In a seething mass of flapping wings and scraping talons, the rest of the dragons took flight, heading after Shari. To Ezaara’s surprise, they hovered below Shari’s mat, heads facing inward, forming layers of glinting rings as the early morning sun caught their scales.
“What’s happening?” she asked Roberto.
“Something beautiful.” As Roberto melded, his life thread became visible—a strong dark blue river flecked with silver, flowing between him, Erob and herself—accompanied by a rush of love.
Trumpeting, Ariana, Singlar, Vino and Erob released Shari’s mat.
Ezaara gasped as Shari’s limp form plummeted earthward toward the layers of waiting dragons. As her body fell between them, the dragons shot flames from their open maws, setting her body alight. Aflame, she fell, through more circles of flaming maws.
Within moments, the flames died and nothing but ash was left, scattering above the forest on the breeze.
Traitors
A surge of pride welled inside Roberto—Ezaara was seated at the head of the granite horseshoe, next to Lars. Finally, after all this time, she was in her rightful place as Queen’s Rider.
Ezaara wiggled her feet under the table. “Do you like my shoes?”
Roberto smiled. “Very nice.” She was wearing the shoes he’d given her on race day. Thank the Egg, she wasn’t on trial today.
The council chamber was packed. Most people wore black armbands, to honor Jaevin and Shari, and brightly-colored ribbons to show support for Zaarusha.
Lars rapped his gavel. “Unfortunately, today’s proceedings are no cause for celebration. First, I must apologize to Ezaara, Zaarusha and Master Roberto for our mistaken verdict. They have been cleared of all wrongdoing. Master Tonio expresses his heartfelt apologies.” He nodded grimly. “Earlier this morning, after Shari’s death rites, the Council of the Twelve Dragon Masters reinstated Roberto to his position as Master of Mental Faculties and Imprinting. We now also appoint our Honored Queen’s Rider as a member of the council. Although she is not yet fully trained, she has proven her capability.”
Cheers erupted, then clapping. Someone whistled—probably Kierion.
When the room quieted, Lars continued, “It’s a tragedy that Master Shari and Master Jaevin, two of our finest dragon riders, have been murdered.”
Around the chamber, people raised their fists to their hearts and murmured, “May their spirits soar with departed dragons.”
“Thank you for your solidarity in protecting the queen last night. We expect Zaarusha to recover fully,” Lars said. “No doubt, the praises of Ezaara, Master Roberto, Adelina, Gret and Kierion will be sung around hearths for years to come. But now, we must deal with the traitors.”
The doors to the council chambers opened with an ominous thud. Blue guards led Bruno, Fleur and Simeon inside. The shackles on their wrists and ankles clanking, Fleur and Simeon sat in chairs facing the council. Simeon hung his head, pretending remorse. Fleur’s nose was in the air, her lip curled in a faint sneer.
Roberto snorted. They were as guilty as rats crushing thrush eggs.
“Please sit, Bruno,” Lars ordered.
Bruno objected. “Highly Honored Master Lars, may I please have a word with you?”
Lars sighed. “Make it quick.”
Some people muttered as blue guards hustled Bruno forward. Others were deathly silent, staring daggers at the traitors.
Only one seat away from Lars, Roberto heard everything.
“My wife and son acted without my knowledge,” Bruno whispered. “I’m horrified by their actions.”
Bruno was trying to save his own skin—the coward.
Ezaara mind-melded, “You took their crimes upon yourself to protect me, but he won’t protect his own flesh and blood.”
“He’s a gutter-swilling yellow belly.”
“I’m worried, Roberto. Perhaps he knows we have no evidence against him, only against his wife and son.”
There it was: his fear laid bare. “Let’s hope Lars has found something.”
“Hmm.” Ezaara sounded as doubtful as he felt. As long as Bruno was at Dragons’ Hold, no one was safe.
After ordering Bruno to his seat, Lars outlined the charges against Fleur and Simeon.
“He hasn’t charged Bruno,” Ezaara said.
“Not a good sign.”
Walking out from behind the granite horseshoe, Lars addressed the assembly. “Last night, I inspected the infirmary. Fleur has stockpiled poisons and destroyed most of our healing remedies. The deadly cache she has amassed is enough to wipe out our dragons and riders several times over. She poisoned our queen, fought our Queen’s Rider, and we suspect she has murdered two of our masters.” The chill in Lars’ voice sent frost down Roberto’s spine. “I’ve said enough. Now, our Honored Queen’s Rider will speak.”
Ezaara’s chair scraped as she stood, face grave. “I was too new and naive to detect the trap that Fleur and Simeon laid for me. They undermined my role and tried to banish me, knowing Zaarusha would be vulnerable. When Master Roberto was banished for their crimes, I discovered his innocence and left to rescue him. Although I am glad I did, I give my deepest apologies for not being here to protect our queen.”
“Stop this. It’s not your fault!”
Ignoring Roberto, Ezaara continued, “They poisoned Zaarusha. They attacked me, Gret and Adelina. Ajeuria nearly killed Erob and Master Roberto.”
“She did not. I’m much stronger than Ajeuria,” Erob interrupted, melding with them both.
Still facing her people, Ezaara ignored Erob too. “We were lucky, but Master Jaevin and Master Shari were not. As the evidence unfolds, listen carefully and learn. Zaarusha and I never want traitors at Dragons’ Hold again.”
“Lying swine!” Fleur scowled. “This is preposterous. We’ve done our best for Dragons’ Hold. She’s the traitor.”
Not letting Fleur’s
