Dragon Blood 1: Pliethin (4 page)

Amber tore herself from the nightmare, struggling to sit up. Her breath came in gasps as she reached for the bedside lamp to dispel the dark. The eyes were not so easy to get rid of. Blood red eyes had stared at her like she was the next feast. She tried to make herself believe it was a dream, even going so far as to say the words out loud. It didn’t help. She threw back the bed sheets and rose to pace the floor. She knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep again. Nightmares didn’t normally bother her, but this one had seemed so real. Like she’d open her eyes and some creature would be lurking in the corner of her room watching her, waiting for her to move before he pounced and tore her apart.

Pulling on jeans, a shirt and a jacket, she grabbed socks, her boots and her backpack style handbag before heading downstairs to the front door. Quietly letting herself out, she pulled on her socks and boots and then glanced around before heading down the streetlight lit bitumen. She slipped her arms through the straps of her handbag, barely giving her grandmother’s two-storey brick house a glance. It was the ugliest house on the block and the two balconies looked like they’d been an afterthought. One was at the side of the house at her room and the other at the front of the house.

The sound of her boots against the street echoed in the quiet morning. It made her look over her shoulder nervously. She took her mobile phone from her handbag and checked the time. Daylight was about an hour and a half away. No wonder she felt unnerved. Back home there’d be cars speeding down the streets, groups of people about and a steady stream of noise. Here it was far too still and unnaturally quiet. A nice friendly, quiet country town. Just what she didn’t need. Give her a noisy city any time.

She turned the corner. A streetlight ahead of her flickered off and on. Starting to feel uncomfortable, her eyes searched the area again. She was still alone. Her footsteps hit the bitumen faster as her gaze continued to dart everywhere. She didn’t feel alone. She felt like something watched her. Turning to go back to her grandmother’s home, the sound of air whooshing above her made her look up. A dark shadow came at her and she saw the glint of two outstretched claws and red eyes.

Amber screamed. She spun and ran. Home wasn’t an option. A street over she heard a dog bark. Running to the footpath, she hoped the trees would slow the creature down. Her breath came in sharp gasps and her hand pressed against her side where a stitch had developed.

A harsh cry above and behind her caused her to stumble. Glancing back, she dodged behind the trunk of a large tree. She didn’t know what type of tree, she was only relieved it hadn’t lost its leaves like some of the other trees had when the weather had started to grow cooler.

“Kade!”
She desperately tried to call out to him, mind to mind. Was this the other creature he’d talked about?

“What do you think-”

She clearly pictured what she ran from, weaving amongst the trees on the footpath. She hoped he could see the picture she sent.

“A wyvern! Where are you?”

Relief rushed over her, but she didn’t slow. She pictured where she was, her eyes darting around as she concentrated on running, ignoring the pain that made her want to double over. Her hand pressed harder into her side.

“Don’t stop running. We’re coming.”

She didn’t know how much longer she could keep moving.
“Hurry.”

Time seemed to drag out, but only minutes passed before three shadowy dragons swooped out of the sky and attacked the wyvern. Amber collapsed onto the grass and her breath came in harsh gasps. Brushing tears from her eyes, she tried to see what was happening in the skies above her. Her hand pressed against the side she lay on, unable to move.

With a last screech, the wyvern fled. The three dragons gave pursuit. When Amber thought they might leave her alone, one turned and flew back to her. He landed on the ground and knelt beside her in human form.

Kade reached out to her, a hand on her shoulder, pulling her into a sitting position. “It didn’t get you?”

Amber could only shake her head.

“You’re sure?” He ran his hands over her arms, then her back.

She threw her arms around him and he folded his around her. “What was it?” Her breathing started to return to normal. Her heart still raced and the stitch was there, painful when she moved, but it had started to ease.

“Wyvern.”

“Why’d it attack me?”

“It’s the natural enemy of dragons.”

“I’m not a dragon.”

