Heart of a Dragon: Zala Ra Quina, #2

By Ruby Raynes

     Zala returns and reveals herself as the dragon at the king's command. Everyone is stunned. With a new respect for her and the king, the people finally pull together to fight the evil Chard, Trok. Hope rises they can win the battle against Trok and his unnatural creatures. Until Zala and the king fight a beast and she is severely injured. It's a rush to get her help and heal her before the war comes.

 

     Zala questions her own fate. The king's fate is in her hands as well. Her heart is confused. Is she doing what is right? At the end of the year in this world, the Serafin will judge her as a Queen Dragon, if she survives. She has one choice to make. Be the queen and save all dragons from banishment, or be a woman in love. However, a decision she makes may have sealed her fate, regardless.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L R Hill
• Release date: Jun 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215826287

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

PRELUDE

Secrets upon secrets are everywhere and a prophecy of great power. Zala is searching for a way to save the dragons with no clues. The Serafin is among the Elfin, but they still help a little. Although forbidden by the Higher One to interfere.

Flying hard and fast, Zala is desperate to find her destiny and is running out of time. She searches everywhere for any sign of other dragons since she found what might be a stone dragon. Surely, if one has escaped banishment, maybe just maybe another one did too.

Zala Ra Quina has left the king with the Elfin to find her destiny, flying hard and fast over the Gaeden Mountains. Searching every cave, she finds no sign of a dragon anywhere; she loses hope. Soon she learns there are other people who live almost a world away from what she knows as home. Strange people, but she keeps searching, refusing to give up. Villages are destroyed, left abandoned, and they leave the land barren. Knowing she must return to the king soon and train with the people before the Chard gets close to his domain.

Zala’s emotions get confused toward the king. She doesn’t understand why she has this strange pull to him. But she is determined to be a dragon and completes her promise to Bronth. Suddenly, Zala feels strong magic and in a panic returns to the king to warn him.

CHAPTER 1

Far to the north, the crack of a whip echoes. Dust is floating up into the air as the troops get ready to move. Shetha, an old withering witch, has stopped and returned to the caverns one last time. She felt an unusual happiness rise she hadn’t felt for far too many years. As her eyes slowly took a lingering look around, her eyes scanned everything of what had been one of many homes. She stepped lightly, feeling an urge to go into Trok’s quarters for some reason and check it out. Shetha whirled around and with a few quick strides; she reached his room down a long dark corridor. She paused a moment outside of his room, which had been forbidden that she enter. A bead of sweat slithered down her forehead. She then turned away to leave. Daring herself, she then turned back again, went inside the room, and looked around. 

Most of Trok’s bottles of potions were gone, with only a few remaining and a couple of trinkets left hanging up. Examining each bottle with trembling fingers, she knew which ones were magic and wondered why these were left behind. She spied an unusual bottle hidden in the shadow of a corner that had an iridescent gleam. She picked it up, opened it, and sniffed the contents of the bottle. Her face contorted, frowned, and then she smiled as if memories lay within the bottle. She began searching her mind for the exact memory it had held. Beneath her breath, she cursed time as it had let so many memories escape, although her mind was still sharp as ever, so she thought. The scent in the bottle haunted her memories and yet it was so familiar at the same time. Looking around cautiously to make sure no one was near; she quickly tucked the bottle into a hidden pocket of her long dusty swaying dress. 

Leaving the room, she noticed a charm of some sort hanging alone on a string. Pretty as it was, she snatched it down, and tucked it away too as she left. She then went to where the gargets had been created, the red cavern. She hated this cavern most of all, because Trok spent so much time here. Although happy now that he could no longer create anymore of the beasts. As Trok’s attitude became worse, she then blessed his absence for not having to put up with him. It had gotten to the point they weren’t around each other much, and didn’t even eat dinners together very often either. Shetha gave one last look around before she scampered out in a hurry. She went to meet up with the group as they were leaving and head south. Stopping once to look back at the cavern's entrance, she paused and took one last glance at the brown, lifeless land. She remembered the Caverns that had once been green and lush with foliage all around the area. Shetha turned away again and soon reached the group that was drifting south. She knew they would travel for days or even months, and it would be best to keep her distance from Trok.   

In the distance, she heard Trok the Chard barking orders and turned to join him, he still had an unusual, strange pull on her. Shetha glided past Scrogs and creatures that were unfamiliar to her, which gave a sense of dread in her soul. Trok had enslaved more beasts and kept them secret from her. This caused her to become uneasy as she gave a steely glance at them. 

