Dakeb Dragon Warrior Trilogy

Dakeb

Dragon Warrior Trilogy

J. Thiele

Copyright © 2018 by J. Thiele

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction.

Names, characters, places and events are either the

product of the Author’s imagination or used fictitiously.

Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments,

events or locations are entirely coincidental.

Content Warning

The following eBooks contains Adult (18+) Themes, including graphic sexual scenes and language that may offend or disturb some readers.

All characters are fictional and portrayed as mature adults 18 years old and over.

Contents

DAKEB

DAKEB

DAKEB

BLOOD RUNS DEEP

About the Author

Also by J. Thiele

Also by J. Thiele

DAKEB

BOOK #1

DRAGON WARRIOR

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all lovers of Dragons.

and

All things magical.

Acknowledgments

Melissa Bell

Cover Designs

Formatting/Editing/Proofreading

Chapter 1

In a time long ago there were three kinds of ordinary people, the settler’s, the traveller’s, and the warrior’s. Though many battles were courageously fought between each of these cultures, there was just one common foe – ‘The Hunter.’

The hunter was a man like no other; he did not travel on horseback like the other villager’s, he travelled on the back of a dragon.

The villager’s never stood a chance when the hunters took to the skies. They would swoop down on the unsuspecting farmers and town folk, taking everything in their wake; food, wine, women, even the livestock to feed their scaly counterparts. With so many women being stolen from the common fold and forced to breed with the filthy warriors, Mehad feared for the safety of his own wife and young son. Soon it would be time for him to move his family to a new location in a desperate bid to keep them safe from the hunters and their tyrannical leader Draco.

What troubles you my love? Cora asked Mehad.

A time of great change is upon us. I know not what it is, but I can feel it in the air. He told her as he looked up to the vast blue sky for any sign of their enemies.

What shall we do? she asked him as she tended to their son.

We must move into the woods, the deepest, densest part, where it will be too thick for the dragons to find us from above. he replied.

Has your mind abandoned you? Cora asked in disbelief. It is far too dangerous. Have you forgotten that the witches live in the woods? They will kill us all and grind our bones to cast their wicked spells. At least out here we can see our enemies approaching. She pleaded, We have a chance.

We have no chance! he retorted. What good is it to see our enemies if we cannot defend ourselves against them? he argued.

Mehad, please, listen to reason. I will follow you to the ends of the earth, you know that, but I will not follow you into the woods to become fodder for the witches. Have you not thought this through? What about Dakeb? Have you considered what will become of him?

It is for Dakeb that I do this! Would you rather he sees the claws of a dragon tear his father apart, because he had nowhere to hide, and no weapons to protect himself or his kinfolk? Mehad stood his ground. He is my son! I will do whatever it takes to keep him safe until he is old enough to defend himself. If you will not follow me, you must step aside and let me do what I know is best.

With a heavy heart Cora reluctantly began to gather supplies; flour, seeds, dried meat and anything else she could carry, that would sustain her family until they were settled in the thick brush of the woods.

Mehad caged his chickens then saddled them to the back of a horse. He rolled as many skins and tools as they could cart on the only two horses they had left. He lifted Cora into her saddle and handed their young son to her to nurse along the journey ahead. He roped their last cow to Cora’s horse then climbed into his own saddle to begin the two-day ride to the edge of the woodlands.

Along the way they passed many villages’ that had been attacked by the hunters, and burnt to the ground. No one was left alive. They could smell the rotting flesh of the dead and the carnage was immeasurable. Dwellings were left ablaze and animals were either strewn everywhere dead or were wondering aimlessly in the fields. Mehad knew in his heart that he’d made the right decision for his family.

Suddenly from under the rubble and the depths of despair a voice was could be heard. Help! Please help me!

Mehad leapt from his horse and ran to a man barely alive. Take me with you or end my misery. he begged.

What is your name? Mehad asked.

Jemaah, he replied. My name is Jemaah.

Mehad pulled Jemaah from the rubble. Where are you pained? he asked.

My legs, I fear they are both broken. Jemaah told him.

Mehad began to build a stretcher for the stranger so he could be dragged to safety behind them.

Hurry Mehad! Before the hunters return. Cora urged from her horse.