“No. But it would have smelt the dragon blood in you. As little as it is, the wyvern would have thought you were a young dragon. An unprotected, young dragon. Easy game.” Kade tensed and started to pull away from her.

Amber clung to him. “Don’t-” Her eyes widened as she saw another dragon swoop in to land beside them. She let Kade stand, as the dark blue dragon with gold wing veins became Flinn.

“I heard her broadcast. What do you think you’re doing?” Flinn stalked towards Kade to stand toe to toe.

“None of your business.”

“It’s my business if she tries to expose us. What the hell were you thinking?”

Amber struggled to her feet. She’d fight her own battles and defend herself. Even against a dragon. “Why would I tell anyone? They’d medicate me and I’d be stuck seeing a shrink for years.”

Flinn ignored her. “What happens if she’s killed by a wyvern? You can’t be seen with her. I’ll get rid of her myself if you’re going to be that stupid.”

“Back off, Flinn.”

Flinn grinned maliciously. “The Elders would be interested in this development.”

Kade grabbed Flinn by the throat and his voice dropped menacingly. “You speak of this and you’ll regret every syllable.”

“Kade!” Amber grabbed his arm. She might as well have tried to move a boulder.

“You always fought for the wrong things, brother.”

Kade released him instantly. “You only call on the bond when it’s convenient.” He took a step back. “And you fight far too many battles, Flinn. Brotherhood won’t help you if you fight the wrong one.”

“Get rid of her before she causes more problems.” Flinn turned, leapt into the air, changing into a dragon in mid leap. His wings beat hard and he shot into the sky.

Amber stared after Flinn, momentarily speechless. “He’s your brother?”

“Not in the human sense.”

“Then what sense?”

“We trained together. It’s a lineage thing.”

“I don’t know anything about your… ah… people?”

Kade smiled fleetingly. “Gold Warriors. We’re descended from our first king. Only we can capture the Pliethin or hold positions of power.”

“Gold? As in the colour on your wings?”

Kade nodded. He glanced around. “Let’s get you home before daylight. It’s not too far off.”

“That’s right, you can’t be seen with me in case I come to a messy end. We don’t want a finger pointed at you now, do we?” Amber glared at him.

“Amber.” He sighed heavily. “Don’t be difficult about this.”

“What attacked you the night you landed on my balcony?”

Kade hesitated. “A wyvern.”

“So even you can’t beat one on your own.”

“I was distracted or it wouldn’t have gotten me.” He started to walk towards her home.

Amber hurried along at his side. She forced her aching legs to move. “What distracted you?”

“Why aren’t you still scared and screaming?”

“Because I’m trying to take my mind off it by grilling you.” She waited for Kade to answer. Her thoughts were distracted by the leather pants and boots he wore.

“I’ll answer some of your questions if you promise not to approach me at school.”

“Why leather?”

“Huh?”

Amber’s fingers brushed lightly against the waist of his pants. “Leather. I noticed even Flinn wears them.”

“You didn’t answer me.”

“About?”

Kade sighed. “Stay away from me at school and I’ll answer some of your questions.”

Amber froze and Kade stopped to turn and look at her. “You think it’s going to get me, don’t you?”

“I don’t know. But I can’t take chances with the lives of my people.”

“Your people?”

“Brann and Maira.”

“You… you own them?” Amber frowned.

Kade shook his head. “No. I’m responsible for them.”

“Why?”

“If you want me to walk you home you have to get there before daybreak.”

Amber’s gaze was drawn to the sky. Already it was lightening. The thought of walking home alone made her shudder. The thought of walking the rest of the way home made her aching limbs feel weak. The slight tremble that had been in them ever since her race from the wyvern increased and it took all her willpower not to let her knees buckle.

Kade swore. “Why didn’t you tell me?” He shimmered and transformed into a dragon.
“Get on.”

“What?”

Kade nudged her towards his back with his head. He held his foreleg close to his body and she used it like a step so she could swing her leg over his broad back. There was nowhere to hold on.

“I’ll fall off.”

“Hold on with your legs.”

