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Kindle the Flame
Kindle the Flame
Kindle the Flame
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Kindle the Flame

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A girl who never fit in, a young man forced into an outcast's life, a boy raised without a community, and a ruler who holds the key to their destinies...

Kinna has a Pixie she can't train and a head full of doubts. Her worst fears come true when she fails the Tournament entrance test. She flees her Clan in disgrace, inexplicably drawn to a Mirage, a rare Dragon she has no business training.

Ayden is cursed—anyone he touches turns to ash before his eyes. He hides amongst the Dragon Clan with the only creatures he cannot hurt. When Kinna frees his favorite Dragon, his world turns upside down.

Cedric grows up in isolation, fostered by an outcast Centaur. When tragedy strikes, he ventures into a strange new world of Dragons, political intrigue, and magic.

Sebastian's country hovers on the brink of war. Chased from his rightful throne, he schemes to retake his kingdom by any means possible, even if it threatens an ancient agreement that underpins the foundation of his realm.

Only by examining their pasts will these four find their futures. But will they survive the fires of discovery?

LanguageEnglish
Release dateSep 12, 2017
ISBN9781370219933
Kindle the Flame
Author

Tamara Shoemaker

Tamara Shoemaker authored the Amazon best-selling Shadows in the Nursery Christian mystery series and Soul Survivor, another Christian mystery. Her fantasy books include the Heart of a Dragon trilogy: Kindle the Flame, Embrace the Fire, and Unleash the Inferno, as well her Guardian of the Vale trilogy: Mark of Four, Shadows of Uprising, and Guardian of the Vale. In her spare time, she freelances as an editor for other works of fiction, chases three children hither and yon, and tries hard to ignore the brownie mixes that inevitably show up in her cabinets.

Read more from Tamara Shoemaker

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    Book preview

    Kindle the Flame - Tamara Shoemaker

    Chapter

    One

    Kinna

    Kinna did not hate the Pixie with flamboyant pink hair and rigid back turned toward her, but the Pixie hated her. Waves of dislike radiated from

    the

    Fey

    .

    Kinna sighed. "Please listen to me, Hazel. I don't like it any more than

    you

    do

    ..."

    "Don't you, mistress?"

    "Don't call

    me

    that

    ."

    Hazel turned, staring Kinna down. Her clenched fists crossed tightly over her chest; her vivid purple eyes sparked with resentment. "You're just as guilty as the rest of them. You, who sit around with the other Dimn, training your creatures to do whatever mad plan you dream

    of

    next

    ."

    Kinna sought the words to calm the angry Pixie, but they eluded her. Much as she wished to smooth the situation, sympathy squeezed through her mental barriers. It wasn't right, how the Dimn, the trainers, treated the creatures as if they had no thoughts, no feelings. She didn't approve of the Council's continued ratification of Pixie training, year after year, but what could

    she

    do

    ?

    Her father, Tristan, had returned home two nights ago after the latest Council meeting, weary-eyed and slump-shouldered, shaking his head in response to her look. No, Kinna, he'd said before she could utter a word. "King Sebastian rules with an iron fist. The Council has no choice but to continue as we

    always

    have

    ."

    Never fear, Kinna. Her mother had pushed a strand of Kinna's fire-red hair behind her daughter's ear. "Someday, we will find a way to set the

    creatures

    free

    ."

    By the Great Star, Joanna, they're not slaves, Tristan had argued, but Joanna had arched her eyebrow as she'd pulled her lips into a half smile.

    "No, not those who achieve psuche, Tristan. Merely those who wish for a different life and are unable to

    obtain

    it

    ."

    Kinna shook off her heavy thoughts and crossed to the wardrobe. "Whether we like it or not, Hazel, the Ceremony is tonight. Our names were drawn from the bowl, and there's no backing out now. Please, many things ride on today's events, and I need you to listen to everything I say. For your own sake, please, just ... behave today.

    Will

    you

    ?"

