The Dragon Order: Book Seven of the Restoration Series

The Dragon Order: Book Seven of the Restoration Series

By Christopher Williams

Published By Christopher Williams

Copyright 2018 Christopher Williams

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook 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 to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

http://BooksbyChristopherWilliams.com

Other books by Christopher Williams

The Guardians: Book One of the Restoration Series

Ossendar: Book Two of the Restoration Series

Valley of the Ancients: Book Three of the Restoration Series

Into the Wastelands: Book Four of the Restoration Series

Victory and Defeat: Book Five of the Restoration Series

A Gathering of Armies: Book Six of the Restoration Series

Red Lightning

Nephilim

Long Shot: A Remnant of the Commonwealth, Book One

Kill Shot: A Remnant of the Commonwealth, Book Two

Far Shot: A Remnant of the Commonwealth, Book Three

For a map of Telur and the surrounding kingdoms, please visit:

http://booksbychristopherwilliams.com/Restoration-map.jpg

Dear Readers,

I would like to thank you for your patience in waiting for this novel. It was delayed much more than I had expected but unfortunately life sometimes piles things on your plate that have to be dealt with before the adventure can continue. As the door for writing has opened again, I look forward to sharing Book Seven of the Restoration Series and many more novels to come.

Christopher Williams

The Three Forms of the Mystical Arts

Magic

Magic is a learned art. All that is required to learn magic is a good mind. The magic users focus on their needs, then cast the appropriate spell. Spells can be as simple as single words or chants, or as complex as multi-person rites and rituals. Magic is by far the most common of the three forms of the Mystical Arts.

Sorcery

Sorcery, unlike Magic, is something with which person is born. It cannot be learned. Sorcerers are born with the unique ability to control their spirit and use it to manipulate things in the world around them. Touching other people's minds and moving objects with just a thought are some of the more common uses of Sorcery.

Wizardry

Wizardry is the art of summoning through the five elements. Demons are summoned through fire. Spirits are summoned through water. Visions of the past, present, and future are summoned through spirit. Summoning through air allows wizards to travel great distances, but only to locations that they have previously visited. Summoning through earth allows a person’s life essence to be transferred to another.

Wizardry has been forbidden for two thousand years ever since the destruction of the Demon Lord War.

Chapter 1

Things have changed a great deal in only a matter of weeks, Atock thought as he stared out over the charred remains of what had once been a farmer’s field. He knew that the destruction of the crops had been necessary, but it still caused him great sadness. Farm after farm was abandoned. The crops had been hastily harvested or, more likely, they’d been burnt.

It’d been that way for days. First as they’d followed the Adelion river westward, and then as they’d traveled north on the Southern road.

The Southern road was one of the great trade routes that led in and out of Telur. Under more normal circumstances, the road would be covered in trade caravans, but they hadn’t yet seen one other traveler in the whole time they had been on the road. It was eerie, strangely disquieting.

The emptiness was a credit to Lord Steel. The nobleman had done as King Darion had ordered. The farmers and their animals had been driven away. When the goblins began their siege of Telur, they would not find any easy food along the way.

Atock wasn’t sure it would matter though. The army of goblins that was heading to Telur would overrun the city. If they held out a week it would be a miracle.

Glancing over his shoulder, he took in the strange companions that he rode with.

Immediately behind Atock came Karina. She was filthy and her wild, bushy hair was grimy; they were all in need of a good bath as it’d been days. Karina was a wildling; a person that was different than most. Each wildling had a unique power, something that only they could do. She rode her horse like someone who’d never seen a horse before. One hand kept a death grip on the reins and the other held onto the saddle horn. Still she bounced around dangerously in the saddle and Atock had to tear his gaze away. He just didn’t know how she managed not to fall, and watching made him want to tense up.

Riding behind Karina was the young man Reega. He too was a wildling. While Karina looked like she might fall off at the first bump, Reega rode his horse better than anyone Atock had ever seen. It was strange, the boy surely couldn’t have ridden much, if at all, in his life, but there he sat – looking for all the world like a master horseman. He caught Atock watching and saluted him. Neither hand was on the reins; they just dangled around the horse’s neck; still the horse followed along beautifully. Never going too fast or in the wrong direction.

Atock shook his head and glanced to the last rider in their little procession. Enton was, like Atock, a Guardian, sworn to defend Telur. He was a huge man, close to seven feet tall and close to three hundred pounds of muscle. He didn’t see Atock’s glance, as he was watching their trail, making sure that no one snuck up on them.

