The Farloft Chronicles: Collection 2

BOOKS BY THERESA SNYDER

The Farloft Chronicles

(Dragon books suitable for Middle-school to Adult)

James & the Dragon - Vol. 1

Kingdom of the Last Dragon - Vol. 2

Dragon Deception - Vol. 3

Too Many Dragons - Vol. 4

Three & a Half Dragons - Vol. 5

Dragon Memories, Dreams & Reflection - Vol. 6

The Star Traveler Series

(Sci-fi suitable for Young Adult to Adult)

The Helavite War - Vol. 1

The Heirs of Henu - Vol. 2

Old Friends/New Enemies - Vol. 3

The Malefactors - Vol. 4

Cataclysm - Vol. 5

A Mear Sleight of Hand - Vol. 6

The Twin Cities Series

(Paranormal Mature Young Adult to Adult)

Shifting in The Realms (Book 1)

Shifting Agony & Ecstasy (Book 2)

Shifting Place (Book 3)

Memoir

(Adult Non-fiction)

We 3

Learn more at

www.TheresaSnyderAuthor.com

Too Many Dragons

Vol. 4

1 CALM BEFORE THE STORM

I sat outside my cottage in the early morning sun sorting the collection of herbs I harvested yesterday during my walk back from the village. Adrian was lounging beside me carving a design into the top of a staff. James was asleep in the meadow. Occasionally, the young dragon would flick his tail or ruffle his wings to shoo off a bee that took a liking to his lime green scales. Other than that he was totally relaxed. It was amazing to me that he could even feel something as small as a bee. Perhaps he heard it, who knows? Dragons are wonderfully complicated creatures.

Adrian stopped to blow the shavings from his work.

That is beautiful, Adrian, I said admiring the intricate detail of the staff.

The young bard had worked a dragon into his carving. It curled up the shaft. The natural hook at the top of the wood was what he was working on currently. It was turning out to be a very clear likeness of James.

You think she’ll like it? Adrian asked. He seemed to be sure of himself with everyone but Sarah. With her and her feelings, he always second guessed himself.

I think she will love it, I assured him. She will see all the work you put into it for her and treasure it.

Farloft was the one who suggested that Sarah should have a staff. She has been working very diligently to develop her sorceress skills, but is finding her new found powers hard to direct. Farloft thought an instrument to assist her in focusing her energy would be helpful, a wand or a staff.

Adrian immediately started carving. He had a vision. He was creating something of beauty.

Do you think I should paint it? Adrian asked as he rubbed the remaining wood chips from the dragon face. He stood up and dusted off his front and then sat back down to go at it again. He picked an errant wood chip from his shoulder length black hair.

I wouldn’t if I were you, I advised. It would be a shame to cover up the grain of the wood.

Adrian chose a piece of Marlewood with a burl at its end for the staff. The grain swirled around the length of it like the flying dragon he was carving on it. The color of the wood went from an almost cream color to within a breath of black. The burl was such that it gave the carving of James’ head the look of being scaled without Adrian needing to carve the detail.

Perhaps you’re right, Adrian said as he continued to carve. I was just thinking I like the color of James’ skin. It would be bright on a staff.

James ears tipped forward at the mention of his name. He looked up with half lidded, green eyes. What?

Nothing, Adrian replied. Go back to sleep slug, he teased.

James puffed preparing himself to throw a bit of dragon fire toward the bard.

Don’t you dare, Adrian threatened, you’ll scorch the staff.

James gulped and smoke seeped out of his nose. Just remember I am not a slug. I am a dragon and I have the fire to prove it.

Yah, yah, yah, Adrian taunted. The big bad dragon hatchling. You keep it up and I may slip and cut your head off. Adrian made a motion as though he might remove James’ craved head on the staff.

You do and there will be no reason not to toast you, James teased.

Adrian huffed at the dragon and went back to his work. James laid his head back down on his paws to snooze some more.

Do you know when it will be finished? I asked.

Soon, the bard answered. I intend to give it to her at the harvest festival. That gives me a bit more time.

