Changeling Knight: Knights Tower, #2

By D.H. Aire

Sir Harold was last of the Knights of the Broken Table, defending the kingdom from the ill creatures of the Forbidden.
When a dragon was sighted, Sir Harold, Harry, was sent to investigate—and ended up fighting the steam powered creature, but not alone. Hoo, one of the Order's humanine allies came to his aid. Hoo is of the dog descended, but in the process of helping Sir Harold—she became more human, and the Changeling Knight.
Through a quirk of fate, Hoo and Harold saved the kingdom—or the dragon has, depending on your point of view.
One thing Hoo knows. She loves Har-ee and wielding a short sword and dagger, which are coming in real handy—especially with Lasdrah facing an impending invasion out of the Forbidden. And worse...
Welcome to Changeling Knight, Book 2 of the Knights Tower.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barry Nove
• Release date: Mar 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224228119

Book preview

Dedication

In Memory of my Dad

Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge two amazing individuals, both authors who have passed away this year, Dave Farland and Eric Flint. They were founders of the Superstars Writing Seminar, a business of being a science fiction and fantasy author seminar. I attended Superstars for the first time in 2011. Dave’s presentation, that I’ll never forget, was about understanding how Hollywood works and optioning books for movies. Eric’s was on understanding publishing contracts, one of the most useful sessions I ever attended. By the end of that year, I had the contract for my first novel and Eric’s advice came in real handy.

Both Dave and Eric were bestselling authors, who believed in sharing what they knew about the publishing and being a professional writer. They’ve help me in my publishing career through that seminar (which I’ve attended over the years multiple times). I wish I could thank them both again personally. Following their example, I just have to pay it forward.

I also gratefully acknowledge my copyeditor, Karen MacLeod, for assistance in offering editorial advice on this book and the Knights Tower series. Additionally, I wish to express my appreciation to Mule Kimber for this wonderful cover design. As ever, I also wish to thank my family and friends for all their support.

Dare to Believe,

D.H. Aire

October 2022

Table of Contents

Dedication

Table of Contents

Prologue

Book I - Tower

Part 1: Hoo

Chapter 1 – A Changeling’s Job is Never Done

Chapter 2 – Knight’s Mark

Chapter 3 – Truth Win Out

Chapter 4 – Tower

Chapter 5 – Home

Chapter 6 – Father-in-Law

Chapter 7 – Dungeon Oath

Chapter 8 – Ravings

Part 2: Dise

Chapter 9 – Meeting the Dragon

Chapter 10 – Housekeeping

Chapter 11 – A New Act

Part 3: Sir Harold

Chapter 12 – Getting Reaquainted

Chapter 13 – A Moment’s Peace

Chapter 14 – Recriminations

Interlude – Hoo’s There

Chapter 15 – Truth Will Out

Chapter 16 – Sharing

Chapter 17 – Auditions

Interlude – Syr Hoo and the Ghost

Part 4: Zaresh

Chapter 18 – Dreams

Chapter 19 – The Sharing

Chapter 20 – Dream Link

Interlude

Part 5: Sir Harold

Chapter 21 – Getting Back to Business

Chapter 22 – Meet the Family, Ignore the Sobbing

Part 6: Syr Hoo

Chapter 23 – Distraction

Part 7: Sir Harold

Chapter 24 – Way Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen

Chapter 25 – The Forms

Chapter 26 – Border

Book II – Temple

Part 8: Syr Hoo

Chapter 27 – Lasdrah

Chapter 28 – Mission

Interlude – Ghost

Chapter 29 – All Good Plans

Chapter 30 – Belzbub

Chapter 31 – White Flag

Chapter 32 – The Bubs

Chapter 33 – Bubs in the Belfries

Chapter 34 – Burrows

Part 9: Sir Harold

Chapter 35 – River Rest

Chapter 36 – Feast

Chapter 37 – Dessert

Chapter 38 – Heft

Chapter 39 – Of Heirs and Kingdoms

Chapter 40 – Sabrecats

Chapter 41 – The Odds

Chapter 42 – Change of Affairs

Chapter 43 – Prophecy of a Princess

Epilogue

About the Author

Prologue

The coach rocked as it came to an unexpected halt on the rather uneven street, well, what Lasdrah apparently called a street, anyway.