    Hazel's hair grew even pinker. "For my sake? Is that a threat, oh wise mistress?" Sarcasm rankled in her voice. Kinna tossed Hazel's gown across the bed and plopped down next to it in frustration.

    "Hazel, I'm on

    your

    side

    ."

    The Pixie snorted.

    Kinna squeezed her eyes shut, took a calming breath, and let it out slowly. No. No, it was not a threat. At least we may gain some opportunities from the Ceremony.

    Opportunities? Hazel laughed bitterly, her voice bouncing off the thin walls of Kinna's bedroom. "Why would I want opportunities? I'm happy here, right here in the center of West Ashwynd, settled in the Pixie Clan. If you win, and I can pretty well assure you that you won't, you and I will be conscripted into the King's army. So long, friends. Farewell, family. We're off to fight and die for you, but don't concern yourselves.

    Carry

    on

    ."

    Kinna threw her arms wide. "Do you think I don't care, Hazel? That I want to be shipped off to the King's armies if we win? It's not a prize any of us want. But it's the law, and Sebastian will crush us if we refuse. She swiped her flaming hair from her face in frustration. She'd forgotten to tie it back. At least this way, the King so graciously bestows tax breaks for our family if we win a place in Sebastian's Tournament this spring. If we lose, which is looking quite likely if every Pixie has your attitude, then we get extra taxes, and my mother and father can't afford any more, as you

    well

    know

    ."

    Kinna's words hit their mark. Despite Hazel's obvious dislike for Kinna, the Pixie held a deep, abiding affection for Kinna's mother, Joanna. Hazel's freckled face blanched at the mention of her possible future hardship.

    Kinna took her opportunity for victory. "There, see? You know you don't want that. So, if it please your Pixie-ness, rid yourself of your foul attitude, okay? We—you and I both— need

    this

    win

    ."

    Kinna opened the door and pulled it shut behind her, harder than was necessary, only to find that the hem of her gown had caught in the frame. With a yank and a loud rip, she pulled the material free, leaving part of the blue-dyed wool hanging in the entryway.

    Mother's not going to enjoy that one. Kinna tromped down the stairs, blinking back the sting of angry tears. And Father's going to rage against the skies when he finds out that Hazel and I fought again.

    She entered the main room downstairs, expecting to see her mother standing over the fire preparing the midday meal. A flush rose on Kinna's cheeks. She should have been helping. The Ceremony wasn't until tonight, and Joanna would not accept the excuse that Kinna had been preparing with Hazel.

    Kinna glanced around the room, surprised that Joanna was nowhere in sight.

    "I take it Hazel didn't make things easy

    on

    you

    ?"

    Kinna's gaze flashed to the figure in the doorway. Julian. A smile crossed her lips. No. She didn't. But can you blame her? The smile left her mouth, and she rubbed her neck. I'd do the same thing if the situation were reversed. At any rate, I hope she'll straighten up by tonight.

    Julian ducked to enter the room. He shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced around. "I saw your parents at the

    banquet

    hall

    ."

    Already? Kinna's gaze flew to the window. The sun still rode high in

    the

    sky

    .

    "I think they're ... concerned. I mean, not

    concerned

    .

    Just

    ..."

    "They think

    I'll

    fail

    ."

    "I didn't

    say

    that

    ."

    You didn't have to. Kinna knelt beside the fireplace. She gathered her hair behind her head and leaned forward, blowing on the embers, coaxing them into flame again. The fire's heat

    felt

    good

    .

    "If you

    didn't

    "

    Kinna turned to Julian. His lean face flushed clear up to his dark curls.

    "If I

    didn't

    what

    ?"

    He frowned and sighed. Kinna, if you didn't spend all your time sneaking off to watch the Dragons, your parents would probably sympathize more in your struggles with Hazel.

    Kinna slowly stood, heedless of the ashes that stained her dress in the shape of knee caps. Oh? The word sounded strained in

    her

    ears

    .

    "Come on, Kinna,

    you

    know

    "

    "And I suppose that I'm the only one at fault? That I've been sneaking off by myself all this time? I don't suppose there is anyone present that's ever encouraged me to go, that's even gone with me a time

    or

    two

    ?"