The trembling in her legs increased as she tightened them. She couldn’t help the soft shriek that escaped as Kade took to the sky. What had taken her ages to cross, took Kade less than a minute. He partially perched on the rail of the balcony, his wings still in motion, and Amber slid off him. Her legs gave way and she expected to hit the floor. At the last second, Kade became human and his arms wrapped around her, dragging her upright.

She let herself lean against him for a moment. For a few seconds she considered taking up a sport so she’d be in better condition. She mentally laughed at herself. She knew she’d be looking for excuses to get out of attending from the first day. Reluctantly she pulled away from Kade, opening the French doors. She didn’t know if she should be relieved she’d forgotten to lock them or annoyed any creature could have entered her room while she slept.

When Kade followed her into the bedroom, Amber turned to face him. “You can go. I don’t need a babysitter.”

“I’ll be back at dark. Leave your doors unlocked for me.” He gestured towards the French doors.

“Why?”

“Because wyverns won’t show their face in daylight where people live. They’ve come in contact with your weapons. After dark… then you’ll need protection.”

“Can’t you get it out of me?”

“What?”

“The blood.”

Kade shook his head. “No. But I won’t leave you alone. I won’t let my mistake cost you your life. From dusk to dawn there’ll be someone with you. And any time you want to go somewhere sparsely populated.”

“How am I going to explain that? I barely know anyone here and the next second I have you shadowing me. That’ll go down real well with my mum.”

“We’ll take turns.”

“I don’t know.”

“Here or at our place.”

“Is there a responsible adult there?” Amber laughed sharply when Kade shook his head. “Then I’ve probably got no chance of staying.”

Kade reached out and took her hand. “I’m sorry I brought this to you.”

Amber pulled away from him. “You know where the door is.” She walked into her bathroom and closed the door, fighting the urge to cry. Her body ached, her nightmare was real and she wanted to go home. Her home. She thought of her father and Crystal. But even that was changing. Just like everything else.

Quickly stripping off her clothes, she stood under the shower, leaning against the wall. She desperately tried to stay on her feet as the water streamed over her. It didn’t help one bit. Her body still ached and she missed home more than ever. Turning off the taps, she stepped out of the shower, dried herself and grabbed the short, black robe that hung on the back of the door. Tying the sash, she stepped into her room, freezing. Kade sat at her desk, having turned the chair to face the room.

“Why are you still here?”

“You look ready to collapse.”

“When you leave, I will.”

“I wanted to make sure you managed to get to your bed okay.”

“Why? Are you planning on tucking me in?” There was a sharp edge to her voice.

Kade rose to his feet with a chuckle. “Only if you need me to.”

Amber glanced between him and her bed. She crossed her arms. “I’m tired, exhausted and cranky.” Not to mention homesick. “Go home and leave me alone.”

“When you’re safe in bed.”

“Fine!” Amber strode to her bed, dropped on it and pulled the linen over her. She’d planned to dress in her sleep shirt first, but she changed her mind since Kade was in the room. “Now out.”

Kade walked towards the bed. “Didn’t you mention something about tucking you in?”

Amber sat up. “Don’t you dare.”

Kade smiled slightly. “Sweet dreams.” He bent forward and brushed his lips against hers. “Call me at the slightest danger.” He handed her a piece of paper with a phone number on it. “No matter the hour.”

Before Amber could reply, he was gone, the French doors closing softly behind him. She looked down at the number clutched in her hand and wondered why she couldn’t call to him with her mind. Flinn and the wyvern knew she existed, so what did it matter?

A knock on the bedroom door startled Amber to wakefulness. She sat up, surprised she’d been able to fall asleep again. The knock became more impatient.

“What?”

“It’s nearly ten. Are you planning to sleep all of Saturday?” Donna spoke through the door.

“Yeah. So quit trying to wake me. The less time I have to be awake in Hicksville, the better.” It was probably her safest option. At least until the dragon blood wore off.

“Amber-”

“Goodnight.” Amber lay back down and listened carefully. Eventually she heard her mother’s footsteps recede. She tried to close her eyes and go back to sleep. It was impossible.