Atock turned his attention back to the road in front of them; it was Enton’s duty to watch the road behind them but it was Atock’s to make sure they didn’t ride into a trap. It was a duty he’d been neglecting. He pulled his horse up and stared around. It wasn’t a trap that’d he led them into, thank the gods, but he was lucky. His lack of attention could have been disastrous. Ahead and to the right lay a small village, or what remained of it anyway. The entire town had been burnt to the ground; charred beams and remnants of stone walls were all that remained.

The others quickly gathered around him.

Is it the goblins? Reega asked. As he spoke he turned this way and that, making sure that goblins weren’t sneaking up on them as he spoke.

No, Atock said slowly. He pointed to the fields; they too were burnt. Goblins wouldn’t have burnt the fields. This was done by Lord Steel’s men.

I know this place, Enton said. He sounded excited.

Atock nodded. He too recognized it. The only thing that kept him from showing his own excitement was the exhaustion that was threatening to overtake him.

It’s one of the small towns that supplied Telur with food.

Atock nodded again. Telur was a large city and it took a great deal of food to supply all the people. There were a handful of small towns and villages that surrounded Telur and stored crops and housed the herds that fed Telur. This had been one of them.

So we’re close then? Karina asked. It sounded like she’d tried to hide the relief but she failed miserably.

Yes. Atock answered. He looked to the north, straining to see any sign of Telur. I think if we ride hard, we can be there by nightfall.

The gods be praised, Karina said under her breath.

It was dusk as they neared, and the city of Telur looked much different than what Enton and Atock remembered. Trees and shrubs had been cleared away for a great distance surrounding the city and the poor shanty-town that had existed around the walls was gone. Enormous herds of cows, goats, and horses grazed outside the walls. It took Atock a moment to work through why the herds were outside the walls. Must have scouts spread out so they can know when the goblins are on the way. It was logical. As the goblins drew near, the herds would have to be driven inside the walls. Might as well let them graze outside the walls while they could.

As they approached the city walls, they were watched by numerous soldiers along the top of the wall. Apparently the soldiers didn’t view four humans as much of a threat and they were allowed to ride right up to the gate. The main part of the gate was closed and sealed, but a smaller gate off to one side was open. A small group of guards watched them approach. One of them stepped forward and held up a hand.

Stop! What’s your business in Telur?

Atock let his horse take another couple of steps and then pulled up on the reins. He blinked down at the guard, surprised at how young he looked. Poor bastard will probably be dead soon. He thought.

My name is Prince Del-Atock A'bamani. I am a Guardian and I require an immediate audience with the king.

His words had the desired affect; the closest of the guards peered up at Atock, his eyes widening in surprise. His surprise didn’t last long and he reached up to hold the horse’s bridle. Of course, sir. We have orders to bring you straight to the king.

The guard paused and looked questioningly at Reega and Karina. Undoubtedly his orders didn’t mention them.

Atock was tired and perhaps even a little grumpy. They’re coming with us. He said flatly. His tone left no room for argument. Swinging his leg over the saddle horn, he lowered himself to the ground; he just did manage not to groan.

Yes sir! The guard motioned to the other guards who were still standing in a group near the small gate. Four of them approached them quickly and led the horses away.

Sir. If you will follow me, I’ll lead you to the king.

Atock didn’t answer except to wave his hand. He was more tired than he’d realized.

Atock and Enton had only been gone for several weeks but the city of Telur had changed dramatically. When they’d left, the city had still been full of women and children, not to mention all the artisans and entertainers. They were all gone now; the houses near the city walls had been taken over to house the soldiers and bondmen who had responded to the king’s summons. In fact, there were so many warriors near the walls that following the guard was difficult. They loitered in large groups, blocking the streets. To Atock’s surprise the guard was prepared.

The young man pulled a whistle from somewhere on his person. He blew on the whistle which let out a piercing shriek. Make way! Make way for official king’s business.

As one the assembled warriors looked at Atock’s small group. For a moment they hesitated and Atock wasn’t sure they would actually move, but they slowly began to shuffle out of the way. They didn’t look pleased about it though, glaring at the guard that led Atock and the others. Most likely a fair number of those soldiers were of noble birth or at the very least a higher rank than the guard, and they didn’t seem to like being ordered around by the likes of him.

The guard caught Atock smiling. They don’t like moving but the king himself has given the order that anyone on king’s business has priority.

What’s your name? Atock asked.

Malik, sir.

How many of the bondmen and soldiers have already arrived? Atock asked.

Malik shrugged. I couldn’t even begin to guess, but the city is near to bursting with armed men; nobles, bondmen, and regular army.

