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    Red Queen Rider
    Red Queen Rider
    Red Queen Rider
    Ebook504 pages7 hours

    Red Queen Rider

    By Ashley Abbiss

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    About this ebook

    When Aralaiah, along with Red Queen and ‎Bronze Queen, attacked the Demorsans and prevented ‎the invasion of Dracos, she thought that Red Queen ‎had offered to carry her just that one time. But then, ‎Ullra Mobit turns up demanding to know what ‎Aralaiah means to do, and she discovers that Red ‎Queen has chosen her to be her rider. ‎
    She is now First Rider of Dracos, and not only ‎did Red Queen not bother to tell Aralaiah this, she has ‎also been making other demands on her behalf – ‎demands that Aralaiah knows nothing about and ‎strongly disagrees with. When she taxes Red Queen ‎with these omissions and refuses to be treated like a ‎possession, Red Queen almost kills her in a fit of ‎temper. Blue-green Queen heals the damage, and ‎Aralaiah finally comes to an agreement with Red ‎Queen. At least that crisis is over.‎
    There’s no rest to be had, though. Heroine of ‎Dracos or not, there’s teaching to be done. The people ‎of Dracos need what Aralaiah can teach them now ‎more than ever, but winter is closing in, and so are the ‎Demorsans. There is no time for her to rest on her ‎laurels, or even to recover from her latest adventure. ‎The very day after the battle against the Sorcerers’ ‎men, she and the team are off on another teaching trip. ‎
    Security is even tighter this time around. The ‎intelligence people have discovered that the Sorcerers’ ‎aims in respect to Aralaiah have changed. They no ‎longer want to kill her. Now, they want to capture her ‎alive. When an attack on the road almost kills one of ‎Aralaiah’s friends, she knows things are getting ‎serious.‎
    But she has no idea how serious until a few days ‎later when a dragon arrives with an urgent message. ‎Having failed to capture Aralaiah, the Demorsans ‎have now changed their tactics. They’ve kidnapped ‎Pryn and Draken and they’re threatening to kill them ‎unless Aralaiah gives herself up to them. ‎
    But the government of Dracos isn’t about to allow ‎that. Aralaiah and Beda are virtual prisoners in their ‎home. And meantime, Draken and Pryn are out there ‎somewhere, in mortal danger. Life just gets more and ‎more complicated.‎
    Rainbow Mage, Heir of Ghlent, Heroine of ‎Dracos, even First Rider, none if it means much when ‎two of Aralaiah’s best friends are in danger and she ‎can’t do anything to help them. Every human agency ‎and every dragon in Dracos is trying to find them, but ‎until (and unless) they do, Draken and Pryn are on ‎their own. ‎
    Join Aralaiah and Beda, Draken and Pryn on what ‎may be their most nerve-racking adventure yet.‎

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherAshley Abbiss
    Release dateFeb 1, 2019
    ISBN9780463968437
    Red Queen Rider
    Author

    Ashley Abbiss

    Hello there. I’m Ashley Abbiss. ‎I live and write in beautiful New Zealand, where I live with one large dog, who looks nothing ‎like Friend from my Daughters of Destiny books. She is, however, almost as intelligent and definitely as ‎opinionated, and if she can’t quite speak in the way Friend does to Niari, that doesn’t really ‎hold her back much!‎I write fantasy, mostly of the epic variety. Let me say right up front that if you’re looking for a quick read, you’re in the wrong place. But if you like a substantial, ‎satisfying story that you can really get your teeth into, stick with me. I may have something ‎you’ll enjoy. There’s no graphic sex in my books. If that’s what you want, you’ll have to look ‎elsewhere. There is violence, and there is swearing, though mostly of the ‘s/he swore’ variety, ‎nothing overly graphic or offensive. I also write about strong, independent female characters, ‎so if your taste runs to something more macho, or something more frilly and helpless, this may ‎not be the place for you. ‎I’ve always loved wandering in different worlds, be they fantasy or science fiction, although ‎lately I tend to prefer fantasy. The only proviso is that they have to be believable worlds, ‎worlds that feel real, that have depth and scope – and they must, absolutely must be fun to ‎visit. I read for escape and entertainment, and I don’t really want to escape from this world ‎into one even grimmer. Trouble, tension, and danger I can deal with, what sort of story would ‎there be without them? Where would Pern be without Thread, Frodo without Sauron, Harry ‎Potter without Voldemort? But there has to be hope, and there has to be a light touch. Happy ‎ever after does have a lot going for it, even if initially it’s only a very small light at the end of ‎a long, dark tunnel. My personal favourites include Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, Anne ‎McCaffrey’s Pern series, and the fantasies of David Eddings, and lately, they’ve been joined ‎by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and a few others. Of those, David Eddings was probably my ‎greatest inspiration.‎I began to wonder if I could create my own world, one just as believable and multi-layered as ‎theirs. Could I create a world with its own history, geography, social structure, deities, and all ‎the rest? One that hung together? That a reader could believe in? It became a challenge, one I ‎really wanted to see if I could meet. So I dusted off my writing skills, learned a few more, ‎cranked up the imagination, and got busy. I’d always been good at creative writing, but ‎though I’d made a few attempts to write after I left school, none of them came to anything. ‎That was until I started writing fantasy. Suddenly, I knew I’d come home. ‎I quickly discovered that I’m not the sort of writer who can plan a book (or a world!) before I ‎start. I just can’t do it. But I can create characters, and suddenly the characters took on a ‎reality of their own and took over the stories, often to the extent that they actually surprised ‎me. And the stories worked. Their world worked. Sometimes I had to go back and fix the ‎odd contradiction, but mostly it worked and was very natural and organic. Even though my ‎first attempts were pitiful, I knew I’d found where I belong. I persevered, I learned, I wrote. ‎I discovered that the characters are key for me. Once I get them right, they tell their own ‎story. I was away. There were dark days during which my stories became my refuge, my ‎characters my friends. And I kept writing. There were happy times when I didn’t need a ‎refuge, but my characters were still my friends, and they drew me inexorably back. I kept ‎writing. ‎And now, I hope my characters may become your friends too, my worlds ones where you also ‎like to walk; perhaps even your refuge from dark days. Come join me in a world where magic ‎is real and the gods are near, where beasts talk and men and women achieve things they never ‎dreamed they could. But most of all, come and have fun! ‎Happy reading.‎Ash.‎

