Dragonvein Book Four

  Dragonvein

  Book Four

  Dragonvein

  Book Four

  Copyright © Brian D. Anderson 2016

  Published by Longfire Press

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher and/or author.

  Dedication

  For Gerald Don Anderson 1943-2015

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Prologue

  With elbows resting heavily on his knees, Ethan rubbed at his temples in an attempt to ease the incessant throbbing. It felt as if a hot knife was being stabbed repeatedly straight into his brain. Everything around him appeared dull and badly out of focus. There was no color at all – only various shades of grey mixed with a few irregular shaped patches of sheer black.

  He tried to remember where he was, and what he had done to cause himself so much pain. But his efforts produced nothing; his memory was a void. The only thing he seemed to be able to recall was his name. And even that was uncertain.

  Ethan. His name was Ethan…Ethan Martin. No. Yes. Was that right? It felt right, and yet it didn’t. Something was missing. Something important. But what? What the hell was wrong with him?

  This agony of uncertainty was still tormenting him when he heard a loud popping sound. A swirling light then appeared, bringing with it a hint of color to his pallid world.

  “You’re back,” a soothing feminine voice said. “Ethan. Can you hear me? I said, you’re back.”

  He blinked hard. “Who…where are you? Why can’t I see you?”

  “Don’t worry. You’ll be all right in a moment. The effects of the barrier will wear off.”

  “Barrier?”

  A tender hand touched his shoulder. He could see the outline of someone close by, though her features were impossible to make out. He attempted to rise, but the hand pressed him firmly back down.

  “Be still,” she said. “Do not try to rush it.”

  “Why can’t I remember anything?” he asked. Even as he spoke, a tiny piece of the puzzle dropped into place. It was not Ethan Martin. It was Ethan Dragonvein. Martin was his family name back on…on Earth.

  Gradually, the world around him came more into focus. He realized that he was sitting on a patch of soft grass beneath a willow tree. A nearby brook bubbled and swirled its way over a bed of multi-colored pebbles, while a little way beyond was a meadow adorned with a variety of pink and yellow flowers where dozens of brightly plumed humming birds darted about, greedily drinking the sweet nectar.

  Standing directly in front of him was a young woman with straight, shoulder-length auburn hair and a loving smile on her face. It was the kind of smile normally displayed by a mother when looking at her child. Ethan knew her. But from where?

  “Heather,” he said in a half-whisper. “Your name is Heather.”

  “You see? It’s coming back to you.”

  “How did I get here?”

  She sighed. “I’m afraid that is not so easy to explain.”

  Ethan tried once again to stand, but his legs would not obey his commands. After a few seconds he gave up and with a heavy sigh, leaned back against the tree. Heather seemed unconcerned about this, and for some reason, that was enough to calm his nerves. There was something about her that was inexplicably soothing.

  Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, his recollections began falling into place, though he knew he was still missing quite a bit.

  “Heather,” he said. “How long have I been trapped here?”

  She spread her hands. “It’s hard to say. Time passes differently in this place. I've been here for thousands of years, and often it feels as if I've only just arrived. But if I were to make a guess about you, I would say no more than a few weeks.”

  This had to be Martok's doing. The name flared Ethan's anger. His ancestor had found a way to take complete control. And now he was trapped.

  “Is there a way out of here?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she replied.

  Hope sprang into his heart. But then she continued: “There is a way, but it requires that you be brought to the platform where we first met. Unfortunately, Martok knows this all too well. It is unlikely he will allow it to happen.”

  “Isn’t there another way?”

  “I’m sorry, Ethan. There isn’t. Only at the platform does the barrier weaken enough to pass through.”

  “The barrier?” Faded memories were trying to push their way forward again.

  “It's what keeps the spirits from surfacing. Martok managed to discover a way to pass through it, though only temporarily at first. But then you received the gift of the elves. He was able to use it to take permanent hold of your body.”

  “So if he was able to leave, why can’t I?”

  “Because you haven’t the knowledge. Perhaps in time you might discover how, but nowhere near soon enough. Martok has had centuries to learn about this place. Remember, in life, he was the most powerful mage who'd ever lived. And in death, his ambitions have never faltered. Only I am stronger.”

  “If you are stronger, why didn’t you stop him?” Ethan demanded.

  Her face was a mask of remorse. “Because I would have needed to kill him. And death in this place is truly forever. Once the light of a spirit is extinguished, it can never be relit.”

  Anger surged up in Ethan, bringing with it renewed strength to his limbs. He rose sharply to his feet. “So you just sat there and let him take control? You obviously didn’t care a damn about what happened to me.”