They will not return my lady. Jemaah assured her. The hunters never return once they have annihilated everything and taken what they want.

Mehad secured Jemaah into the stretcher then climbed back into his saddle. He looked around at the devastation then nudged his horse with his heel and clicked his tongue, urging his steed to move onwards.

They reached the edge of the woods just before nightfall, Mehad set up camp while Cora tended to the strangers injured legs. They would not enter the woods at night, Mehad decided it was too dangerous, and he needed to familiarise himself with his surroundings to keep his family safe.

He sat by the fire chewing on dried meat, We will enter the woods at daylight. he told them.

Are you not afraid of the witches? Jemaah asked.

Are you? Mehad returned the man’s question with one of his own.

I’ve heard stories.

Stories are for children. Mehad snorted. I would gladly confront a witch and fight for my family’s safety, than allow a hunter to take them from me.

Jemaah bowed his head in respect for the man’s commitment to keep his loved ones safe. It was as if there was a hidden familiarity of conviction in Mehad’s plight that he could relate to.

I do not trust him. Cora whispered venomously as she lay beside her husband.

He is injured my love, he can do us no harm. Mehad assured her.

Not with his limbs, but his tongue is not speaking the truth in its entirety. She said, as she sat upright. There is something he is keeping from us, something dangerous.

Mehad reached up to her shoulder pulling her back down beside him, then rolling on top of her, he grumbled. You are thinking too much Cora. Tis I, you need to concentrate on now.

She felt his hardened cock against her flat stomach, so she widened her legs offering her moist pussy to her lover.

Mehad slid his thick rod inside her and began pumping in and out of her cave; Cora lay in silence so the stranger couldn’t hear her as her husband satisfied himself inside her. Though he was silent, she was certain he was wide awake across the other side of the burning embers.

Chapter 2

The sun was peering over the flat horizon from the direction they’d left behind them. Mehad led his family into the woods on foot, treading carefully with every step. He knew the witches were in there somewhere, but no one knew exactly where they were. He didn’t want to trespass on their domain, but he did want to get deep enough to keep his family out of the hunter’s reach.

Cora felt eyes upon her, but sensed it was her son that was the main interest to the voyeur. She held him in close to her and tightened her grip.

They walked for hours until they came upon a small clearing that Mehad decided would make a good place to settle. It was large enough for his animals to graze but too small to be seen by the hunters should they fly overhead. He began to build a hut for his loved ones and pens for his livestock.

Mehad would trap rabbits, foxes and deer for meat and furs while Cora collected nuts and berries, and churned cheese. Jemaah recovered from his injuries but was left with a limp and needed a crutch to move around. He helped by growing crops of corn, potatoes and other vegetables. Everybody actively tended their duties. Once a week Mehad would ride out and trade his goods for fresh supplies of anything they couldn’t catch or harvest themselves.

They had been in the woods for four winters and Dakeb was beginning to wander too far by himself if he wasn’t watched carefully. Jemaah would try to keep the boy occupied in the garden, but Dakeb was all too interested in climbing the tallest trees he could find, or exploring outside the boundaries allotted by his father. Jemaah knew there was something special about the boy from his adventurous behaviour. He was stronger and faster than the average boy his age. Therefore Jemaah took a special interest in his upbringing.

During his sixth summer, Dakeb came running into the camp as fast as he could, shouting, Father! Father! There’s a dragon in the woods!

Mehad reached for his sword in one hand and a spear in the other. Jemaah placed his hand on his shoulder. Haste will get us all killed my friend. He warned Mehad.

It’s a baby father, no taller than I. Dakeb explained.

A baby? Mehad asked, as he contemplated the possibilities. It would mean a parent would be close by, and there certainly wasn’t room in the woods for an adult dragon, besides, they would have heard or seen evidence of such a creature… if in fact it even existed. What have I told you about wandering into the forest boy? I won’t stand for insolence or liars! Especially about such dangers. He scolded him.

But father, it’s true. He insisted. I saw it.

Enough! Mehad shouted. Go inside, I will be in to deal with you soon.

Imagination is all the boy has. Jemaah defended. Do not punish him for stretching the truth. It was probably a mere lizard on a log.