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      Book preview

      Red Queen Rider - Ashley Abbiss

      TABLE OF CONTENTS

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      Chapter Twelve

      Chapter Thirteen

      Chapter Fourteen

      Chapter Fifteen

      Chapter Sixteen

      Chapter Seventeen

      Chapter Eighteen

      Chapter Nineteen

      Chapter Twenty

      Chapter Twenty-One

      Chapter Twenty-Two

      Chapter Twenty-Three

      Chapter Twenty-Four

      Chapter Twenty-Five

      Chapter Twenty-Six

      Chapter Twenty-Seven

      Chapter Twenty-Eight

      Chapter Twenty-Nine

      Chapter Thirty

      Chapter Thirty-One

      Chapter Thirty-Two

      Chapter Thirty-Three

      Chapter Thirty-Four

      Chapter Thirty-Five

      Chapter Thirty-Six

      Chapter Thirty-Seven

      Chapter Thirty-Eight

      Chapter Thirty-Nine

      Chapter Forty

      Chapter Forty-One

      Chapter Forty-Two

      Chapter Forty-Three

      Chapter Forty-Four

      Connect with Ashley Abbiss

      Other Publications by Ashley Abbiss

      CHAPTER ONE

      ‎Here you go, Draken said, handing over a thick ‎sandwich wrapped in paper. I had them put some ‎extra fillings in there. I know how hungry you must ‎be.‎

      ‎Thank you, Aralaiah said gratefully. I’m ‎absolutely starving. ‎

      Pryn gave a snort of laughter. That’s one ‎consequence of being a hero that I never thought of. ‎You miss lunch while you’re saving the world! ‎

      She and Beda looked at each other and doubled ‎up laughing.‎

      Aralaiah did her best to ignore them. She took a ‎large bite out of her sandwich and looked around. ‎

      ‎The coast seems to be clear, for the moment, at ‎least. Let’s get out of here. I feel silly hiding in the ‎bushes.‎

      She, Beda, Pryn and Draken, along with ‎Aralaiah’s guard, were currently standing in the ‎shrubbery behind the fountain in Founders’ Park, ‎hiding from all the people who wanted to mob ‎Aralaiah. They had just come, or more precisely, ‎escaped from the Town Hall after the Council session ‎where Bronze Queen had related what happened ‎when she, along with Aralaiah and Red Queen, had ‎gone out to check the report of the heroic wounded ‎dragon who had risked his life to bring the news that ‎he had seen Sorcerers’ men climbing up the mountain ‎towards Dracos. ‎

      An initial reconnaissance mission by General Prent ‎and several top intelligence officers had found ‎nothing, and it had been concluded that it was a case ‎of a young, overenthusiastic dragon mistaking ‎ordinary folk for an invasion. But then, Aralaiah and ‎her team, who had rescued the dragon and therefore ‎knew the facts firsthand, had arrived home and ‎Nedris and Aralan made their report to their leader. ‎

      Varen Gebit, head of the Black Brotherhood, had ‎realised at once that their report did not match the ‎report of General Prent and his party. He consulted ‎Tarlen Medril, the Master Mage, and the two men ‎came to the conclusion that General Prent’s party may ‎well have fallen victim to the same mind-control ‎magic that had affected Aralaiah not too long ago. ‎

      That meant the dragon’s report may well have ‎been correct, and if so, the Sorcerers’ troops had had a ‎week or more to advance their plans without any ‎interference. Dracos may well be in dire danger. A ‎second expedition had been hastily organised; an ‎expedition comprised of Varen, Tarlen and Aralaiah ‎because they were some of the few who had been ‎made immune to such influences by Moon Queen ‎after Aralaiah had been attacked. They would be able ‎to see what was actually there, not what the Sorcerers ‎wanted them to think was there.‎

      Red Queen herself had turned up to carry ‎Aralaiah, and the two of them had patrolled the outer ‎side of the mountain while Varen and Tarlen ‎examined the Dracos side. Varen and Tarlen had soon ‎discovered that the Sorcerers’ men had, in fact, scaled ‎the mountain. They had gained access to Dracos and ‎had established a large camp, capable of housing well ‎over a thousand troops, hidden in the forest at the ‎foot of the crags. The only good thing about it was ‎that the camp was largely empty as yet.‎

      Aralaiah, Red Queen and their entourage had ‎discovered the reason for that. The Demorsans had ‎built a walkway that ordinary troops could use, and ‎they were, at that moment, bringing thousands of men ‎up the side of the mountain. Aralaiah had felt that ‎they had no choice. It would take time to get back to ‎Dracos City and alert the authorities, and even more ‎time to organise a response. By the time the men of ‎Dracos got there, it would be too late. Dragonesque ‎would already be dying. They had to stop those men ‎from making it to that camp. ‎

      They’d discovered three points where the enemy ‎had bridged chasms so their men could cross, and ‎they’d attacked and taken out those bridges with ‎Bronze Queen’s help. That would mean no more men ‎could reach Dracos, and hopefully, their own troops ‎could get there to deal with them before they could ‎re-establish the bridges. ‎