Atock was surprised. He knew the king had given orders to that effect, but he hadn’t expected that they could have been followed so soon. For just a moment a glimmer of hope burst forth within him.

Malik blew on his whistle three more times before they made it through the congestion of the soldiers. Once they were away from the soldiers, the city seemed to be deserted. An occasional guard or courier was the only person that could be seen.

While the houses and buildings near the walls had been taken over to house the soldiers, this next set of buildings appeared to have been turned into storerooms. Through open windows, Atock could see men stacking and restacking bags, boxes, and barrels of fruit and other crops; many of the upper floors had hay poking through the windows. He hoped that they could hold out long enough to need all that food.

The innermost section of the city, just before they reached the noble quarter, smelled like an over-filled cow pen; and it was easy to see why. Animals of every description roamed the empty streets - cows, horses, goats, and especially chickens were everywhere. The once-clean stone streets were now ankle deep in animal waste.

Funny, Karina said as she covered her mouth and nose with one hand. This is not the way that I’d always imagined Telur.

Atock laughed and immediately regretted it. Laughing allowed the smell to enter his mouth – it wasn’t pleasant to say the least.

They didn’t talk anymore as they slipped and slid through the animal offal. Enton nearly fell, just managing to grab hold of a window sill to keep himself from rolling in the muck. His wide eyes caused several of the group to emit a snort of laughter, but no one laughed out right. They were too worried about falling themselves.

Eventually they stepped through a gate and into what remained of the noble quarter. Any noble who wasn’t able to fight was long gone, but still they had a gate that kept the animals away from their section of town – it seemed they were too good to even fight their way through the crap.

Atock and the others stomped their feet to get any remaining waste off their feet, and then hurried to follow Malik.

This area of the city was much nicer, not to mention cleaner. They passed mansion after mansion, all of them appearing empty, until they reached the castle.

Atock paused, blinking up at the sight. He and Enton had only left Telur several weeks ago, but in that short time, the castle had changed as much as the city had. The actual stone walls hadn’t changed, but a wooden covering now ran along the top.

Atock shared a look with Enton. The covering along the top of the walls was to shield defenders from arrows. The castle was in the middle of the city and would only be attacked if the city walls were overran. Someone’s making plans for a last stand, Atock thought. It was a sobering thought, but in the end he didn’t think it would make much difference. If they even make it to these walls, then we’re done."

What’s the matter? Karina called out. She and Reega hadn’t stopped with Atock and Enton, but had continued on with Malik. The trio now stood in the shadow of the main gate, looking back at the two Guardians.

They hurried to catch up, although everything seemed to look different than when they left. Most of the main gate had been blocked with several enormous stones; only a small section on the left was still open.

They were only detained for a moment at the gates. The guards had been looking out for the two Guardians for some time, but the two wildlings were a surprise. Atock once again dug his heels in and flat-out refused to continue without the two.

Finally they were all allowed to pass and they followed Malik through the courtyard and into the castle proper. There was no shortage of people hustling about and they had to avoid large number of crates and barrels – food undoubtedly.

The inside of the castle was packed near to bursting – barrels and bags piled up in a haphazard manner. There weren’t as many guards as he remembered but that was probably because everyone knew that the goblins were the overwhelming danger. An assassin could be a danger, but it was just a potential danger. The goblin danger was marching down on the city any day now.

It took only a few minutes to locate the King; he was in a meeting with his top advisors. Atock and his group were kept waiting just outside the chamber, but only for a few minutes – then a stream of disgruntled-looking bunch of lords forced their way out of the room. Most of them barely spared a look in Atock’s direction.

The last person out of the doorway was someone that Atock recognized quite well. It was his fellow Guardian, Aaron.

Well, look who came back now that all of the hard work’s done? He said, sticking his head out and grinning in their direction.

Atock and Enton stepped forward, each greeting Aaron with a smile.

Aaron made a face and backed away a foot or so. Uhh! You smell. He held his nose to emphasize the point.

Hey, Atock said, only slightly pretending to be hurt. It’s not our fault.

Aaron’s grin came back. I know. Everyone around here smells like the sheep. He leaned in closer and whispered loudly, I think some of the lords smell like the sheep for the wrong reasons.

Enton let out an enormous peal of laughter.

A laugh from behind them focused Aaron’s attention on the others. It was Reega that had laughed at Aaron’s nasty joke. Karina showed no interest in Aaron or what he was saying. Malik was nowhere in sight, apparently he’d slipped away under the impression that his job was done now that he’d delivered Atock and the others.

