Dracon's Revenge

Dracon’s Revenge

Write More Publications

Theresa Oliver

Copyright © 2015 Theresa Oliver

Smashwords Edition

First Edition

Published by Write More Publications

ISBN-13: 978-0-9961084-6-1

ISBN-10: 0996108467

All rights reserved. The reproduction of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without permission of Write More Publications, www.writemorepublications.com

First Write More Publications Printing 2015

All the characters in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All work is from the imagination of the author.

All rights reserved.

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-Book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Front Cover:

Dracon Pic: Photographer: Yevgeniy Zakharkin; Model: Paul Gunn

Seth and Briana Pic: Depositphotos

Sword Background: Depositphotos

Preface

Chapter 1: Precipice

Chapter 2: Cambria

Chapter 3: Castle Knights

Chapter 4: Explanations

Chapter 5: Intruders

Chapter 6: Colin

Chapter 7: Recruits

Chapter 8: Planning

Chapter 9: Seer

Chapter 10: Vision or Dream?

Chapter 11: Ambush

Chapter 12: Training

Chapter 13: The Dragon Queen

Chapter 14: Protection

Chapter 15: Visions

Chapter 16: Confrontation

Chapter 17: Captured

Chapter 18: Battle

Chapter 19: Showdown

Chapter 20: Renaissance Festival

Chapter 21: Going Home

Epilogue

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Dedication

To my parents,

Donna Davey and Todd Cranmer,

Who always knew I could do it.

Quote

Come not between the dragon, and his wrath.

-William Shakespeare

King Lear, 1608

Preface

Seth, a soft, beautiful voice called to him across a wildflower dotted field. It was a voice he would know anywhere and a voice he longed to hear, but feared that he would never hear again. The beauty then stretched out her arms, beckoning to him. Seth, come to me. I’ve been waiting for you, the voice reassured. His heart fluttered, aching for the touch of her hand in his, the gentle brush of her lips across his, and the warmth of her body crushing against him.

Briana? he asked, stalking toward her, slowly at first.

She smiled. Her calf-length, sun-streaked hair glistened in the sun and her emerald eyes glowed.

Quickly, his walk became a jog and a moment later, he was running toward her outstretched arms. He made it halfway across the field when her smile turned to a sneer, contorting her lovely features. Seth slowed. Within a second, red firefly lights rushed toward her and she grew to double her height as Seth watched. Briana? Seth asked in disbelief, his smile fading as he came to a stop in the middle of the field. What’s happening to you?

Oh, I think you know, said the figure that a moment before was Briana. Then, her body shook, her features morphing, changing until she was three stories tall, a red dragon with wings unfurled, undulating, as smoke rolled from her nostrils.

Seth stepped back, his eyes wide as the figure stalked toward him. Briana?

What’s the matter? Briana’s voice rolled over the monster’s tongue as fire burned in the back of its throat, ready. The hideous figure drew near. Don’t you still love me?

Chapter 1: Precipice

Seth sat straight up in bed, as a cold sweat dewed upon his forehead and his breath caught. He shook his head, trying to shake it free of the dream. He’d had the same dream for the last few months and he wished it would stop already. Sitting on the edge of his bed, he thought of Briana: her long, blonde-streaked hair, her emerald green eyes … but she was the Queen of Cambria. He wasn’t even from her time and the longer he was away, the farther away she became.

Seth took a deep breath, and then walked over to the weight bench sitting in the corner of his room and loaded more weight onto the bar bell. Since his last stay in Cambria, he became addicted to working out. Although he didn’t know for sure if he would ever go back, he wanted to be ready just in case.

A moment later, his muscles rippled as he pushed the heavy barbell toward the ceiling until sweat slid down his arms, falling onto the sleek, black bench he lay upon, but his thoughts were only of Briana. He knew that she had a kingdom to run in 1128 AD … er … now 1129 AD. The truth was that the longer he was away, the more he no longer felt a part of it … although he wanted to be. The summer before, his Great Uncle Herman—whom he had discovered was a wizard, in fact, the son of Merlin and over two thousand years old—had sent him to Cambria to the year 1128 AD. In Cambria, he was at home, not only with Briana, but he was at home with becoming a knight, sword fighting, magic … virtually everything to do with Cambria. Although there was unspeakable danger, he had never felt more alive in his life, but lately he began to question himself. Was it even real? Did Briana really exist? The longer he was away, the more distant Cambria and Briana became. Seth quickly pushed all thoughts of Cambria and Briana aside, pulled on a pair of blue jeans and a black T-shirt, and then rushed toward the front door.

