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

silence before Nimbus spoke, “I assume you have realized now that this is not a dream? A dragon, that talks no less.”
    “How did you know I was thinking that?” Drace asked, surprised.
    “Why would you not? That would be a natural response to what you are experiencing, I would think,” Nimbus stated, matter-of-factly. “Please. Come and sit. Let us talk,” he said as he moved to lie down underneath the huge oak.
    Drace found a large exposed root for a seat and leaned back against the tree’s trunk. Why he felt so relaxed with the dragon now, which could swallow him in one gulp, he didn’t know, but somehow Nimbus felt like a friend.
    “I’m glad you feel that way, Knight. Now do not look surprised. We dragons have all sorts of magic, but that was easy to read on your face.” Nimbus snorted.
    Drace did as well. He thought Nimbus looked amusing, since only half the dragon was able to fit under the tree.
    “There are certain things that I need for you to do.” Nimbus said. “I will have Lady Ki have an Elvin armorer make you some chain mail and armor. What you came with is not strong enough or worthy of you. You will need to go to Ferndale for it. Also, have armor made for your stallion. This afternoon you will start to train with Lady Ki.”
    “But my Lord,” Drace interrupted, as he thought, Here we go again, someone telling me what I going to do. To Nimbus, he argued, “I already know how to fight.”
    “Has anyone ever fought you with the intention to kill you? Have you ever tried to seriously hurt or kill someone else? This you will need to know how to do, for your own sake; for all our sakes.” Nimbus looked at him squarely. “Your world is not ours. This you must remember.”
    Drace felt a cold chill run down his back. He made a motion of confusion with his hand. “I don’t understand why I’m here. Why do you need me? If it’s whipping someone’s butt, I think the Lady Ki can handle it.”
    Nimbus snorted again. “Your euphumisms are amusing. Yes, I believe you are right. Lady Ki can whip some…,” he raised an eyebrow, “butt. However, there is a threat from the south brewing. If she goes into it leading her people alone, she will not survive. I know in my heart she must have someone strong to stand beside her. And it must be someone from another plane. The legend insists this.”
    “What legend?” Drace questioned.
    Nimbus gave a visible shake that rattled his scales. “It was an ancient firedrake legend that had been forgotten by most dragons until recently. I came across an old forest dragon many years ago that was the last to know it. Before she died of her many years, she imparted the tale to me and I became the sole keeper. In the dragon tongue it rhymes, but there is no way to translate it to do the same in a common language.” He paused and put his head on one clawed foot. “It tells of trouble from the south; that men will come with terrible allies and magic with greed in their heart. If not stopped when they first invade, their numbers will flow into these lands. It tells that the Werre must battle, led by a fierce she-lion and she will be saved by a great warrior, he and a stallion both dark and powerful, but not of this plane. The Dark Lord.”
    Drace looked dubious, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “And I and my ‘dark and powerful stallion’ are supposed to do what? How do you know that I am even the right guy?”
    “You are the Dark Lord, of this I am certain. I have searched with magic for some time now,” Nimbus shifted his weight slightly. “As for what you are to do, the legend does not say specifically, but that you fight together and will only be successful if you do so. The threat is soon upon us and there is not much time to prepare. ”
    Drace was thoughtful for a moment. “If I agree to do this, to help these people, after it’s all over, will I be able to go back home?” He sat up straight and looked the dragon directly in the