Dragon Alliance: Vankara Saga, #2

By S. J. West

When Sarah Harker agreed to use her shifting ability to transform into Queen Emma Vankar, she never imagined she would have to lead Vankara in a war against the Fae. After learning the truth behind the cause of the plagues, Sarah and her small contingent return to Iron City to find it besieged by Nuala's troops and her corps of formidable dragons.

The unexpected invasion has left Vankara weak and vulnerable, unable to defend itself without outside assistance. In order to defeat the Fae, Sarah must form alliances that will help her drive them back over the Iron Wall. To counteract the dragons under Nuala's command, Sarah is forced to journey to the sky islands where dragons originated. There she must convince the most ancient of all dragons to lend her their help in the war against the Fae but gaining the dragons' trust won't be an easy task. Sarah will have to delve deep within herself in order to earn their trust, and what she discovers about her past and those around her won't only change her life but also the fate of Vankara.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. J. West
• Release date: Apr 22, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224879847

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Ash and flame.

Our welcome home was marred by the smell of Iron City burning under the careful watch of the Fae queen’s dragon corps. Her fierce minions sat perched atop the tallest buildings, observing the mayhem of their destructive behavior with little more than mild interest. As I looked out the window of the royal airship, I knew my worry should lie with the thousands of frightened citizens scrambling to find a way out of the capital city of Vankara, but my thoughts were centered on the most vulnerable and innocent of them all—Dena.

Where was my daughter? The future of Vankara depended on her survival. She was the only true Vankar left to take over where her mother left off. Emma Vankar had entrusted Gabriel, Fallon, and me to keep the princess safe. One day she would be able to claim her birthright and assume her rightful place as the true leader of the Vankaran people.

My right hand instinctively brushed against my stomach. Within my womb could lie another Vankar, but I had no way of knowing for sure. By some miracle, or twist of fate, the babe Queen Emma Vankar thought would die with her had instead been transferred over to me during my transformation. How such a thing could happen was unknown. Nevertheless, a phantom child possibly nestled within my womb was the least of my worries.

After discovering that the Fae queen had sent Dracen a Fae apprentice—gifted with a strange form of magic that enabled him to control Dracen’s actions and that the apprentice had forced Dracen to conjure a spell that caused the plagues—we departed from Ledmarrow Mountain with Dracen in tow. He seemed determined to help heal the damage he unknowingly had caused. Since he was the most powerful sorcerer in the world, he was an excellent ally to have in our war against the Fae.

I didn’t blame Dracen for being duped by his Fae apprentice, Karis. After having personally felt the magic that Karis possessed, blaming a man who was just a puppet in the Fae queen’s scheme was pointless. Dracen knew the truth now and having him on our side was better than having him as an unwitting accomplice of the Fae.

No, the blame laid solely on the shoulders of the Fae queen, Nuala.

Nuala will pay for what she’s done, I vowed to those around me, feeling the heat of a mother’s rage fuel my anger against my Fae counterpart.

Fallon met my eyes with the flames of our beloved city reflected against the gray of his irises. I knew he was thinking the same thing I was: the Fae queen started a war we would make sure she didn’t win.

You won’t be able to defeat her alone, Aleksander Chromis said as he came to stand on my other side, viewing the shattered remains of what was once the most prosperous city in the world.

Aleksander Chromis, King of Chromis, ardent suitor for my hand in marriage, and possible father of the child within me, stood on my other side with his usual aura of self-importance. His shoulder-length blond hair was pulled back into a short ponytail that laid against the nape of his neck. His clear blue eyes turned to look at me with an unsettling possessiveness.

Will you lend us your troops to help drive the Fae off our lands? Fallon asked him.