My Lady? my young maidservant Petra said, sitting across from me in the coach my arranged husband sent along with the escort. The buildings we’d passed looked rather shabby, making me wonder why we’d come through this section of the city, rather than another. Then again, Lasdrah was reputed to be generally rather shabby. Though, the legends painted a much rosier picture.

I only wished I knew why my family had agreed to marrying me outside our Kingdom. Petra, my sole confidant, reminded me that it was likely best that I was married to someone who knew little more about me other than I came from the oh so respected in Heft’s Court.

I pulled back the curtain over the window and peered out. The very sight of the escort my husband had provided seemed to make those on the street shy back. One of my personal escort of guardsmen rode up close to me, blocking my view. My Lady, best you sit back.

What’s happening? I asked, doubting anyone intended me personal harm—not here in Lasdrah, anyway.

The youngest member of my escort sat next to the driver and called down, The City Guard’s blocked the cross street... They’re shouting something about a dragon.

I chuckled, A dragon?

He shrugged, I know it sounds mad, but everyone seems to be on the street, trying to get a look at it.

That’s when I heard the rumbling sound that hushed the crowd and glimpsed black smoke billowing up, which seemed to be shooting up into the air as it moved behind the buildings of the cross street—the tall black tower, the Knights Tower, visible in the distance. A steam engine here?

My escort stared, noticing that as well. Can’t have outside of Astrin.

There was the sound of cheering and calling out, It’s the Prince!

The mad Prince has a dragon!

I leaned further out the window, seeing a knight ride past on what appeared a rather old horse, shouting, Make way! Make way!

A newly painted carriage followed with the Kingdom’s odd banner of a fabled furred halfling standing upright wearing chainmail and holding up a short straw. The creak of rutted metal wheels grew louder. The dragon’s head on its long neck was the first thing I saw. Is that armor? I muttered.

What appeared to be a metal dragon on rutted metal wheels rumbled past, a smokestack as a sort of tail, black smoke pouring from it as the machine moved past.

Well, my Lady, now I’ve seen everything...

My Lady? Petra whispered.

I sat back, shook my head, Perhaps, Lasdrah will be more interesting than I feared...

#

It seemed interminably long before the crowd thinned enough that we could continue and reach a more prosperous looking section of town, which led us to my husband’s manse in what was the sole city of Lasdrah.

My husband and his adolescent daughter were waiting with the household staff and his personal guard as I descended the carriage. My four-man personal guard did not dismount, my maidservant stepping down behind me, holding the train of my dress.

I curtsied, Husband.

My Lady Zaresh, welcome to your new home, he smiled, his gaze lacking a hint of warmth.

I did my best to smile back, quietly seething at having been married for reasons of state to one of the lords and ministers of King Edvard’s Court.

He introduced his daughter, Nory, who looked at me with disdain.

My men-at-arms, I introduced them.

Jentry, see these men to their accommodations, my husband smiled.

A guardsman came forward and grinned, Let’s see to your horses and we’ll get you settled.

My men were led away with their mounts, all save Kade, who maintained his vantage by the coach’s driver. My husband frowned, noting the bow and quiver and two daggers at his thighs.

Kade lied, I am the Lady’s servant.

How old are you, boy? he asked him.

He replied, grinning, Sixteen.

My Lady, your servant’s rather well armed.

Best to look the part rather than admit he’s a simple servant, I answered.

My husband nodded, That’s rather cunning of you... We began walking toward the entry. Uh, my dear Zaresh, I know our wedding was a rather rushed affair—and this isn’t exactly what you’re used to—but my home boasts servants enough to see to your every need.

I—I appreciate that, my Husband.

He gestured and a number of the servants hastened back inside the manse through the front door.

Call me Henri, he said, leading me inside. Kadesh and Petra followed.

The old manservant standing outside the doors shut the large wooden doors behind us. I turned to see six burly grinning guardsmen.

Lord Hearn, one said.

Her servants should prove entertaining—as the boy shall if he’s not careful.