  “Of course I care. You are a part of me. But so is Martok. As much as I wanted to stop him, I could no more hurt him than I could harm any of my children…regardless of what he has done. From the moment you drank the dragon’s blood, he has ignored my words completely. I begged him not to do this. But he is desperate to return to the realm of the living. Nothing I was able to say came even close to making him change his mind.”

  “So I am supposed to just stay here and hope he decides to return to the platform?” Ethan threw up his hands and let out a frustrated cry.

  “I understand.”

  “Do you?” he shot back. “I’ve lost everything.” In that moment, Kat flashed through his mind, making him even more desperate to return. She would not be safe. Not with him. The moment Martok's infatuation wore thin, he would dispose of her.

  “No,” said Heather. “His feelings are sincere.”

  Ethan felt exposed, realizing that she could hear his thoughts. “I
’ve seen his mind,” he said. “He cares nothing for women.”

  “That’s not true. Martok is simply a product of his experience. There was a time when he loved as deeply as you do now. And in the end it was that love which proved to be his undoing.”

  Ethan sniffed. “I don’t care. I love Kat more than he ever could.”

  “I believe you. And you must trust that she will see through him. Because that is your only hope.”

  Ethan could not accept this. The mere idea of Kat taking on Martok was sending waves of panic thudding into his heart. “How do I get to the barrier?” he asked.

  Heather moved closer to take him by the hand. “It will appear whenever you want it to. All you need to do is concentrate. But it will not do you any good. You will try and fail…again.”

  “What do you mean, again?”

  “This is the fifth time we have had this discussion. Each time I do my best to convince you to be patient, and each time you ignore me. In this, you and Martok are alike, I suppose. The barrier damages your memory.”

  Ethan knew she was telling the truth. But he had to make an effort, regardless. He couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. Maybe each attempt brought him a little bit closer. Maybe if he kept on trying over and over, through sheer persistence he would eventually break through. As this thought formed, a glimmering wall of blue light flashed into being just a few yards away.

  “Ask yourself this,” Heather said. “Suppose you do finally succeed? What then? Martok is stronger than you can imagine. He could easily destroy you if he wished.”

  Ethan steeled his nerves. “I don’t care. I have to try.”

  Heather sighed and lowered her head. “Yes. I know.”

  Chapter One

  Martok lazed on the front porch, a tiny smile flickering on his lips. The breeze and the smell of the sea air never failed to please him. As a child his father had often brought him to the coast. At night he would sneak away and sit on the sand, listening to the waves crashing against the rocks. He used to imagine them as angry spirits trying to batter down the walls of an ancient castle while he fought them off with his will and power. The power he knew that one day he would possess. Power beyond anything that could be overcome. Even then he knew he was destined for great things. That said, there was nothing that could have helped him to predict what was happening now.

  “Ethan?” Markus was looking inquisitively at him from the corner of the house.

  “It’s me,” he lied.

  “Good. It’s hard to tell sometimes.”

  “Kat told me that the others needed a day to rest. So no lesson means no Martok.”

  Markus bounded up the porch and took a seat beside him. “How are you feeling?”

  “I'm fine. Why?”

  “Kat said you've been tired lately. Too tired to even…well, you know. She’s worried.”

  He feigned embarrassment. “After Martok leaves, I’m just too drained for that. I want to. Believe me. But I just don’t have the energy.”

  The truth was, he had decided to forgo intimacy with her, though the true reason for this often made him more embarrassed than his invented one ever could. Though he desired Kat, he wanted her to want him – as Martok – not Ethan. And there were times when he thought he might be getting somewhere with this. Often during their lessons, she would smile at him and touch his hand. But always, she'd quickly realize what she had done and hastily withdraw. Still, it was progress of a sort.

  “Actually, I’m glad you’re here,” he told Markus. “I’ve been needing to talk to you.”

  “What about?”

  Do you remember the Urazi you met while we were in Port Hull?”

  Markus nodded, but said nothing.

  “Martok left me a message. He wants you to get in contact with them.”

  Markus’ back stiffened. “Did he say why?”

  “Not really. But he did leave me this to pass on to you.” Reaching into his pocket, he produced a folded sheet of parchment.

  Markus regarded the missive warily for several seconds before finally opening it. After reading the message, he refolded the sheet and shoved it into his pocket.

  “What did it say?” Martok asked.

  “It said why I need to leave,” he replied, a dark tone suddenly attached to his voice.

  Of course, Martok knew precisely what it said. The Urazi would make a formidable ally. Their skills were renowned even in his time – their order already an ancient one. Markus’ dubious past, along with his previous encounter with them, made him the perfect ambassador. His absence would also serve to occupy Lylinora’s mind. She had become increasingly wary of late, saying no more than was absolutely necessary and eyeing him when she didn’t think he was looking. If she had any notion of the truth, it could seriously complicate matters.