In the group's front, the dust was filling the air, darkening the sky and hiding the sun. This left the rest in the back to breathe dust during the trip. Trok had moved to the front in a wagon pulled by a couple of huge horned hound like animals he had used magic on. They were big and strong for the heavy burden they were going to pull. The wagon now piled higher than ever before, and Shetha knew they would not return. Instead, they would settle in a new location, after he destroys the beauty it has to offer. This saddened her, and yet at the same time, her heart lifted in knowing the beauty would be there for a while. She’d get to see it, even if only for a short time before it becomes decimated. Secretly sliding her hand into her pocket, she pulled the hidden bottle out and sniffed its sweet scent. Again, she tried to remember what it was that tugged at her memory. Then, just as secretly, she slipped it back into her pocket again, so Trok would never know she had it.

Trok climbed the pile on one wagon and yelled for Shetha. She lifted her hand and yelled back, knowing he wasn’t able to see her through all the dust. Yet she did not hurry any faster to his side. Shetha thought of the smell in the bottle, let her mind drift, and relaxed, hoping to remember something. Instead, she realized that she no longer felt the full strength of Trok’s power over her. It wasn’t as strong when she kept a distance from him. This time, she wondered if she was with him out of habit and no place to go, or if she did still really care for him. Then she began to wonder if the change in her was from being around Ra Quina, as she had felt the goodness in her essence. Conflict grew within Shetha with each step she took, and confusion grew over the scent in the bottle.   

As dusk settled in that evening, the Scrogs came closer together, telling her the front line had stopped, and she was nearing the front where Trok was. Once she reached Trok’s position, she saw he had used magic on stones, making them burn as wood would. Trok, seeing her approach, began complaining about how slowly things were in preparing to leave. Then he grumbled about how long it would take to get anywhere. She only smiled to herself in his displeasure without knowing why. Trok busied himself with finding food in the wagon, since Shetha wouldn’t help not knowing where he had packed it. Instead, she went and gathered the water she had packed in the other wagon, and gave Trok some, hoping to soothe his disposition. At least he thanked her, since he hadn’t thought to pack any water.

Trok drank, then turned and ordered some Scrogs to move on a few days ahead of them as scouts. Then they were to stop and wait for them to catch up and report anything that happened. The Scrogs growled and groaned in anger, picked up their weapons, then threw them across their backs, ready to scurry off on all fours. Trok threatened them as usual for any disobedience. 

Shetha couldn’t help herself and had to chuckle, which irritated a Scrog, who growled at her and asked, Why laugh, old woman?

Shetha shrugged. Well, you see how slow the entire group will be going. You can travel quicker at night when it is cooler, settle, and rest while it’s sultry hot in the day as we catch up. Besides, you won’t have to put up with him since you’ll be away from him. The Scrogs looked at each other as they realized she spoke the truth, and then a look crossed his face why they hadn’t thought of it before. Shetha just turned to walk away and rolled her eyes upwards, amazed at how dumb they became after they put the magic on them.

Trok came back and yelled at them. What’s taking so long? Get going on ahead! The Scrogs looked at him, growled, and then ran off into the distance as if they were trying to run from him. Shetha watched them and wished she were going with them, too. Trok whirled around to face her. I probably should’ve sent the gargets, but I want to keep them close for now. Shetha just nodded to keep the peace. She then returned to the fire and sat to eat before settling down to rest for the night. Trok again started yelling at the Scrogs. It appeared rain was coming, and the Scrogs were unhappy about it. The Scrogs were desperately looking for their covers to keep the water off them.

Shetha cringed, knowing they’d be sweating, and their body odor would be so strong, no one could stand to be near them. Their foul odor was terrible enough, but sweating too often made her very sick to her stomach. Shetha quickly picked up her bedding and moved to the front of them, hoping it would be far enough to sleep through the night. Hoping the breeze would stay and keep the odor back.

Trok suspiciously watched her, but then ignored her and didn’t care as she moved away. He was too busy making sure the Scrogs were preparing for battle and sharpening their weapons before resting. Trok walked, stopped, pointed and barked orders for hours after dinner. Trok kept on into the night, leaving Shetha in peace for several hours. It left her to sneak a sniff of the bottle a couple of times, and try to remember what it was trying to tell her about her past. She watched the stars disappear as the clouds rolled in and covered them. She had made her own little tent to keep dry. Several of the Scrogs watched closely at how Shetha made her a tent out of her covers. They did the same and then showed the others how to use their spears as poles. The tents were sloppy, but might keep the rain off them until the storm passed. She smiled at them and their attempts and then went inside her tent and soon fell asleep at the sound of snoring scrogs. 