Being the Queen’s Marshal meant that Fallon knew more about our defensive capabilities than I did. If he thought we needed Aleksander’s help, then that’s what we needed. The Fae had caught us by surprise, and we were ill prepared for invasion. I wasn’t sure in what condition our defenses were, but I knew Vankara hadn’t been faced with war for over a hundred years. Considering that fact, I felt sure our troops were no match against a people who believed the land we lived on was theirs by right of birth. Even to someone without military training, I knew we would not be able to vanquish the Fae without strong allies by our sides.

Will you help us, Aleksander? I asked, ready to do whatever it took to ensure the safety of my people.

Aleksander’s eyebrows lowered. His eyes took on a hooded appearance as he seemed to consider my urgent request, but I could tell he had already set the price for his country’s assistance in this dispute.

It may be hard to convince my people you need our help, Aleksander finally answered, drawing out the words as if considering each one carefully. The people of Chromis and, quite frankly, the rest of the world have envied your country’s economic resilience to the plagues. The automatons Dracen built for you have made you into the richest nation in the world.

Do you want money? I asked, not seeing why Aleksander was answering my question so obtusely when he and I both knew what his real price would be. If that’s the case, I’m sure we can come to an agreeable arrangement.

Aleksander looked at me, and I felt trapped by his gaze, like a mouse backed up into a corner by a cat bent on devouring it whole.

I’m afraid it won’t be that simple. But if I were able to tell my people we were to be married, it would formally unite our two nations, and they would have no excuse not to come to your aid.

You dictate what your people do, Gabriel said, coming to my defense. Emma doesn’t need to marry you in order for Vankara to give your country aid to get back on its feet.

Aleksander shrugged nonchalantly. I have no doubt you would compensate us for our help, but the people of Chromis are not as trusting. They would need something more concrete before they offered up their lives in a war that has nothing to do with them. In fact, there are many in my country who will say Vankara is finally feeling what they themselves have felt since the plagues started. But if Emma and I were to marry, my people would willingly lay down their lives for their queen.

You son of a bitch. Fallon’s words had the bite of a ravenous dog. You’re blackmailing her into marrying you. Have you become so desperate that you would stoop this low just to have her?

Aleksander’s lips stretched into a tight, grim smile. He knew he had the upper hand in the situation and seemed to be relishing in the moment. "I don’t have to blackmail anyone into marrying me. I’m simply telling you what the price is for my country’s willing assistance in your civil war."

I felt Dracen move up behind us before he spoke. He wasn’t a man of many words, but when he did speak, people tended to listen.

I don’t believe now is the time for the Queen to make such a life-altering decision. Dracen stared pointedly at Aleksander, trying to shame a man who didn’t seem to have the ability to feel such an emotion. Right now she needs to focus on finding her daughter. I’m sure you would agree with that since you are also the princess’ uncle.

Of course, Aleksander said, seeming truly concerned over Dena’s wellbeing, but a man so complex was never easy to read. Rescuing Dena is our first priority. We can discuss this later when matters aren’t as urgent.

Out of nowhere, the airship suddenly lurched awkwardly to the left, causing all of us to lose our balance and fall to the polished cedar floor of the cabin.

I heard the dragon before I saw it.

Its deep rumble of a roar reminded me of the dragon Fallon had killed when we ventured to the Fae side of the wall seeking their help in solving the mystery of the plagues. What a fool’s errand that had been. Since we now knew the Fae queen was the mastermind behind the plagues, I felt sure she had been laughing at me the whole time I was there practically begging for her assistance to uncover their origin.

A black dragon swooped down in front of the bank of windows of our compartment, whipping its flat, arrow-shaped tail at us. As we stood back to our feet, I saw the dragon turn in mid-flight, seeming bent on attacking us once again.

Dracen lifted one of his arms in the direction of the gas-filled balloon above us, which was keeping the airship afloat. It wasn’t until then I noticed the gold bracelet, embedded with the yellow glowing trillian jewels, encircling his wrist. He told us the gems helped strengthen his magical powers.

Vivo Vixi Victum! He shouted in a commanding voice.

