This Christmas give the gift of reading and imagination…
There’s magic along the Blackstone River and among the hidden caves of Diamond Hill in the quiet town of Cumberland, Rhode Island where magic has long lain hidden awaiting the Dragon Seeker. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018ECUNKW or for signed copy go here www.jebwizardpublishing.com
Here’s a short except and coming next year, there will be more magic.
“The choice is made.” Ealdor’s voice once again surrounded them. Duncan looked at the egg.
“What happens now? Is it over?”
Balinor came forward, bending to put his face next to Duncan. “It is only beginning, Donnchadh Ealdgneat.”
Duncan gave him a questioning look. Kathy and Jamie came over. Keladry revived Myrddin who joined them standing around Duncan and the egg.
“Jamie, what happened to you?” Myrddin asked. “Last I remember you tried to fly.”
Jamie chuckled. “I grabbed Harper, and then something happened. We fell over the edge but didn’t fall all the way. Something held us in the air. She tried to push me away. One of my hands slipped and I felt myself starting to fall. I realized whatever was holding us there, was just holding her. I was along for the ride. I decided to get away from her. I saw the branch and leapt for it.”
“What happened to Harper?”
“I’m not sure. A bunch of ravens flew in and she vanished among them. I wasn’t sure what was happening up here, so I waited. After a few minutes, I felt the branch starting to give way. I started yelling for help.”
Myrddin glanced at Keladry. “She’s still out there, isn’t she?”
Myrddin nodded. “What matters is the egg is safe in the hands of the Dragon Seeker.”
“What do we do with him?’ Kathy said, pointing at Core.
Keladry spoke up. “That spell won’t hold him for long. He is too powerful for that. We must get away from here.”
“And just leave him?’ Kathy walked to face Core. “Isn’t there something a little more unpleasant we can do?” She eyed the sword, watching the unmistakable sign of fear in his eyes. She reached for the blade.
“No!” Duncan said, drawing their attention. “We’re not like him. There is nothing he can do to us now. We need to focus on this,” pointing at the egg. “This is the Last Dragon. We need to protect it, not become like those that would misuse its power.”
Ealdor’s voice once again rose from the pulsating egg. “Donnchadh Ealdgneat shows wisdom beyond his years. Heed his message.”
Myrddin nodded his head. “We would do well to listen to her. This is the future we have all fought for long and hard. Much remains for the Dragon Seeker to do; there are many trials ahead.”
Duncan once again took his place on Balinor’s back. The egg secured in his pack. As the others moved off down the hill, the sun crossed over the mid-point in the sky.
A gleaming beam of sunlight illuminated the Blackstone River, the water a shimmering, twisting band of gold. Pointing to the future.
Balinor leapt into the air, riding the light. Duncan felt the rush of the wind in his face. The smell of the woods enveloped him. The sun warmed his back.
“An uncertain future awaits you, Donnchadh Ealdgneat.” Ealdor’s voice sang in his ears. “You’ve taken the first steps of a long, difficult journey. For now, protect this egg and this dragon within. The next challenge will soon be upon you.”
Duncan took comfort in the voice yet trembled at portent of the words. These once uncomplicated and familiar places of his life, the Blackstone River, the rocky face of Diamond Hill, this small town of Cumberland, would never be the same.
His imagination opened to the possibilities. He knew what he needed to. He would face his fear and overcome it. It would not be easy, but it would be a destiny of his own choosing.
The End of the Beginning…
