Nikeron the Great: Book Three (Dragonbound)

By Rebecca Shelley

In this third book of the Nikeron Trilogy, set in Stonefountain’s distant past, Nikeron helps Aelle battle for the Mercian throne, secure her subjects' support, and ready for the imminent attack from the Northmen army. While Nikeron struggles with the moral dilemma Aelle forces on him, Kachanaba searches for a way to stop the chieftain with the Crown of Power from conquering Mercia. A story of heroism and sacrifice, of descending into the darkness of death and facing what lies beyond.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wonder Realms Books
• Release date: Feb 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224425099

Rebecca Shelley

Rebecca Shelley writes a wide variety of books—everything from picture books to spy thrillers.She especially likes to write about fantasy creatures such as dragons and fairies.Her children’s books are written under the Rebecca Shelley name.Her thrillers and other books for adults are written under the R. L. Tyler pen name.She also has two books out under the R. D. Henham pen name—Red Dragon Codex and Brass Dragon Codex.

Book preview

Nikeron the Great

Book Three

In this third book of the Nikeron Trilogy in the Dragonbound series, set in Stonefountain’s distant past, Nikeron helps Aelle battle for the Mercian throne and ready for the imminent attack from the Northmen army and the chieftain in possession of the Crown of Power. It is a story of heroism and sacrifice, descending into the darkness of death, and facing what lies beyond.

Copyright © 2020 Rebecca Shelley

Published by Wonder Realms Books

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any print or electronic form without permission.  All characters, places, and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual places or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Cover: ID 53781062 © Sundraw | Dreamstime.com

Part I

The Ruler

Chapter One

Nikeron winced as he dismounted from his camdor. His muscles hurt, and it took a moment for his body to readjust the lack of movement on the ground after the camdor’s loping gait. He’d come to a stop at the base of the cliffs overlooking where the Second Host had camped the fateful night that the supply master had tried his coup. Twisted trees with deep green and gold leaves clung here and there to the cliff face, looking down on the prickly pines and bushes that grew along its base. Overhead, a flying raptor screeched and dove for a lesser serpent that had climbed out onto the rock to sun itself. The scent of crisp mountain air mixed with the smell of the greenery, the soil, and Nikeron’s musty camdor.

Captain Edward laughed as he dismounted beside him. Is riding a Great Gold dragon really so much easier than a camdor?

You know what, Nikeron said, handing his reins to Edward, the soonest chance we get, I’m going to let Kachanaba give you a ride and you can decide for yourself.

Edward’s elite dragon hunters eased their camdors up beside Edward. Why have we stopped here, Commander? One of the men asked. I don’t think the camdors need to rest yet, and you said we’re to ride at full speed for Tame.

How dare you question the Commander? Edward snapped, but his voice held more amusement than annoyance.

Nikeron rubbed his sore legs. Truth is, I’ve never ridden a camdor until a few days ago. I’m sure the camdors don’t need rest, but I do. Please, feel free to go on without me. I need some time . . . here . . . alone. Nikeron pointed to the closest stand of trees up against the cliff and loosened the buckle on his sword belt.

The soldier looked discretely away.

Spread out. Secure the area, Edward ordered. I’ll stay here and make sure no dragon interrupts the Commander’s . . . business.

Edward’s dragon hunters spread out, knowing their job well, and left Nikeron and Edward alone. Nikeron ignored the snickers from the soldiers’ minds. They were wise enough not to laugh out loud.

I’ll wait here, Edward said.

Thank you. Nikeron scanned the cliff for the place Kachanaba had hidden the Powers. Nothing looked quite the same as the image Kachanaba had shown Nikeron in his mind. It was evening instead of morning, and the sunlight played differently across the rocks and folds of the cliff face. Nikeron shook his head in frustration.

Commander? Edward said after Nikeron had not moved in some time. Do you need anything?

