The Dragon God Cometh: The Dragon Keepers, #3

By Jessica Kemery

He fled across the sea to escape a tyrant. Can he take back his throne and find his son before his time runs out and the world ends?

Alex is devastated. From a crown prince to a man with no land, he has never felt lower. One thing he has is his life. Determined to take back his throne from his brother, he sets his sights on building an army, but good help is hard to find.

Desperate for allies, the courageous exile seeks an audience with his people's long-time foes. But when he finally stands before the powerful dwarf queen, he's horrified with the price of her aid means facing a deadly pirate armada.

Will he be defeated by the scourge of the seas, or will he vanquish them forever?

The Dragon God Cometh is the action-packed final book of the Dragon Keeper series. If you like powerful characters, heart-pounding battles, and sweet love stories, then you will love Jessica Kemery's shape-shifting dragon adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hot Mess Express Publishing
• Release date: Sep 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223940791

Jessica Kemery

Called by some a multi-tasking ninja, Jessica Kemery lives in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where she works a day job so that her dog, Rocky, can live a life of pampered luxury. The Hobbit is the first book she read, and she has been searching for dragons ever since. She has two teenagers who firmly believe their mother is slightly unhinged and roll their eyes every time she starts playing the greatest hits of the '80s. She also has a husband who dreams of becoming her business manager one day when she "makes it big." Powered by caffeine and the bare minimum of sleep on a nightly basis, she thinks the world's greatest invention is meal delivery services.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Across the Sea

The dwarf moved through the streets of Norda, garnering a few stares from the humans who filled the marketplace. It was a blazing hot day and sweat dripped from her nose. She had seen firsthand on her journey here the drought that covered the land. The fields were cracked, crying out for water, but still none fell from the sky.

She was small and stocky, barely coming past the waists of the people in the crowd. She wore her long hair plaited in two thick braids that hung down her front; the ends were clasped with silver clips. Her soft brown eyes sat deep in her face under thick eyebrows. She was dressed for the assembly today, wearing a long gray tunic with black trousers. As always, her axes hung on her belt, ready to protect her at a moment’s notice.

Enid was considered quite beautiful by dwarven standards, but she was not vain. She was only here in the city for one task, and that was to see that the needs of her people were not forgotten by the King of Norda. As the elected representative from the Province of Sweetwater, she was on her way to the Parliament for an important hearing. 

She felt a hand brush her side, and she instinctively grabbed a wrist. She looked down and saw a poor street urchin, dirty and shoeless, staring up at her with hungry eyes. His clothes were barely more than rags, and his wrist was thin and scrawny.

It’s not nice to steal, she growled. The child tried to run away, but she quickly grabbed him by the neck of his tunic. She twisted him around until she was face to face with the boy. What did you take out of my pocket?

Your coin purse. The boy shuddered with fear. Please, ma’am. I mean you no harm. You look rich enough.

Boy, just because I wear fine clothes and carry an ax does not mean I’m rich. Hand it over, she demanded, giving him a little shake.

He did so, mumbling, I’m sorry. He gave her the tooled leather coin purse he had taken from her pocket, expecting her to release him. She did not.

She dragged him through the market, to his embarrassment. What’s your name, boy? she asked as he tried to keep up with her. She was small, but faster than he would have thought.

I don’t have a name. They just call me boy, he said glumly. He had been born on the streets and had been looked over, more or less, by a cast of misfits in the Thieves Guild. He was supposed to bring back a quota every day, and now he would be beaten for being short.

She stopped at a stall selling loaves of bread and rolls. It smelled delicious, and he looked hungrily at all the beautiful bread. He couldn’t remember the last time he had eaten fresh bread. He was given whatever scraps were left over, usually stale rolls or the ends of vegetables.

The dwarf purchased two yeast rolls and then passed them to the boy. He couldn’t believe his luck. He ate one quickly, afraid she would change her mind.

My name is Enid. I’m looking for someone. If you help me find him, I’ll give you a gold coin, she said, watching him eat. She hated to see anyone go hungry, and these street urchins in Norda tore her heart every time she visited the capital city.

A whole gold coin! Of course! Who are you looking for? the boy asked in between mouthfuls of bread.

I’m looking for a sea captain, Captain Gideon of the Southern Pearl. He’s taller than most men, with long black hair. He is rather fond of a rakish hat and wears tall knee-length boots. He likes to think he’s a pirate, but he’s a softy at heart, she said, staring at the boy.