    "Kinna, you know I only did

    because

    you

    "

    "And how is your Pixie training coming, Julian? I suppose Sage is thrilled each time you ask her to do something, floating on your every word, just aching to achieve psuche with you? Your parents are awfully proud of you, aren't they? They'd never see their son

    disappoint

    them

    ."

    Kinna's tongue moved, words flew from her mouth, but she'd lost track of them. She stumbled to a stop when Julian crossed the wood floor, his hands seeking her shoulders. Kinna. Stop. All right? I'm sorry.

    Julian's face blurred behind her tears. For what? She sniffed, wiping her nose on her sleeve. You didn't do anything wrong.

    "Perhaps, perhaps not. Either way, you'll do great tonight. Do you

    believe

    me

    ?"

    No. Kinna buried her head against Julian's chest as he pulled her into a hug. How can I take part in something I know is so wrong?

    Julian stroked her tangled hair, twisting it into a spiral down

    her

    back

    .

    Kinna's voice raked in muffled tones against his tunic. "I know you don't agree that the Pixies' situation should change, that any of the creatures' situations should

    change

    ,

    but

    "

    "They have a good life, Kinna. It works. Think about it. If we didn't have the Pixies, or they didn't have us, we'd both be lost. We rely on each other. We're not oppressing them, no matter what Hazel has

    told

    you

    ."

    Kinna shook her head and pulled back, impatiently jerking her hair across her shoulder, separating the mass into three strands and weaving them swiftly into a braid. "You say that because Sage is your Pixie. She worships you. You've never had the chance to see a better life for her because she won't

    let

    you

    ."

    Julian ran a hand through his hair, tension flashing across his face. Leave Sage out of it. She's not Hazel, who has obviously been filling you with all sorts of ideas. He dropped his arm to his side. I'm sorry. Look, Kinna, the Elders drew your name, so the Great Star will guide your performance tonight. I believe in you. Now you just have to believe in yourself.

    And in Hazel. Kinna bit her lower lip. "That's what is

    troubling

    me

    ."

    As Kinna crossed the cobblestone square to the Pixie Clan's central lodge, the butterflies in her stomach morphed into iron-winged creatures that smashed against her abdomen walls. She wound an arm across her torso as she glanced at the gate where six other Pixiedimn and their Pixies prepared to enter. Julian already waited there with Sage. The turquoise-haired Pixie stood next to his tall form. Adoration coated her glances at

    his

    face

    .

    Kinna had often teased Julian about his Pixie's crush—not that he would ever act on it. Sovereign decree forbade human-creature relationships, and the decree had been ratified several times over by the Elder Councils of each Clan. Still, whenever Kinna had poked fun at Sage's crush, Julian's face had pinked. She can't help it, Kinna. Just leave her alone.

    She can't help it, oh irresistible Julian? Kinna had laughed. Just like Hazel can't help it either? It was no secret to anyone in the Clan that Hazel also nurtured a fanciful preference for the tall, tan Pixiedimn.

    Not everyone can choose who they love. It just happens sometimes. He'd refused to say anything more after that; he'd just shaken his head and changed the subject.

    Kinna glanced sideways at Hazel. The Pixie glared at Sage, ignoring the congestion across the busy cobblestone square. Her frown marred her perfect face splashed with soft freckles that contrasted with her brilliant hair. If looks could cause harm, Sage would be a pile of steaming

    Troll

    muck

    .

    Kinna had given Hazel an outfit she'd carefully sewn under Joanna's watchful eye. It was a gown that mirrored Kinna's own: deep blue with a tapered waist, a wide neckline that showed the fine collarbones. The Pixie hated it, preferring instead to wear breeches, a long tunic, and a belt, but the Clan Elders had a dress code for the annual Ceremony. If she does well, I'll give her a whole wardrobe full of new breeches and tunics, Kinna decided. Maybe she'll take it as an olive branch, perhaps see that I'm not the enemy.