She is going to love it, I repeated. I went back to sorting. I made a mental note to drop in on Sarah to see how her sorceress studies were coming.

*****

The heels on Sarah’s shoes clacked as she hurried across the slate floor of her study in the castle. She stopped just long enough to remove them so she could work peacefully in her stocking feet. She needed to focus and even the sound of her steps distracted her.

She reached in and pulled another live toad out of the tank by the window. It croaked in her hand.

Sorry fella, but hopefully I will make captivity worth it.

She took the toad to her work bench. Using magic she put it into a trance so it would sit still. The trance spell was one she had down pat. It was the rest that was giving her difficulty.

She leaned over one of Laval’s journals. The ex-wizard was very meticulous in his record/spell keeping. Her finger followed the flowing script of his cursive writing. She had to be doing something wrong, but she couldn’t see what it was. She thought she was following the spell to the letter. Laval stated in his journal that this was one of the beginner level spells he learned while an apprentice to Master Wizard Alturis.

Surely, she should be able to accomplish this as she had the other beginning spells.

She sighed deeply in dismay and looked down at the docile toad. She pulled back her sleeves, rubbed her hands together in an attempt to warm them in the crisp fall air of the castle then placed them over the reptile.

"Toad you are now,

Puppy you will be,

When I clap my hands,

One, two THREE!"

The toad instantly squealed and turned into a bunny.

Damn! Sarah exclaimed in frustration. She picked up the bunny and carried it over to the cage in the corner. Numerous fuzzy bundles turned their dark brown eyes toward her as she approached. There were now over a half dozen bunnies in the cage and not one puppy. She opened the door up and all but one scurried to the back of the cage as she placed their new member inside. The one large black bunny that had stayed out front opened his mouth and croaked.

I’m sorry, Sarah said in sympathy. I’m doing the best I can. I’ll get it right soon or I’ll find a reversal spell. Either way you’ll be better soon. I promise.

She walked back to the journal and reread the passage again. If she didn’t get it right soon, she was going to have to establish a warren. The problem was Queen Larkin had specifically asked for a puppy for her birthday not a rabbit infestation.

2 BRIDGE BUILDING

You better rest a minute, Adrian suggested. You look pooped.

Just one more log and it’s finished, James replied. I can last another run.

James looked over to where the villagers were working on the construction of a new bridge across the river that ran east of the castle and the town, between their homes and Tellishire. James had spent most of the day flying the logs from the trees that were being felled in the forest to the river’s edge. His young wings drooped at his sides. The muscles of his chest arched from carrying the heavy loads. But, he felt satisfied. The bridge was going to be wide enough to accommodate two carts side-by-side and they couldn’t have done that without his help.

All right, be stubborn, Adrian said in a dismissive tone, his hands placed firmly on his hips. But if you drop it make sure it’s not on one of our heads.

James took off and flew the short distance to the cutting site. The villagers had the last tree trunk stripped of its limbs and ready to go. They were picking up their shirts, cloaks and tools making preparations to walk to the construction site at the river.

James picked up the log. He got no further than ten feet off the ground and dropped it - luckily, not on someone’s head. He was exhausted. It was a lot of flying for a young dragon. James flew down and reached out to pick it up again. He still couldn’t understand why Farloft didn’t join him today. The older dragon said he would earlier when the project was first proposed, but then at the last minute asked James if he could handle it on his own. Farloft rarely asked James for anything, so he agreed without asking why. After all, Farloft wasn’t sick, he seemed in excellent spirits. James heard him humming this morning as he tidied up the cave.

James took the log in a firm grip, and giving a strong downward thrust with his aching wings, rose off the ground. He just didn’t have the energy to get much height on this last trip. He bobbed around willy-nilly in the stiff breeze off the river as he came in for a landing.

Adrian came up to him. You okay?

Fine as frog’s hair, James snorted. Yeah, that was right. He’d be fine once he ate and rested for a week and a half.

You want a ride home? James asked his friend.

