart and is a just king. Taking an enormous risk, she reveals her dragon self to him. An unusual bond soon grows between the two. Is it love or the dragon in her being a dragon?

 

     He asks for her help and after encountering the evil Scrogs she's had to battle; she does what she can. However, Zala must first fight the battle of her emotions, temper, and the dragon within. The battle for her very existence and that of all dragons is at stake as well. The promise she must keep, somehow.

 

    

est 86,500 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: L R Hill
• Release date: Jun 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215161494

Ruby Raynes

     Ruby Raynes is a multifaceted woman and once a Rodeo Queen. Her diverse career entails real estate, bail bonds, and bounty hunting. During a creative writing course, she discovered her calling and realized the potential of a creative mind.      Her writing delves into contemporary romance, mystery, action, and thrilling narratives. Her stories feature robust characters who possess a sensitive side, adding depth and complexity.      She currently lives in Texas. She's also aiming for the New York Times Best Seller list. Website: www.RubyRaynes-novels.com

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

An eerie crackle broke the silent night sky, and the ground shook, giving a fierce warning to the world below. The stars were out with only a few sparse clouds that could not have produced the breaking of silence. Not enough clouds at all to hide the mysterious, flaming streak of light soaring across the night sky.

Looking to the heavens with black sunken eyes was a mean Chard, named Trok, standing with an evil grimace on his thin, cracked lips. His tangled black hair blowing in the breeze, his dark gray leather clothing made him almost impossible to see, even in the brightness of the blue moon. As he watched the event, his eyes gleamed as he rubbed his long boney fingers together in anticipation of the prize. Standing beside him was a foul creature. The Chard had created with magic to serve him. Viciously, the Chard barked, After it, I want it. It’s mine and the power that it brings! Then he turned to the beast and grabbed it by the nape of the neck. Don’t come back without it! 

The Scrog growled as he watched the streak disappear into the far distance. With his big burly shoulders and massive arms, he waved a signal to the other scrogs at the bottom of the hill to prepare for travel. Scrogs had small hindquarters compared to their massive upper bodies. It would make one wonder how the short legs carried the upper body. In times of battle, when speed is used, they would run on all fours. Then they would use their broad upper body to plow through the enemy lines. They would also use their enormous heads with thick protruding nodes to ram others. They are slaves to the Chard. Self-proclaimed lord of the lands far into the north, called Saveltin. The Scrogs enslaved only by the black magic of the Chard and his witch. 

From behind Trok came the old witch that had followed him. For reasons she could not remember, but did his bidding. Shetha, now a hag because of her magic used for evil, slithered up to Trok, and said, It will be months before they reach the star, if they can even find it. Trok sneered at her comment, baring his long, sharp, filthy teeth, but she continued anyway. Do you really think you can possess such power if it even has any?

If I can’t, then no one will. I haven’t waited all my life for this moment, for someone else to take it from me, he muttered as he glared at her.

The Scrogs do not know that land and neither do we. Maybe the legend was not meant for you Trok, she whispered, in pleasure of his misery. Trok ignored her and went down the dusty hill to where the Scrogs were. He gave them more orders to kill anyone who tried to keep the red star if they got it first. They nodded, then grunted in acknowledgement. With their large yellow eyes glowing in the dark, they held their weapons up and grunted in unison. Then slammed their spears down several times, kicking the dust up. Satisfied he had their obedience, Trok returned up the hill to his caverns. Shetha followed him after she watched the Scrogs march off into the deep Southeastern lands, known as Fithren.

While in the rest of the world, all others near and far watched the same flaming red star that shook the world. Only a few knew part of a legend told a thousand years ago. Those that did quietly repeated what the legend foretold to themselves. These were the oldest witches and elfin that were at least five hundred years old or more. Other people feared it as a bad omen, with many unknown horrors surely to follow. Any proof of the legend has been buried or forgotten. The legend read.

Untold magic held within. Desired by all but can be held by only one.

Fear it and wield it if you dare. No one may take it by force or by deceit.