Trok finally gave up giving orders for the night. He crawled under the wagon for his protection, and to stay close to his belongings he had hidden within. 

Trok dreamed of destroying all who stood in his path, finally winning the sword from Ra Quina, and gaining actual power to get his heart’s desire. He remembered the words; you cannot take it by deceit, lest you bear the great wrath. However, in his mind, if he killed the owner he could take it by all rights. A fight to the death, if need be, he dreamed. Nothing will stop him. He smiled in his sleep, showing his ugly yellow-brownish teeth, making his thin cracked lips bleed just a bit. The sky began to rumble with news of a storm, causing the Scrogs to grumble, and Trok to roll over once.

Shetha awoke to the rumble and listened intently. She heard the raindrops fall from the sky and land on her tent and then the dry ground. The rain pattered the ground, causing little puffs of dust to rise. Slowly at first and then quickly the ground became soaked, settling all the dust finally. She drifted off to sleep again and began dreaming pleasant dreams of trees, flowers, and their scents floating in the air. Then a secret memory of an island disturbed her rest. Faint blurred images of faces flashed around her head that she could not make out. Love and utter anger also stirred her memories, vanishing in and out, but incomplete. A crack of lightning across the sky erased all dreams, and she just slept the rest of the night. She slept emotionless, with no memories, just one thought in her mind. This battle will be more than just a battle. She had watched Trok train hard for the battle to come. He had made a good powerful sword, one better than ever before.

Dawn broke, and they began their trip south. Many days went by as the group traveled with the Scrogs being unruly to handle because of the stormy season that had now begun. Moving was slow, and the Chard became more brutal in his displeasure. The wagons kept getting stuck in the mud and the Scrogs did little other than to stay out of the rain as much as possible.

Shetha thought of Ra Quina and knew there was more to her than she could figure out. There was strangeness about her and yet there was a sense of integrity in her. Magic was definitely part of her, yet there was so much more to Ra Quina that there was no description for it. Shetha was somewhat glad that Trok didn’t even notice it, being so self-absorbed in himself.

Suddenly a loud crack broke her thoughts, then the yelling from Trok when he realized a wheel had come off the axle of a wagon. Another day being forced to stop was going to make the night long and miserable.

CHAPTER 2

Alittle over four weeks had passed since Zala had left the king to train with the Elfin. Tired and feeling hopeless, Zala returns to see what had happened during her absence. She secretly lands on the backside of the encampment and goes into a cave. Then she silently cried for several minutes. She was no closer to finding her destiny than she was when she left. She wasn’t even sure what being a dragon was or meant. However, the time away helped in one decision: to help the king destroy the Chard. She also hoped that he had now made friends he could trust.

Clearing her thoughts, she shook herself violently for a moment, then reached her thoughts out to the king. Sire, I have returned. I am in a cave close by. I’ll be there in a moment after the seeds take effect. King Trace gladly acknowledged her and welcomed her back, happy to have her in this upcoming meeting. Ra Quina soon appeared among the people, walking briskly as she scoped out the scene before her. A strange sense came over her causing her to stop in her tracks.

The king finally spotted Ra Quina and then approached her. Well, are we ready for another meeting? Ra Quina, Ra Quina? King Trace waved his hand in front of her, and then he leaned over toward her to see what had her in a trance. He wondered what she had found while she was gone for the past few weeks, but didn’t ask. It took a moment for her to respond. Finally, she turned and looked at him with a blank stare and silver eyes.

Blinking several times, she said. I see things happening that make no sense. The truth about a long time ago becomes known. I will reveal it to all with lots of heartache, and yet healing at the same time. When the moon and the stars become one, secrets are revealed, is how the prophecy says it. Death will fall on a lot of us as in all battles, but not all is lost, so hope remains. The king took a step closer and snapped his fingers in front of her face. She blinked and looked around, seeing the three Serafin with faint faded wings, then whispered. Do you see anyone with wings among the Elfin? 

King Trace, stunned, quickly looked around at everyone for a moment. No, no one. Are you okay? Your eyes and skin are noticeable. Hurry, change back, and snap out of it! We need to get to the meeting. He shook his head in concern. You’ve changed. You must tell me about your absence these last weeks. She looked at her skin gleaming with scales and color; she concentrated very hard to no avail.