      They’d only done what had been necessary, but ‎now, after Ullra Mobit had called the Council into ‎session so they could make their report, they’d ‎become, quite naturally, the heroes of Dracos. ‎Aralaiah had spent a lot of time since coming to ‎Dracos in wishing that people liked her better, at least ‎enough not to try to kill her every time she turned ‎around. Now, she was seriously wondering which was ‎worse, being hated or being popular. ‎

      They’d had to virtually fight their way out of the ‎Town Hall. In fact, if it hadn’t been for Aralaiah’s ‎guard intervening, she thought they might still be ‎there. The pressing crowds, of course, had made the ‎poor guards extremely nervous, and for once, Aralaiah ‎was grateful for that. ‎

      Then, the women, and the guards, of course, had ‎been reduced to hiding in the bushes while Draken ‎went across to the sandwich shop to get Aralaiah ‎something to eat. And all because she’d suddenly ‎become so popular that she could barely move for all ‎the people who wanted to shake her hand or talk to ‎her. Life in Dracos just seemed to lurch from one ‎extreme to the other.‎

      All she really wanted was something to eat, and ‎then to get home where no one could bother her. She ‎was starving, she was exhausted, and she was filthy. ‎She wanted food, a long, hot bath, and her bed, in ‎that order.‎

      ‎Will we be going off again tomorrow? she ‎asked Beda as the thought occurred to her.‎

      ‎I don’t know, Beda said, frowning. I haven’t ‎heard anything to the contrary, so I suppose we’d ‎better count on it, at least until we hear differently.‎

      ‎In that case, I really need to get home, Aralaiah ‎said. I’m horribly tired, and I’ll have to do what I ‎can to cure that before the morning. Otherwise, I ‎won’t last the distance. You know what those trips are ‎like. There really isn’t any opportunity to catch up if ‎you get behind.‎

      ‎Yes, I know what you mean, Beda said. We ‎really need to see Ullra and find out for sure what ‎we’re doing, but there’d be no point going back in ‎there just now. I’ll come back a bit later when things ‎have had time to settle down and I can be fairly sure ‎of catching her in her office. My feeling is that we’ll ‎go on. The Sorcerers are showing an interest in ‎Dracos, and we only have so long before winter really ‎sets in and we won’t be able to travel. I think Ullra ‎and Tarlen will want to get as many people as possible ‎up to speed with the new magic before then. Still, at ‎least it will get you out of the city and away from all ‎this hysteria.‎

      ‎There is that, Aralaiah said. We can hope the ‎news hasn’t got that far yet. Or, that they got the ‎toned down version if it did.‎

      Beda laughed. Let’s go out through Hope Lane. ‎That’s probably our best bet.‎

      ‎Change your cloak into something else, ‎Aralaiah, Draken said. It’s rather distinctive. Then, ‎if you keep your hood up and your head down, you ‎should be right.‎

      ‎Good idea, she said. Thanks.‎

      She quickly used magic to change her cloak to a ‎nondescript brown wool and pulled her hood up. ‎

      ‎All right? she asked.‎

      ‎Perfectly unremarkable, Draken said with ‎approval. Let’s go.‎

      ‎I’ll run ahead and make sure there’s no one ‎lurking around, Pryn offered, and went quickly off ‎through the shrubbery.‎

      The rest of them followed more slowly. This was ‎the path that led to the statue of Hope, and thence to ‎Hope Lane. From there, a slightly more substantial ‎street would decant them into the commercial district ‎not too far from the turn-off to their home. With just a ‎bit of luck, they’d be able to lose themselves in the ‎crowds of shoppers and make their escape.‎

      Pryn came running back. ‎

      ‎It’s all clear for the moment, she panted, but, ‎you’d better do something about that. She pointed ‎skyward, where Aralaiah’s twelve watch dragons ‎were circling above them. They’re kind of like ‎blowing a trumpet.‎

      ‎Haril, Draken said, addressing one of the guards ‎who was a regular. Can you talk to them? Emphasise ‎the security angle and try to get them to see that, at ‎the moment, they’re actually part of the problem and ‎they need to fly higher. They’ll still be able to see ‎trouble coming from up there, so it’s not as though ‎they’d be shirking their duty, but it would make them ‎less obvious. Or, at least, make it less obvious that ‎they’re with us. Otherwise, they’re going to draw ‎people straight to us, and that won’t help anything.‎

      ‎Sure thing, Fire Mage, Haril said. To be honest, ‎all those people are a nightmare as far as security goes. ‎Me and my mate were nearly having kittens back there ‎in the Town Hall.‎

      ‎Try Tozla, Aralaiah said, pointing out the bright ‎green dragon. She’s usually fairly sensible, and the ‎other dragons tend to listen to her.‎

      Haril nodded and turned to look up to where ‎Tozla wheeled in the sky with the other dragons. The ‎others waited anxiously as he explained the situation ‎to her, hoping that Tozla would see the problem and ‎that she would be able to persuade her fellows to fly ‎higher. Otherwise, as Pryn had pointed out, they were ‎going to pinpoint their location to anyone who wanted ‎to know it. They were about as effective as a large ‎sign, reading, Aralaiah is here.‎

      A moment later, Tozla gave a cry, and Aralaiah ‎clearly heard her telling the dragons to fly higher. She ‎also added a refinement of her own, ordering them to ‎fly wider circles, too. Being higher up, they would still ‎be able to see Aralaiah and anything approaching her, ‎but the focus of their attention would not be so ‎obvious. Dragon sight meant that they would be able ‎to see just as much and in just as much detail as they ‎could when flying lower. In fact, they could see ‎further, so it was actually a better arrangement.‎

      ‎"Thank you, Tozla," Aralaiah said gratefully as the dragons began to spiral higher and spread themselves out more.