Kadesh stared at me. I signed with a merest gesture of a finger. ‘Do not.’

He let himself be disarmed.

Husband, I do not understand this... Or do you repudiate our marriage and the trade agreement?

Oh, no, my dear... I’ll not end our marriage—and this trade agreement is not quite what your family believes. As I can’t have your guardsmen misunderstanding how I do things. Sadly I ordered them killed, but it’ll be a glorious death. He gestured. Kade and Petra were dragged away.

What? You cannot mean that! I cried. What of my—my servants.

Oh, they’ll live. They’ll assure you’ll serve me, he smiled.

Nory grinned, Can I watch them breaking him?

Of course, my darling. He held out his hand to me, Come, you must be tired after your journey—and we’ve so much to talk about later.

I stared at him. There was a muffled cry—which didn’t sound human.

Oh, the betting’s begun... Excuse me, my dear. He paused, You are quite the prize, though, not even you know it yet. It’s too bad your own future is blank to you. But it’s mine that concerns me—I’d regret carving that lovely skin of yours up... or feeding you bit by bit to my, uh, pets as your late guardsmen will be.

#

In the days that followed in that house of horrors, he demanded that I tell him what I foresaw.

What are you talking about? I muttered for the thousandth time.

He slapped me. My dear, you don’t know what it’s cost me to get you here before your family even realized the truth.

Truth? What are you talking about?

He grinned, You have been the unlucky one, haven’t you?

I closed my eyes.

I’m not the first your family arranged for you to marry...

I grimaced.

Dying on the wedding night is what happened to your first husband. Choked on a piece of wedding cake, I believe I was told?

That’s what the healer said.

Which led to your marriage to his younger brother after your period of mourning.

I glanced away.

He died of a fall the day you were to be handed over to him.

You’re blaming me?

No, he grinned. Your family, and your suitors, just didn’t understand, uh, your curse.

Eyes narrowing, My curse?

Your gift demands you remain, well, untouched.

I laughed coldly. You think what’s happened to me like a fable?

Exactly... Or do you think the death of your first love an accident as well?

He knew about that? How could he possibly know about that? Not even my family knew, I thought.

He smiled. You have a gift... A very important and unrecognized gift. You know you do. You’ve dreams—very powerful—terrifying dreams.

I dared not meet his gaze.

Laughing, he caressed my cheek. Have you dreamed of the Prince’s dragon?

What?

Have you dreams of the Knights Tower? Anything of Lasdrah before?

I don’t know what you’re talking about?

You have, haven’t you? He slapped me again.

I lost consciousness. When I woke, I was bound in a chair. Nory came over to me, Oh, stepmother, you’re awake. Father doesn’t know his own strength... You really should be honest with him.

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Oh, you’d better. It’s the only thing preventing him from consummating your marriage. She grinned. You’re not exactly the sort of woman he likes... He killed my previous stepmother just so he could marry you—all so he could have his very own personal fortune teller.

I don’t know what you’re talking about...

She caressed my cheek. He was told if he married you—and brought you here, you’d help him change Lasdrah forever. I suggest you remember your dreams and tell him all you know.

My dreams? I shook my head.

You really want to tell father your dreams.

If I had such power, I don’t think I would be here.

She smiled, You can’t see your own future—or so father tells me.

Uh, huh.

You’ve been warned. That said, my stepdaughter left.

I struggled against my bonds to no avail, realizing just how much trouble I was in—and that I could never tell my husband just how wrong he was...

#

I groaned, awaking, my cheek throbbing. Blood dripped from my cheek onto the rags I’d been given to wear. I guess my so-called husband didn’t want to make a mess of what were likely some of the nicest clothes in this poor kingdom.

Tell me your dreams! he demanded over and over again.

What? Are you afraid of that dragon? I asked.

He grimaced, What do you know of that abomination?

Other than it’s a steam engine?

Which the knight challenges every afternoon to crowds paying for tickets!

I frowned.

You’re a Seeress—tell me what you see!

I’m not a Seeress...

The, uh, witch told me by marrying you—but not consummating our union, I’d get what I deserved! I’d bring the Seeress to Lasdrah and bring about the Prophecy!

