Book one Complete. This is just a short story but there's is a lot potential I think. This is set in the same universe as my novel Unbound, it takes place in the very distant future. Once the Unbound series is concluded it will tie into this story. The final book of the Unbound reveals the origins of the dragon kind. But that's all I'm saying for now. Oh yeah, I am looking for Beta Readers, because my grammar skills are sadly lacking. Not that I can offer much in return. Eternal gratitude or some free pics at the most.
violence, sexual situations, strong language
Dragonhearts
The heart of the Dragon
By Nara
Prologue
It is a question I’ve sought the answer to all of my life. What are the Dragon kind? There is Mankind and Angelkind…but what are the dragonkind? They look like humans (albeit very beautiful ones) except for two distinct physical features. They have ears like dragon wings and tails. What are these creatures that are spread through out Elementa? Are they monsters, gods, or mere animals? That is why I set out to learn the truth. Not to enslave the Dragon kind but to enlighten myself as to their nature. So I sought to study to understand the Dragons. I learned many things on my journey… about the Dragonkind, about mankind, and about myself. For what ever people think of them it is obvious that our destinies are undeniably intertwined.
Sir Lucien Roselocke the II
Chapter One
Lucien’s eyes grew heavy. The candle was burning low, its light dimming. Time for sleep, he thought blowing the candle out, plunging the room into darkness. Father’s journal seemed clear to him tonight, though sometimes it was impossible to read. Pages would disappear and reappear within it, or the writing would turn into gibberish. It was quite possibly cursed. But Lucien didn’t care; it was all that he had left of father. What was the truth of the Dragon kind? Did he discover it? Was that why he never returned?
The morning light filtered in softly into the dining room, illuminating Lucien's lovely features. Lord Arimos glared down at him. His looks were just one more reason to hate the boy. He had radiant raven colored hair, which glowed with purple and red highlights. His complexion was perfect and bronze tinted. That was from his mother’s side. She had been a Hien from the south. Arimos had never seen one but he knew they were much darker than their Kaze counterparts. His face was framed with heavy lashes, thicker than any girl’s.
And underneath those lids were Lucien's most stunning feature of all. His eyes were an unholy shade of purple. The boy was obviously magic touched. He should be exiled, but no one could see that but Arimos.
Lucien always drew attention where ever they went. He pretended to be shy, but Arimos knew it was an act. Lucien reveled in the limelight. Arimos was everything Lucien was not. His skin was milky, almost translucent. He had long honey colored hair, streaked with yellow highlights. And he had the famous Abister eyes, eyes the palest shade of morning blue. Arimos knew he was beautiful, but that fact that Lucien was too drove him insane.
Resisting the urge to kick Lucien in his pretty face, Arimos reached down and picked up the book he'd been reading. A servant who could read, it was just unheard of.
Lucien woke with a start. His father's book was gone. He stared up at a tall blonde figure. Lord Arimos, the bane of existence. The handsome blonde was engrossed in his father's journal.
"Give that back now!" Lucien growled. Arimos smiled down at him wickedly, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Have you forgotten again, Lucien?" Arimos asked him. "All your property now belongs to the Abister household now. All that you own is mine, this journal is mine, and technically you are mine. When will you understand that?”
"Give it back now or else." Lucien warned. Arimos scowled at him, that damn boy didn't listen. Perhaps he'd just pitch his book into the fireplace.
"Return his journal to him, Arimos" a steel voice commanded from the hallway. Arimos turned to face his older brother, the color quickly draining from his face.
“You're up early, Aldane.” Arimos said, handing the book back quickly. How did his brother always know when he was tormenting Lucien?
"Lucien." Aldane said gently. "I need an extremely strong cup of rafa tea, would you kindly attend to breakfast."
"Yes my lord." Lucien responded, he glared at Arimos one last time before heading to the kitchen.
Breakfast was coming along rather nicely. Aldane had recently remodeled the kitchen for him. He imported a crystalline stove from the East. It was the most amazing thing. They no longer had to chop wood for the fire. They just placed crystalines in there. The Abister mines were full of the crystals. Crystalines were thought useless because they were so common.