    Identification, please.

    Kinna stopped short at the gate, tugging the neckline of her gown toward her shoulder, allowing the guard to view her newly-inked Pixie symbol.

    When her father had done the re-inking the night before, he'd shaken his head with a tsk. I don't know why your ink never stays on, Kinna, he'd murmured as he concentrated on pushing the ink into the skin with the needle.

    Kinna's jaw had hurt from clamping it shut. "It'd be a lot less painful if it would stay put. Must I wear the mark, Father?"

    Tristan had speared her with his gaze. "Everyone needs a mark, Kinna. It's a symbol of your status in the Pixie Clan and of your citizenship in West Ashwynd. It is your security in this country ruled by

    a

    mad

    "

    Tristan! Joanna's sharp rejoinder had sealed Tristan's lips, though his dark glance over Kinna's head had spoken volumes.

    A shiver had needled Kinna's spine. No one else's Clan mark constantly faded. Kinna thought it must have to do with her nightmares, but her mother had told her those were only bad dreams. They didn't feel like dreams though. They felt like memories.

    The recurring nightmares cast a shade of doubt over her security. In her darkest dreams she always felt herself jouncing hard against the saddle of a horse, the animal's lather spritzing across her face, and thundering hoof beats behind, just behind. The mists never parted; there was only darkness and the harsh pants of horses, hoof beats, and panic.

    The lodge guard cast a cursory glance at her symbol. "Go on

    in

    ,

    Miss

    ."

    Come on, Hazel.

    The Pixie grudgingly allowed herself to be led to the line of other Pixies and their Dimn, who stood before a side door to the

    banquet

    hall

    .

    Julian nudged Kinna with his shoulder. "At least you got

    her

    here

    ."

    I rather wish I hadn't. Kinna glanced at the others. Do you think the Elders would banish me if I refused to parade Hazel before them? She peeked at Sage. "It doesn't look like you had any trouble

    with

    Sage

    ."

    Sage ignored her, her attention fastened on her master's face, worship in

    her

    eyes

    .

    A steward hurried around the corner. I was told everyone had arrived, he puffed. "Please,

    follow

    me

    ."

    Kinna touched Hazel's shoulder, and the Pixie jerked violently. "I'm coming, mistress. No need to

    tell

    me

    ."

    Kinna sighed. "As

    you

    wish

    ."

    Julian looked grave as he watched Kinna. She met his gaze and shrugged. What am I supposed to do? she mouthed.

    He shook his head and followed the line after the steward. Kinna and Hazel brought up

    the

    rear

    .

    Inside the lodge Kinna could hear the music of celebration and laughter, the cacophony of a full-course dinner where drinks were served in abundance. The steward led the Dimn and their Pixies to the back of the banquet hall and motioned them to stay put. "We'll call you up, one at a time. Please

    wait

    here

    ."

    As their presence registered with the Elders and their guests, the noise level lessened in expectation. The steward hurried toward the center of

    the

    room

    .

    He bowed low, projecting his voice to the rafters. Elders and honored guests, we bring the winners of this year's lottery before you, prepared to showcase their training. May you feast upon their talents as you feast upon the sumptuous meals on your trenchers. For your entertainment, the selections of the Clan. He waved toward the line where Kinna stood with nervousness strangling her stomach.

    The girl on the end went first, leading her Pixie into the middle of the room. She nodded to her purple-haired Fey, gesturing toward the head table.

    The Pixie turned and bowed to the Elders. Good evening, gents. It'll be my pleasure to pleasure you this evening, in whatever way you desire. A song? Poetry? Perhaps a visit to your chambers after your libations? Shocked silence descended over the hall as the Elders glanced at each other. The Dimn flushed deep red as she touched her Pixie's shoulder and shook

    her

    head

    .

    The Pixie pivoted and strode to the side table. She perched cheerfully on it and crossed one knee over the other, her leg swinging merrily.

    "If all the world were split

    in

    half

    ,

    And half were whole again,

    What would you gain from half

    of

    that

    ,

    But two parts of

    the

    main

    ?"