I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think you have it in you, Bud, the young bard said, as he reached out and patted the young dragon’s shoulder. Besides, I think I will take a swing by the castle and see Sarah. Maybe I can get invited for dinner if I offer to tell a few tales. He grinned and patted James again. You best head home and lay in the pool to help those shoulder muscles relax. It will be dark by the time you get there.

There was a pool in the dragon’s lair that was fed by a hot springs. Dragons were very clean creatures. They needed to be in order to fly properly.

That sounds like a good idea, James agreed. He could almost feel the warmth of the pool. Tell Sarah hi for me. I’ll come by your place tomorrow and we can make that trip to Hayward. James was looking forward to going. There was a sweets shop in Hayward where Adrian always picked up treats for his lady friends and the children that listened to his stories. The bard was always generous and bought toffee for James as a thank you for saving him a long walk by flying him to the southern town. James didn’t tell his friend, but he would have flown him in spite of the candy payoff. He loved Adrian’s company.

Don’t come too early, Adrian said. I might have a late night. He winked mischievously at James.

James didn’t understand the bard sometimes lately, but he was just too tired to ask for an explanation right now. He spread his wings and headed for home and a nice warm soak.

3 ADRIAN’S GIFT

Adrian placed the torch he was carrying in the holder by the bench in the garden. The night was clear and cool, but not too chilly. He concealed the dragon carved staff in the bushes behind the bench as he sat waiting for Sarah to come from her duties in the castle.

He had fully intended to give it to Sarah during the Harvest Festival, but he just couldn’t wait. It was finished and he was anxious to see what she though of it. He sat with the top still held in his hand. He rubbed the staff from the head of the dragon on the handle down the length of its body to the tip of its tail. It was some of the finest work he felt he had ever done. The dragon might not look exactly like James, but it caught his essence.

At the crunch of Sarah’s boots on the gravel garden path, he quickly pushed the staff back out of sight.

Sorry it took me so long to get down here, Sarah apologized. Larkin caught me on my way out. As you heard at supper, she is excited about her birth date though it is still months away. She wanted my opinion on the guest list. At this rate she will have all the kingdom’s inhabitants plus as many as can come from as far away as she can think to ask. Sarah giggled. I think she would invite the King of Black Tower if she thought he would come. No one would invite the barbarian conqueror King of Black Tower to anything. He would much rather burn down a kingdom than eat birthday cake.

She does seem to be overly enthused about growing yet another year older, Adrian confessed. Can’t really see the point of celebrating any more years once you have reached the important one that marks you old enough to drink in a pub.

Sarah cuffed Adrian in the shoulder as she slipped down to sit beside him. That would be the important one for you, she said sarcastically.

Well, you can’t properly ply your trade as a bard without the use of an audience of well spirited men with coin in their pockets. There is no better place to find such men then in pubs.

True, true, Sarah confessed. She fell silent then and the silence lengthened into an awkward pause. She and Adrian had more than their share of these stagnant moments over the last few months. She filled the time by fiddling with her hair - tucking it behind her ears at both sides of her head. When she couldn’t think of anything else to do, she smoothed her tunic and folded her hands in her lap, waiting for Adrian to say something…anything…

Adrian sat gazing at Sarah out of the corner of his eye. She was one of the most enticing women he knew. He longed to be able to approach her as he did other women. He knew how to turn on his bard’s charm for the ladies. But, Sarah was different. She was a friend first and he had not figured out how to progress from friend status to eligible bachelor in her eyes. While he admired her beauty and wrangled with this inner dilemma Sarah shifted uncomfortably on the bench at his side. The movement brought him back from his revelry to the reason for his visit.

I have something I want to give you, he started to explain. I was going to wait until the Harvest Festival, but I changed my mind this morning. He reached behind them and without further explanation drew the dragon staff out of the bushes and placed it in her hands on he lap.

Sarah did not speak. She held the staff as though it might break, stroking the many layers of smooth oiled finish Adrian had lovingly applied over the past few weeks. She traced the detail of the dragon carving. Adrian saw tears begin to well up in her eyes. She quite unexpectedly leaned over and kissed Adrian on the cheek as the first of her tears spilled down her own.

It is magnificent, she declared in a whisper, her voice quivering as she drew in a ragged breath trying to keep from sobbing.

