DragonFire (35 page)

A porcine creature whose fangs grow too long to be useful in a fight. The animal provides excellent meat.

quiss (kwuh´-iss)

One of the seven low races. These creatures have an enormous appetite. Every three years they develop the capacity to breathe air for six weeks and forage along the seacoast, creating havoc. They are extremely slippery.

ring beetles

Beetles with a target-ring pattern on their backs.

ropmas (rōp´-muhz)

One of the seven low races. These half men–half animals are useful in herding and caring for beasts.

schoergs (skôrgz)

One of seven low races, much like grawligs, shorter, less playful.

Sniffer

Official at court responsible for enforcing hygiene.

stakes

A disease that leaves the victim stiff for weeks after the fever has passed and can recur when the patient becomes overtired. For children, the symptoms pass. In an adult, the side effects can last ten to twenty years.

tumanhofers (too´-mun-hoff-erz)

One of the seven high races. Short, squat, powerful fighters, though for the most part they prefer to use their great intellect.

urohms (ū-rōmz´)

Largest of the seven high races. Gentle giants, well proportioned and very intelligent.

Vendela (vin-del´-luh)

Capital city of the province of Wynd.

Wittoom (wit-toom´)

Region populated by doneels in northwest Amara.

wizards’ conclave

A cloistered gathering of a chosen group. The agenda is kept secret and the discussion within is undisclosed.

writher snake (r
-ther)

A water snake, long and slender. The snake wraps its body around a victim, drags it under the water, and eats the body as it decomposes.

A
BOUT THE
A
UTHOR

D
ONITA
K. P
AUL
enjoys writing, but she enjoys her readers more. Her Web site,
www.dragonkeeper.us
is a place where she can interact with readers, old and young.

Mrs. Paul is a retired teacher and still spends a great deal of time with young people. Although she lives in the shadow of Pikes Peak, she does no mountain climbing, preferring more sedate hobbies such as knitting and stamping. And she likes to make things she can give away.

Praise for
DragonFire

“
DragonFire
is a soaring adventure. But I wouldn’t expect anything less from Donita K. Paul, as she always gives us a delightful read: intriguing, challenging, and full of blessing.”

—K
ATHRYN
M
ACKEL
, author of
Vanished
and
Outriders

“A rich, fantastical treat—
DragonFire
lights the imagination with every turn of the page!”

—R
OBERT
E
LMER
, fantasy/sci-fi author

“
DragonFire
is not only a book for the young of age, but also for the young at heart. Donita K. Paul possesses a unique talent for instilling deep wisdom and spiritual truth in a story that is engrossing and satisfying for adults and children alike. She is one of my favorite authors.”

—H
ANNAH
A
LEXANDER
, author of the Hideaway series

“In
DragonFire,
Donita K. Paul has outdone herself! Though all of her dragon tales enchant, entertain, and inspire, this latest entry reveals even more profound depths in her characters—and in her magical winged creatures. This story will touch your emotions—and your soul.”

—J
IM
D
ENNEY
, author of the Timebenders series and
Answers to Satisfy the Soul

“
DragonFire
is ‘predictable’—in the very best sense of the word! Breakneck pacing. Plot twists aplenty. Spiritual truths that inspire. And a powerful ending that—here we go again—leaves you wanting more.”

—T
AMARA
L
EIGH
, best-selling author of
Perfecting Kate

“
DragonFire
is a worthy continuation of the endearing series begun by Donita K. Paul. Lovable, admirable characters, entertaining adventures and misadventures, and breath-stealing plot twists—all deftly woven with sustaining strands of spiritual truth. Youth and adults alike will find these books impossible to put down until the last page is read.”

—J
ANELLE
C
LARE
S
CHNEIDER
, author

“Another enchanting fantasy starring the Dragon Keeper, Kale. Even when she thinks she’s failed those she loves and who trust her, obedience and Wulder’s love guide Kale. Inspiring.”

—L
YN
C
OTE
, author of
Blessed Assurance

“Donita K. Paul has created another delightful tale featuring Kale, Bardon, and their enchanting friends.
DragonFire
takes the reader inside a wonderful world of fun and fantasy, with spiritual truths lighting each pathway. I loved it!”

—P
EGGY
D
ARTY
, author of
When the Sandpiper Calls
and
When Bobbie Sang the Blues

D
RAGON
F
IRE

P
UBLISHED BY
W
ATER
B
ROOK
P
RESS

12265 Oracle Boulevard, Suite 200

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921

A division of Random House Inc.

The characters and events in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to actual persons or events is coincidental.

Copyright © 2007 by Donita K. Paul

Published in association with the literary agency of Alive Communications Inc., 7680 Goddard Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920,
www.alivecommunications.com
.

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

W
ATER
B
ROOK
and its deer design logo are registered trademarks of WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House Inc.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Paul, Donita K.

Dragonfire : a novel / Donita K. Paul.

p. cm.

1. Dragons—Fiction. 2. Religious fiction. I. Title.

PS3616.A94D723 2007

813'.6—dc22

2007012652

www.waterbrookpress.com

eISBN: 978-0-307-44624-4

v3.0