A high-pitched squawk filled the air, rivaling the roar of the dragon, who abruptly stopped in mid-flight as though he’d hit an invisible wall. His leathery wings beat back and forth, keeping him afloat in one place. Its blacker-than-black eyes stared at the airship, but it made no move to come any closer.

Before I had a chance to ask Dracen what he had done, a glowing, near-transparent creature made of gold swooped down in front of the windows. It slowly beat its wings of fire, spraying sparks in the air around it like drops of liquid gold. I instantly knew what it was—a phoenix.

Did you just conjure that? Aleksander asked, as mesmerized by the light show as the dragon that had stopped attacking us.

Dracen lowered his arm and discreetly tugged on the end of the sleeve of his brown leather coat, presumably to conceal his bracelet beneath the three-inch lace at the cuff of his shirt.

Hopefully it will last until we’re somewhere safe, Dracen replied, not seeing any point in giving Aleksander the obvious answer to his question.

Dracen looked me directly in the eyes—something he tried to avoid doing very often. The reason for his reluctance to meet my gaze was still a mystery to me.

I’m sorry, your grace, he said, but someone with more skill than I will need to re-embroider the phoenix when this is all over.

It was only then that I realized what Dracen had done. He had animated the phoenix that had been embroidered with gold thread on the side of the maroon balloon of the airship—the symbol of Vankara.

How long will it last? I asked.

Dracen looked away from me to the phoenix. Only as long as pieces of thread can under such circumstances, I’m afraid. He’s only a distraction to buy us a bit more time.

I hoped it would be enough.

I felt the airship suddenly veer to the right.

I think Inara is heading toward the Royal College, Gabriel said, unsure why the Queen’s best friend and Commander of the Queen’s airship would make such a decision. She must think it’s the safest place to land for some reason.

The phoenix moved slowly beside us, flapping its wings tirelessly, keeping most of the dragons we passed at bay. I was sure none of them understood that what they were actually seeing was a fantastical illusion. The dragons were at least smart enough to follow the safest course of action and stay away from the fiery gold creature shadowing our movements.

All of them with the exception of one. …

I recognized the dragon as soon as it came into view. It was the same ruby-scaled dragon I’d seen lying by Nuala’s throne when Fallon and I met with her. The black-tipped, white spines, which dotted its back from head to tail, glistened as it undulated in the sky toward us, unafraid of the fiery gold phoenix.

Sarah. …

I heard the name whispered and immediately looked at Gabriel and Fallon. They were the only ones who knew me by that name. However, they were watching the progress of the Fae queen’s dragon just as intently as Dracen and Aleksander.

Sarah … come get me. …

None of the men in front of me moved their lips. It was only then I realized the voice was coming from inside my mind and had a distinctive feminine softness to it.

Sarah … I can help. …

I turned to the door of the Queen’s bedroom, assuming the stress of the situation was infecting my psyche.

Come Sarah … please! Before it’s too late!

I walked to the door leading to the Queen’s chamber and opened it. Almost immediately, the small blue-scaled dragonling that bonded with me while I was on the Fae side of the Iron Wall flew straight at me from its perch on the bed and landed on my shoulder.

Quickly Sarah, he won’t attack us if he knows I’m with you. …

I ran back to the windows, not quite sure how the little dragon was speaking to me but seeing no harm in trying what it suggested.

The dragonling stretched out its wings, trying to make its presence known to the approaching dragon that seemed determined to bring us down. The red dragon was only a few feet away when the dragonling emitted an awful, high-pitched screech, shattering every piece of glass in the room, including the windows we were standing in front of. I shielded my eyes from the spray of glass and felt a gust of wind push against my chest in the wake of the red dragon’s wings. It abruptly changed course and strained to pull itself up to fly over the airship instead of ramming it.

What the hell just happened? Aleksander yelled, looking at Dracen and Gabriel but seeing they didn’t know the answer to his question. He looked over at me. I saw his eyes narrow on the dragonling sitting on my shoulder. He looked into my eyes for an answer to his unasked question.