Excuse me, Aaron said, speaking to Karina. I meant no offense.

Her only response was a strained smile and Aaron glanced to Atock and Enton. He seemed unsure of how exactly to treat the lady.

Allow me to introduce Reega and Karina, Atock said.

Karina! Aaron exclaimed, his eyes widening at the name. Surely, not the Karina that Trestus keeps talking about?

Trestus? And what exactly has he been saying? Karina asked. She already knew that he was here, having learned about it on their journey.

Atock smiled. There was something in her tone that implied Trestus might be in trouble.

Uh, Aaron began. His smile was gone and he too seemed to sense that Trestus might be in for some trouble. He appeared to be uncomfortable with being the cause. Oh, not much, Aaron said in an offhand manner. He’s just told me of meeting you in the Forest of Dalar.

Uh-huh, Karina replied, leaving no doubt that she didn’t believe it for a moment.

Well, Atock said, casting around for a way to move beyond discussions of Trestus. We’d better not keep the king waiting.

The king, Aaron agreed hurriedly. Yeah, we’d better get inside.

The room was rather plain and drab in its appearance, being a large rectangular room made of stone blocks. The ceiling was flat, and high above the ground. The walls were bare, except for a plain tapestry depicting a forest hunt that hung on the wall to his left. There were no windows and the floors were bare. Light illuminated from four globes sitting on posts placed in each of the four corners of the room – magic, obviously.

A long rectangular table sat in the middle of the room, with plain wooden chairs clustered around it. The surface of the table was a giant map that showed in detail from the western sea to the impassable White Mountains in the east. The map showed the frozen wastes of the far north to the three fingers jutting out into the ocean to the south.

King Darion sat at the head of the table and around him were gathered a small group of people. Some of them Atock recognized but there were a few that he was sure he’d never met before.

Two men sat on the king’s left and two more on his right. The only one of them that Atock recognized was Lord Cedric of House Steel. Lord Cedric controlled the southern lands, a large part of which were probably being overrun by goblins at this very moment.

The king’s oldest living son, Aldon stood just behind his father. Atock had to look twice to confirm that it was Aldon. It hadn’t been that long since they’d left the castle, but in that short time Aldon seemed to have aged decades. He looked haggard and pale. It was then that Atock remembered the old saying, Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

Three generals stood on this side of the table. They were off to the right and looking in Atock’s direction. Of the three, he recognized one as General Andatell, the very man whose army had arrived just in time at the battle of Fort Mul-Dune.

In addition, Dagan, Cassandra, and Agminion were also in the room. If Aldon looked old, Dagan looked ancient and on the precipice of death; a fate which wasn’t out of the realm of possibility. How old is he, anyway? Atock wondered. But such thoughts were quickly pushed from his mind as the king rose and spoke.

Welcome, Guardians. He paused and looked at Karina and Reega. And, guests, he added as his brow furrowed in confusion. What news do you bring?

Atock bowed smoothly and Enton followed his example, although in a much less refined way. Karina and Reega didn’t even bother trying to bow, instead they just stood there glaring around the room.

Very quickly, Atock told their story since they’d left Lord Steel, how they’d found the bridge the goblins were building to cross the Adelion River. He also explained briefly how he and Enton had burnt a good section of the bridge before making their escape. He also touched briefly on Karina and Reega’s help, although he didn’t go into any great detail; he wasn’t sure how much to say about their abilities. He wouldn’t withhold the information from the King, but he wasn’t sure about all of the other men in the room. When he stopped speaking, there was a brief silence; it was finally broken by Dagan.

They actually built a bridge? There was a tone of disbelief in the old man’s voice.

Atock nodded. We slowed them a bit, but not for long.

King Darion looked lost in thought and Atock noticed several of the seated men exchanging looks. They looked scared, except for Lord Steel, he just looked resigned.

Sir, one of the other men began, since our scouts haven’t spotted the advancing goblins yet, perhaps there’s still time for the envoys. He was an older man and looked like a person who’d just lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time; loose skin hung around his neck and face.

Atock didn’t know what envoys the man spoke of and he exchanged a glance with Enton, but his own look of confusion was mirrored in Enton’s face.

One of the other nobles cleared his throat and looked pointedly at the old man who’d spoken. The old man looked startled, glanced to Atock and Enton, and then dropped his gaze to the tabletop.

Uh, yes, King Darion said after a moment. Would you excuse us as we discuss this new information? His eyes settled on something just behind them. Lord Maltin, please find a place close by where they can be available for us if we have any questions.

