Omensent: Rise of the Shadow Dragons by Barry Gibbons Read Free Book Online Page B

voyage, he quickly returned to the helm and the responsibilities of running his ship.
    " How long will it be until we make port in Whilhom?" Damion asked, still trying to get used to the pitching and heaving of the deck beneath him.
    "About three weeks." Veren replied, climbing into one of the canvas hammocks that were firmly attached to the walls. "It's quite a distance from Sierria." He had a far away look in his eyes. "You must brace yourself for the northern continent. It is not like your home."
    "What do you mean?"
    The one eared man absently ran his hand over his bald head. "The northern continent is made up of six separate countries, each with its own customs, beliefs, and laws. Many of the countries are in a constant state of war with one another."
    "What is it like in Jaghera?"
    "Very orderly. The royal family has always been obsessed with order. That's why the top occupation in Jaghera is the army. It takes a lot of manpower to enforce their rules, and they have rules for everything!" He laughed. "The farmers are even expected to layout their farms in a specific design, and plant their crops in perfectly straight lines! The people have grown used to the royal families little quirks, and do their best to follow accordingly."
    "Are we likely to encounter any problems?"
    The dark skinned man shook his head. "If we encounter any problems, I should be able to take of it. Twenty years in the king's army does have a few benefits. My name still carries a bit of authority." He glanced at Damion, who was still trying to get used to the roll of the ship. "You may as well get comfortable, milord. It's going to be a long trip!"
    They dined that evening in the captain 's quarters. Captain Harper fussed over them as they ate, making sure there was plenty of food and wine on hand. They dined at a beautifully carved wooden table that was bolted securely to the floor. Their plates of food were placed on a ingenious device that allowed the platform to pivot back forth, keeping the plates level at all times.
    "I hope everything is satisfactory?" The captain asked a bit anxiously .
    "Everything is fine, Captain." Damion looked at the man closely. "Let me ask you something. Do you always treat your passengers with such extravagance?"
    The captain smiled, then shrugged. "I know who you are." He said simply.
    Damion nodded. "I had thought as much."
    "The description s of you are fairly specific. The stories I've been hearing for the last few years are pretty unbelievable!" He looked around to be sure they were alone, then lowered his voice to a near whisper. "Is it true that you found and united the Dragon Sword and Dragon Gem?"
    Damion stared at him for a long moment, then slowly drew the Dragon Sword from its sheath.
    The captain's face grew pale. "Then it is true! You released the dragons back into the world!"
    Damion sighed, then nodded. "I did."
    The captain's face grew awestruck. He shakily poured himself a goblet of wine, then finished it in one long gulp.
    "When I released the scarlet dragons, I also inadvertently released another race of dragons called shadows dragons." Damion continued. "They were banished from this world thousands of years ago, but now they have returned."
    The captain poured himself another goblet of wine, then gave Damion a helpless look. "I'm going to regret meeting you, aren't I?"
    Damion laughed. "I certainly hope not, Captain!"
    "So why are you going to Jaghera?"
    "We know one of the shadow dragons has been lurking in the area. We are going to try to track the beast down in the hopes we can follow it to the others."
    Captain H arper's eyes grew even wider. "I would tell you that you were insane, but I have the feeling you've probably heard that before!"
    Damion nodded ruefully. "I've heard it a time or two."
    "And you truly think that if you are able to locate these shadow dragons you will be able to stop them?"
    "It wouldn't be the first time that I was forced to tangle with a dragon."
    "Then let's make a