I plucked the little dragon off my shoulder and cradled her in the palm of my hands, sensing Aleksander would find it hard to understand the relationship between the dragonling and myself. It was something even I didn’t fully understand. Now I had proof that the ramifications of being bonded with a dragon went beyond just the sharing of emotions.

She’s my friend, and she just saved us from being attacked, I answered, seeing no need to reveal just how deeply connected the dragonling and I were to one another.

Aleksander walked over to me, broken glass crunching beneath the soles of his black leather boots.

I’ve only heard legends about dragons before today, Aleksander admitted, his eyes lighting up like a child’s as he stopped to stand in front of me, staring at the dragonling in my hands. Can I hold it?

No. …

I’m sorry, but she doesn’t let strangers hold her. Perhaps later after she gets to know you better.

Thank you. …

We’re almost to the college, Gabriel announced, looking out the broken windows. What in the hell is that?

We all peered out the windows and saw a glowing blue dome covering the college like an inverted bowl.

Someone put up a shield, Dracen commented dryly.

Can we get through it? I asked Dracen.

I suppose it depends on what restrictions the person who cast the spell placed on it.

Apparently Inara felt it was safer to try to break through the shield than stay in the air any longer than we had to. The airship made a swift descent toward the large courtyard in the center of the college. I held my breath just as our compartment passed through the shimmering blue layer to find safe haven on the other side. The gold phoenix flying beside us disintegrated into ash at the first touch of its wings against the shield.

Very impressive, Dracen said, nodding his head in approval. It takes a talented mage to conjure a spell that can differentiate between friend and foe. It’s sometimes hard to tell the difference.

Luckily, Aleksander was still facing me when Dracen made his comment. The sorcerer’s eyes were locked on Aleksander’s back as if the other man had a target marked in red there.

Inara was able to bring us to a gentle rest in the middle of the grassy courtyard of the college. Gabriel opened the door of our compartment and lowered the stairs, motioning for me to disembark first.

Inara was just flying down from her navigational cabin at the front of the airship with her steam-powered, winged backpack when my feet touched the ground.

Queen Emma!

A girl of about ten years came running toward us. She wore the short, gray-and-black plaid, pleated dress of a mage in training.

Out of breath, the girl came to a stop in front of me and pulled enough air into her lungs to say in a rush, The Royal Sage asked me to bring you to her. She’s been waiting for you to arrive.

The girl turned on her heels and started walking back toward the interior of the college without waiting for my reply.

Inara came to stand beside me, pulling off her leather gloves one finger at a time.

Well, I think I deserve a medal for getting us here in one piece. I saw her eyes drift down to the dragonling in my hands. Em, what the hell is that?

I’ll explain her to you later. I placed the dragonling on my shoulder and started following our guide, hoping the Royal Sage would have news of Dena’s whereabouts.

Inside the walls of the college, all was quiet. I had expected to step into a gathering of hysterical students, considering our city was under siege. I honestly would have preferred noise to the deathly silence that welcomed us instead.

The gray stone corridors were lit by floating candles, which cast our shadows against the walls like eerie specters. The smell of cinnamon incense wafted up the hallway we walked down, causing me to wonder where exactly the little girl was leading us.

A minute later, we stepped into a large gathering room. Presumably it was the eating hall since there was an array of long tables and benches present. All of the students of the college sat around the tables quietly talking amongst themselves.

Queen Emma, Isabelle Granger said, coming to stand in front of me and curtsying deeply. We are glad to see you made it here safely. Isabelle’s golden eyes turned to Dracen. It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance Sorcerer Dracen. I never thought I would have a chance to actually stand in your presence within my lifetime.

Dracen looked noticeably uncomfortable with the Royal Sage’s salutation, but nodded his head to Isabelle in greeting, keeping his arms crossed in front of him, almost protectively.