Of course, Lord, a voice said from just behind Atock’s group.

He and Enton both jumped; they hadn’t known anyone was behind them. A quick glance showed them that it was King Darion’s spymaster. And, although he was a lord, he had insisted that Atock call him Jared. Atock liked the man, but he was surprised how noiselessly the old man had snuck up behind them.

Atock and Enton bowed and followed Jared back out the doorway. Jared paused once the door closed behind them and grasped Atock by the arm and then Enton. Well met! He said, smiling at them. I wasn’t sure you’d make it back. I thought that maybe the goblins had gotten you.

Enton harrumphed at that. It’ll take more than an army of goblins to get us, he said, thumping his fist against his chest, but grinning as he did so. Besides, I couldn’t let Heather and Aaron have all the fun when the goblins finally do make it here. They’d never let me hear the end of it.

Jared blinked at Enton and suddenly his grin was gone. The change in his demeanor did not go unnoticed.

What is it? Atock asked. Is something wrong?

Uh, no, Jared answered. As he spoke he turned and motioned for Atock and the others to follow.

Atock and Enton shared a confused look and then hurried to catch up to the spymaster. Despite his advancing years, he still moved quick enough.

Karina and Reega followed a little ways behind, appearing disinterested. At least they appeared disinterested in the conversation of Jared and the two Guardians; they were very much interested in their surroundings. Both of them had spent nearly their entire life in the wilderness and the King of Telur’s castle was a bit overwhelming. Karina did a better job of hiding her amazement then the wide-eyed Reega.

Jared led them to a small waiting room just down the hall and Enton and Atock hurried in after him; they’d forgotten about Karina and Reega completely.

The waiting room was small but had a window which would normally let in the sounds of Telur. Today, all the window seemed to be letting in was the smell of the animals that were jamming Telur to overflowing.

The center of the room had a small, rectangular table. Six chairs surrounded the table and two more set back against the wall.

Jared motioned toward the table and chairs. You must be tired. Be seated and I’ll find a servant to get some hot food in here.

Atock considered asking to know what Jared was keeping from them but decided the old man would tell them in his own sweet time.

Enton sat down at the head of the table, and Atock took a chair with his back to the window. Karina and Reega sat opposite Atock.

After so long in the saddle, Atock found even the rickety old wooden chair comfortable. He couldn’t wait to get a good night’s sleep in a soft bed.

After a short while, Jared reappeared. He clapped his hands and smiled as he took the seat opposite Enton. Shouldn’t be long until we have some good food. I understand we have roast pork and fresh bread on the way.

Atock’s mouth began to water at the thought of hot roasted pork and freshly baked bread. Enton was not so easily dissuaded.

What is it that you’re not telling us? He demanded.

Atock tensed slightly. He didn’t think Jared would take offense, but the man was a lord after all.

Jared sighed and laid his hands on the table’s edge. Atock and Enton, plus the two wildlings were watching him closely now. It’s nothing to get excited about, he said. It’s just that Heather isn’t in Telur.

Not in Telur? Atock and Enton asked in unison. Atock glanced in Enton’s direction.

Then where is she? Enton asked. He looked both worried and also trying very hard not to appear worried.

Although he hadn’t asked about it, Atock suspected that Heather and Enton had some kind of romantic relationship. It was surprising. Never would he have guessed that those two would be interested in each other, but then again, love is blind, deaf, dumb, stupid, ignorant . . .

She travelled east to try and convince Natesh and Molain to send their armies to our aid.

No one said anything for several long moments and then Enton burst out laughing. Who’s dumb idea was that?

Jared didn’t miss a beat. Heather’s, he answered, grinning at Enton.

Enton’s mirth was fading. Why would she take that mission? It seems foolhardy at best – possibly dangerous.

Jared shrugged. Perhaps it is. He leaned closer and his eyes seemed to hold Enton’s. But if she’s not in Telur, and the city falls, then she gets to keep on living.

Atock glanced from Jared to Enton just in time to see a host of thoughts and emotions playing across Enton’s face. Uh-huh! Atock thought. He’s disappointed that she’s not here because he wants to see her, but at the same time he’s glad that she won’t be part of what’s about to happen to Telur.

For a moment there was silence and then Atock spoke up. Jared, can you tell me what emissaries King Darion spoke of?

Jared looked confused for a moment and then said, Oh, you mean the envoys. Jared leaned closer to the table but then paused his eyes coming to rest on Karina and Reega. No words were said but none were needed. He obviously didn’t trust the two wildlings nor could he – he didn’t know them.

Reega looked