The eastern kingdom of Kaisui had the most advanced things. The salesman claimed they had
carriages that could self propel without the use of a horse. Lucien would believe that when he saw it.
"Tia, watch the eggs. Lord Aldane likes them soft." Lucien said without looking up from his rapid chopping. The pretty girl ran over to pot of boiling eggs. She casually flung a red pigtail over her shoulder
"What about lord Arimos?" she asked
"He can go to all seven hells." Lucien snapped. Tia giggled; she'd only been in the Abister household about three months. It was not what she expected at all. She was luckier than most slaves (debt laborers was the term now). The farming season had been bad for several years. When her family was unable to pay off their debts all their property had been seized, and they had been auctioned off to raise money. Her father had approached Lord Aldane and begged him to take his daughter. The guards had yanked him away, their treatment so brutal, that he had a heart attack on the spot. Perhaps that's why Lord Aldane had bought her. He didn't have any servants or slaves. Nana, the old women who had raised them was still there, but she was hardly a servant.
Lucien was a free person, Aldane had petitioned to make it so. Lucien did not have to do any house work; it was at his own insistence. He seemed to enjoy taking care of Aldane. She wasn’t sure of the exact nature of their relationship.
There were plenty of rumors flying around; she remembered some of the gossip from the other slave girls. Lord Aldane could never marry. Not with his deformities. I don’t get upper class women, Tia thought. She’d never seen his scars but they couldn’t be that bad. He was still a handsome man. He was quite tall, his shoulders were slightly broad. But he still had a willowy look to him, despite being quite muscular.
One could almost be fooled by his appearance, but Aldane was one the most feared swordsman in all of Elementa. His reputation was such that at least once a month someone would show up to be an apprentice. He never took any one though. His skin was creamy like porcelain; he had more of peach hue than Arimos, perhaps because he spent more time out doors. She was truly jealous of his hair. It was a rich mahogany brown so shiny she could practically see her reflection in it. He never let it down though.
Long hair was the fashion. Arimos had cut off most of Lucien’s hair a few months ago. He’d received quite a thrashing. She almost felt sorry for Arimos, all his brother’s attention was focused on Lucien. But it was hard to pity a womanizing scoundrel. She always managed to find one or two females in his bedroom. Then the cad expected her to help him sneak them out.
He had never made any passes at her. He told her he didn’t like virgins. Tia wondered if she gave off some sort of virgin vibe. Most likely Aldane had threatened him; he would often get smacked for looking at her too hard. Aldane had never laid a hand on Lucien. Not that he ever had a reason too. Lucien was such a pleasant boy. Sometimes she thought him too nice. If Aldane asked him to jump in a lake, he’d probably gladly do it with a smile on his face. Was that all he wanted, to do Lord Aldane’s bidding? He was only 17 but had amassed several degrees thanks to years of tutoring. He could do anything he wanted with his life
"Why don't you leave here?" Tia blurted out.
"What?" Lucien sputtered. Where had that come from?
“You’re not a servant; it’s not your job to take care of the Abister household.” She said
“You don’t understand.” Lucien told her. “I stay because I want to, this is my home. Besides I owe everything to Aldane. When my father left, the other lords brought up charges against him and convicted him.” Lucien continued. “They seized our lands. I would have been sold to Lord Gregoire.”
A shudder went down her spine. To be sold to him was a death sentence. She had seen him at slave fair. He seemed to be the most harmless man. He was attractive with powder blue hair and silver eyes. The other slaves had warned her not to look at him, for fear of drawing his attention. Every year he bought 51 slaves, to replace the 51 from the year before. Only the gods knew what became of them.
“You’ve heard of dueling?” Lucien said
“Yes.” Tia responded. “Isn’t it illegal?”
“That’s because of Aldane.” Lucien smiled softly. “He challenged them to a duel. In order to free me and our lands, he’d have to defeat all of them or their knights. One after another they came, by noon the body count was so high the King stepped in.”
“He wasn’t in trouble?” Tia asked.