You’re mad, I muttered.

You want to see how mad I am?

I screamed as he slashed my cheek.

Tell me what you dreamed!

The knight dies! I yelled.

He grinned. Good... Good. I’ll send someone in to stitch up that cut... Don’t make me do the same to your other cheek... Or perhaps I should cut off a finger next.

At least that’s what I thought I heard as I passed out.

#

There was a full-length mirror now in front of me. My reflection with the ugly stitches taunting me—warning me just how much trouble I was in.

Petra slipped into the room. My Lady!

Petra? You’re all right?

I got away from them. It’s taken me this long to get back to you. But I don’t have long. She went to the cup and flagon of water, poured.

What are you doing?

She shook her head, I’m sorry, but I can’t free you, my Lady.

What?

She brought the cup of water to my lips.

I’m sorry, my Lady... But the Prophecy of the Knights Tower has us both now.

The what?

I’ve no time to explain, she said, meeting my gaze. Lord Hearn placed a rather large bet against the knight because you said he’d die—and lost big. When he returns, you must laugh and tell him the knight will, indeed, die, but that it will be at dinner tonight when he plans to kill the King...

What?

I’m sorry, my Lady, I couldn’t tell you. I couldn’t save your bodyguards from their fate, either, she lowered her head. Know this, I Serve you as best I may.

You’re the Seeress? I replied, eyes wide.

Uh, not a Seeress, I just sort of sense the Prophecy’s path, which is how I know right now you are safer bound in that chair. The young woman turned her head as we heard the sound of the returning coach. I must go and hide again. I’m sorry, my Lady.

Kade?

Lives... She left as I watched her through her reflection in the mirror hurry back out, locking the door once more.

#

He burst through the door, his dagger in hand, You treacherous—

I laughed as I’d been warned, trusting to Petra, who if this was a betrayal... I knew I was truly lost. The pain of laughing brought searing pain to my cheek. Lost big, did you, Anri?

You know I did!

The knight dies at the dinner when you kill the King, I glared.

He stopped and stared. So, you see... Why didn’t you tell me that?

I glared at him.

He frowned, came up behind me, giving me a good view of his dagger, then slit my bonds. My apologies, my Lady... After the King dies and I rise to take his place, you’ll not hold your visions back from me.

No, I said, I won’t—as long as we understand each other, or so help me, your kingship will be rather short.

He stared at the mirror, meeting my reflected gaze.

I sighed, looked down, wondering what in all the Hells fate had in store for me as my wrists and ankles throbbed.

My husband placed his left hand under my chin and tilted my head painfully back, The Tower will be mine.

As the Prophecy says, I told him, hoping I hadn’t misunderstood.

He let me go and laughed, which is when I feared I’d not live long in this mad kingdom over which the sealed Cursed black tower loomed.

Book I - Tower

Part 1: Hoo

Chapter 1 – A Changeling’s Job is Never Done

I barely glimpsed the Belzbub’s scaley hide as the light from the building made its shift from dark to its momentarily matching hues. I chased it, Hhgrw running on all fours closing in pursuit and barking to let us know he’d seen it, too.

But it was Hrrur who’d raced ahead and lay in wait. That flicker of the scales as someone peered out a second floor window, holding up a lantern.

The Belzbub hissed, diving into the shadows as Hrrur bounded toward it. It smashed through a cellar door, splintering it. Hrrur and Hhgrw close behind. Hrrur growled, Hoo, signaling me to follow.

There were screams as I heard wooden walls shattering as the creature fled my kin. I tried to anticipate where it would flee and ran. It burst from an upper floor window and leaped to the adjoining roof, running, feet and tail raining clay shingles and brick from the chimneys it shoved out of its way, smashing down all around me.

I ducked as an entire chimney hit the cobbles in front of me, blocking my way.

Through the streets, Hrrur, Hhgrw and the others of my Humanine kin chased it, the denizens of Lasdrah slamming their shutters and barring their doors as my halfling kin barked, and the Belzbub leaped from roof to roof.