Yes, Nikeron thought, I need to find this hiding place. No, he said out loud. He could not tell Edward the true reason he’d stopped here. The Crystal and the Quill had to be kept a secret. Just give me a minute. Nikeron left Edward and pushed through the brush that blocked his view of the cliff’s base. Somewhere along there, Kachanaba had carved an image of Stonefountain to mark the place where he’d hidden the Powers. Behind him, Edward remained in place. He followed Nikeron’s progress through the underbrush with his hearing, while his eyes stayed alert for dragons. His focus was on keeping Nikeron safe, not spying on whatever Nikeron was doing.

It took Nikeron far longer than he would have liked to find the place where the Powers rested out of reach in the depths of the rock. At last he saw the picture Kachanaba had carved. Nikeron traced the image of Stonefountain in the rough granite with his fingers—the ancient symbol of his home country, a spray of water fountaining up out of the rock and falling back down in a graceful ring.

A fleeting memory of his father working the image of Nikeron’s bonding ceremony into the basin in the Stonefountain chamber came to his mind and made him smile. He’d not thought much of home since he’d left Stonefountain to come to Mercia for his betrothal to Princess Aelle, what with fighting dragons in King Icel’s court and taking command of the Second Host with orders to accomplish what no other Mercian king or commander had managed—to cross the Mynydd Duon Mountains through the Black Divide and conquer Ergyng beyond. Against all odds, Nikeron had succeeded in that quest, but done so on his own terms, something that a good portion of the soldiers and commanders under him had objected to. He’d had to fight to maintain command of the Second Host, and, after subduing his underlings, had sent away all those who refused to take an oath of loyalty to him. Those rebellious souls now stood between him and his return to Tame as King Icel had ordered.

Worse, the very cliff itself stood in his way, for King Icel’s command had been for Nikeron to bring the Crystal with its power over life and death, and the Quill with its power of creation, with him to Tame. But Kachanaba, Nikeron’s dragon, had hidden the Powers in an alcove behind the solid stone of the cliff. There were no seams or cracks. There was no way to reach the Powers without Nikeron using his ability as a Naga to manipulate the stone apart to reach them. Nikeron had practiced manipulating air, and had gained a mastery of it, but the stone still defied him.

Nikeron pressed his palms against the rock and willed his essence to connect with the essence of the stone. It had taken him a long time to be able to even sense the essences in the world around him. Now he could sense them, but his mind refused to connect with the rock. A current of fear choked him. He remembered too well the first time he’d connected with stone. Kachanaba had not shielded his connection to Nikeron’s mind when he manipulated open the stone entrance to the tombs of the king’s of Stonefountain. Nikeron had been unaware, unprepared. It felt as if his whole body had turned to stone as his essence combined with the essence of the tomb doors. He could not move, could not breathe, and had come close to dying. If Nikeron’s tutor, Tanveer, had not followed Nikeron and Kachanaba to the tombs and intervened to save him, Nikeron would not have survived.

Now, Nikeron could touch the stone with his hands, but when he reached out with the essence of himself to combine with the essence of the stone, fear seized him. His throat constricted, robbing him of air, and mind and body rebelled. Shaking, he pulled his hands away from the cliff. Sweat trickled down his face, and goose bumps prickled his arms. He slammed his fists against the rock in frustration. Manipulating stone should not be so hard for him. Other Nagas and their dragons made it look easy.

Far above him at the top of the cliff, he felt the Great Blue dragon, Blue Fire, looking down at him. This deep in the Mynydd Duon Mountains, dragons were everywhere, most of them deadly and dangerous. Nikeron was glad to have Captain Edward and his elite team of dragon hunters at his back to keep him safe while he wrestled with the stone of the cliff. But Blue Fire was a friend not an enemy. As a Great Dragon, Blue Fire could speak directly into Nikeron’s mind, and as a Naga, Nikeron could hear him and respond in the mind speech.

What are you doing little Naga? Blue Fire asked. I hear that your pride has reached the other side of the mountains now and is beginning to build a new nesting ground there. Why have you left your pride?