    At this riddle whispers spread across the room. Kinna glanced quickly at the Elders' table. Several of them were deliberating; two sat silent with arms folded. A third nodded at the purple-haired Pixie and then at the mistress.

    It's our country, is it not? You're referring to the entire country? When Sebastian broke from Lismaria after Nicholas Erlane defeated him in battle, he set up rule in West Ashwynd. Since then, Nicholas Erlane of the Lismarian throne has attempted to reunite the two countries under his own banner, but King Sebastian refuses. He glanced to the wall where armored soldiers stood, wearing King Sebastian’s royal crest on their mantles. He cleared his throat. So we stand to gain nothing but two countries forced into hostility together.

    A moment of silence followed, interrupted by a loud cheer. The audience raised goblets, sloshing them as the Pixie bowed and the Dimn pulled her back toward

    the

    line

    .

    She executed a good recovery, Julian muttered to Kinna, but her beginning was awful. Dangerous stuff, mocking Sebastian's government. He, too, turned his attention to the royal sentries. Let's hope there's no trouble.

    Kinna nodded, but all rational thought fled in the path of her panic. Hazel would fail. All her efforts to win over her Pixie would amount to nothing tonight. Her father and mother would be thoroughly embarrassed, and they would end up in the poorhouse because of her deplorable lack of success.

    Joanna and Tristan sat near the wall, watching the proceedings soberly, taking little part in the revelry. Their gazes drifted back and forth between Kinna and Hazel. Kinna could read the nervous ridges of their jawlines.

    The next boy was putting his Pixie through his paces. This one had blue hair swirled with white that arrived at a point a span above his head. He was a brash little fellow, standing with fists on his hips, rocking forward on his toes as he teased his audience with satire and wit, ridiculing Sebastian’s kingdom of West Ashwynd in one breath, and then mocking Nicolas Erlane’s Lismarian government in the next. King Sebastian's disregard for every responsibility that bored him was pitted against Erlane’s overly careful attentiveness to his people's complaints. As the banter went on, Sebastian sounded more and more maniacal, a pompous egotist sitting on the throne of West Ashwynd, blissfully unaware of the plight of his people. The Pixie used abrasive humor, but so much skill webbed his words that they couldn't offend, though perhaps they should have. During the delivery, Kinna cast nervous glances at the royal guards. They sternly watched the proceedings, but none made a move to stop the flow of words from the Pixie's mouth.

    As each Pixie stepped onto the performing stage, Kinna got lost in the rise and fall of the applause, reading approval in the boisterous shouts and disapproval in the quiet clapping for those who may have performed less amiably.

    She rested her hand on Hazel's shoulder, but the Pixie shrugged off her touch. Kinna could feel the waves of dislike coming from her charge, and she wondered yet again at the bad fate that had caused her name to be drawn from the vast pool of other Pixiedimn.

    Her father had a place as an Advisor to the Council; he had tried to plead her case, she knew. After her name had been drawn, he had explained that Kinna had particular difficulty with her Pixie, but the Elders had overruled his plea. And so here she was, about to embarrass herself, her Pixie, and her family.

    Hazel's white face could have been carved from granite. Pity stirred in Kinna. The King forced these Ceremonies year after year; surely the people could stand up under the rule and decide that enough was enough. Too many of them agree with Julian, though. Not enough see that the creatures should

    be

    free

    .

    A royal guard shifted behind her, and Kinna stiffened, nervousness curbing her treasonous thoughts.

    Julian stepped forward with Sage, and Kinna sucked in a deep breath. She would be next. And last. The last impression on the Elders. She had a momentary urge to sprint for

    the

    exit

    .

    Julian motioned Sage to the center of the room. He stood to the side, rotating his hand in deft gestures to show her what he wanted her to do. She moved toward the Elders' table. Bowing low before the Head Elder, she spoke in a rich, husky voice: "May it please my lord, I would enjoy a dance

    with

    you

    ."