You are right my friend. Mehad agreed. But the boy must learn to do as he is told; he has been forbidden to leave the safety of this compound, I will not have him disobey me.

He stormed toward the dwelling to deal with his son while Jemaah looked out into the woods and smiled. ‘Could it be?’ he thought to himself.

It wouldn’t be until his tenth summer that Dakeb dare tread beyond the boundary line alone again. Mehad was teaching him the art of hunting for food. He was amazed at how quickly his son had picked up the skill of throwing a spear, so he quickly graduated to a bow. He rarely missed a target, but never went home empty handed. He was surprisingly strong for a boy his age and size, and would often drag a full adult deer home alone for his family.

It soon became his responsibility to keep the food on the table whenever his father rode out for more supplies.

Although they had been in the woods for many seasons, Cora still felt like there were eyes watching her, but she’d grown to trust Jemaah, and would often ask him to watch over her son when she went out into the woods to gather nuts and berries; but Dakeb had become too fast for him to keep up with. He was agile and would leap like a deer over fallen trees, bounce over slippery rocks in the river bed, and climb the tallest trees like a possum then perch himself on a limb like an eagle scouting for prey. The winters were always long so the kill would never be too much. His mother would cure and dry the meat for storage and the skins would always be used or sold for more supplies. He would rarely be away for more time than it took for his mother to finish her chores.

Though one day after his father had ridden out and Jemaah was busy harvesting his garden before the snow came. Dakeb found himself perched high in a tree searching for his next kill. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a movement in the brush below. He drew an arrow from his quiver and took aim. But what was he aiming at? He thought to himself as he frowned at the vibrant colours that flashed between movements of the brush. What animal carried such a shiny pelt? With colours of the sky, the sun and the green and gold fields all mixed together, and with a shine that any sword holder would be proud of. He waited patiently for the curious beast to show itself; sweat began to bead across his brow. Then all of a sudden there it was, first a wing then a claw. He wasn’t making it up, nor did he dream it… A dragon.

He knew he should kill it; in the name of his father and the stories he’d told, he knew he should kill it, but he couldn’t. He felt an unexplainable bond with the beast and risked his life to climb down and get a closer look.

When he reached the base of the tree, he noticed the dragon had gotten caught and tangled in a trap his father had set long before he handed his responsibilities over to Dakeb. In order to free her he needed a distraction so he could get close enough to cut the ropes that bound her. He thought for a moment and then decided to throw the beast one of the rabbits he’d caught earlier. While the dragon was busy gnawing at his offering, he proceeded to cut away the twine until finally she was free.

She continued to chew on the rabbit as Dakeb sat mesmerised by her beauty. Her scales were like an impenetrable suit of armour that glistened like sunlight on the river as it bounced of the ripples and they shifted colour with every movement.

He desperately wanted to reach out and touch her but dared not invade her space. Suddenly she turned to face him. He sat fascinated by her appearance while a significant amount of time passed by and the sky had begun to darken. She looked deep into his eyes and he knew she was grateful, he felt as though they were connected somehow, but could not explain to himself or anyone that might listen. Suddenly from over his shoulder he heard his mother’s voice. Dakeb! Dakeb where are you? she sounded panicked, Dakeb stood quickly and looked around for her. When he turned his attention back to the dragon, she was gone, obviously spooked by his mother growing near.

Where have you been? she asked. You have two rabbits to account for your absence today? It’s getting dark, you know you should be home before the sun sets. Your father would not approve if he were here.

Yes mother, I know, I’m sorry. His thoughts raced, as he contemplated telling her about the dragon, then deciding not to. There wasn’t much out there today, I think I’ve hunted it clean. Tomorrow I will look elsewhere. He promised.

As Dakeb lay awake that night he could think of nothing else but the dragon. What is it boy? Jemaah asked from his bed across from him. What is it that keeps you awake this night? Did you see something in the woods today?

No. Why do you ask that? Dakeb sounded suspicious.

Your father returns tomorrow, perhaps you can tell him what worries you. Jemaah knew that Dakeb would never confide in his father. Although they loved each other as a father and son should, they were becoming increasingly estranged.

Why would I tell father? Do you not think he has enough concerns? Dakeb sat up in his bed. Anyway, father would think less of me if I told him, he would say I was speaking of untruths again.