I know who Captain Gideon is! When he’s in port, he sometimes hires us street kids to do little chores for him, like sweeping the decks, or coiling up rope. It’s easy money, the boy said, nodding.

Good. I want to talk to him. If you see him, send him down to the Nag’s Head Inn this afternoon. I’m staying there for the time being.

Yes, ma’am, the boy said, staring at her with enormous eyes.

And I’m not going to call you boy. What name would you like to use? she asked him, tucking her coin purse back in her pants pocket.

Ummm, I’ve always thought of myself as Laz, the boy said in a small voice.

Perfect, Laz. Bring him to the inn if you find him, and your reward will be waiting, she said, moving off. 

He stared at her, clutching the second roll. Remembering himself, he stuffed it into his pocket and went to go find another mark. If he got lucky, he might still make his quota and avoid a beating.

Alex Chuvash, the rightful King of Dumara, stood before the King of Norda and the Parliament, his blue eyes fierce. 

The throne room was long, lined on each side with the velvet chairs in which the people’s Parliament sat. It was filled today with representatives, as the vote on Alex’s future would be cast. King Modris Brant wore a simple black suit and sat on an elaborately carved chair at the end of the room, and wore only a silver circlet on his gray hair. The King seemed bigger than life, and even without robes or a massive crown, he filled the room with his presence and deep voice. Behind him, the Norda crest hung. It depicted a boat in a storm with two axes crossed above it.

Alex had spoken to the assembly twice before, building his case for their help. He had started by explaining to them that his brother had assassinated their father and tried to kill him to steal his throne. The conversation had moved on to what the assembly would get out of helping him, which was any trade deal they wanted at very favorable rates in the future, and an ally until the end of time.

Alex remembered the last time he had stood in this exact spot, pleading his case. The words still rang true as he repeated his story. Thank you, King Brant, and the assembled representatives, for the opportunity to plead for your help. My Father didn’t deserve to die. He was killed for one reason alone, so my brother could usurp his throne. I wasn’t supposed to live, but here I am. I want my throne back; my brother is unfit to rule. Only the quick actions of my keepers saved me. Without their bravery, I would be lying in the crypt with my father. Instead, I was smuggled across the sea, and now I live in exile. My brother Nick is a traitor, who has conspired with both Fresthav and Murdad to create a master race of dragons. You must help me, or he will turn his eyes to Norda next. He plans to take everything and divide the spoils among the victors.

Tell us what you would have us do, Alex? King Modris said, looking concerned, as he always did, when Alex spoke of the troubles across the sea.

Alex cleared his throat and adjusted the lapels of his gray-blue coat. I have spoken to you before about the urgency of this matter. Every day that my brother, the pretender King, holds the throne, he builds his base of power. Sailors coming back from Dumara have reported a crackdown on the press, and in the city. Dumara citizens are being drafted into an army, and they are moving to the eastern borders and threatening Terrak. It is easy to see Nick prepares for war, if you know what to look for.

The assembly started mumbling, and then one man stood up, a representative from Hattirus. Alex Chuvash, tell me again why we should care about problems across the sea? We have our own issues to worry about, an economy in real trouble, pirates on our west coasts, and an uprising in our Western Province of Pelle. It seems to me that our efforts would best be spent getting our house in order! The audience mumbled assent.

I ask for your help. As discussed, I would be glad to pay for your services in gold, Alex said. He stared at the man pointedly.

You have gold? You escaped with gold? I highly doubt that! the man chuckled.

Believe it or not, we did. I have four million Norda credits in the Bank of Norda as we speak. I brought approximately 100 hundred pounds of gold with me, and it’s currently in a vault, tucked away. Here is my deposit slip if you don't believe me, Alex said, pulling out a paper with the letterhead of the bank. He walked up and handed it to the man, and they all passed it around, mumbling. It was truly an impressive amount, and with Norda in a deep depression, with high unemployment, it was a powerful number.

Well, I still don't see why we should help you. Our forefathers sailed across the perilous seas to escape the mainland and rule by dragons, the representative said with a frown on his face.

If I may, King Brant injected, our diplomats have been having a very difficult time with your brother. He has canceled all standing trade agreements with Norda, with continued devastating effects. Our ships lay idle, and our raw materials sit unused and unsold. He keeps going on and on about some dragon egg he is sure we are hiding. Would you know anything about that?

I do actually, but I wouldn’t wish to speak of it here in this forum, Modris, Alex said, his chest tightening. His son was due to hatch any day now, and Alex hoped he was safe somewhere with Dahlia. 