Adrian thumbed the tears from her eyes. Don’t cry, he said with a smile. I thought it would make you happy, not upset you.

I am happy, Sarah said as she raised the handle of the staff up to eye level so she could inspect the detail of the dragon from the light of the torch. It is beautiful. I see the influence of James here, she said pointing to the lopsided grin on the dragon’s face.

Yes, Adrian confessed. He did inspire me as well as torment me during the carving of it. I heard Farloft say a staff might help you learn to channel your powers. Theresa placed her hand on it when it was finished. She told me she gave it a push. Whatever that means.

It means I might be able to complete my work before Larkin’s birth date. She may get her puppy yet, Sarah said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Adrian cocked his head and looked at Sarah for an explanation to her last statement.

Sarah didn’t bother to explain, instead she leaned over toward him again. This time she planted her lips firmly on Adrian’s. It was a short kiss, but it definitely elevated him from friend to eligible bachelor in his mind.

4 TROUBLES AT HOME

Clearair snuggled up beside Farloft. She rubbed her head against his neck, their tails entwined. She sighed deeply and laid her neck over his.

I want to share the rest of my life with you, Clearair, Farloft whispered softly. I don’t want you to ever leave me.

We can’t, Clearair said. I am cursed. There isn’t any life with me, she added matter-of-factly. Being a human by day and a dragon by night did not leave Clearair much hope that the two of them could build a life together.

I have lived a long, long time, my lady, Farloft said raising his head off his paws. Clearair moved her head from his neck and came eye to eye with the huge male. She could see her reflection in his golden orbs. I have never wanted anything as much as I want you. He rubbed noses with her. I love you. We will find a way, he assured her.

I just don’t see how, Clearair sighed.

I can’t either, yet, but I will, Farloft assured her. He lifted his wing and placed it protectively over her back. I promise, I will.

*****

By the time James landed on the ledge outside the dragon lair it was early evening and the stars had just started to twinkle in the deep blue depths of the sky. The moon was full and rising up from the horizon to make its nightly journey through the heavens. He stopped long enough to get a drink from the pool before he headed to the cave entrance. Farloft was waiting for him; no doubt he had heard him arrive. The old dragon had an acute sense of hearing and vision.

How did the bridge build go? Farloft asked him as he blocked James’ entry.

It was a lot of work, but it will be worth it when they are finished, James answered. I completed my part. Boy, am I sore. I’m going to take a soak in the pool. James started to scoot by the bigger dragon.

Farloft shifted position and held his ground. You can’t come in, Farloft said.

James took a step back. Why?

Because I said so, Farloft answered seriously in his deep baritone voice.

Stop joking, Farloft, James said and tried to side step the larger dragon.

I am serious. Farloft assured him. He shifted his mass to more effectively block the younger dragon.

I’ll just take a quick soak and then… He tried to side step past him again.

No, Farloft stated flatly. You need to find someplace else to stay. Theresa will let you sleep in her meadow, Farloft suggested.

Sleep in a meadow? James couldn’t believe what Farloft was suggesting. I just spent the whole day moving trees that you said you would help with, and now I can’t soak and sleep in my own cave?

Technically, my cave, Farloft corrected, and no, you can’t come in, soak or sleep here any longer.

Farloft? James said in a hurt voice. What’s got into you?

You need to go, fledgling, Farloft stated sternly.

If James didn’t know better he would find the older dragon’s tone threatening. And when was the last time he had called James ‘fledgling?’ It was verging on derogatory.

Farloft? James begged. When he landed he was just tired, now he was confused too.

Farloft held out his paw. Here, he offered.

When James held out his paw Farloft dropped James’ horde in it. James looked down at the barrette Sarah gave him and the dagger Farloft gave him when he was a boy.

It’s time you found a cave of your own, the older dragon said. You’re old enough to be on your own. I was all alone by the time I was your age. It’s not natural for grown male dragons to share a lair.

James looked at Farloft with disbelief in his eyes. Did I do something wrong? he asked. Whatever it is, I won’t do it again. He couldn’t imagine what he had done that would make Farloft upset with him.