    The Elder's eyebrows rose. He cleared his throat, though when he spoke, it still sounded rusty. I appreciate the gesture, my dear, but I can hardly walk. He motioned to his staff that leaned against the wall

    behind

    him

    .

    I see that, my lord. But are you not aware of the power of a Pixie's song? She reached forward, bold and decisive, allowing her hand to rest on his for a moment before pulling him to his feet. Her fingers linked with his, and she led him along his side of the table to the end where she tugged him onto the floor, a lovely low melody humming from her throat.

    Gently, she pulled the elderly man close, clasping his hand and his shoulder. Then she broke into song. It was a haunting melody, beautiful and simple and tear-inducing. Kinna dashed the back of one hand against her eye, angry that she allowed herself to be pulled in by the Pixie's power.

    "In the stillness of time, at the end of sleep and the start

    of

    wake

    ,

    In that haunted moment when the world ceases to breathe,

    In that sacred session where dreams and yearnings throb

    and

    ache

    ,

    Let my hand touch you, pull you, heal you; I won't leave."

    A strange power undergirded Sage’s voice, and even stranger still, the Elder glided on his feet as though he had never been a cripple in

    his

    life

    .

    Kinna blinked. That was it then. Julian had sealed the deal. There was no following that. She glanced at her parents, who watched the proceedings with grave faces. There was still second or third place. If she could manage to gain one of those, she could keep the extra taxes

    at

    bay

    .

    When at last Sage handed the Elder back to his place at the table, everyone stood, applause thundering around the room. Julian and Sage both bowed. Hazel let out a snort of disgust. If green were truly the color of envy, Hazel would be puce

    right

    now

    .

    She was about to lead Hazel forward, but a chant began to sweep the room. "Psuche, psuche, psuche."

    Julian paused mid-bow. The noise quieted as the Head Elder raised his hands for silence. "Young man, have you and your Pixie achieved

    psuche

    yet

    ?"

    All eyes turned to Julian, who flushed beneath the attention. Not yet, my lord. I know it will be soon, but it has yet to happen.

    The Elder's kind smile wrinkled his cheeks. Will you allow us the great privilege of witnessing this momentous occasion?

    Julian inclined his head. If it so please my lord. He turned to Sage, grasping her hands, holding her at arm's length in front

    of

    him

    .

    Hazel's shoulders stiffened. Kinna tried to calm her once again, but Hazel

    jerked

    away

    .

    Julian inhaled and then released a long flow of breath into the air above them. On her side, Sage did the same, and in the expanse over their heads, their breaths intermingled and took on all different shades of the rainbow, flushing with reds, blues, greens, yellows, and purples. This magical moment was the first psuche Kinna had seen, though she'd heard about it all

    her

    life

    .

    "Psuche, Kinna, is that moment when the soul connects with the creature, Kinna's father had explained to her. It happens in three stages. Conflict, usually when you first meet, then Coordination—what we like to term as 'the dance,' and lastly, the psuche itself, the intermingling of breaths. It is symbolic of complete trust in each other. You must get close enough to put yourself fully in the hands of the other, giving yourself completely to that other being, and they to you. And then, ah, Kinna, the connection. It's beautiful."

    "Why would you force psuche on a creature, though, Father? Kinna had leaned forward across the table, eager to explain her passion on the subject. They should be free, not bound in some deep connection from which they cannot ever disentangle themselves. Psuche is for life, is it not? How could you possibly say that this would be desirable for any creature or human?"

    Tristan had shaken his head. "It's not like that, Kinna. When psuche is achieved, it is only because the creature desires it and the human desires it. There is no holding back, no doubt in either mind that this connection is the way forward. The thoughts and ideas of each become so intertwined that the human knows what the creature is thinking and the creature knows what the human thinks."

    Kinna had shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know that I would want anyone reading my mind all

    the

    time

    ."

    It's not really like that. It's hard to explain, and I hope someday that you'll be able to experience it for yourself. His glance had winged toward Joanna when he said this. "You simply won't mind when it happens.

    That's

    all

    ."