Have a good day at school, honey! Victoria, Seth’s mother, called over her shoulder to him, but Seth paid her no mind.

He quickly slid into his black 1967 Mustang Shelby GT 500 that he had bought after his visit to his Great Uncle Herman and Cambria the summer before. Cambria. He shook his head, knowing that trying to free his mind of Cambria and Briana was hopeless as he pointed the car toward school.

A moment later, Seth pulled into the school parking lot and ran a hand through his shoulder length, warm brown hair, unable to believe that his junior year of high school was almost over. Over the past school year, he had immersed himself in his school work and working out in an effort to occupy his time. He took karate and fencing lessons to learn fighting skills, and watched movies such as First Knight and movies starring Arrow Flynn to learn techniques. If his time in Cambria hadn’t taught him anything else, it was that he needed to be ready for anything. Seth was sure that he could use the fighting skills if and when he returned.

Seth was quite good at fighting, having won many tournaments in both arts. He took jujitsu to learn another mode of fighting, but fencing he took for fun and to reinforce the sword fighting skills that he had learned in Cambria. He loved fighting with a sword and the closest thing that he could find in the modern world to the sword fighting of the knights of old was fencing. The fencing sword was much lighter, of course, but he learned how to defend from an attack very well. Over the course of the year, he had become quite aggressive. In fact, he had bested his instructors on more than one occasion.

Sam, Seth’s crazy best friend, had noticed Seth’s constant working out and coaxed him into joining the football team. Seth’s height and muscular physique was an advantage on the football field and also provided him a great outlet for his excessive energy and aggression. The aggression came from his love for Briana and the frustration of not being with her in Cambria.

Over the past year, he just couldn’t get Briana out of his mind. The image of her long sun-streaked hair cascading down her back to the middle of her calves, dressing in tight blue jeans, twelfth-century men’s riding boots and a white T-shirt walking purposefully toward him after he came back sustained him over the past year … but also haunted him, as well. Over the year, he just couldn’t get her out of his mind.

Because of the money he had received from the sale of the coins that Briana gave him, he was able to provide a nice life for his mother and himself. Even though Seth had insisted that his mother quit work, she refused, but she promised to hold out until she found something that she wanted to do. She settled on working with children and entered the local university to become a teacher. Seth knew that his mother had always wanted to go to college and now she was finally able to. No longer needing the money, she worked part time as a paraprofessional, or teacher’s assistant, within the classroom while she earned her teaching degree. As a result, Victoria was home every night with Seth—except for the nights that she was in class—and, much to Seth’s enjoyment, she was happy. She loved working with children and found great satisfaction in watching the light of enlightenment turn on within a child’s eyes.

Despite his mother’s happiness, something was missing from Seth’s life. Victoria talked to him about it more than once, but he quickly changed the subject each time she brought it up. Seth avoided the subject of dating, going to the prom—virtually anything suggesting that he go on with his life without Briana. Seth wanted nothing to do with it and found solace in playing football and heavy workouts.

Sitting in his car, eyeing Groves High School, Seth sighed, then got out of his car. Going to school provided the only distraction from Cambria … and Briana. He pulled his black backpack from behind the driver’s seat and slung it over his muscular shoulder.

Hi, Seth! Sarah—the blonde girl he’d met from the driver’s bureau after his return—yelled across the parking lot, hurrying toward him. It was pretty obvious that she had been waiting for him when he pulled up.

Seth rolled his eyes. Hey, he replied without a smile, not wanting to be rude as he headed for the front door of the school. The whole year, Sarah had her eye on Seth and told him often, and in not-so-subtle ways. Over the course of the year, she had never given up, much to his dismay. Sarah was nice enough and had grown into a real beauty over the past year with her long blonde hair and blue eyes, but his heart belonged to Briana.

Over the last year, Sarah never let an opportunity pass to let Seth know that she was interested. When time came for the prom, she had asked Seth to go and was crestfallen when he refused. Sarah ended up going to the prom with another football player, but never gave up on Seth, much to his chagrin.

So, Sarah persisted. Her long blonde hair bobbed to and fro as she hurried across the parking lot, are you going to any parties since there’s only one more week of school left?

No, Seth replied curtly, keeping his head down as he quickly walked away.