      "We must keep you safe," Tozla replied, conveying the sense of a shrug. You are Ghlent come again. You rode Red Queen. She would not be pleased if we failed to protect you.

      The dragons, by that time, had spread themselves ‎out over quite a large area. While they might still give ‎their general location away, they would not now ‎narrow that down too much. Looking up, Aralaiah ‎thought that anyone who wanted to follow the ‎dragons now would have about half the commercial ‎district and the area around the Town Hall to choose ‎from.‎

      ‎That should do it, Draken said. Let’s get out of ‎here.‎

      ‎I’ll just take another look and make sure ‎nothing’s changed, Pryn said, and ran ahead.‎

      She met them at the edge of the shrubbery with ‎the news that it was all clear for as far as she could ‎see. They quickly walked down through Hope Lane ‎and turned towards the main shopping street. Aralaiah ‎was tense as they approached the busy intersection, ‎but it all went smoothly. No one seemed to notice ‎them, and they just became part of the crowd. They ‎didn’t linger, though, but walked on as fast as they ‎could without drawing undue attention to themselves. ‎In just a few minutes, they were turning into their own ‎street and the crowds were left behind. ‎

      ‎Made it! Pryn said with a sigh of relief. She ‎squinted ahead. Hang on. Who’s that hanging around ‎our gate?‎

      ‎What? Aralaiah said in alarm. Oh, no. I ‎couldn’t stand any more. Not today.‎

      She sounded as though she was about to burst ‎into tears – which actually wasn’t that far from the ‎truth. She’d simply had enough for one day.‎

      ‎It’s the tutors, Beda said, peering ahead herself. ‎‎It’s all right, Aralaiah. I’d guess that they couldn’t ‎get near you at the Town Hall, so they came up with ‎this. They probably just want to hear all about it.‎

      ‎They just heard all about it, Aralaiah said ‎wearily.‎

      ‎Yes, but not from the horse’s mouth, as it were, ‎Beda grinned. Come on, Aralaiah. You sort of owe it ‎to them, don’t you think?‎

      ‎Yes, I suppose so, Aralaiah sighed. But, I’m ‎just so tired, Beda.‎

      ‎We won’t let them stay too long, Beda ‎promised. Besides, I still have to go back and talk to ‎Ullra, and I don’t want to be too late doing that, ‎either. I can make sure they leave when I do. Then, ‎you can go lie down until dinner.‎

      Aralaiah nodded, and they continued on towards ‎the house. ‎

      ‎Aralaiah! Asla called as they came nearer. ‎‎There you are! We figured you’d be home sometime ‎soon. She came running up and grabbed Aralaiah in a ‎bear hug. Oh, I can’t believe you went out this ‎morning and fought the Sorcerers all by yourself!‎

      ‎I’m not sure I’d put it that way, exactly, ‎Aralaiah said awkwardly.‎

      ‎Why not? Leese said, strolling up. That’s what ‎happened, isn’t it? At least, that’s what we all saw in ‎Bronze Queen’s memory, and I don’t think she was ‎lying to us. Dragons don’t know how to lie.‎

      Several of the others snickered.‎

      ‎And that makes three dragon riders from Squad ‎Seven, Esan said gleefully. How good is that? One-‎third of our squad rides dragons. That’s got to be a ‎record.‎

      Aralaiah couldn’t help it. Maybe it was just that ‎she was so tired, but after everything that had ‎happened that day, the thing struck her as absurd. She ‎doubled up, howling with laughter.‎

      ‎Let’s all get inside, Draken said. Aralaiah’s ‎been dodging people wanting to talk to her ever since ‎the Council meeting. If we stand around here much ‎longer, we’ll have more of them, and she’s exhausted ‎after what she’s been through today.‎

      ‎Oh, your poor thing! Rala said. Of course you ‎are! I suppose we shouldn’t even be here, really, but ‎we just couldn’t believe what happened. I mean, we ‎know dragons don’t lie, but... Well, you know what I ‎mean. We just had to come and hear the story from ‎your own mouth.‎

      ‎And find out whether we’re going off on our ‎teaching trip tomorrow, Marki, one of the older ‎ladies, said.‎

      ‎As to that, we’re not sure yet, Beda said as she ‎led the way up the path to the front door. I have to go ‎and see Ullra Mobit soon and find out for sure, ‎although, I would expect that we will be. After all, the ‎Sorcerers are coming, and so is winter. It’s going to be ‎a race to get everyone taught the new magic in time, ‎and it’s even more important now, isn’t it?"‎

      ‎You would think so, Jerz Velan said. But we ‎all know what officials are like. Who knows how they ‎think sometimes?‎

      ‎Come on in, everyone, and I’ll put the kettle on, ‎Beda said. ‎

      They all trooped into the kitchen and took seats ‎around the big table. The two older ladies helped set ‎out tea things and get food out of the pantry while ‎Beda made the tea.‎

      CHAPTER TWO

      ‎Now, Aralaiah, Dori, one of the older ladies, ‎said when they were all settled with tea and food. ‎‎We want to know all about it. However did you ‎come to be spending your day off fighting the ‎Sorcerers? And on Red Queen’s back, of all dragons? ‎That’s what I’d like to know.‎

      Several of the others nodded their heads, and ‎Aralaiah realised that it wasn’t that they doubted ‎Bronze Queen’s story. They wanted the gaps filled in. ‎That made a lot more sense. She really couldn’t see ‎the point of having to tell the story of the battle all ‎over again when Bronze Queen had already done it so ‎well. What else was there to say about it, after all? ‎They’d all seen every detail. Filling in the rest of it, ‎though, she didn’t mind so much.‎