    It'll never happen to me, Kinna had decided aloud. "I'd never want to tie a creature to me

    that

    way

    ."

    But as Kinna watched Julian’s psuche taking place, she could see beauty in it, could see that neither Sage nor Julian felt forced into the connection. She briefly allowed herself to wonder if there would ever be a creature she could so wholeheartedly trust as Julian did Sage, but then shrugged off the thought.

    Hazel wouldn't fit the bill, and Kinna didn't want her to. The Pixie deserved freedom, the ability to choose the one or ones with whom she connected

    the

    most

    .

    In the midst of applause, Julian returned to her side and nudged Kinna forward. You'll do great, he whispered as she tugged Hazel away from

    the

    wall

    .

    If only that were true. With one last despairing glance at her parents in the corner, Kinna curtseyed low before the Elders and went to stand at the side, motioning Hazel to begin.

    Kinna's plan was to have Hazel engage with several of the Elders. The pink-haired Pixie could charm a Direwolf in his den should she so choose. She could carry on conversations that left the hearer's head spinning. Kinna intended Hazel to pick out one foible pertaining to each of the Elders, spin it out humorously, and then package it up so neatly, they wouldn't realize they had been the point of her satire until the whole scene was done. And then, hopefully, they would be awed by Hazel's mastery of

    subtle

    wit

    .

    Hazel had spit into the dirt when she'd first heard Kinna's idea. Kinna couldn't blame her. She fully felt the injustice of the system. Yet if they refused to follow through, it meant prison for them both. The King's men infected the town like a plague.

    Just this once, Hazel, and then I'll give you all the freedom

    you

    want

    .

    When Hazel stepped to the table, Kinna breathed a sigh of relief. The Pixie would do it. She wouldn't embarrass Kinna or her parents

    after

    all

    .

    Kinna pointed discreetly to the Elder on the far left near her parents, and Hazel bowed low before

    the

    man

    .

    "Hail,

    Wise

    One

    ."

    The Elder looked surprised. Hail, Pixie, he returned politely.

    "Tell me, whose idea was it to begin the Pixie-human relationship? Was it yours? Was it the Council of Elders? Was it that evil rapscallion who sets himself up as King, parading his people and creatures before his throne in The Crossings, cruelly aware of the fate of all those he holds on his precious piece

    of

    land

    ?"

    The lodge went silent. Panic clawed up Kinna's throat. She shot a horrified glance across the room at the royal sentries. Their black gazes pierced Hazel's back. Kinna felt the current of shock in the room, and despite her own underlying agreement with the Pixie’s sentiments, this would not end well for anyone if Hazel kept on as she'd begun. She made a circle with her finger. Turn it around.

    Hazel grandly ignored her. She strutted across the room. "I can understand the Trolls and the Goblins and even the Unicorns and Cerberuses, but honestly, we Pixies talk! We've got brains. We are not addlepated. And yet here you sit, a bunch of senile wastrels, washing down your guilt with libations as you stare at us like we're brainless creatures, to will or to not will according to

    your

    whim

    ."

    Hazel. Kinna's voice whipped across the room. The Pixie raked her glare over Kinna. Please, Kinna pleaded silently, this is for you. To keep you out of prison, to keep my parents and me from the

    same

    fate

    .

    The spoken word was a huge point deduction; she was supposed to be able to instruct her Pixie based only on hand motions. But Hazel had traveled far outside the boundaries in which Pixies were supposed to stay according to law. Now Kinna could think of nothing but silencing the Pixie, if only to keep her out of the King's dungeons.

    "And of all the people to stick me with, it had to be her. The Pixie's index finger pointed at Kinna like a blazing branding iron, heat radiating from its tip, pain in its offering. Bad enough that I couldn't have someone who understands me, who enjoys my presence, who likes to play, as Pixies do. Instead, she's always wandering

    off

    to

    "

    Hazel! Enough! Kinna shouted.

    The Elders looked stunned. Only the sound of rats scrabbling along the walls broke the silence.