Do you have any special plans for the summer? Sarah asked, now openly running in her high heels to try and catch up before he got away.

No, Seth answered again as he moved quickly to the front door of the school.

Well, I’m going to the beach with my parents to our summer house … Sarah replied, trying desperately to win Seth’s attention when he stopped abruptly, causing Sarah to crash into him. Seth quickly grabbed her elbow to steady her out of courtesy.

Look, Sarah, Seth began, taking a deep breath. He really hated to do this to her. She was a nice girl, but she left him no choice. I’m not interested.

Tears welled up within her eyes. Are you gay? she asked, unable to believe what he was saying.

Seth laughed without humor, and then replied, No, Sarah, I’m not gay.

A tear ran silently down her cheek and Seth felt guilty for inflicting this upon her … but not that guilty. After all, he had done nothing to encourage her behavior over the course of the year. She was just persistent and wouldn’t give up. Sometimes persistence pays off, and other times, it just becomes plain annoying. Is there someone else, then? Sarah asked in a soft voice.

Seth took her hands into his and looked into her eyes as her heart melted, but he had to be honest. Yes, Sarah, I’m in love with someone else. It has nothing to do with you.

Well, where is she then? Sarah asked, her eyes flaring, glistening with tears. Because I’ve never seen you with anyone.

Seth rolled his eyes. She doesn’t live around here. He just didn’t tell her how not around here she lived.

Oh, Sarah replied, crestfallen as she readjusted the strap of her backpack. It was really an excuse to take her hand out of Seth’s. Well, if I don’t see you, have a good summer then. She forced a smile as she started walking away.

Sarah, wait, Seth said, taking a deep breath. There’s no reason why we can’t be friends, but just know that we can’t be anything more.

Sarah nodded and her smile was genuine. I’d like that.

Seth returned her smile, and then headed toward the plate glass front door, making small talk with her, when he spotted his friend Craig.

See you later, Sarah said, smiling as she walked down the hallway, leaving Seth behind as he stopped to talk to Craig.

And I thought you were saving yourself for monkitude! Craig replied, eyeing Sarah walking down the hallway. His green eyes lit up as he pushed back a strand of reddish-brown hair, watching her walk away.

Shut up, Craig, Seth replied without missing a beat. We’re just friends.

"Sarah’s been chasing you all year and now, suddenly, you’re just friends?" Craig asked, incredulous.

Seth walked away, trying to ignore him. Look, she’s a nice girl … Seth replied, as he walked toward his first class … Trig with Ms. Ross.

I thought you were saving yourself for the other blonde chick? Craig asked then added, the one with the long blonde hair from the beginning of the year … Briana?

Without thinking, Seth grabbed Craig by the throat and pinned him against the lockers. Don’t bring her into this, Seth said as his eyes flared.

Hey, a familiar voice yelled from behind him. Seth? What the hell? Sam asked.

Seth released his hold.

Nothing, Craig replied, rubbing his throat, then readjusted the strap of his backpack. It was just a misunderstanding, he said, looking at Seth with a frown. See you later, okay?

Seth took a deep breath then nodded as Craig walked away. He hated it when the guys brought her up like that.

What the hell was that all about? Sam asked, astonished, looking into Seth’s dark brown eyes.

Don’t worry about it … Seth replied, starting to walk away.

Hey … Sam replied, grabbing his arm. Don’t be like that. Now, what was that all about?

Seth said nothing, but his eyes flared.

Then, Sam decided to softly broach the subject, Was it about Briana?

Man, not you, too! Seth said, turning away. Sam was the best friend he’d ever had. He had always amused Seth … but not lately.

Sam grabbed his arm again, but Seth stopped in his tracks and looked first at his hand on his arm, then into his eyes, giving him a silent warning. Seth, you can’t keep going on like this, Sam replied, but Seth said nothing. Anyway, you should be happy. It’s almost summer and then you can go see Briana again.

Seth shook his head and walked away, but Sam was right on his heels. You just don’t understand, Seth replied, not looking at him as he walked to class.

Suddenly, Sam grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. Talk to me, man! It’s me! Sam! Now spill!

Seth took a deep breath, and then relented, saying in a low voice, Sam, you just don’t understand …

Then enlighten me.

Seth took another deep breath and shook his head. The longer I’m away, the farther away Cambria seems.

And Briana, Sam added, understanding more than Seth knew.