      ‎Well, it started last night, when a messenger ‎arrived just as we were finishing dinner to tell me that ‎I had to present myself at the entrance to the Town ‎Hall at the eighth hour this morning, by order of the ‎Supreme Council, Aralaiah said. There was also a ‎message from Varen Gebit that said, ‘dress warmly’.‎

      ‎That was all? Brelda asked in surprise.‎

      ‎Yes, Draken said. I can only suppose that ‎knowing the Sorcerers are active up here, they ‎considered it too dangerous to put any more detail in a ‎message.‎

      ‎That would make sense, Tarril nodded. You ‎wouldn’t really want to forewarn them of something ‎like that, would you? Then, they might have taken ‎further steps to hide what they were doing, and we ‎might still be in ignorance.‎

      A couple of the younger ones shuddered at that ‎thought.‎

      ‎Anyway, I turned up as ordered, to find Varen ‎and Tarlen waiting for me, Aralaiah went on. Varen ‎had had Nedris and Aralan’s report about when we ‎rescued that dragon and realised that it didn’t match ‎up with what General Prent and his party had found. ‎Well, you heard him tell all that at the Council session. ‎So, because we three were immune to that particular ‎magic because of what Moon Queen did to us after I ‎had that breakdown on our last trip, we were the best ‎ones to go have a look. And that’s all, really.‎

      ‎Yes, but how did you come to be riding Red ‎Queen? Marki asked, wide-eyed. ‎

      ‎She turned up wearing a saddle and insisted, ‎Aralaiah said. She said something about, who else ‎should carry their child? That’s what the queens ‎generally call me. And she was on about Ghlent again, ‎too.‎

      ‎I actually wonder how much Red Queen knew, ‎Draken said. Because she actually said, ‘Who else ‎should carry our child? Who ‎else should have the ‎honour of bearing her when she ‎fulfils the destiny of ‎her father, Ghlent?’ I remember because it struck me ‎as odd at the time. And I have to say, it strikes me ‎even odder now.‎

      ‎Yes, it was weird, Aralaiah said. I remember ‎wondering how Red Queen thought that just going ‎out to have a look was equivalent to what Ghlent did. ‎And then, I decided that it would probably be a good ‎thing if she did. Then maybe, she’d leave the Ghlent ‎come again thing alone, finally. But then, when we ‎were on the way, I asked her what we were going to ‎do if we found anything. She said something like, ‎then, we’d go back and tell the appropriate people, so ‎they could send men out to tackle the problem. And ‎then, there was a kind of pause, and she said, or ‎maybe we’d do something ourselves, it depended on ‎what we found. Which, I have to say, sounded much ‎more like Red Queen to me.‎

      The table erupted in laughter. ‎

      ‎Yes, it definitely sounds more like Red Queen, ‎Beda said. And that probably explains it. She was ‎quite prepared to take action herself, and she wanted ‎Aralaiah there so she could push the whole heir of ‎Ghlent thing, if so. She does that every chance she ‎gets, I’ve noticed.‎

      ‎She does, Aralaiah said gloomily.‎

      ‎So, it was Red Queen’s idea to attack those ‎bridges? Deelan asked.‎

      ‎Well, no, Aralaiah admitted. Dragons can’t ‎fight against humans without a rider, according to ‎Red Queen. That’s part of the magic that Ghlent and ‎the queens put on the eggs at the end of the last war, ‎apparently. So, I had to decide what we’d do about ‎the bridges. Red Queen agreed with me, though.‎

      ‎Bronze Queen didn’t have a rider, but she did a ‎bit of fighting if her memories are correct, Asla said.‎

      ‎More than a bit, Brelda said. So, how does that ‎work, then?‎

      ‎She has a point, Deelan said thoughtfully. So, ‎if dragons aren’t allowed to fight without a rider, how ‎come Bronze Queen could help you take out those ‎bridges? You just told us that Red Queen couldn’t do ‎anything without a rider, so how could Bronze Queen ‎get away with it?‎

      Aralaiah could feel her face growing hot. I asked ‎Red Queen about that, she said. It’s because I was ‎there.‎

      ‎So, they can fight as long as there’s a human ‎somewhere nearby? Asla asked.‎

      ‎Er... Aralaiah said.‎

      ‎Er, what? Leese jumped on the hesitation.‎

      Aralaiah tried very hard not to sigh. She wished ‎she could lie about it, but she just couldn’t. She was ‎totally useless at telling lies; always had been.‎

      ‎No, she admitted. They can only do it if I’m ‎there.‎

      ‎Why? Asla asked.‎

      Aralaiah let the sigh go. Because I’m Ghlent ‎come again – at least, according to the dragons – and ‎Red Queen says all dragons must fight to protect ‎Ghlent, whether they have riders or not.‎

      ‎"So, you were the only one who could have done ‎that! Leese crowed. I knew it! It was all down to ‎you. You were the one who saved Dracos."‎

      They all beamed at her.‎

      Draken laughed. I think you’d better give up ‎before you get any further behind, Aralaiah, he said. ‎‎You can argue until you’re blue in the face, but the ‎simple fact is that, after what we all saw today, you ‎are the heroine of Dracos, whether you want to be or ‎not.‎

      ‎We all saw you defeat the Sorcerers, Asla said, ‎in a ‘so there!’ sort of voice.‎

      She folded her arms and glared across the table.‎

      ‎And we saw you directing two queen dragons ‎and riding Red Queen herself, Brelda said. ‎