Flinging the bed sheets aside, she quickly dressed in jeans and a shirt, pulled on her boots and, once she’d entered Kade’s number in the contact list, pushed her phone into her pocket. She considered heading down for breakfast, but didn’t want to face her mother or grandmother yet. Instead, she turned on her laptop and checked for messages. There were several, but none from Crystal. She didn’t know whether to be annoyed or relieved. She opted for annoyed.

Once she’d replied to her messages, she had no choice other than to go downstairs for something to eat. Her stomach felt like it pressed against her spine and she felt a little light headed. She didn’t know if that was from hunger or her early morning run. And to think people actually enjoyed running. Amber slowly shook her head as she wandered downstairs and into the kitchen.

A glance around showed her she was alone. It took only minutes to throw together a sandwich, scribble a note and put it under a fridge magnet. She considered grabbing her handbag from her bedroom, but when a check of the lounge room showed it was empty, she slipped out the front door instead, hurrying down the street.

She’d nearly finished her sandwich when she stopped suddenly and spun to look behind her. A hand went to her hip as she glared at Maira who was a couple of houses back. She finished off her sandwich as she stood and watched Maira.

After standing there, staring at her for a minute, Maira seemed to come to a decision. She strode towards Amber. As Maira reached her side, Amber noticed she wore the same chunky silver and black bracelets she’d worn when she came to help Kade. They were tight on her skin, almost like they were a part of it. Amber squashed the urge to reach out and touch them. She also forced her mind away from the jewellery and to her initial annoyance.

“Why are you following me?”

Maira shrugged. “Got me beat.”

“Then go home.”

Maira shook her head and silver earrings bounced at her ears. “Can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because a good soldier always follows orders.”

“Soldier… Kade…” Amber frowned. “He’s older than you?”

Maira laughed. “Barely. By a month. But that’s not how it works. It’s the bloodline. Anyway, that’s unimportant. My orders are to shadow you, his words, and protect you. He said there was a good chance you’d wander off into unpopulated areas without telling him.”

Amber turned back in the direction she’d been headed before the uncomfortable sensation of being watched had made her turn around. She’d thought it might be a wyvern, even though Kade had said they didn’t hunt during daylight. Striding silently along the footpath, she tried to ignore Maira who continued to walk beside her. Who did Kade think he was? She didn’t need a babysitter. It was daylight.

“So what are we going to do?” Silence greeted Maira’s words. “I guess it doesn’t matter, I’ll find out soon enough. Not that there’s much in this direction. You don’t strike me as the type to be headed to the park. Not to play on the swings anyway.”

Amber clenched her teeth together and bit back the words that threatened to spill. Why couldn’t Maira shut up? She began to regret letting Maira talk to her in the first place. She’d already known she was following because Kade had asked it of her. Why did she need it confirmed? Why did she always feel the need to ask questions? Amber held back a sigh.

“Silent treatment. Good call. It can be effective against a lot of people. Not me though. It just means I can talk without being interrupted.” Maira grinned at Amber, laughing when there was no response. “I’d ask you if you were going to the party tonight, but I guess it’d be pointless since you wouldn’t tell me anyway. I don’t even know if you knew about it. We could take you with us if you want to go and haven’t been invited. Jessica and Danielle are holding it. They’re not related, don’t even look alike, but you’d swear they were twins. It’s the way they act and talk.”

Amber walked a little faster. It didn’t slow down Maira’s words like she’d hoped.

“They didn’t want to invite us, but Flinn made them. I’m not sure which one is his girlfriend, or even if any of them are. They hang around him like groupies. He doesn’t seem to mind though. Kade hates it. I had to get rid of a couple of groupies that seemed to want to worship at his feet. I think it’s in the blood. Something about the power of their ancestors is even noticed by you humans. The more popular the person the more they seem to be drawn to the two of them.”

“Can’t you shut up?” Amber stopped, rounding on Maira. “And quit grinning at me like that.”