    Kinna's cheeks were on fire. She faced the Elder's table, forcing her stiff back into a bow. I—I'm sorry, my lords. She wanted to explain, but any words she could come up with sounded like an endorsement of Hazel's passionate championship of freedom. She stood, silent, miserable, and conflicted before the gazes of everyone in the lodge.

    When she raised her eyes again, the Elders' grave looks expressed what Kinna had feared for weeks.

    Failure.

    The ramifications painted themselves on Kinna's horrified consciousness. From her failure, there would be prison for Hazel and the poorhouse for her family if they couldn't scrape together enough denn from their savings for the

    next

    tax

    .

    Joanna had buried her face in Tristan's neck, and her shoulders shook silently. Tristan's quiet gaze engulfed Kinna. Two of Sebastian's royal guards left their posts by the door, flanking Hazel on both sides.

    The pink-haired Pixie held her head high as Sebastian's men led her from the room. To the last, she refused to meet

    Kinna's

    gaze

    .

    My fault. Kinna felt helpless. Her Pixie had more courage than she; Hazel had stood up to the Elders, boldly proclaiming justice. Kinna had sentenced her to prison simply by insisting that they follow

    Sebastian's

    laws

    .

    Never again. Never again would she make such demands of a creature, not if all the laws of West Ashwynd condemned her to a lifetime behind

    dungeon

    bars

    .

    Tears blurred Kinna's vision, and she fled for the door, heedless of Julian's voice calling

    her

    name

    .

    Chapter

    Two

    Ayden

    Ayden heaved on the rope, throwing his weight into the winch before looping the knots into the latches on the

    stone

    wall

    .

    The stone gleamed with water in the torchlight; it was always wet down here. Mold and putrid air hung thick across the tunnels and the dens. It made sense, though. One would not keep Dragons where there was danger of charring a building, or people, either, for that matter.

    Ayden wiped his gloved hands on his breeches and drew near the opening. Heat roasted his forehead and cheeks, and he shielded his face behind

    an

    arm

    .

    The Mirage—a Dragon with mirrored scales that camouflaged beneath a collage of reflected images—was hard to see. Mirages were extremely rare, all but extinct. He itched to try the Dragon in the arena for himself, but Tannic would bury him in the dungeons for attempting it. Already, three Dimn sported injuries from the Mirage's fierce talons and sharp teeth.

    Ayden had been the one to lead the animal from the den to the arena all three times, and the beast had given him no trouble. It's likely the weapons the Dimn used. He was sure the Dragon could sense the threat of the maces where they hung on the wall, easily accessible to any Dimn who entered.

    He could see the beast now, all thirty spans of him swaying as he paced his den. Tendrils of smoke rose from his nostrils.

    The Mirage was restless, closed in his den since the previous afternoon.

    What are ye doin', boy? Waitin' for this 'un to take a chunk from ye? Get your arse into his den and drive 'im to the arena. There's games afoot fer a passel o' King Sebastian's 'igh-rollin' generals. They're comin' t'see t'Mirage.

    He was out yesterday, Tannic. Surely...

    "Surely nothin', ye lazy goon. This 'un's landed 'imself in a spot o' trouble, or me name's not Tannic d'overseer o' the

    Dragon's

    Keep

    ."

    Ayden turned back to the beast. The Dragon yawned, his mouth a wide black chasm in the midst of glittering reflections. A moment later, a jet of flame shot out and up, a fireball that hit the roof of the den, licked across it, and was gone a moment later.

    What spot of trouble?

    Tannic's face reddened above his bushy overgrowth that he called a beard.

    "Ter first Dimn that 'andled 'im's gone an' died o' 'is injuries, that's what, not that it's any o' yer business. Now will ye get the Dragon up to t'arena, or do I have to

    force

    ye

    ?"

    I'm going, I'm going, Ayden muttered. He entered the den. The heavy door had to be turned with winches; it was far too much weight for a man to lift on

    his

    own

    .

    Keeping a careful eye on the beast, Ayden leaned into the wheel, watching the door slide up until it disappeared into the

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