Have you heard any news about my daughter? I asked Isabelle, desperately needing to hear Dena was safe.

Isabelle’s eyes faltered to the cold stone floor at my feet, unable or unwilling to meet my pleading gaze. When she did look back up at me, her eyes were filled with a well of tears. Even before she inhaled a deep breath to say her next words, I knew what they would be.

I am sorry to be the bearer of this news, my Queen, but Princess Dena is dead.

Chapter 2

I heard her words, but my mind simply refused to absorb them, rejecting the idea my daughter could be dead. It was an unfathomable notion. One that I couldn’t allow myself to believe. If I did, my heart would break into a million little pieces, never to be whole again.

How can you possibly know that? Inara asked, arms crossed over her chest in a defensive stance, unwilling to accept the Royal Sage’s words.

At the birth of each Vankar heir, a soul stone is created by the Royal Sage. As you know, Isabelle said to me, when Dena was born, I made hers personally. When a Vankar royal dies, the energy used to light the stone extinguishes. Dena’s light has gone out.

I looked to Gabriel and saw his eyes fill with tears, making the nightmare I had just walked into all too real. I felt a scream of grief lodge at the base of my throat, practically choking me. The dragonling on my shoulder rubbed her silky head against my neck to give me comfort. I knew she felt my despair.

Have hope. … she encouraged me.

No, I said to Isabelle, feeling lightheaded like I was about to faint from the unimaginable grief awaiting me if I let myself believe what the Royal Sage was saying. No, she isn’t dead. She can’t be dead. I refuse to believe it.

I’m sorry, your majesty, but the proof is irrefutable. Her soul stone darkened as I was sitting in my office and the first wave of the attacks began.

I took in a deep breath to make sure everyone around me heard my next words.

Now, you listen to me, all of you, I said. Magic is corruptible. I believe we just found that truth out for ourselves. The Fae probably did something in hopes of making us believe Dena is dead. What better way to render me an ineffective leader than to make me believe my only child has been killed? Dena is not dead until I see her body with my own two eyes. Does everyone here understand that?

No one said a word. I knew they all believed I was grasping at a tenuous straw in a desperate attempt to keep hope alive. Perhaps I was, but if I believed in the alternative, it would certainly drive me mad. If Dena had indeed been killed at the hands of the Fae, not even God Himself could hide them from my wrath.

Damn straight she’s still alive, Fallon said. The Queen’s right. I wouldn’t put it past that woman to try to trick us into believing Dena’s dead. It’s probably part of her twisted strategy.

But— the Royal Sage began before Fallon quickly cut her off with a look of warning.

"There are no buts about it. Fallon looked at me, making sure I heard his next words. She’s alive until we see evidence otherwise."

I nodded my head in agreement with him, finding strength in our silent pact with one another.

Now, we need to evaluate exactly what has happened and determine where to go from there. I looked at the Royal Sage. Exactly how long have the Fae been here, and how did so many of them breach the Iron Wall?

It happened not long after you left the city to consult with Sorcerer Dracen about the plagues. The first wave of the invasion started with the Dragon corps, to scare us mostly, I think, Isabelle told us. The dragons started fires, and the people who attempted to run away from them were quickly snatched up and eaten alive. A day or so later, the ground troops began their assault. They ferried hundreds of men in on large wooden platforms carried by the dragons over the wall. I was able to construct a shield to protect the college, but I wasn’t strong enough to extend it to the whole city.

The haunted look in Isabelle’s eyes made me realize she felt like she had failed me in some way.

Through Karis’ connection with his twin sister, I already knew about the platforms carrying Nuala and some of her troops over. I assumed more of the Fae breached the Iron Wall after parts of it were transmuted into gold—no longer poisonous to them.

You did what you had to do to protect your students, I said, hoping my words would be a reassurance to her. "And you’ve provided a safe haven for us. You did your job well, Isabelle.