      ‎Oh! Marki said. Our friends are going to be so ‎envious to think that we know you.‎

      She sounded so gleeful that Aralaiah was ‎surprised she wasn’t hugging herself.‎

      ‎Oh! Dori, another older lady said. I bet Vena ‎and Dem are sorry they gave up being tutors now. ‎Vena will be gnawing her own liver!‎

      She also sounded positively gleeful.‎

      ‎Do you think it will help my business if I tell ‎people the saviour of Dracos is my partner? Pryn ‎asked, her eyes sparkling.‎

      ‎Don’t you dare! Aralaiah said.‎

      ‎Well, it’s only the truth, after all, Laiah, Pryn ‎said innocently.‎

      ‎What’s all this? Deelan asked.‎

      ‎This is Aralaiah’s childhood friend Pryn, from ‎the Lowlands, Draken said. She came up here as ‎part of the drive to recruit Lowland people to help fill ‎in the gaps in skilled labour up here since most ‎everyone of working age is in the army at the moment. ‎She’s a seamstress, and Aralaiah offered to help her ‎out with some magic to get her started. So then, she ‎insisted on making Aralaiah a partner in her business.‎

      ‎Like I need to take your money! Aralaiah said ‎irritably. You need it far more than I do.‎

      ‎Fair’s fair, Laiah, Pryn said serenely. I can’t ‎keep taking your charity. You wouldn’t do it, so you ‎can’t expect me to. She nodded her head and folded ‎her arms.‎

      The tutors were looking back and forth between ‎the two of them, watching avidly.‎

      ‎She’s about as stubborn as you, Aralaiah, Leese ‎said finally. Are all Lowland people like that?‎

      The entire table erupted in laughter. Aralaiah ‎blushed, but she couldn’t help joining in.‎

      ‎So, what sort of sewing do you do, Pryn? Marki ‎asked. ‎

      She sounded only politely interested and as ‎though she didn’t expect the answer to be anything at ‎all exciting. ‎

      ‎She made this for me, Beda said, standing up ‎and turning around so everyone could see the tunic ‎Pryn had made for her. Pryn’s very talented. This is a ‎Lowland technique called patchwork.‎

      ‎Oh, my! Dori breathed. ‎

      ‎Oh, wow! Asla squealed. Can you do that in ‎different colours?‎

      ‎Of course, Pryn said. It’s only different fabrics ‎stitched together. I can make it in any colours you ‎like. In fact, I have a whole selection in my workroom, ‎just through there.‎

      ‎How much? Asla asked eagerly.‎

      ‎Four gold pieces for a tunic in velvet like ‎Beda’s, Pryn said. Three for one in cotton. But ‎because you’re Laiah’s friends, I’ll knock off ten ‎silver pieces. ‎

      Asla looked as though she was seriously tempted. ‎

      ‎Do I have to pay for it right now? she asked.‎

      ‎Not at all, Pryn said. I require a deposit of one ‎gold piece, which is forfeit if you cancel, but the rest ‎is paid on delivery, and you can specify when that is. I ‎don’t mind holding the goods as long as I know you ‎are going to pick them up eventually.‎

      In fact, she didn’t mind at all since it meant she ‎didn’t have to make the garment right then. She had ‎quite enough orders to be going on with.‎

      ‎There are other ways of doing patchwork, too, ‎Asla, Aralaiah said. You should get Pryn to show ‎you those before you make a definite decision.‎

      ‎Oh, can we see, too? Marki asked.‎

      ‎Of course, Pryn said. Come into the workroom ‎and I can show you.‎

      ‎Well, Beda said, draining her teacup and getting ‎to her feet. I have to go see Ullra and find out ‎whether we’re going out tomorrow, so I might as well ‎go and do that right now, while you’re all here, talking ‎patchwork with Pryn. Then, I won’t have to send a lot ‎of messengers running about town, will I?‎

      ‎Sounds like a good idea, Draken said. ‎

      ‎I’ll be off, then. It won’t take me more than half ‎an hour, I shouldn’t think. Beda bustled out, and ‎they heard the front door close behind her.‎

      ‎That tunic is spectacular, Marki said, staring in ‎the direction Beda had gone. Do show us what else ‎you have, Pryn.‎

      The ladies, and even a couple of the men retired to ‎the parlour, which had become Pryn’s workroom. ‎Draken put the kettle back on the fire, and the rest of ‎them settled in for another cup of tea and a chat. The ‎time passed quickly, and before they knew it, there ‎was a knock at the front door and Beda was back. ‎

      ‎Are we going out? Jerz asked as Beda came into ‎the kitchen.‎

      ‎As far as I know, yes, Beda said. But Ullra ‎wants to see you first, Aralaiah, before she makes a ‎final decision.‎

      ‎Whatever for? Aralaiah asked. ‎

      ‎More to the point, Draken said. Is it going to ‎be safe for her to go back to the Town Hall?‎

      ‎Not really, Beda said. Everyone’s still excited ‎about this afternoon’s news and there are still crowds ‎of people milling around there, so Ullra is going to ‎come here. We agreed that that was by far the safest ‎course. She’ll be here any minute, I should think. So, ‎I’m afraid I’ll have to ask the rest of you to leave, if ‎you don’t mind. I don’t think Ullra can say what she ‎has to with everyone here, do you?‎

      ‎But what about the morning? Leese asked. We ‎still don’t know for sure whether to turn up or not.‎

      ‎I’m pretty sure we’ll be going, Beda said. So, ‎shall we say that, unless you hear otherwise from me ‎before then, we’re definitely leaving at the eighth hour ‎as usual?‎

      ‎In that case, we’d better go and enjoy what’s left ‎of our leave, Esan said. Who’s coming to the tavern ‎with me?‎