Lest he bear the great wrath. Hold it dear and reap your heart’s desire.

When the stars become one with the moon, secrets unfold, and a new generation shall inherit power and wisdom.

IN THE FAR SOUTHEASTERN mountain region, a girl named Zala Ra Quina lands in the sea after flying across galaxies. With a heavy thud, she hits a rock and then lands in a sea of crystal blue waters. The force of her fall caused large wakes and steam to rise as she sank to the depth of the sea. Barely conscious enough to know what was happening, she slightly felt cold scaly hands touching her. Water began slowly moving past her, as was being towed. Dazed, weak, and confused, she did not put up any resistance. These hands pulled her to an underground cave and lifted her up out of the water. She lay still for several hours, unable to move despite the sheer pain in her leg. As consciousness slowly returned, she wondered how long she had been out of the water. She was afraid to open her eyes and see who had pulled her to this place. Therefore, she waited and listened to the noises echoing in her ears and realized she was in a cave. After a few more moments, she realized someone was touching her leg and severe pain struck. She let out a scream and yanked away, curling herself up to protect her injury.

In fright, a small creature jumped into the water and disappeared, even though the water was clear as glass. Looking at the painful gash, she noticed the scaly creature had been putting an ointment on the gash of her leg. She slowly inched closer to the edge of the water and leaned over. She tried to see the little creature through the water. She saw no one, so she sat back and let out a groan of pain.

Beside her, she saw orange ointment on a long wide yellow leaf. She picked up the leaf and continued putting it on the wound. She bit her tongue so she would not scream from the sting. When she was done, she looked around the cave and noticed several arched doorways. Sitting still and waiting patiently, she thought maybe the one who gave her the ointment might come back. She pulled herself, dragging the leg to a boulder, and leaned back to rest and wait. She drifted off into a slumber again. All of her muscles were stiff and refused to move much.

Her dreams returned home to the last hour of her life, before they plunged her into the vortex that brought her to this new world. Retracing her last few memories, she had quietly followed behind her dad to the prohibited caverns in the swamps. Practicing her skills of hunting and tracking, as her father had taught her. Knowing this was unusual for him to go into the area; her curiosity had gotten the best of her when he went into a mouth in the hillside. Waiting several minutes after he disappeared inside a tunnel, she then followed until she heard a noise. Peeking around the corner, she leaned forward as far as she could without being noticed. She blessed the darkness for hiding her presence when she heard strange voices. Slowly peeking further around the corner of a cavern doorway, she gasped at a glimpse of a most enchanting female creature, which she had never seen before. The air about the cave was moist, musty and eerie, making her heart race with fear, yet curiosity as well. She could not see to whom the woman was speaking. She heard a slight moan from another, as if it was in disagreement. She listened, intently memorizing what she heard.

The child has come of age and must leave this world and fulfill her destiny before it is too late... You cannot hold her here or all will be in vain! Came the firm voice of the woman. Letting her eyes adjust to the dim light inside the cavern, she saw the woman with flowing golden hair and glowing eyes of sapphire. The woman had wings that seemed to glimmer, as did her clothing. She could see a golden staff held in her right hand. It held a large pink crystal at the top and glowed slightly as the woman paced around the room.

Then a distinct, deep male voice said, You act as if you really love the girl, even though she was brought here as part of your punishment for killing mortals. After a pause and no response, he continued, I hope you have trained her well. She will need to protect herself from many and courage to survive.

Drawing back into the darkness with a heart pounding so loud she was afraid they would hear it. She leaned against the cold damp wall, laying her head back. Her mind raced with curiosity. Whom are they talking to that killed mortals? Was it father? Who was brought here as punishment and why?

Then a deep voice she recognized spoke with hesitation, as if it scared him to talk. Aye, I have trained her in battle and to live off the land, and yes, I love her. She is my daughter, by all means. 