You didn’t do anything wrong, it’s just time for you to be on your own, Farloft said. Don’t make such a big thing of this, Farloft chided. You’re not a hatchling unless you act like one. Farloft scooted James backward with his larger body toward the edge of the cliff. Go on… he said extending his wings out gently pushing, off with you.

James stumbled back over his own feet. Farloft was shooing him off like he was some unwanted insect.

Fine… he would go.

He’d find his own place.

He didn’t need family. He had been without them as a human - he could get along without them as a dragon.

James spread his wings and dropped off the edge of the cliff.

Farloft watched the young dragon as he headed off. It was for the best. James needed to learn to take care of himself. The young dragon would be fine. Farloft couldn’t have him around his lair now. It was natural dragon behavior to protect your lair when you took a mate.

Farloft, Clearair called. What are you doing? she asked as she emerged from the cave in her full dragon glory. Her scales shimmered and shifted in several shades of iridescent blue in the moon light. She came up beside him and affectionately rubbed her head against the big male’s neck. Are you coming back in?

Farloft’s eyes left the young retreating dragon’s silhouette against the moon lit sky. Yes, Love, Farloft answered. He looked down into her deep blue/green eyes and lovingly rubbed his muzzle against hers.

*****

James flew with a troubled mind to Theresa’s cottage at the edge of the forest.

He shook his head. He just didn’t understand what was wrong with Farloft. He was bewildered and hurt. What would make Farloft throw him out? What had he done?

The young dragon landed in the meadow in front of the Healer’s home. She was out gathering in more firewood for the night. The nights had a chill in the air these early days of fall.

Good evening, James, Theresa called. She put her load of wood down on the chopping block and walked over to the young dragon. His lime green scales seemed to almost glow in the moonshine.

James inclined his head to the Healer as he tucked his wings to his sides.

What brings you out this evening? Theresa was used to James showing up in her meadow when he was lonely or troubled. Being a boy that had only recently become a dragon was unsettling at times. James often came to confide in her and seek guidance.

James lowered his head and puffed smoke out his nose in agitation. I didn’t know where else to go.

The young dragon sounded miserable.

Theresa came closer and placed her hands on either side of his soft muzzle. What happened?

A tear rolled down James’ cheek onto her hand. I went home tonight after working on the new bridge. I just wanted to relax in the thermal pool. I’m so sore. Farloft wouldn’t let me stay. He held out his paw and revealed the barrette Sarah gave him months ago and the dagger Farloft gave him. He told me grown male dragons didn’t live together - it wasn’t natural. He said it was time I found my own cave.

Theresa leaned into James and hugged his muzzle gently against her chest. It was sometimes difficult to remember when you looked at the huge dragon James had become that he was just a young boy stuck in that massive body.

I’m sorry, James, but I must admit I thought this might be coming.

What? James asked as he pulled back from the Healer. How did Theresa know and he didn’t?

James, how old are you? Theresa asked.

Fifteen in human years, James answered.

If you were still human you would be seeking out a wife by now, wouldn’t you? Theresa asked with a smile.

Yes, but I don’t understand - there aren’t any female dragons… James hesitated in thought. There was a female dragon, Clearair. Oh, no…

Theresa smiled at the young dragon as she saw him grasp what was going on with Farloft.

You couldn’t have missed how Farloft and Clearair look at each other. They’re in love. The Healer pronounced what James had just figured out. Most likely he wants his cave to himself because he intends to share it with her instead of you. He did say two ‘male’ dragons, didn’t he? Theresa affectionately patted the dragon’s shoulder. You mustn’t take it personal. He was alone for a very long time before you joined him.

You don’t think he considers me a rival? James was trying to wrap his mind around this new development.

I don’t hardly think so, Theresa answered with a chuckle. I think he just wants some privacy. Why don’t you spend tonight here? Tomorrow I’ll show you a little place I know is available for immediate occupation. Even comes with resident neighbors that I know you will like.

Theresa walked over to her chopping block and picked up the wood. She motioned to James. "Come with me. I have some salve that will