Seth nodded as tears filled his eyes. Yes, and Briana. He stopped and leaned against a nearby locker. Sam, it just doesn’t seem real anymore. Was it just a dream? Is my love for her even real?

Man, you’ve gone this long, don’t give up now, Sam replied, looking into Seth’s eyes. Do you still love her?

Seth nodded. You know I do.

Well, then, there’s your answer, Sam replied as a smile brightened his face, making Seth smile, too. No matter how dire things seemed to be, Sam always had a way of seeing the humor in everything. In another week, you’ll be able to find out.

But what if she doesn’t feel the same way about me anymore? Seth realized that he sounded whiny, but he couldn’t help the way he felt. After all, she hadn’t come to visit him over the course of the year. But, then again, neither had he. For all he knew, if he ever went back to Cambria, he may never return back to his own time.

One side of Sam’s lips curled into a half smile. The girl I saw kissing you at the beginning of the year was definitely real! And it was obvious how she felt about you, Seth! And if that was Briana, then go for it!

Seth’s lips curled into a smile. Sam always had a way of making things seem simple. Yeah … well … let’s go to class. And as if right on cue, the bell rang.

Sam laughed then smacked Seth on the back. Seth hardly felt it, and for Sam, it was like smacking a brick wall. Seth was buff and now a few inches taller than Sam, which hadn’t gone unnoticed. Have you been taking human growth hormone pills or something? Or steroids? Sam asked, taking in his obvious height.

Seth laughed, punching Sam playfully on the arm. Go to class!

Yeah … you, too, Sam countered, walking down another hallway toward his class. Seth shook his head. Hey, save me a seat at lunch!

I’m not your girlfriend! Seth yelled back at him, joking, when a few boys passing by gave him a dirty look.

Sam rubbed his cheek with his middle finger, looking inconspicuously at Seth.

Alright, alright! I’ll save you a seat! Seth replied, laughing, as he headed to class.

That’s my girl! Sam yelled after him, joking.

Watch it, Rosebud! Seth yelled back and walked into class.

Derek, Brolin, and Tammy were already in their seats. Derek, the class bully, lowered his eyes as Seth walked past while Tammy smirked. Seth remembered having pinned Derek against a locker at the beginning of the school year in response to his torments … and it had worked. It kept Derek off his back all year, which was a first. He never said another word to Seth and Tammy knew to leave him alone, too. His junior year of high school had been much more pleasant as a result. Seth doubted that he would have any more trouble from him.

Seth walked purposefully toward the windows where his friend, Lisa, was sitting beside an empty desk. Hey, Seth greeted her with a warm smile.

Hi, Seth, Lisa replied, returning the smile, then asked sheepishly, Any plans for the summer yet?

Over the past school year, she and Seth had a ritual of sitting next to each other in class. They had been close friends all their lives. She was truly the girl next door, living in the neighborhood not far from Seth’s house. And, before Briana, Lisa was the one person he could talk to, telling her things that he couldn’t tell the guys, and she always understood. Besides Sam, she was his best friend, but that’s all it ever was. No, not yet, Seth replied, and then looked her in the eye. What about you?

Hum, nothing yet, Lisa replied with a slight smile, watching him. We might go to the Cape, though.

Well, have a great time, Seth replied as he pulled a notebook and a pen from his backpack, preparing for class.

Seth? Lisa asked in a low voice, leaning across the aisle. Are you going back to Cambria this summer?

After Sam, Lisa, and Craig had seen Briana, he had told them everything. At first, he was afraid that they wouldn’t believe him, but in his state of mind after his return, he really didn’t care if they believed him or not. For a split second, he had even thought about lying to them, but then thought better of it. He had never lied to them before and he wasn’t going to start now. I’m not sure yet … he said as Ms. Ross suddenly called the class to order.

The day continued like any other day for Seth—mundane, boring—but he bided his time until lunch. He sat at the same table with Sam, Craig, and Lisa, and a few other people. Everyone talked animatedly as they ate, but Seth noticed that Lisa was a bit too quiet.

What’s wrong? Seth asked as he looked into her eyes, but Lisa only shook her head then picked up her tray. She started to walk off without saying another word, but he caught her arm as she passed. Come on, Lisa. What’s up? Usually she talked to him about everything. It was rare that she was this quiet … unless something was bothering her.

Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing, Lisa replied, exasperated as she headed for the door. I’ll see you later.