A dwarf woman stood up and began speaking. Everyone stopped and listened immediately. My name is Enid Amdar from the Province of Sweetwater. As you know, our mines sit idle. Our biggest customer is Dumara, and they place few orders now. Our sales agent reports that King Chuvash sends them away and says he doesn't require our services. I think that a capital injection of 4 million dollars into our economy, with the promise to help Alex regain his throne, is absolutely necessary.

More grumbling from the men surrounding her. Another man stood up. He was thin and sour-looking. I’m sorry, Representative Amdar, but you are being very self-serving in this case. The forces of Norda should be sent immediately to Pelle to secure the city. The pirates and the thieves run wild there and refuse to pay taxes. They ignore the local government, and crime runs rampant.

I’ve told you, Representative Vernal, that to send the army to Pelle would cause an all-out civil war! I’ve given you increased budgets every year to increase the crime-fighting and build up the garrison in the city. Where has that money gone? King Brant roared, banging on the arm of his throne.

It’s a complicated issue, sir. But my point is that we need to take care of our own house before we can help another, Vernal said with a smirk. He sat down.

We have had enough discussion about this. We will put it to a vote, King Brant said firmly, looking around the room. He stared at Alex, who looked hopeful.

Thank you for hearing me out. I appreciate your time, Alex said, giving the representatives a small bow.

All in favor of lending assistance to Alex Chuvash, with the expectation that he turn over four million credits to the Kingdom of Norda, say aye.

Enid stood, the only female and the only dwarf in the group. The other representative from Sweetwater was a human, and they didn’t get along at all. Aye, she said firmly, looking directly at Alex.

Those not in favor, say nay, King Brant said with resignation. The rest of the Parliament stood and voted against him. The sound of their dissent crushed Alex. His shoulders slumped, and he looked dejected.

Well, that seems like a firm decision. We will adjourn for today. Tomorrow we will discuss economic packages to stimulate the economy, Modris said, rising. The Parliament joined him and moved out of the room.

Alex shook his head and made to leave. Alex! If you have a moment, Modris called.

He turned around and nodded, and together they walked to the King’s private study, located just down the hall.

The study was lined in dark wood panels, with thick brocade drapes and heavy art on the walls. A painting of a boat on a stormy sea, with a grizzled-looking man at the wheel, hung over the fireplace.

A brightly polished bronze bell was displayed in the middle of the room. Modris moved to touch it, and then looked at Alex. This is the very bell that was on my ancestor Mo’s ship. It’s been handed down, generation after generation, and lovingly cared for, as I have cared for Norda and her citizens.

I, too, care about the citizens of my kingdom. Both human and dragonborn, Alex said. His soul was pained, and he didn’t know what his next steps would be.

Modris gestured toward two seats, and they sat, looking at each other closely. I am sorry about your father. Rand and I had met several times. He was a good man, and he was a valuable partner. Your brother has destroyed generations of hard work by both our kingdoms.

I know. It pains me.

I’m sorry my Parliament did not see fit to help you. A cash infusion into our economy is what we need. We could easily send the might of our navy, but they are right. It would take away valuable resources from our problem-stricken west coast. The pirates are a blight on Pelle and Sweetwater.

They leave Dumara alone. I guess they are afraid of dragons, Alex said with a wry grin.

This egg your brother is up in arms over, tell me what that is about, Modris said. He knew the secret of the Chuvashes and the Kings of the northern continent. It was a secret passed down through the generations.

Alex sighed, looking over at Modris. He didn’t know how much the man knew, and he didn’t want to be the one to reveal the family secret.

I know, you want to know how much I know. Modris got up and moved to a locked cabinet. He pulled out what appeared to be an ancient, crumbling book. As far as I know, only two copies of the original book were ever made. In lore, one was given to the sorcerer, and the other to Mo. This is that copy that was given to my ancestor.

Alex nodded. He knew of this book. Of course, they had modern copies, but the original Book of the Dragon God was indeed held by the sorcerer Darius Fletcher.

We treat this book as a historical document. So, we know that you are dragons. Obviously, you do not appear in front of me now, in that form, and I’ve never asked Rand the straight-out question, but I have no doubt.

Alex cleared his throat. We also treat it as a historical document. It is very factual, as far as I can tell. It was the closest he would come to all-out admitting he was dragonborn.

I appreciate you remaining in your human form, here in Norda. I can’t tell you how much it would frighten the citizens if a dragon flew in our skies.

I’m aware, Alex said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat under the eye of Modris.

It is forbidden, in fact. I would hate to have to lock you up, Alex, or expel you.

I understand, Alex said, you have nothing to worry about.