“He wasn’t breaking the law, then.” Lucien responded. “He and King Kaze are friends, I saw them…together.” Lucien flushed, they were really together. It was five years ago but it was very vivid in his mind still.
They were intertwined, in the King’s humongous bed.
“Aldane, you are the best in all of Kaze.” King Demetrius had said.
“I am the best in all of Elementa your highness.” Aldane responded kissing him.
“You have the vanity of king.” Demetrius laughed at him
“And you have the manners of a— by the gods.” Aldane had spotted Lucien then. “Lucien how long have you been there?”
“I, uh, had a bad dream.” Lucien told him, that much was true. What were they doing? They were underneath a velvet blanket so couldn’t quite see what they were doing, but he could see enough.
“How did you get past my guards?” Demetrius inquired.
“I climbed over them on the beams in the ceiling.” Lucien said. “It was easy.” Lucien had seen Aldane leave with the King earlier, when he couldn’t find him in his chambers he’d figured he was with the King still. Perhaps if he had been a little worldlier, he would have known not to disturb them at such a late hour.
“Well aren’t you a clever little kitten?” Demetrius snickered. “To think my guards were outwitted by a peasant hi-hi[1]. I’ll have to have them all beheaded.”
Aldane glared at him dangerously. Demetrius met his stare with defiance, his full mouth twitching up slightly. They seemed to stare at each other for an eternity. Aldane sighed and turned a way from him.
“Well let’s get you back to bed.” Aldane smiled at Lucien.
“Um, what were you doing?” Lucien asked. Aldane looked horrified. Lucien couldn’t believe he just asked that. Words seemed to come out of his mouth of their own accord.
“It a game grown ups play. Would you care to join us?” Demetrius asked. With that Aldane turned a shade of red, then purple. It looked as if his head would explode.
“He is a child! Are you insane?” Aldane howled at him.
“I wasn’t serious. Besides I was younger than him my first time.” Demetrius said
“You are an animal! Lucien is not like you!” Aldane yelled at him.
“And you are a hypocrite. I don’t understand. Are real men just too much for you to handle?” Demetrius goaded him.
“I hope you burn in all seven hells. How dare you say suggest such a thing.” Aldane voice had dropped low. Even though he stood still as stone, the air around him seemed to tremble with his fury.
“Lord Gregoire suggested it; you know how much he hates you. Your behavior isn’t helping. You nearly killed all the first born noble sons over this boy. What is so special about him? He’s not a blood relative; I know he’s not your lover. What is he to you?” Demetrius asked grinding his teeth.
“Good night, Demetrius.” Aldane said coldly. As if Demetrius could ever understand, in order to understand he’d have to have a heart. People were just pawns to him. He either used them to gain power or for pleasure or for both. Aldane was tired of being used. Demetrius didn’t care about him; he just wanted to control him. There was a part of him that liked that, but the King could not be trusted.
“Lucien, why is it that Aldane would rather take care of you, than serve his King and country?”
Demetrius demanded. Aldane swore to himself. He should have never used Lucien as an excuse to avoid the king. It had just slipped out. Lucien was alone in the world; he needed to be taken care of. After all Lucien’s father had done for him and Arimos, it was the least he could do.
“He could do both if he wanted. “ Demetrius continued. This man did not stand for being thwarted. You would enjoy living in the castle wouldn’t you Lucien?” Lucien wasn’t sure what to say or do. The King was angry with him it seemed. He was so formidable. He was even taller than Aldane, and more muscular. He had wavy blood red hair, streaked with silver. His dark green eyes bore into Lucien.
“Y-yes, your highness, I would like to live in the castle.” Lucien had agreed.
“See it’s settled. Lucien wants to stay here. Even Arimos wants to stay here. You should be grateful for the opportunity, what more do you want from me?” He asked.
“I don’t want anything from you Demetrius. When you truly understand that, then I’ll stay with you. Maybe.” Aldane had said before he left. Lucien had been quiet the whole time. What type of trouble had he caused between The King and Aldane? What was Lord Gregoire saying about them?
Tia snapped him of his flashback.
"You're educated, young, and handsome. You could make your way in the world." Tia said “You could have adventures!”