Okay. Seth nodded, his eyebrows pulling together as he watched her dump her garbage into the can, then slide the empty tray in the window for the lunch staff. Sam watched her go, too, and then turned back to Seth, who was still watching her. I wonder what’s wrong with Lisa? Seth asked without looking at Sam.

Don’t worry about it, Sam replied, looking back and forth between them, then slapped Seth hard on the shoulder. Time to go. I’ll see you after school, okay?

Sure, Seth replied, still perplexed as he gathered his tray and headed toward the exit. Instinctively, Seth reached under his shirt for the medallion on the red silk ribbon, making sure that it was still hanging around his neck. Over the course of the year, he had never taken it off for any period of time. The rest of the day continued in the same way until Seth thought he would bust. How could he go through the rest of the school year like this? But he consoled himself with the fact that he only had one more week to go, and then he’d be free for the summer.

Summer.

He hadn’t heard from his Great Uncle Herman lately, either. Uncle Herman had flown in for Christmas—literally—from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, but didn’t stay long. It was good to have him there, even if it was just for a little while. During his visit, Herman had said nothing of Briana or Cambria … and Seth hadn’t asked.

Occasionally, Seth had spent the weekend with his Great Uncle Herman and they had a good time just talking, but, again, nothing was ever said of Briana. Sometimes late at night at home in his room, Seth thought of going to Cambria to visit, but thought better of it, knowing if he ever saw her again, he wouldn’t be able to leave. No, he had to wait until the summer.

Race you home! Sam said to Seth after school, with the driver’s door of his Corvette open, bringing Seth back from his reverie.

No, you won’t, Seth replied, unlocking his car, because you know I’d win.

In your dreams, boy.

Hearing Sam call him boy brought back memories of his father, Colin, still in Cambria. It was strange. Today, Seth seemed to be thinking of Cambria and everyone in it much more than usual when suddenly, Seth heard a voice inside his head, Go straight home. It’s important. Seth knew that it was his Great Uncle Herman. He was a sorcerer, and a good one at that, having been responsible for sending Seth to Cambria the summer before.

Having noticed the sudden change in Seth’s eyes, Sam asked, Are you okay, man? What’s up?

Nothing, Seth replied, his eyebrows pulling together. I just have to go home. I’ll catch you later, all right?

Sure, man … whatever, Sam replied, confused, but he let it go. He ran his fingers through his sun-streaked, short cropped hair as he watched Seth speed out of the parking lot.

As he drove his car toward home, Seth wondered what in the world Herman could want. He felt himself pushing the speed limit, trying to get home as quickly as possible. His Great Uncle Herman was full of surprises, but mental telepathy was a first. It had to be something important for him to use it now.

A few expert turns later, Seth pulled into the driveway of his home. His mother’s car wasn’t there. Seth’s senses were on alert as he turned off the ignition. He rushed toward the house, leaving his backpack in the car. Suddenly, Herman stepped out of the house onto the front porch with a look of concern changing his features.

What’s wrong, Uncle Herman? Seth asked, hurrying across the lawn, but Herman stepped down off the porch. Seth didn’t bother with pleasantries, fearing the worst. Is it Mom?

Heavens, no! he replied, but his answer didn’t replace the look of worry upon his face.

Is it Briana, then? Seth asked, bracing himself for the answer, fearing the worst.

Herman shook his head no.

Seth let out a breath that he hadn’t realized he was holding. Uncle Herman, don’t play with me. What’s going on?

Herman placed a hand gently on Seth’s shoulder and looked directly into his dark brown eyes. Let’s go inside, Herman said, then added, I’d like a glass of your mother’s iced tea, if you don’t mind.

Seth rolled his eyes and opened the front door of the house, feeling his heart sink. He wished Herman would just come out with it already, but he also knew that for Herman to come inside of the house, there must be a lot to tell. Seth was unable to take the suspense. He stopped in his tracks, blocking the way, and asked, Please, tell me.

Herman calmly replied, Seth, let’s go inside before your mother comes home. She doesn’t need to hear this. Seth held his breath, fearing the worst. Herman turned quickly and walked through the front door without another word. Inside, Herman sat at the kitchen table and it was obvious that he expected him to do the same, but Seth was much too nervous to sit down. Instead, he walked over to the cabinet, pulled out two tall glasses, and poured iced tea into each of them. It was something to do.

What’s going on? Seth asked, setting