  In the old days, he would have simply killed her. But with mages an endangered species, the cost of losing her far surpassed any potential problems.

  “Lylinora won’t like that,” he pointed out…unnecessarily.

  “No. She won’t.” Leaning back in his chair, Markus closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

  Martok knew what was really bothering him – and it wasn’t leaving Lylinora. At least, not entirely. Nor was it the objections she was certainly going to raise and the subsequent argument they were sure to have. No. It was the prospect of allowing the part of him that was Specter to resurface that was creating the biggest problem. Right from the beginning Martok had been vaguely aware of who and what Markus was before being reunited with Ethan. Curious, he had elicited more information without raising suspicion through a series of subtle spells.

  Renald opened the cabin door and looked over at the pair. “I have what you asked for.”

  Martok cocked his head. “I didn’t ask you for anything.”

  “No. Of course not. But Martok did.” He held out a pendant with a blue rajni stone set in the center. “This will lead him to the grotto.”

  Martok took the pendent and placed it around his neck. Renald went back inside without another word.

  “So you’re leaving too?” asked Markus.

  “I suppose so,” Martok replied. “It’s the only way to contain Shinzan.”

  “Do you know what this dwarf device actually is?”

  Martok shrugged. “Some sort of crystal probably. I guess we’ll know it when we see it.”

  “So you’re taking Kat with you?”

  Martok smirked. “Do you think she’d let me leave her behind?”

  “Probably not.”

  As if summoned, both Kat and Lylinora appeared from around the corner. Kat wore a sour expression as she marched stiffly in front of an amused looking Lylinora.

  “I swear if that little shit so much as looks at me, I’ll knock his teeth out,” Kat hissed.

  “So what did he do this time,” groaned Martok.

  Kat and David had been at odds for weeks. Apparently, he had made it his personal mission to irritate her. Martok recognized it for what it was – a crush. But David behaved like a very young teenager, constantly tormenting the girl instead of admitting to her how he felt. His insecurities and fear of humiliating rejection kept his actions juvenile.

  Kat shot Martok a furious look. “Don’t take that tone with me.”

  Markus hopped up, allowing her to have his chair.

  “It was my fault,” Lylinora told them. “I should never have taught him that spell.”

  Martok then knew instantly what had happened. Anger passed over him before he could control himself. “Where is he?” he demanded, his tone low and filled with dangerous intent.

  “It was only her shirt,” Lylinora said. “And only for a second…perhaps two. It was Jake who put him up to it.”

  Martok made a mental note to see both men suffer humiliation for such childish behavior. Even were it not an insult to the woman he loved, it was conduct unbecoming of a mage.

  “Where are they now?” he asked.

  Kat took his hand. “I’ll d
eal with it. Believe me, it won’t happen again.”

  Martok's anger faded and a grin formed. Yes. Kat was certainly capable of handling the two of them. In fact, her progress had been so great, it made him wonder just how powerful she could eventually become. Certainly more powerful than Lylinora. Not that she was weak by any means. But Kat possessed natural gifts that were rare even in his time.

  “Fine,” he said. “But I get to watch.”

  She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “If I have my way, everyone will be watching.”

  Markus whispered something into Lylinora’s ear. A moment later the pair headed off toward the docks.

  “What’s wrong with him?” Kat asked, noting the grim expression on Markus’ face.

  “He has to leave. Martok wants him to talk to the Urazi.”

  “The Urazi? Why?”

  “I guess he thinks they can help us. If what Markus has told me about them is true, he’s probably right.”

  “Well, Lylinora won’t like that,” she stated. “She’ll try to go with him.”

  A part of Martok actually wished that was possible. “Markus won’t let her,” he said.

  Kat laughed. “Like he could stop her.”

  “She has to stay. We need her with us when we go to fight Shinzan.”

  The mention of the emperor's name was enough to quell Kat's laughter. The fact that they were nearly ready to face him loomed over her like a dark cloud. Each of them had memorized the spell Martok had taught them. And even he had said they'd got it almost perfect.

  Kat moved her chair over so that she could lay her head on his shoulder. “You look more rested today,” she said, her voice taking on a soft, seductive quality. “I was thinking maybe me and you could camp out by the lake tonight.”

  Martok felt his pulse quicken at the prospect. But his resolve held firm. Not until it was him that she loved. Not a moment sooner. “I think we’ll be leaving tonight,” he told her.

  Kat frowned. “You can’t be serious.”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  She eyed him suspiciously. “How do you know that?”

  “I can hear his thoughts. He says it’s time.”