Good. I’m glad that’s settled then. Now, what about this egg your brother insists we know something about? Modris asked with a hint of a smile on his face.

Alex cleared his throat again. Do I have your word none of this will pass to my brother? I trust you, but I want to hear you speak the words.

You have my word.

My wife and I, Dahlia, we’re expecting our first . . . child, Alex said. He pursed his lips. He didn’t know how to describe what had happened without speaking directly of dragon things.

I see. And the egg your brother searches for must be your heir.

Alex nodded. I was nearly dead, unconscious from the poison. My Dragon Keeper, Mila, and her father noticed I was still alive, thank God, and concealed it from my brother. They snuck me out of the castle, and our child with me. However, I do not know what happened after I left. Aswin went back with the egg. I’m assuming he still has it and it remained unbroken. My son would be arriving soon, and I’m worried sick. What happened to my wife and child?

I see. Well, your brother Nick obviously is still searching for the egg. Aswin Fletcher hid it well, Modris said, deep in thought. If the son still lived, he was in danger. Deadly danger.

I long for news. We have heard nothing. Alex looked at a map of the world above the King’s desk, feeling homesick.

Our diplomat is all but frozen out of court in Dumara. Your brother refuses to see him, but I will send a letter on the next ship, asking for news. Are you still staying with Captain Gideon?

We are, Alex said, but I don't know how long we will remain. Without Norda’s help, I may have to return to Terrak empty-handed and try to help there in whatever way I can.

Sam Arbuckle knelt in front of the egg, rubbing his hand over the warm golden shell tinted with red streaks. For the past six months, it had been hidden in his wood bin, kept warm from the woodstove nearby. But it had been such a hot spring. All the windows were open, but not a breeze stirred. 

In the backroom, his newborn daughter wailed, and he heard his wife Kiera singing her a lullaby. Calla was only a week old, and they were still getting adjusted to life with a baby.

His mother-in-law, Judith Wright, came into the front room. She was smiling. Having a new grandchild had lifted her spirits. Her husband, Franklin Wright, had been killed six months ago in the riots and looting that had sprung up when the new King took power. Her husband had died trying to protect her, but even his death had not stopped the mob from destroying everything. In the attack, Judith had been brutally stabbed with a pair of her own shears, assaulted, and left for dead.

Calla is a little fussy, she said, putting a dirty diaper in the pail to soak. How is the egg?

It’s trying to hatch, Sam said, looking at the clock. It was getting late, and he really didn’t want to be here all night. He had to be up early every morning to head to the castle. His boss, Aswin Fletcher, was technically the Dragon Keeper of Dumara, but Aswin was currently in the King’s dungeon, and if Sam didn’t fill in, he was afraid King Nick Chuvash would kill his captive.

How much longer do you think it will be? Judith crouched down beside him, running her hands over the egg. Sam thought of how many millions of yards of fabric had run through those hands over the years. She had not picked up a needle since the day her husband died in their tailor shop across the street. She had recently sold it, and a new tailor had moved in and redone the place. It was sad to see it now, with a new young family inside.

I don’t know. I’m bad at these things. Aswin said it can take anywhere from one to three days after the egg cracks. It’s been two days already. I fear this dragonling will come while I’m at the caves.

If it hasn’t yet hatched, I can watch it tomorrow, Judith said, feeling the egg give a little jump under her hand.

You already have your hands full helping Kiera with our new one, Sam said, frowning. He moved the egg closer to the stove and considered it. Well, it looked like he would be sleeping on the couch again tonight. 

Between the newborn and egg duty, he hadn’t been getting much sleep lately. He had told all his neighbors that their twins had been born, but that it had been a hard birth, and Kiera needed time to rest.

Of course, Kiera had given birth to one baby, but that was their cover story. They had left the shop closed for the last week, but Sam knew he would have to reopen soon, or questions would be asked.

Kiera came out from the backroom, looking exhausted. Dark circles were under her eyes, and she moved slowly. Judith said her goodnights and headed back to her room.

Sam, Calla just went to sleep. Come to bed, she kissed him tenderly.

I’m sleeping on the couch tonight, dear. I’m sorry, he said, hugging her gently. He laid his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes.

You look as exhausted as I feel. Come, let me make you comfortable, Kiera said, leading him to the couch. The blankets and pillow were still there from last night, and she fluffed the pillow for him. He quickly stripped down to his underclothes and folded his clothes, placing them on the coffee table. He laid down, and Kiera snuggled in beside him. It seemed as if they had just closed their eyes