"My father was the adventurer; I'd rather stay here and wait for him.” Lucien said quietly. It had been several years but he knew in his heart one day father would come home.
Chapter 2
"Wonderful breakfast as usual." Aldane said warmly taking another sip of his tea. Lucien had to be one of the finest chef's in Elementa. Households would pay a small fortune to have him on hand. Arimos felt his stomach churning. Did his brother have to fawn over that worthless peasant so much? He even let him sit at the table with them. Of all the nerve! If only Lucien would go away and never come back.
"I suppose you believe yourself a Dragon expert?" Arimos challenged him.
"I only know what's in my father's journal." Lucien answered
"And you believe that utter rubbish?” Arimos asked him
"Arimos" Aldane warned him quietly. Lucien stabbed his egg, trying to ignore him. Why couldn't he just be quiet? They were actually enjoying a peaceful moment. Arimos wasn’t going to stop though.
"So." Arimos went on ignoring his brother. "You think you could capture one?"
"Sure." Lucien said without thinking
“A peasant like you could never do such a thing." Arimos scoffed.
"I could to!" Lucien shouted at Arimos, not even sure if he could. He was just so angry that Arimos was suggesting he couldn't
"I would certainly like to see that.” Arimos said smirking "If you were able to capture one, by law you would become an honorary noble. If that were to happen, then you could have your land returned.”
It was true only nobles could own land. Honorary nobility was a notion King Demetrius had thought up. Twenty years military service would give one the ability to own land, though most never survived that long. Capturing a Dragonkind was another way. But most men would rather serve in the army.
Lucien blinked, why had he never thought of this? He could easily make his way to Dragon forest. With what he knew about them from father, convincing one to come back shouldn’t be that hard. According to father Dragons were kind and reasonable creatures. Yes, he would do it.
"I forbid it! Absolutely not!" Aldane shouted. They both stared at him. Aldane rarely shouted.
"Aldane this is my chance!" Lucien began
"Chance to get yourself killed!” Aldane shouted back at him. “Lucien you are a clever boy, but you don't understand dragons and you're not trained to hunt those monsters.” Aldane paused regaining his composure. “All my life I trained, I had a group of warriors with me. They were all killed and I ended up like this.” Aldane raised his right hand. But instead of a flesh hand was special metallic glove to replace the hand that was lost while dragon hunting. There were other consequences of that trip. Lord Aldane's hair always fell over the right side of his face. Not for any style purpose but to hide what the dragon had done to his face.
“I will find a way to return you to Lordship, I swear it.” Aldane said.
“Even if it means going to live with King Demetrius?” Lucien asked. How in the world had Lucien found out? Aldane wondered. Had he read the King’s letters? They were in his reading room. He didn’t lock the door, but still he never thought Lucien would rifle through his things. He would have to have a long talk with Lucien about privacy. Some of those letters were quite explicit. He should have never written Demetrius back in the first place. He wasn’t sure why he had; a part of him still loved Demetrius. He could be wonderful when he wanted to be.
“What is he talking about, Aldane?” Arimos demanded. Why was he always the last to know?
“His Majesty wishes me to serve as his general.” Aldane said quietly.
“Why so you can die for him and be disregarded? The Kazes are all pricks.” Arimos snapped. He would be damned if he let Aldane be used again.
“Arimos, watch your language! Do not refer to our royal family as-“Aldane started
“Fuck them! They left you to die in Dragon forest! They abandoned you, why do insist on defending them?” The only person he hated more than Lucien was King Kaze; he hated all the damn Kazes. Lucien was a spoiled rotten brat, but he was loyal. He would have never left Aldane behind.
Demetrius had told Arimos that Aldane was dead. He pretended to care while Arimos sobbed like a girl. Demetrius had been so kind and comforting. Arimos had been so vulnerable he had nearly slept with him. Luckily, a guard had walked in on them. Arimos cringed thinking what could have happened.
That bastard had left his brother to die and then tried to seduce him.
“Arimos, stop speaking of things you know nothing about! And Lucien you are not to set foot off of this property. Understand!” Aldane barked at them
"But!" