Page 58 of The Dragon King
MAYBE SEVENTY ADULTS. THERE ARE FAR MORE HATCHLINGS.
Talon’s eyes remained still, like he was thinking. “I hoped for more, but seventy is enough.”
THAT’S ASSUMING EACH ONE OF THEM AGREES—WHICH WON’T HAPPEN.
“An attack of fifty dragons that no one sees coming is a powerful attack,” Talon said. “How long does it take hatchlings to grow?”
FOR THEM TO REACH FULL SIZE, AT LEAST A DECADE.
Talon shifted his gaze to the ground as he considered the situation, arms still across his chest.
I continued to rub Inferno’s snout.
After several minutes of silence, Talon spoke. “The dragons are safe on this land, and they may remain safe for a long time. It’s a beautiful place, but it’s still an island, and at some point, they’ll outgrow it. Their population can only increase so much. If they fight for us, not only will they be able to free their kin, but once King Barron is killed and that land is eradicated of evil, the dragons can claim it as their own. It’s a beautiful place with more land than they could ever know what to do with.”
WON’T YOU RULE THE SOUTHERN ISLES AS THE NEW KING?
His eyes dropped to the ground. “My only desire is to avenge my family. I’ve never cared about taking back the kingdom, just purging the asshole who sits upon the throne. The dragons can have it.”
My heart raced in excitement. Would he give up his kingdom so he could live with me in mine? We could live together in Scorpion Valley or in Riviana Star. Or perhaps he would continue to rule Shadow Stone as the king while I was his queen.
THAT IS THE ONLY ANGLE WE HAVE, SO WE SHOULD USE IT. BUT PERHAPS YOU SHOULD GIVE MACABRE A CHANCE TO WARM UP TO YOU. HE’LL BE GREATLY DISPLEASED AT THE SIGHT OF YOU.
“That will be a waste of time,” Talon said. “You’re their kind and have been here for months, and they continue to ignore you. I came here for a purpose, and if I’m not transparent about that purpose, it’ll only make him more suspicious. No, I will get to the point and get to it quickly. At least then he’ll respect me.”
I DON’T THINK HE’LL EVER RESPECT YOU, DEATH KING.
“Don’t call me that,” he said. “Talon is fine.”
“What does Macabre look like?” I asked.
HE’S THE LARGEST DRAGON HERE, WITH SCALES THE COLOR OF SMOKE. ON A CLOUDY DAY, HE’S INVISIBLE IN THE SKIES. WHEN HE FLIES ACROSS THE WATER, HE BLENDS INTO THE SURFACE. THE ONLY COLOR HE POSSESSES IS HIS EYES—WHICH ARE A STUNNING BLUE. HIS SCALES MAY BE DEVOID OF COLOR, BUT THEY REMAIN IRIDESCENT.
“Do you know where to find him?” Talon asked.
HE RESIDES IN ONE OF THE CAVES THAT HE SHARES WITH HIS FEMALE COMPANIONS.
“Then let’s introduce ourselves.” Talon turned back to Khazmuda so he could climb up his scales into the saddle.
“Now?” I asked incredulously.
Talon climbed onto Khazmuda’s back and regarded me from his impressive height. It’d been a long time since I’d seen Talon atop his dragon, and I was reminded how regal he looked, his black armor matching the dark scales that protected Khazmuda’s body. “He’ll soon realize that humans are present on his island. Perhaps he should hear that news from us.”
“I think we should ask Queen Eldinar for an introduction,” I said. “That way, she can vouch for our character before we petition him for aid.”
Talon considered my words. “She said she wouldn’t help us convince him to fight for us, but you’re right, that would bea better approach. We’ll speak with Queen Eldinar and decide when to speak with Macabre.”
Inferno dropped his snout to look at me.WOULD YOU LIKE A RIDE?
I smiled. “It’s been a long time.”
CLIMB UP. I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHERE YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS ARE SO I CAN VISIT.He dipped his head farther so I could climb onto his snout before he lifted me to his back so I could grab on to one of his spikes.
Talon watched closely from where he sat upon Khazmuda, visibly worried about my riding a dragon alone without a saddle. “Inferno, go slow.”
I KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MY QUEEN.He looked at me over his shoulder.HOLD ON, CALISTA.
I grabbed on to one of the spikes.