“How are you feeling after your run in with the wyvern this morning?”

“Just great.”

Maira chuckled. “Are you always so sweet natured or do I bring out the best in you?”

“Look. I’m not interested in talking. Or making friends. As soon as I can I’m out of this town. I’ve got a life. One that I like. And I’m getting back to it as soon as I can.” Maybe she’d make that her mantra. Got a life, like it, going back. Got a …

“Lives have a tendency not to wait on you.”

“I don’t want your little words of wisdom. Keep them for someone who cares.” Amber started to walk again.

Maira walked silently beside Amber for nearly a minute before she spoke again. “So, where are we going?”

“How the hell would I know? I don’t know anything about this town and I don’t want to.”

“So… what? Are you going to put your life on a shelf for the next few months and then pull it out again, dust it off and hope you haven’t outgrown it?”

“Why bother getting to know anyone here? I won’t see them again. Who’s going to drive the nearly four hours it’d take to come and visit me?”

“I could probably be there in an hour with a tail wind.”

“Really?” Amber stopped again and eagerly faced Maira. “Could you take me there?” She wanted to see Crystal face to face and demand answers.

Maira shook her head. “You’ll have to ask Kade. He’s stronger than I am. It’d take me a couple of hours to get there with a passenger. He could probably do it in an hour and a half.”

“Why won’t you take me?”

“Because that wasn’t part of my orders.”

“And you do everything Kade tells you to?”

“I try.”

“That’s…” Amber shook her head, at a loss for words. “How can you? How demeaning. It’s as bad as slavery.”

“You don’t understand our society. My family is full of well-known warriors. Many have served under famous Gold Warriors. This is my last chance to serve a Gold Warrior.”

“Is Kade famous?”

Maira shook her head. “No, but hopefully he will be one day.”

“Why’s it your last chance?”

Maira grinned wryly. “Apparently I have a major flaw.”

“Only one?”

Maira laughed. “Only one that they’ve listed the past two times a Gold Warrior terminated my services. I have a slight problem with remembering to follow orders. If Kade decides I’m not suitable, that’s it. No more chances. What is it you humans like to say? Three strikes, you’re out.”

“Why do you need warriors, anyway?”

“Why do you?”

“We don’t.”

“Yes you do. You call them soldiers.”

“To protect our country. And to protect those who are weaker than us and are being attacked.”

“Exactly.”

“Huh?” Amber frowned, trying to make sense of Maira’s words.

“There are millions of wyverns and sometimes they even attack in the thousands. Not to mention renegade dragons and those wanting more power than others. Just like in your world. And that’s only the start of the list.”

“But wouldn’t we notice if there were thousand of wyverns in the one place?”

Maira shook her head. “This conversation is getting into territory that’s becoming complicated. Do you know where we’re headed yet?”

Amber stared at Maira as she tried to catch up with the conversation. “What time does the party start?” She was pleased to see it was Maira’s turn to flounder momentarily.

“Any time after seven. Although it’s probably not worth going until nine. Only the desperate will arrive at seven.”

“Can you take off your bracelets?”

“Are you asking if I can physically remove them or if I will remove them?”

“My mum is strange about black jewellery.”

Maira stared at her for a moment before she glanced around. The street was deserted. She pressed her left arm against her chest and covered it with her right hand. She ran it along the length of her arm and the bracelets disappeared. It looked like she slid them off and yet there were no bracelets left in her hand when she finished.

Amber blinked, staring at Maira’s bare arms. “What the-”

“Scales. I reform them instead of completely changing. It was hard to maintain when I first started doing it. Not many of us can. Most of us can only be one or the other, not both at once.”

Amber took a deep breath. “Help me talk my mother into letting me go to this party. I might as well go. Anything’d be better than staring at my bedroom walls.” She strode towards her grandmother’s home, ignoring the ache in her legs. The rest of the trip back was silent. She glared at Maira. Typical of her to be quiet when she needed a distraction.