The young girl held her breath. Father! No, it can’t be! She drew another deep breath. She didn’t dare believe her father had killed mortals or any other being for sport. He was the one the entire clan looked up to as their leader and listened to his advice when he spoke. Yet she wondered, "Why is he scared? He has never feared anyone! Who are these four people with their pointed ears and wings that call themselves Serafin, the guardians? She shuddered and awoke in a sweat, now remembering every detail of that horrible day. Her heart sank with sorrow. Her head drooped as she realized she would never see her home again. Tears began to stream down her cheeks, hearing the words echoing in her ears. "She is the one who will decide the fate of all dragons. We have removed all dragons from the other worlds without a trace to be found. All of you were sent to this world to live in human form. You are only legends and myths now. But the Great One has decided to give your race one more chance and Zala Ra Quina is your only hope!"

With dread, Zala sat and stared at the floor of the cave. Thoughts flowed on about what she had just gone through. It only took a wave of the woman’s staff, then a blinding light had enveloped her and sent her sailing through the universe. She remembered the frightening speed; the feeling of falling that seemed to have lasted forever. The spiraling through space, as she watched many worlds and planets fly by in an instant. She felt her skin crawl like bugs were all over her and itch, then burn, repeatedly. Fear washed through every inch of her being, knowing she was out of control completely as to where she was going. Then there was the fear of the unknown. All she could do was wonder. Why am I the one sent on this quest for the survival of all dragons? I have never been a dragon. Why did they call me a queen of dragons?

Zala lifted her head and wiped away the tears on the sleeve of her battered garment. Then she noticed an ever so slight movement on the other side of the cave. Trying to hide her fear, she spoke softly as not to frighten who it might be. Hello. Are you the one who helped me? She waited for an answer, but none came. Thank you, and I’m sorry if I scared you. I didn’t mean to. She waited a moment longer for an answer, straining to see through her tears.

The water rippled in several places before she saw six heads pop up out of the water. Blinked several times to clear her tears so she could focus better. She slowly picked up the ointment and rubbed a bit more on, nodded her head at them and repeated, thank you. They glanced at each other in curiosity, and perhaps it was fear. Then the strange people moved closer to where she sat and paused for a moment, staring.

She examined the blue-silver scaly bodies and big round piercing silver eyes. Then she noticed they had four slits on each side of their neck and wondered if that was how they breathe underwater. When the smallest one approached, it lifted a hand that had thin membranes between each finger, and fins running along the arms and on its back. Nervously it inched up as it came closer, she thought, this one must be the most curious child and the others were family. Therefore, she slowly lifted her hand and reached out so the little one could touch her hand. It ran a finger slowly over the back of her hand and grabbed a finger and wiggled it. Zala sat still and smiled. The two largest of the group drew closer to the little one ready to guard it, and to look at her. The largest one she knew must be the father and the other the mother of the four young ones. The three youngest ones kept their distance from her but watched her intently. 

The father looked steadily into Zala’s eyes as he turned his head from side-to-side and then pointed at her. Then he pointed up towards the ceiling and spoke with a raspy voice. You fall from sky?

Yes, I did. Nodding even though unsure if that was a question or statement.

Then the female said, You like water people.

Surprised, Zala responded, not sure if that was a question either. What? 

The large male pointed at the female and said, Mina says you like water people. You breathe water. Zala’s eyes widened, and her eyebrows lifted, then she reached to check her neck. Her fingers found four slight slits, almost closed. Then she quickly looked and felt at her arms to see if anything else was different, finding a slight scaling.

Mina and the little ones started laughing at her response. You funny, you not know self. Mina then pointed at the little one. Baja, think you lost relative come back with hair instead of fins. Mina eased up beside of Zala and played with her long chocolate trusses and then looked down her back. Ah! Culu, mark on back! Then Mina jumped back in horror and pointed at Zala.

Culu, the male, pulls Zala’s top down, ripping it more and exposes the mark of the dragon for all to see. You go! You not stay, bring evil here. No one knows us, must stay that way.

Zala swings her elbow backwards, pushing Culu away and looks at Mina with watery eyes. Where do I go? I don’t know where I am. I would never hurt you. You, you helped me and I’m grateful.