Time has come, sire. You must go on and do this by yourselves again, and I will listen through your thoughts. The seeds are not helping. I’m just too tired, more than I thought I was. You must follow your destiny as a king, while mine is to be a dragon, and fulfill my promise, however it may come. When the meeting is over, call to me and we will meet. Time comes. You need to practice riding in the air before you lose Balta. Taking the king by the arm. Remember, do not tell all you know before time is right, and keep your ears open. He had no time to respond, but watched as she left his sight. She had to hide before anyone saw the changes in her. 

The king reached his thoughts out, anyway. I’ve already let Balta go. The old woman in the forest came to the gate and let out a strange whistle and he just went with her.

Ah, I see, well I’m here now. I am sorry, for it must’ve been hard for you. She knew he had come to depend on her too much as a woman. Those ties had to be broken in order for him to develop in the way he should. She could sense his heart yearned for her help. Yet she heard his thoughts, believing they would overcome and succeed. She quickly slipped to the far back cliffs and climbed up. She began checking out the caves one by one, finding that at one time, some had been lived in. The caves were much larger inside than one would think. She picked the highest cave, went inside and turned towards the opening. She moved just close enough for her to see all the area, but be unseen by anyone. She changed into Zala and squatted down on all fours. Her recent growth and power would be to their advantage in time of battle. Zala sat back, and she listened to the King and Lord Jarris as they talked while going into the meeting. And the king explaining she was back but wouldn’t be attending. She could tell they were both puzzled about many things. 

Once the meeting started, the king held his own with a little coaching from her. Quickly the Elfin started nick picking everything again. She heard the king set them in their place by bringing up the fact they were half-breeds as well. Either way, the bias and name-calling needed to stop. She felt proud of him; he also listened as they said their piece of mind. She sensed his struggle in holding his tongue in retaliation against their comments. 

Lord Jarris also became extremely angry and yelled back in the meeting. He then suddenly and calmly said, Now that everyone has put the other down with their snide remarks and anguish. Can we now put it aside and move forward with the troubles at hand? We come here for training, so far, we have trained well, although with snide remarks. But it doesn’t matter that your way is better or not. We can all learn something from each other. You have tactics that will help us defeat the Chard, and that is what we are out to learn. 

The king stood again. Once this is over with, if you wish, we will never come to you again. You can go back to your island with your pink and white ivory towers. I hope that after this is all over, and if another battle comes our way, Lord Jarris and I can handle the problem without your help. He paused and then pounded his knuckles on the table. However, since the Chard has all but destroyed the Dwarfs and turned them into Scrogs. I would think you would help the people who have been your friends for so long. Or are they just your toys or too few left to be worth the effort? Zala gulped at the king’s bluntness. The room went silent.

In a hushed tone, a dwarf spoke up. The truth is so painful at times and yes, you are correct. We are so few and the rest who were smart, I’m sure, went far into the mountains to save the women and children. We are small but fierce and will stand by your side in battle, even though it means killing that of my own. 

The king nodded, accepting his offer. I am so sorry your people have the worst of this mess. I wish there was another way to save your people. And maybe if we can work together, find another way.

Queen Ciara hesitantly rose. I don’t know how you know about the island and its towers. Maybe we have underestimated you or your knowledge of this world and the things in it. It does seem no one or anything is as it seems. However, the talk of a dragon in this land is preposterous, and it does not exist or I would know about it. 

King Trace sat and shook his head. Forgive me, but your conceit amazes me. You have shown you do not know it all. There is a dragon, it comes at my command, and will be part of this battle. I dislike being called a liar! I will prove it if you command your people to put their arms down and not take aim. 

The queen slammed her fist on the table. There is no dragon in this world! Unless you are calling some other creature that, because you don’t know what it is. Morgan had kept silent as long as he could, but with the queen, calling his king a liar, was all he could take.

You are so ill-advised to be so old! There is a dragon, and I have seen it! It lives in the forest. It is mighty and ferocious if you attack the one it protects! Morgan pointed at the king. It was your pixie that has seen the dragon as well. The one who spilled the secret that caused the unnecessary fighting. Can’t you people accept anything? 

Zala sat and listened intently, waiting for a fight to break out in the meeting. Zala wondered how they have kept civilized with each other these weeks she had been gone. She wondered how she would get inside the area if need be, since the seeds were not working at this point. She spoke to the king. This may be useless. Maybe you can take the ones who are willing to help, go to your castle, and prepare there. You have a formidable fortress against a wall of rock and stone.

With that remark, King Trace rose again. "We welcome