Dark Lord of Kismera: Knights of Kismera by Tamara H Hartl Read Free Book Online Page A

knelt down on one knee and bowed their heads in front of the massive creature.
    The dragon rocked back on its haunches and raised one front leg. It gave an almost human gesture with one clawed foot. “Please rise. It is wonderful to see you again, my Lady Ki. Vashti, I see you have done well.”
    Ki rose and went to the dragon. She placed a hand on its massive jaw when it lowered its serpentine neck and presented her his head. It made a loud rumble, which Drace interpreted as a dragon purr. “How was your hunt yesterday?” she asked.
    “Excellent!” the dragon replied, “Two elk and a bison beast.”
    This clarified to Drace why there had been no wildlife to be seen on the trip to the stronghold. He imagined every animal went into hiding when this creature hunted in their territory.
    “Wonderful. If you will pardon me, I have things I need to attend to, my Lord.” Ki excused herself and with a parting dip of her head, she left for the castle.
    Vashti approached the huge beast next. “Master,” She motioned Drace forward and he went to her on wobbly legs, nerves strung taunt, “This is Drace MacKinnon.”
    Its massive head turned to him and fixed one bright silver eye on him. “He is a little worse for wear, Vashti. You must be careful with humans. They are delicate creatures.”
    “Now wait just a damn minute!” Drace stiffened and straightened to his full height. “I am not ‘delicate’. I just didn’t duck!” he exclaimed, defensively. Estelle’s potion had relieved most of the pain and swelling, but the bruises were still vivid.
    The dragon sat back so fast that it unfurled its wings for balance. There was a deep rumbling chuckle. He glanced at Vashti. “He is feisty for a human. That is good.”
    Drace realized then his fear had faded, replaced by a feeling of another presence in his mind beside his own consciousness. He felt his knees go weak and he was forced to kneel or fall over. He then realized by the intent look in the dragon’s great silver eye that Nimbus had somehow forced him to his knees.
    “That is the show of respect that is always due me. Now, please rise, Knight. I am fascinated with your spirit. I believe I have chosen you well.” He came down onto his front legs and lowered his head again. “I am Nimbus, and I am an Ice dragon. I wish to speak with you privately. Will you come with me?”
    Drace looked dubious for a second. “Not if it involves flying.”
    Again the dragon laughed, “No, no. Meet me on the plains to the north in a short while. I will walk with you.”
    Nimbus unfurled his wings again, stood on his hind legs and with a leap, went airborne. The flapping of his wings created a whirling dust storm, like the downdraft of a helicopter, and they all turned their heads.
    After the dust cleared, Drace turned his attention back to the sky. The lazy movements of the dragons’ flight amazed him. “That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.
     

     
    Later, where the northern plains began, an easy walk from the castle, the dragon strolled leisurely along, the human man at his side. Drace’s head did not even reached Nimbus’ shoulder.
    Drace inhaled deeply, taking in the smell of clean, fresh air, the slight breeze tugging at his hair. The grass was well over his knees, and he reasoned that later it would probably be cut for hay. There were few trees in this area, except the immense oak they headed toward. It was the tallest, widest spreading tree Drace had ever seen with the exception of pictures of the West Coast’s redwoods.
    The blooms of a vivid yellow flowering plant showed here and there among the grass, attracting brightly colored butterflies. Small brown birds, like sparrows, darted by the pair as they walked. If he had to be sent to a strange place against his will, Drace guessed he could do much worse. Enjoying this with a dragon who can speak is an intense dream, he mused, but it wasn’t, now, was it? he mused.
    They shared a companionable moment of