Nikeron moved his hands away from the cliff face and made his mind slippery so Blue Fire could not see what he was thinking. When he’d first met Blue Fire and healed him, Nikeron had not known by what power he’d done so. At the time he had attributed it to some magical power of the armor he wore. It was only later that he learned he carried the Crystal with the power over life and death in that armor. The armor with the Crystal now lay hidden in the mountain along with the Quill of Creation. Nikeron had not shared the truth that he held that power with Blue Fire either. He’d only warned Blue Fire that the Crown with the power to rule the world had been discovered in the North and the danger it posed to Blue Fire and his pride.

What secrets are you hiding, little friend? Blue Fire asked. His question was gentle, but the power of his mind washed over Nikeron like a thunderous waterfall. Nikeron gasped. His attempted mind shields scattered away into nothing. He did not know if the Great Dragons had the power to delve into another beings mind like the Nagas and their dragons did or if they only had the power of mind speech. He wrapped his arms around himself and tried to keep his mind blank. Kachanaba left my silver armor here for me. I am trying to get it, he managed to answer.

Little Gold has mastered his Naga powers far better than you have, Blue Fire said with a chuckle. Would you like some help?

Nikeron had been to Blue Fire’s cave higher up in the mountains. It was a luxurious home, carved out of a granite cliff even taller than this one. Inside, a vast array of chambers lay with exquisite stonework carved into pillars and arches, decorated with carvings of plants and animals, and accented with amazing statues of dragons, all created by Blue Fire himself. Nikeron doubted there was any being under the sun who could match Blue Fire’s artistry with stone, though some of the Nagas and their dragons that had mastered stone manipulation at Stonefountain came close.

How did you carve the stone in your home? Nikeron asked.

With my claws, of course. I don’t need the clumsy tools that some dragons use. My hands were built for crafting stone. If you need something retrieved from the mountain, it will only take me a moment.

A whomph of air sounded above Nikeron as Blue Fire spread his giant wings and lifted off from the top of the cliff. His body blocked the sun, leaving Nikeron in shadow as he dove toward the base of the cliff where Nikeron stood.

A shout of warning and fear came from Edward.

Nikeron whirled and called to him, Don’t attack! Stand back. Stay back.

Edward retreated from the vicinity, taking their frightened camdors with him as Blue Fire landed beside Nikeron. The Great Blue dragon was so massive he could easily grasp Nikeron and several other men in his front claw.

Step away from the cliff, Blue Fire ordered Nikeron.

Nikeron scrambled back out of the dragon’s way. It took Blue Fire only a few careful swipes to carve the rock from the alcove where Kachanaba had secreted the Powers. Blue Fire reached inside and drew them out. The silver armor, made from Great Silver serpent scales and the green Quill could hardly be seen in Blue Fire’s hand. His claws closed into a fist around them. A rush of power from the Quill and the Crystal swelled from Blue Fire’s claw and sent out a shock wave that rattled the mountain.

What is this? Blue Fire roared. What is this power I hold in my hand?

Nikeron’s heart skipped a beat and terror struck him. He’d inadvertently let someone else gain control of the Powers.

I asked you a question? Blue Fire’s mind shivered through Nikeron’s.

What you hold, Nikeron said, trying to still his heart and calm his mind and fears, is the Crystal with the power over life and death. That is what I used to heal you after the fight that would have claimed your life. The other is the Quill of Creation. You now hold two of the four Great Powers. I must have them to stop the Crown, unless you go yourself to fight the Crown? A stray tendril of hope crept through Nikeron’s heart, a faint relief that Blue Fire rather than Nikeron would be the one to save the world. Surely the dragon was older, wiser, and more powerful than Nikeron by far. He should be the one to do it.

Blue Fire let out an ominous growl. He lifted his fist and fixed his gaze upon it. A whirlwind spread from his hand, lashing the mountainside. Nikeron had to drop flat against the ground to not be carried up in it.

I care nothing for the Crown or for the person who wears it, Blue Fire said. I care even less for King Icel and his mewling humans. Do you realize that, with this stone, I could live forever? No one will be able to defeat me in combat. I will rule my pride until the end of the world. You used the Crystal before to save my life. Now I can use it on my own behalf. He trumpeted again, flapped his giant wings, and lifted off the ground.