The creature out of the Forbidden had spied out the man-made dragon and so much more, which meant it could not be allowed to report back. When we realized we no longer heard it and found we’d lost the scent, Hrrur howled. By then all of us were together again. We spread out, sniffing the ground and the breeze for any whiff of its foul stench.

A City Guardsman saw me on the street, sword trembling in one hand, in the other his lantern, swaying.

I growled.

Syr Hoo? he stammered.

Knight’s Justice, I warned.

Um, uh, good huntin’ who ever’s you’s afta.

Bub, I said.

The man bent over and spewed on the cobblestones.

I continued on, thinking humans are truly puzzling creatures.

The scent was strong. We chased it through districts on the western section of the city. The buildings here high walled. There was a shout as the Bub knocked tile off a rooftop. An old man peered out a tower window of one of the manses. At the sight of it shifting in the moonlight and darkness, he cursed, ducking back inside.

Light filled a window below as the Bub leaped to the defensive stone wall and bounded away from it. A woman, face scarred, saw me, eyes going wide.

With only a glance, I met her gaze as I continued to pursue the Bub.

Hrrur howled, ahead of me, as the others raced up the streets. Only to find its scent gone again. Hrrur growled at us, refusing to give up the chase of a creature that should never have escaped the notice of our kin in the Old Wood.

Hrrur, we will take up its trail again at dawn, said his white furred mate, Ghwur.

We know where it must go. I shall follow—chase it down.

The others nodded as we felt the pull, demanding we not leave the city, but return. Hrrur howled and burst toward the dirt road that led back to the Old Wood. I looked at my halfling kin. We ran back through the streets of the city to the fairgrounds, where the metal dragon reigned.

There my Har-ee waited with Marja. We returned to the palace without going to the Tower. Har-ee claiming he’d like to get a good night’s sleep.

Marja shook her head, Is that how Dise—I mean, Lady Dise will see it?

By the Founders, I’m a lord and she my lady now—is a knight’s duty never done?

I sidled closer on our seat on the carriage, Marja across from us.

He rubbed my bald head, No, I answered. Duty never done.

Syr Hoo, it’s you who should be my lady, he admitted.

I sighed, I’m already more human than I like.

Really? he chuckled.

I licked his cheek, I not wear lady’s clothes. Dise welcome be Lady.

Har-ee glanced at Marja, who shrugged, Oh, I wasn’t exactly unhappy being a servant—except for being half starved before I took Oath with you.

And taking Oath to me? Har-ee asked.

No, I’ll never regret that—nor nearly dying in your service only to find myself your squire.

What have I done to the Order? Women now in our ranks?

I grinned, And me a changeling no less.

Marja looked at me, You’ve saved the Order... No matter what anyone at Court whispers.

What people are whispering? Har-ee said angrily.

They are rude enough not to care I’m standing near, Marja said.

Har-ee crossed his arms, I thought they stopped that now that I’m the famous Sir Harold, Dragonslayer.

You haven’t exactly slain the dragon, Marja replied, crossing her legs.

Well, she’s a steam engine—with a mind of her own, of course.

I licked his cheek again.

He peered out through the curtain, Well, we’ll be back at the palace soon.

You don’t think Dise is waiting up for you? Marja asked in that way of hers that seemed to irritate Har-ee.

The carriage bumped, turning too hard down another street. Hmm, Har-ee muttered, there is something else we should be doing. He tapped the roof.

A small hatch opened, the coachman called down, My Lord?

Change of plans, we’re going to Hearn House.

At this hour, My Lord? At Har-ee’s look, Hearn House it is, my Lord.

Harry, you’re just putting off the inevitable, Marja said.

I shouldn’t ignore those who should take Oath to me and mine.

Though, Dise would have expected to be there for this part.

I looked at him as he looked at me, No, Har-ee, you can’t want me to get back in my chain mail.

Marja and I are—and so will you. Safer that way, they’ve served that Hearn. So, we can’t trust that even arriving at this hour, they’ll not be planning to kill us.

Let them try, Marja grimaced.

I smiled, knowing I’d tear out the throat of any who did.

Chapter 2 – Knight’s Mark

Har-ee pounded on the front door. A window opened above. An old man peered out, Who the Hells do you think you are coming here at this— He blinked, staring first at me, Syr Hoo... then Har-ee, all of us in our chainmail. He choked, looking at the Hearn House’s carriage, Sir Harold?

