dragon archives 04 - dance with a dragon by linda k hopkins Read Free Book Online

carriage, walking quietly behind. It was not far to the cathedral from this point, and Anna watched as the hearse pulled to a stop alongside the wide stairs that led up to the large arched doors. The crowd watched in silence as the coffin was pushed from the hearse and into the waiting hands of the new king, his brother the prince, and the deceased king’s two younger brothers, the Dukes of Sufford and Eastwich. The wagon moved away and the four men slowly marched up the steps towards the door. They were almost at the top of the stairs when Alfred stumbled, his foot missing the next rise. The coffin swayed precariously for a moment and a collective intake of breath was heard through the crowd before he finally found his footing.
    “A bad omen, mark my words,” a women mumbled behind Anna. The pall-bearers reached the top of the stairs without further incident, and entered the church, where the archbishop stood waiting for them. The rest of the procession followed in dignified silence, and the archbishop pushed the door closed behind them.
    All around Anna the crowds pushed and surged. Lydia and Zach were still seated on Favian and Thomas’s shoulders, but Anna grabbed Bronwyn’s arm as someone pushed between them. They turned in the direction of Drake House, forcing a path through the heaving crowds. It was slow going, and they were still some way off when they heard the tolling of bells, jangled and confused as they sadly delivered the news that the old king had been placed in his final resting place within the cathedral. Anna shivered slightly, before hastening her footsteps to keep up with the others as they neared the warmth of Drake House.
     

Chapter 7
    A new wind blew through the city in the week following the funeral. Gone were the clouds and rain, and instead the sun shone in a sky of blue. The black drapes disappeared from the windows and mourning clothes were set aside. The city resumed its frenetic pace, and the street sounds returned to their usual volume, all air of reverence and respect gone.
    There were many dragons who lived in the city, and Aaron’s days were full as he dealt with clan matters and met with his clansmen, sometimes going beyond the city walls where his dragon form would not be seen by humans. Favian often joined him, and the two were gone from morning till late each night. Cathryn, too, took the opportunity of being in the city to deal with matters of business. As a wool merchant, there were guild meetings to attend and brokers to entertain. Which left Keira and Anna plenty of time to explore the city, Bronwyn and the twins in tow.
    The city was abuzz as it prepared for the coronation of the new king – tapestries were hung from windows, banners were strung across the streets, and the inns concocted special brews in honor of the new monarch. Foreigners filled the city, speaking languages unfamiliar to common city folk, and wearing clothes that made people stare in astonishment. To Anna, it was exciting. Every day there was something new to see, and some new treat to taste. She heard words she had never heard before, and gaped at the latest fashions, brought from foreign courts. She felt as though she could wander the streets forever and never tire of the pace and rhythm.
    A few days before the coronation, Anna was surprised to come downstairs and find Aaron waiting in the hall with Keira, while the twins ran in circles around them.
    “I’m taking a break from clan business,” Aaron told Anna as she entered the room, “and will be joining you on your excursions today.”
    Bronwyn soon joined them, and they pushed their way into the crowded streets. Turning in the direction of the river, Aaron led them to some quieter roads, away from the shoving crowds. Even here, jugglers, jesters and mummers arrayed themselves along the street, and Zach and Lydia watched wide-eyed when knife jugglers and sword throwers impressed the crowds with their skills. Keira teased Aaron when a man who