Nikeron clenched his teeth and lifted his head to look at the dragon. What have I done? he thought. To Blue Fire he said, Are you sure you wish to live forever, you, who have seen the beauty, the glory, the peace and power that awaits you beyond this life? You have seen it, and I forced you to return. You know what lies beyond; how long will you be content to stay in this world where there is hunger, pain, sickness, and death?

Blue Fire stopped his ascent, remaining in place in the air by the steady beat of his wings. The whirlwind died to a faint breeze. He thought for a long time while the sunlight played across his brilliant blue scales. Nikeron kept his gaze directed upward waiting patiently while Blue Fire thought through all the turns his life could take as long as he had control of the Crystal and the Quill.

At last Blue Fire slowed his wings and let himself gently down beside Nikeron. He set the armor and the Quill on the ground between them. I see that I was foolish to think anything good could come to me or my pride by using these Powers. They are yours little Naga. But you are just as foolish to take them up yourself. Nothing but heartache can come from their use. Are you willing to sacrifice your own peace and happiness for this King Icel and the rest of your human pride?

Nikeron stepped forward, lifted the Quill, and tucked it gingerly into a pouch on his weapons harness, followed by the inkwell and parchment. Then he grabbed the armor, folded it, and held it away from his body. The Crystal tugged at his mind and sent up a fretful wind, dancing around him.

Not today, he told it, ignoring its hungry call for him to put on the armor and lose himself in its power.

Someone has to stand up to the Crown and save the world from its ravages, Nikeron told Blue Fire. I hope that won’t have to be me. King Icel is the great leader of all the human prides on this continent. He should do it. But if he cannot, or will not, I will sacrifice everything that I have and am, if that’s what it takes, to stop the Crown and ensure the freedom of this world.

You are naught but a foolish child, Blue Fire rumbled.

Blue Fire’s words stung Nikeron. I’m sure you’re right, he responded.

So foolish and so courageous. I feel honored to be your friend. Blue Fire bowed to Nikeron then launched himself into the air and flew away.

Nikeron watched him go, barely aware of Edward coming over to stand beside him.

Are you hurt? Edward asked.

Nikeron shook his head and tried to pull himself together. I’m not hurt. It’s just that speaking with a Great Blue dragon is like diving into a thunderous waterfall and trying not to be pulverized or swept away. Blue Fire is a powerful dragon.

Agreed. If you’re finished here, we should move on, if the camdors aren’t too skittish to be ridden after coming that close to a Great Blue dragon. Internally, Edward fought back his own terror of Blue Fire. Ten years earlier, he’d been part of an expedition to cross the Black Divide that had been attacked and destroyed by the blue dragons. Only Edward had survived. Edward knew Nikeron was friends with Blue Fire, but that could not reduce the dread that choked the air from Edward’s lungs and shivered through his body.

Yes, we should go, Nikeron agreed. I’ll calm the camdors. There are still a few hours of daylight left. We should not waste them. We have a lot of ground to cover. I think perhaps the road is smooth enough we could continue on even when it gets dark.

Perhaps, Edward said. Just remember both men and dragons need to eat and rest. I don’t think you should push yourself so hard that you have no strength left when we reach Tame. Who knows what we will face when we get there.

 Aelle, I hope. King Icel has sent Kachanaba to fetch her. Nikeron shoved the armor into the saddlebags on his camdor and reassured the skittish animals that they were safe from the blue dragon.

Edward’s tension started to ease now that the dragon was gone, and he pretended not to notice the armor Nikeron now carried with him. In his heart, he believed that Nikeron’s power over life and death resided in the silver armor. Though Nikeron had denied having that power, Edward had seen enough of Nikeron’s interactions with the Second Host to be certain it existed. Edward was glad to see it back in Nikeron’s hands, but also cautious. It made sense why Nikeron had sent Edward’s dragon hunters away. Some things were better left hidden and unspoken of. Edward forced his mind from thoughts of the armor and focused them on Nikeron’s mention of Aelle. Well, I’m sure Commander Aelle will want to see her groom fit and handsome for the wedding ceremony. Let’s be on our way, Edward said. He let out a shrill whistle, calling his soldiers back now that Nikeron