Baja grabs at Mina’s arm saying, Mina, Culu, stop it! 

Mina yanks away from him. Baja, take to mountain of hidden eyes. Heal there before going into sun. Cannot stay, bring evil. Culu nods his head in agreement while the others backed away into the water again.

Baja leans forward and asks, You friend? 

She nods. Only I will know about you. I promise never to tell anyone about you. But how do I get to this mountain you speak of? Mina breathes a nervous sigh of relief at her promise.

Cryst Mountain, people afraid, so you safe. No one bothers you. Swim through tunnels. Baja takes you. Mina pointed at one tunnel under the water. Zala agreed and dropped her head, so her hair fell across her face to hide her tears. Then, out of a feeling of loneliness, she asked, Will you come and visit once in a while?

Baja said he would, and they left as soon as Mina had bandaged her leg with seaweed. As they swam through a maze of tunnels, she began to breathe freely with her newfound gills, and kind of enjoyed the cooling sensation it gave. The scenery along the underground tunnels was so amazing. Growing flowers and corals that flowed with their movements, she almost forgot to pay attention to where she was going. Baja pointed out things that were good eating as he gathered plants and strange looking things. Then he turned around to show her something else, but she had vanished. He went back in a panic and searched several tunnels. Finally, finding her in a tunnel, they had passed to find her inside gawking at something. 

Zala had heard a strange hum as if it was reaching out to her, so she stopped to investigate. Slowly, she moved forward to an area that looked like it had a shelf. She moved some rocks and coral to expose a magnificent sword. She swished away the loose sand and examined its markings. It was crafted magnificently, like no other she had ever seen. It had a crystal running inside the blade, with engraving all along each side of the blade. She looked around and found a string of weed and tied the sword to her waist. Then she turned to find Baja watching her cautiously. She just motioned for him to lead the way. 

They reached the last tunnel and Zala could sense they were now swimming upwards. Her heart sank as they popped their heads out into a vast, dark, open area. Baja cautiously looked around and sniffed the air before he climbed out, then motioned for her to follow. She pulled herself up onto the ridge of the bank; her mouth dropped, mesmerized at how high the mountain opening was at the top. Even as high as it was, it let sunshine float down to push back the darkness. It gave just enough light for her to see most of the vastness inside of the mountain. It also made the crystals look like they danced on the walls. 

Baja showed her how the crystals twinkled like eyes, watching as he camouflaged himself and blended right in. It made her giggle at his playfulness, and she wondered if that’s why others were afraid of the mountain. Thinking those who dared to enter the mountain could sense their presence, but could not see them. So maybe that’s how rumor started it to be haunted or cursed. Either way, she let out a little sigh of relief. For now, she might be safe while her leg healed before she ventured out into the unknown new world.

Her smile faded as sadness crept through her as Baja laid some ointment and enough food for several days beside her. She looked at the strange expression on his face. He approached her injured leg and pulled the garment back as he pondered the gash. She thought, he truly seems concerned about the gash. I hope it isn’t infected. When he wrapped her leg back up, he took her hand and wished her well. He helped make a bedding and then promised to bring food for a while as she healed. He then slowly sank into the pool of running water. She moved to the pool and watched as he left, and noticed how his skin changed. She couldn’t see him while he was right in front of her. 

Zala, still tired and half dazed, sat on the pallet of sea straw Baja had made for her. Looking about for a moment, she whispered, Well, this sword will help. Laying the sword down, she pulled it close to her for a sense of security, knowing she now had a weapon for defense. Her skin was beginning to itch worse and make her uncomfortable. She looked at it and saw a shimmer of scales trying to emerge. Oh great, just what I need now. She sat up for a few minutes more and ate, then tried to lie down. Her belly was full, but for some strange reason, she was having a craving for something else. It tempted her to hunt for different food, but decided to wait for her leg to heal. In a strange world, she didn’t dare go out wounded, until she could defend herself if need be. 