Amber went straight to the kitchen and found it empty. Her note was still stuck under the magnet. Taking it down, she shoved it in her pocket and went looking for her mother. She found her in the back downstairs room, which was a sewing room, or torture chamber, if her mother’s expression was anything to go by.

“What a surprise. You don’t show up when there’s work to be done unless you have a buffer.” Helen’s eyes landed on Maira as she spoke the last word.

Amber tried hard to ignore her grandmother’s words. They dug into her and made her want to deny the accusation. Instead, she turned to her mother and focused her attention on the person who’d say yes or no to the party. She glanced towards Maira. “This is Maira. She’s in my Art class.”

Donna rose from the sewing machine. “Nice to meet you, Maira.”

Maira smiled slightly. “Thank you.”

“Maira and her brothers are going to a party tonight and asked if I wanted to go too,” Amber said.

“For someone who hated it here and wasn’t interested in nothing or no one, you’ve changed your tune pretty quick,” Helen said sharply.

Amber continued to watch her mother. She wouldn’t let her grandmother bother her. She hoped. “You did say you wanted me to be more involved. Or was that just talk?”

Donna turned to Maira. “Will there be adult supervision at the party?”

Maira shook her head. “No. And Kade’s my cousin, not brother. And Brann is no relative.”

Amber shrugged. “Brother, cousin. He’s still family. So can I go?”

“Well…”

“Look, Mum, don’t take all day to decide or I’m going to change my mind again. I had planned to lock myself in my room, but Maira insists anyone not at the party will be considered not worth knowing.”

“When will it finish?”

“Late. Which is why I thought I might stay at Maira’s place.”

“And is there adult supervision there?”

Maira shook her head again.

“I guess that means I’m hanging out in my room again. Thanks, Mum. I told her you wouldn’t go for it. Glad to see I can rely on you to be consistent.” Amber turned to leave.

“Don’t try that reverse psychology on me. It won’t work.”

Amber shook her head. “I wouldn’t think about it. I told Maira I’d only come if I could sleep over. It looks like I’ll get out of having to go after all. Thanks.”

“Are you going to let her get away with talking to you like that, Donna?” Helen demanded.

“Mum-” Donna began.

“Don’t worry about it, Mum,” Amber interrupted. “It’s Hicksville. How exciting will a party be here? Half the people are probably inbred morons.”

“You will stop calling my town Hicksville,” Helen snapped.

Amber shrugged.

“Don’t give me that attitude, miss. I don’t go calling Brisbane Murderopolis.”

Amber grinned. “Way to go, Grandma. I didn’t know you had it in you. I actually quite like that name.” She had no idea if it was accurate or not and didn’t care if it was. All she cared was that it was her city and she wanted to return to it.

Helen turned to Maira who stood quietly watching the drama unfold before her. “I don’t know what you see in my granddaughter.”

“She’s new to our school. I thought she’d be interested in making friends, but I’m beginning to wonder.”

“Who’s having the party?” Donna asked Maira.

“It’s at Jessica Chambers’ place.”

Donna nodded and turned to Amber. “You’ll ring me and check in when you arrive, when you leave and when you get to Maira’s house.”

“You’re letting me go?” Amber feigned surprise. Although she hadn’t been completely certain her mother would let her go even with all the guilt she’d probably be feeling over tricking her into moving.

“You have got to be joking,” Helen exclaimed.

Donna ignored her mother and continued to face Amber. “I grew up here. I know Jessica’s mother. She was always quiet at school. I’ll have all the details of the party by Monday afternoon. You might want to remember that.”

“Just great. Small towns suck. I might as well stay home. It’ll be as bad as having you there holding my hand.”

“Come on, Amber. Why don’t we go and see what you’ve got to wear?” Maira glanced between Amber and Donna.

Amber grunted, turning towards the doorway.

“Nice meeting you.” Maira looked first to Donna and then Helen before she followed Amber.

“That girl is going to end up ruining her life and causing you nothing but heartache.” Helen’s words followed Amber out of the room.