      He, Leese, Jerz and Lem all headed off, and ‎others began to leave in ones and twos.‎

      ‎I’ll see you in the morning then, Aralaiah, Asla ‎said as she, Brelda and Rala prepared to leave. As ‎long as Ullra Mobit doesn’t have another secret ‎mission for you to go on, of course.‎

      The other two giggled.‎

      ‎I’ll definitely take that bag, Pryn, Asla said. I ‎wish I could afford a tunic, but I just can’t afford ‎three and a half gold pieces. But the bags are lovely. ‎Except, I don’t have enough on me to pay the deposit, ‎and I won’t have time to get to the bank before ‎tomorrow morning.‎

      ‎I’ll waive the deposit since you’re Laiah’s friend ‎and colleague, Pryn said. Besides, I can sell a bag to ‎someone else easily enough. It’s the fitted stuff that’s ‎harder to resell.‎

      ‎Thank you, Asla said.‎

      ‎In that case, can Rala and I get one, too? Brelda ‎asked.‎

      ‎Certainly, Pryn said, with only a moment’s ‎hesitation. But you’ll have to choose your fabrics ‎now, if you want it when you get back to town, and ‎you’ll have to do it before Ullra Mobit gets here.‎

      Chattering happily, the three girls dove back into ‎the workroom.‎

      ‎I’ll guarantee their deposits, Aralaiah ‎whispered. Thanks for that, Pryn. It means a lot to ‎them.‎

      ‎They’re nice kids, Pryn said. She grinned, her ‎eyes twinkling. Besides, I know where to track them ‎down if I need to.‎

      Aralaiah almost choked trying not to laugh as they ‎followed the three youngsters into the room. ‎Thankfully, none of them had any trouble deciding ‎what they wanted. In fact, Aralaiah got the distinct ‎impression that they’d made up their minds some time ‎before. Within fifteen minutes, Pryn had notes of all ‎the fabrics and patterns required, and the three were ‎ready to leave.‎

      ‎I’ll do my best to have these done and waiting ‎for you when you get back from your tour, Pryn said ‎as she and Aralaiah saw them to the front door. ‎

      Ullra was just approaching the gate as the girls ‎left. She baulked a little when she saw them, but then ‎hitched her usual confident smile firmly back in place ‎and strode on.‎

      ‎Good afternoon, Premier, the girls said politely ‎as they passed Ullra.‎

      ‎Oh, look, Aralaiah! Brelda said as she reached ‎the gate. Red Queen’s here, too.‎

      She pointed to the sky, where Red Queen was, ‎indeed, circling in to land. Brelda and the other girls ‎went off down the street, walking backwards so they ‎could watch Red Queen. One of the watch dragons ‎flew by, having apparently hastily vacated the house ‎roof, and a moment later there was a thump on the ‎roof.‎

      ‎What the heck was that? Pryn asked, looking at ‎the ceiling.‎

      ‎That was Red Queen landing on the roof, ‎Aralaiah said. Don’t worry. She won’t go through. ‎Unless she has another tantrum, of course.‎

      ‎What? Pryn asked, blinking.‎

      ‎I must have written to you about that, Aralaiah ‎said. Back when I first got here and Drac Belnis tried ‎to kill me in that alley? Red Queen turned up, and ‎when she heard what had happened, she lost her ‎temper and stamped her foot right through Draken’s ‎roof. Fortunately, Bronze Queen fixed it, otherwise, it ‎would have cost Draken a great deal of money.‎

      ‎Oh, yes, I do vaguely remember that, Pryn said. ‎‎That was one of the stories that I was never quite ‎sure I ought to believe.‎

      ‎Oh, it was quite true, Draken said, appearing ‎behind the two women. Welcome, Ullra, he said as ‎that lady approached the door. Won’t you come in? I ‎notice Red Queen just arrived, too. Is she here to join ‎in whatever you want to talk to Aralaiah about?‎

      ‎Yes, Ullra said tersely. ‎

      Aralaiah blinked. It was unlike Ullra to be so curt. ‎She looked tense, too, and that also was most unlike ‎Ullra. Aralaiah began to have an uneasy feeling. What ‎in the name of the first queen was going on here?‎

      ‎Come on through, she said to the other woman. ‎She began to lead the way to the kitchen but then ‎paused. Or, would you rather talk privately? We can ‎go up to my room if you wish?‎

      ‎No, the kitchen will be fine, Ullra said. ‎

      ‎I’ll put the kettle on, in that case, Beda said, ‎appearing at the kitchen door.‎

      ‎I’ll disappear into my workroom and leave you to ‎it, Pryn offered. I’m not a Dragonesque, so it’s none ‎of my business. Besides, I have plenty to do to get ‎these new orders started.‎

      ‎This is my best friend from the Lowlands, Pryn ‎Dragonfriend, Ullra, Aralaiah said. She’s come up ‎here as part of the drive to recruit workers to fill in the ‎gaps.‎

      ‎Are you really a dragonfriend? Ullra asked, ‎seemingly distracted from whatever was bothering ‎her. Or, are you just using that name to try to impress ‎people?‎

      ‎No, she really is a dragonfriend, Aralaiah said as ‎Pryn held up her marked wrist. Blue-green Queen ‎made her one for all the help she gave me. It’s entirely ‎due to Pryn that I’m here now. She’s the one who ‎picked me up and cared for me when Kresk bit me.‎

      ‎Dracos owes you a great debt, then, Ullra said. ‎‎Welcome, Pryn. And, how do you like Dracos so ‎far?‎