Suddenly, she remembered the seeds given to her. "Oh no, I have to plant the seeds, but where?" She rose and hobbled around the sizeable area until she found a darker area of the mountain. It had moist soft soil on a ledge, and she planted them as instructed. Scratching her skin fiercely, she feared she would not stay in human form much longer. She dreaded what she would look like when she changed. She had to have the fruit of the seeds to be a woman as far as Moneta had told her, and she would not risk it otherwise. Limping back to her bed in exhaustion, she sat for only a moment before she drifted off to sleep. She began to dream of being a dragon. Her dreams changed shapes like the drawings on the cavern walls back home.

As she slept, she tossed and turned restlessly, rubbing off the ointment and opening the wound again. The tossing caused the crystal sword to slide down underneath her leg. The leg was still slightly bleeding from her walking about, and the blood trickled onto the sword. As her blood touched the crystal, the crystal seemed to drink the blood until it turned red. Unknowing in her sleep that the magic of being a dragon was already at work and the sword had just become part of her. The magic she carried inside now became part of the sword as well.

On the third day, dawn had peeked over the hillside, and Zala awakened as a dragon. Fumbling around for several long minutes trying to get up, she rose on all four feet. She raised one claw and was amazed at what was now her hand. Long sharp curved talons, scales that made her once soft skin disappear. She moved to the pool and looked at the image reflecting back at her. A crown of horns and a long face stared back. She yanked back.... Ugh! With all of her strength, she tried to change back to a woman but could not. Just great! Big feet, and bad skin too. She tried several more times to change back, but relented and knew she had to learn how to be a dragon like it or not. Looking at herself again, she stared at the reflection for a long time, turning her head from side to side. To her own surprise she thought, wow, horns like a crown on my head. Large slanted eyes that change and skin that shimmers in colors. Then she began to cry deeply. I’m so big everyone will be afraid and think I’m ugly too. Sniff, sniff, but it is who I am now. I just have to learn to live with myself.

Meanwhile, as she waited weeks for the seeds to grow and bear fruit, she had to learn to be graceful as a dragon. She prayed every day that the seeds would turn her into a woman again. 

In the first weeks, she flopped around and stumbled clumsily over every rock. Nevertheless, step-by-step she struggled to walk on four feet and control her wings as to not hit everything or drag them on the ground. She got more graceful each day except for her tail, which seemed it had a mind of its own. She turned her head and stared at her tail. Why is it you are so hard to control? I guess this is going to be a fight controlling my busy tail and learning to fly. Time did not seem to pass quickly for Zala.

Early one morning, a sudden noise of rocks jarred her out of a peaceful slumber moving just outside the mountain. Quickly, with catlike reflexes and driven by instinct, she leapt towards the noise. She landed on a ledge just above the opening. She waited and heard the noise again. Dropping her head over the edge, listening intently, and sharpening her vision instinctively, she sat motionless, waiting patiently for knowledge. 

Flaring her nostrils, she took a long, slow sniff. A whiff of foul stench reached her nose, causing her nose to half close and wrinkle. While hanging her head over the ledge to peek at the intruders, she saw ugly beasts trying to enter the mountain. Without movement, she waited and thought of what she must do to protect her sanctuary. Her senses picked up a sense of anger and hatred from the intruders. She knew in her heart that she must kill them, although she secretly wished they would just go away. Thinking to herself, please go away, don’t come any further or I’ll have to protect myself. As she listened carefully, there seemed to be only three voices and grunts. Trying to keep her wits, she decided if they entered, she would drop on them, use her weight and talons to crush them. 

Without realizing it, her tail started flicking about in anticipation and struck a few times on the wall of the cavern. Rocks began to tumble and rolled down the slope towards the entrance. She instantly froze; listened and heard the beasts stop moving about. Each waited in silence for several minutes for the other to make the first sound. Her ears were acute, and finally a slight clink of metal gave them away. They were inside! 

She dropped down right in front of them, and startled the beasts with a roar so loud they let out a scream of horror, and tripped over each other to get away. She tried to yell, but let out another roar in horror herself. Beasts with round yellow eyes with the reds of their eyes shining in their fright startled