Legends of the Dragonrealm, Vol. III

“The world isss never an easy place, friend Cabe,” the drake hissed quietly. “Asss much as we would like it to be so, it isss more probable that it will continue to plunge usss into one situation after another. We can only do what we feel isss bessst for all.”

“Whatever that may be,” Cabe agreed, amazed that the Dragon King should be so concerned and understanding. The master of the Dagora Forest was so very much unlike his counterparts, being almost human at times. Not for the first time was the weary spellcaster pleased to have the reptilian monarch for both ally and . . . yes . . . friend.

He glanced ahead and saw both Kyl and Grath mounted and waiting. Grath eyed them with curiosity. The emperor-to-be, on the other hand, wore an expression of regal indifference. Cabe, looking past the mask the dragon heir wore, could read the impatience in Kyl’s eyes. Yes, both the journey and the audience held the promise of being . . . interesting.

Thoughts of the meeting in Talak mingled with worry for Darkhorse, concern for Valea, and a thousand lesser problems.

The world is never an easy place, the Dragon King had said.

That, the warlock amended, was an understatement.

Valea leaned against a pillar, trying to keep herself from watching the caravan as it slowly began to depart the Manor grounds. She belatedly realized that she had forgotten to say farewell to her father, but the mistake seemed minimal compared to her other loss.

He will come back from this journey, but soon he will be leaving for the final time! the young witch thought, a lump growing in her throat. Soon, Kyl would be sitting on the throne of the Dragon Emperor and Valea would be a fading memory to him. On the one hand, she knew that what she dreamed was foolish, but it was impossible not to imagine what life would be like if circumstances would only permit her to be Kyl’s queen. She knew her own feelings for the young drake and was certain that his were of a similar vein. Did he not make excuses to touch her hand or arm whenever possible? Did Kyl not also show her special attention whenever they were together, no matter who else was there?

Out in the yard below, the caravan continued to move. By this time, she knew that it was already too late to see Kyl one last time. Determined to prove himself, he had chosen to ride at the head of the column. It was a brave thing to do. There were men, even drakes, who wanted his life simply because of what he was.

“You are missing the departure, Lady Bedlam.”

Valea gasped. Benjin Traske was standing only a few feet behind her, yet she had heard nothing.

“I apologize if I startled you, my dear.”

“I was just . . . just thinking.”

Traske’s brow rose. “It must have been important for you to miss saying farewell to your father. The proper thing to have done would have been to see him off.”

From anyone else, even her mother, the young sorceress might not have taken the reprimand. Valea felt she was old enough to do what she desired, even if she knew that it might be wrong. Yet the scholar had a way of speaking to her that made her feel once more like a first-year pupil. Bowing her head, the redheaded sorceress returned, “He will not be gone long. Only a few days.”

“Do you speak of your father, or the young drake?”

Her head snapped back up and she started to protest.

Traske raised a massive hand. “Do not seek to convince me otherwise, Lady Valea. I have watched you grow up. I have learned everything about you. About everyone here. I know for how long this . . . yearning . . . of yours has been going on.”

The young woman colored.

Oblivious to her embarrassment, the scholar went on. “I was brought here by the lord of Dagora to act as teacher to both the heirs to the Dragon Emperor and to you and your brother. I have made that my life for the past many years, Lady Valea, and so you must believe me when I say that I could not perform this task for so long without becoming aware of each of your needs and dreams.” He sighed. “In truth, you are all family to me, even your somewhat arrogant paramour.”

“He’s not-”

“He will need that arrogance, my lady, so I do not fault him for it, believe me. Kyl has become what he has become because of the great mission before him. There are certain things that he in his role must be able to do. I like to think that I have prepared him for many of those things.” Traske’s expression abruptly softened. “Although even I would have to admit that I was not thinking he might be so drawn to one not of his own kind.”

His last statement drew Valea away from the pillar. Her eyes filled with hope. “Do you mean-I mean-does he-?”

“Very much so, I would say.”

Without warning, she reached out and hugged the elder man. Benjin Traske stood motionless, evidently stunned by her outburst. Only when Valea finally released him did he react, and that was simply to blink.

“Did he actually say anything?” Valea asked breathlessly.

“He . . . he has said nothing outright.” Traske visibly collected himself. “But what he has . . . inferred has been plain enough for me to understand.”

Still reeling with joy, Valea whirled about and rushed to the window. She leaned outside and peered at the caravan. More than half of it had already vanished beyond her field of vision. The young sorceress leaned out even further, trying to get a better view of the vanguard.

Sturdy hands pulled her back inside. “My lady! It would be a tragedy indeed if you fell to your death!”

She smoothed her dress, shaken both by his attempt to rescue her and by the fact that he was correct about the danger. Her control of her skills was not as sure as that of her parents. If her mother’s teachings were to be believed, it would not be the first time a mage had died through simple, physical carelessness. With power came the need for caution.

“Thank you, Master Traske,” she finally muttered.

“I see that I have underestimated the extent of your . . . love.”

Love? It was the first time that the word had entered the situation. Even Valea had never actually thought it. Love. It must be true, she realized. Master Traske was no blind man; if he saw love, it could only be because it was there for him to see.

“I’m in love with him. . . .” she whispered, noticing it as truth for the first time. Why had she never thought it before? It was so obvious! What other explanation was there for the way she felt?

Then the young witch thought of her parents and how they would react if she said as much to them. “No . . . I can’t be!”

“You are.” Traske put a hand on her shoulder. The touch was gentle, reassuring. “Denying facts is a futile waste of time. My classes should have taught you that by now, Lady Valea.”

“What can I do?” She could not go to her mother for such advice. Benjin Traske was the only one whose counsel she could trust. He understood the world in a way that Valea had still to learn . . . might never learn, for that matter. Her parents were so protective.

“You must wait.” The scholar’s voice was low, confiding. He glanced around. “If there is one thing I know, it is that one must wait for the proper moment. It is how I’ve led my life, Valea. You must wait. I am certain that Kyl will make known the truth before it is too late. If he does not . . .” Traske shrugged sadly. “Then, it was meant to be that way.”

“But you said he loved me!”

“One must consider all possibilities . . . you have not been paying attention during your classes, I see.” He smiled, shattering the image of inquisitor. “I doubt, however, that matters will end that way. Just listen-”

At the sudden pause, Valea looked around. She did not notice anything at first, but then the sound of footsteps echoed throughout the area.