DragonLight by Donita K. Paul Read Free Book Online

the roof line. Kale remembered it was Wizard Namee who constructed a formidable tower watching over one wing of their own castle. Daily she climbed to the turret at the top to survey the surrounding fields and observe the dragons.
    The sun dipped behind the mountain peaks, leaving a ragged silhouette against streaks of orange, purple, and a greenish blue. The castle didn’t hide in shadows, though. Namee had summoned what appeared like bursts of starlight perched on slender poles all around the grounds and on the palace itself. As they approached, Kale saw people scurrying about, some servants and some dressed in finery.
    It’s busy here tonight.
    “Namee is having a ball. We shall dance. We haven’t danced in years.”
    Excitement bubbled in Kale, suppressing her former complaints and ill-humor.
Bardon, this is a wonderful surprise. Thank you. Thank you very much.
    “You’re welcome, my Kale. It was worth your fussing to bring you here for the surprises.”
    How many surprises are in store for me?
    He hummed a ditty in his mind before he answered. The ploy made Kale more anxious. Just before she demanded he quit trying to drive her mad, he answered,
“Several.”
    Bardon!
    “‘Patience rewards twice, once while waiting and once when waiting is no longer needed.’”
    She growled in annoyance. If he was going to quote principles to her, she would give him patience in spades.
    As they drew closer to the lighted castle, Kale saw more activity. She searched the area, pushing her talent to the limits, trying to identify guests and details of the events planned for the ball.
    She met with frustration. Wizard Namee had cloaked the area so that his guests could maintain their privacy from prying mindspeakers.
    “How inconsiderate of him,” Kale muttered and turned her mind to designing the fancy dress she would wear to the ball.

          6          
    S TOPOVER
    They circled the castle once, just to take in the extraordinary beauty of Namee’s domain. Then Greer descended to the dragon field, with Celisse close behind. Kale fidgeted in her seat. Aware that she would get no results, she still stretched her mind to get a glimpse of those who had already arrived. Not knowing whom they would meet added to the thrill. Leetu Bends? Sir Dar? Granny Noon or Granny Kye? She could see spots of light moving among the promenades and knew they were kimens. Would some of her friends from former adventures be there? Unable to contain her delight, she turned to Bardon.
    Wake Toopka. She’ll be so excited. Remember how she danced down all the corridors at the urohm wedding?
    “I remember you dancing with her.”
    Kale watched Mikkai plunge into the knapsack and heard Toopka’s shout of glee when her head popped out from under the flap. Through Kale’s mindspeaking ability, she heard the child begin a one-sided commentary on everything within sight. Greer and Celisse landed on a grassy foothill set aside for this purpose. Toopka finally stopped prattling when Bardon pulled her out of her traveling basket and set her feet on the ground.
    Servants ran to greet them and, after the dragons were unsaddled, took the saddles from Kale and Bardon to store them in a tack house. Greer and Celisse moseyed toward a group of dragons whose riders had already entered the castle. Toopka dogged the workers’ steps, asking questions and mentioning every ball she had been to before.
    Kale only half-listened until she heard Toopka mention a ball in a pink palace.
    “Where, Toopka?” she asked. “Where was this pink palace?”
    The doneel child jerked at the question, blinked her big eyes, and then ducked her head. “I was just making that one up.”
    “It sounded very real. Your description of the music and the dance steps didn’t sound like a made-up memory.”
    Toopka shook her head so hard her ears flopped from side to side. Then she looked up with sincerity fairly dripping from her serious eyes. “I have a very good