      ‎ It was said in a warm tone and with an equally ‎warm smile, but Aralaiah couldn’t help the feeling that ‎it was said more as a matter of form than from any ‎genuine feeling. Which was also unusual for Ullra. ‎Dyed-in-the-wool politician though she was, Aralaiah ‎had generally found her interactions with her and ‎Beda to be genuine. Something was definitely off ‎here. She wasn’t the +only one to notice, either. Beda ‎was looking a little bemused, and Draken was looking ‎at Ullra with a slight frown on his face. ‎

      ‎Oh, I’m loving it, Pryn said enthusiastically. ‎‎Even with Sorcerers trying to invade the place, I still ‎love it. I think I’d like to stay permanently, actually.‎

      ‎Well, if you decide that’s what you want, I’m ‎sure you’d have no trouble, Ullra said. Citizenship ‎of Dracos is the least we owe you for giving us ‎Aralaiah.‎

      ‎Thank you, Pryn said.‎

      She disappeared into the parlour, carefully closing ‎the door behind her, as Beda made the tea and carried ‎the tea things over to the table.‎

      ‎I’ll just take a cup in for Pryn, she said.‎

      She poured a cup, placed a piece of cake on a ‎plate, and duly delivered them.‎

      CHAPTER THREE

      ‎Now, she said as she came back and took a seat ‎at the table, what’s all this about, Ullra?‎

      ‎Thank you for coming out, by the way, Draken ‎said. I know how busy you are. Thank you for ‎sparing Aralaiah any more of the hysterical nonsense ‎by not making her come to you.‎

      Ullra inclined her head in acknowledgement ‎before turning to Aralaiah

      ‎I want to know what you intend to do, she said ‎bluntly.‎

      Aralaiah looked at Draken and received a small ‎shrug. She looked at Beda, but Beda looked just as ‎confused as she felt.‎

      ‎I don’t understand, Aralaiah admitted. I ‎intend to go on with my teaching tours while the ‎weather holds if that’s all right with the Council.‎

      ‎What about the Premiership? Ullra said. ‎

      Aralaiah blinked. She had the feeling that she was ‎missing at least half of this conversation. Once again, ‎she looked helplessly at Draken and Beda.‎

      ‎Ullra, what are you talking about? Draken said.‎

      ‎You sound as though you think Aralaiah’s going ‎to try to oust you or something, Beda said. What’s ‎going on?‎

      Ullra turned a bleak face to them. Aralaiah had ‎been aware, of course, that she was an older lady, but ‎she became aware for the very first time of just how ‎much older Ullra was. Her face looked lined and ‎haggard.‎

      ‎The Premier is Red Queen’s choice from among ‎the sitting members of the Supreme Council, Ullra ‎said.‎

      ‎Ullra, Aralaiah is not a member of the Council, ‎Draken said, looking just as confused as Aralaiah felt.‎

      ‎She’s Red Queen’s rider, Ullra said.‎

      ‎I rode her one time because she insisted, ‎Aralaiah said. That doesn’t make me her rider ‎forever.‎

      ‎Yes, it does. She chose you.‎

      ‎Not that I noticed, Aralaiah said. All she said ‎was something about who else should carry Ghlent ‎come again. She never said anything about it being ‎permanent.‎

      ‎She called you her rider, Ullra said bleakly.‎

      ‎Fires of Ghlent! She did, too! Draken said, ‎letting his breath out in a sigh.‎

      ‎Yes, I heard it, too, Beda said. She definitely ‎referred to Aralaiah as ‘my rider’ at least once.‎

      ‎What difference does that make? Aralaiah ‎asked. ‎

      She could feel her stomach churning with tension. ‎She was beginning to get a really bad feeling about ‎this. She felt sick enough that it was all she could do ‎to not double over and clutch her stomach. She hoped ‎she wasn’t going to throw up.‎

      ‎That’s what a dragon calls the person they have ‎chosen, Draken said. To a dragon, ‘my rider’ isn’t ‎just a term of reference; it’s a title. They would never ‎refer to someone they had merely given a ride to by ‎that term.‎

      ‎No! Aralaiah said, putting her hands flat on the ‎table and pushing back with them, as though she ‎could distance herself from the thought.‎

      ‎Oh, yes, Draken grinned. Red Queen has ‎chosen you, Aralaiah. You are Red Queen’s rider. ‎You’re a dragon rider.‎

      Aralaiah stared at him in dismay for a long ‎moment.‎

      ‎Does that mean I have to move to Dragonville? ‎she asked in sudden panic. ‎

      Just when her life was settling down (sort of). ‎Pryn was here. They had their business building up. ‎There was her teaching. She didn’t want to have to ‎move again. ‎

      ‎But what about the teaching? Does that mean I ‎have to resign as a mage?‎

      ‎Those are all things that will have to be worked ‎out, Draken said. But Red Queen isn’t your run-of-‎the-mill fighting dragon, so you’re not likely to be ‎assigned to a patrol or involved in the war, or anything ‎like that.‎

      ‎But, granted that Aralaiah is now Red Queen’s ‎rider, what does that have to do with the ‎Premiership? Beda said. ‎

      ‎Traditionally, the Premier is the rider of the ‎Queen of Queens, Ullra said. It’s only because Red ‎Queen didn’t have a rider that I got the job. Red ‎Queen is perfectly within her rights to insist that ‎Aralaiah take over.‎

      ‎She isn’t! Aralaiah burst out.‎

      Ullra nodded.‎

      Aralaiah closed her eyes and took a tight hold of ‎herself. That arrogant, self-willed, ungrateful excuse ‎for a dragon! ‎

      ‎I have no intention of throwing you out of your ‎job, Ullra, she said, opening her eyes again and ‎looking straight at the other woman.

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