Jemaah smiled, he knew Dakeb had seen her again.

Chapter 3

Jemaah pulled Dakeb from his bed early. It is time you learnt a new skill boy. he announced as he handed him a long rod.

Using your pole, you must try to take me off my feet. Jemaah instructed him.

Dakeb swung the pole several times but Jemaah was able to avoid contact by ducking and weaving. Then suddenly Dakeb was flat on his back in the dust.

Why did you do that? he asked.

Jemaah laughed, You must also use the rod to stop me from achieving the same goal. If Jemaah’s suspicions were correct, Dakeb would master the craft quickly and would soon offer a good challenge.

Dakeb dusted himself off and resumed his position, You will not take me by surprise again. he vowed. Jemaah knew instantly by the determination in the boy's eyes he needed to keeps his wits about him from that moment on.

Mehad returned with fresh chickens and enough seeds and flour for another season, but his face was filled with concern. What is it my love? Cora asked.

The hunters have been growing agitated. They are seeking something. Someone. They are burning every village in their wake, whatever it is they are looking for, they will not stop until they find it. It is becoming too dangerous to leave the safety of the woods. He told her.

Cora’s heart sank, she hadn’t seen her sister since they’d taken refuge, and had no way of knowing of her safety. She yearned for the company of other women, full sunlight, and fresh air. She had hoped the stay in the woods would have long passed by now and was beginning to fear her son would grow old and perish alone in the woods if they didn’t leave soon. He would never know what it would be like to have a woman of his own, or to feel the fresh breeze on his face. A prisoner by default. She sobbed for the future her son may never have.

Mehad found Dakeb and Jemaah by the river, practicing the art of jousting on a log. Dakeb was holding his own as well as any grown man could, but Mehad was angry that Jemaah was teaching his son to fight. He had seen too much blood shed himself and was desperate to shield his son from the same horrors.

He snatched the rod from Dakeb and broke it across his knee, What is the meaning of this? he shouted. Who gave you the right to train another man’s son in battle?

The boy needs to learn to defend himself. Jemaah explained.

From what? The rabbits, or possums? Perchance a fish will jump out of the water and attack him. Mehad argued. The boy is a hunter of food, nothing more; he does not need to learn how to take another man’s life!

Now. Jemaah protested. Perhaps not now, my friend, but what will happen when we grow old? Is he to stay hidden in the woods, alone for the rest of his existence? Foraging for food like one of the animals? Jemaah asked. What if the hunters do come? Is he to let them take his life without as much as a struggle?

Mehad knew Jemaah was right, but did not wish to argue about it in front of Dakeb. Go home boy. He ordered.

Once Dakeb was well out of earshot Mehad asked, What do you know of the hunters Jemaah?

Jemaah took a seat on the log and looked out across the river, pausing before he spoke. I was once one of them.

Mehad reached for his hunting knife and held it at Jemaah’s throat, as he roared. Traitor! You have deceived me. I trusted you like a brother.

And you still can my friend. I said, once, I am no more. Jemaah tried to explain.

Once a hunter, always a hunter. Why have you betrayed me? WHY? I will slit your throat for such trickery.

I have done you no harm Mehad, nor will I. You know that. Jemaah insisted.

Silence! You have lived amongst us, shared our food, drank our wine and now you tell me after all this time you are our enemy?

They are your words, Mehad, not mine. He pushed Mehad’s hand from his throat and the pair began to wrestle.

A loud piercing screech came from within the woods and a split second later a dazed Mehad was thrown into a nearby tree by something that moved so fast it vanished before he caught sight of it. He regained his bearings and lunged at Jemaah once more, but the before he reached him a dragon half his height appeared before him. The beasts screech forcing him backwards against the tree he’d just been thrown in to.

Mahalia No! Dakeb’s voice rang out as he leapt between his father and the dragon. He is my father. I know you understand me. Please, don’t hurt him.

The dragon yielded and lay at Dakeb’s feet.

What is this sorcery? Mehad asked. Have you turned my son into one of you? A thief and a murderer? Is this the reason you teach my boy to fight?

Calm yourself brother so I can explain.

You are no brother of mine. Mehad said with venom on his tongue.

Father please? Dakeb begged.