Actually, it’s Lord Harold, Har-ee replied, perhaps, you hadn’t heard.

Oh, Hells! the man turned and shouted, The Lord’s home! The Lord’s home!

Lanterns were lit, shouts of, Are you mad? Hearn’s dead!

Well, Marja said, we’re certainly in for quite the welcome at this hour.

Lord Harold! the old man shouted.  We could hear him coming down the stairs, rushing to the front door.

The coachman, leaning against the coach, shook his head.

The door opened, Lord Harold—and his knights, come in! Come in!

You madman, if this is—! began a woman in a sheer robe and nothing else coming to the top of the stair with a half dozen others similarly dressed as servants pressed in from their quarters downstairs, apparently, slowly surrounding us, gaping.

Marja muttered, looking up at those coming out of the upstairs bedrooms, Well, I guess I’m not surprised.

I grinned, I not need wear anything here.

Har-ee glanced at me, then toward the women gathering at the banister, Ladies, where’s the steward?

A woman said, coming down the stair, Well, that would be me, uh, Your Lordship.

The old man nodded, whispered, She is—was His Lordship’s, um, favorite.

You servant or freewoman? Har-ee called out to her.

Uh, I’m Lady Essa, a freewoman, brushing her hands against the length of her robe, as are my lady friends.

I see. That’s good because I won’t need to explain you to my Lady, then.

Or to me, Marja whispered.

I grinned, gesturing in the human way, You leave, now.

What? the self-proclaimed Lady frowned. You’re joking. My Lord, you’ll find my ladies and I—

I growled, then went to all fours and bounded toward the stairs.

Lady Essa ran back up the stairs.

Hoo! Har-ee yelled. Come back here!

I halted at the base of the steps, glaring, not liking the cloying smell of her she left behind.

Get what clothes you came with, and what coin Hearn paid you and get out of here. My wife will be here in the morning.

The servants stared, the girls and young women barely dressed, the young men, like the old man wearing little better than rags, lash marks showing in the play of the lantern light. So, who has been running the household?

A girl came forward, pointed, She’s Lady Hearn.

You? Har-ee frowned, staring at the woman with a raw badly stitched scar on her face. Hearn was a recent widower.

Ours was an arranged marriage. I arrived about a week ago... Of course, I must say, in many ways I truly appreciate being made a widow. Being stripped of title and rank in the process was a bit unexpected, though...

Hearn married you?

Three weeks ago, in Heft, Zaresh admitted, realizing I’d seen her in the window earlier during my chase of the Bub. Her wrists and ankles were badly scraped as I went over and sniffed at her.

She did her best not to jerk back.

Hoo’s just being friendly, Har-ee said.

Zaresh frowned. She’s—she’s the changeling... He lost that bet because of you, and her.

Yes, he apparently was bitter enough to try to assassinate His Majesty, Har-ee admitted.

She frowned, Well, he was rather certain he wouldn’t fail... You cost him everything.

I tilted my head, my tufted ears pricking up, hearing something in her voice.

He did nothing without his sister’s blessing—except marrying me to make alliance with my uncle.

Who are you? Har-ee asked.

Zaresh Ra’an-Heft e’Hearn, she offered with a bow.

Ra’an—your uncle is the King of Heft?

She shrugged, My uncle. I’m not high in the line of succession. The King has—well, had seven sons; three left now.

Lady Hearn, I don’t believe His Majesty sanctioned any such marriage.

I’ve the marriage documents with the King’s Seal, she stood straighter, then looked down, but that’s likely part of Hearn’s idea of a farce of a marriage, too. You did see the—women he populated his bed with.

My Lady, I can see you returned safely to Heft.

I can’t go back, her gaze tinged with emotion, I’m disgraced.

I sniffed her, looking back at Har-ee, Not smell that this dis-grace thing.

Har-ee blinked, Um, that’s not—never mind.

The young woman looked at me oddly, then said to Har-ee, My uncle said—Hearn asked for me, specifically, claiming he fell in love with me at first sight.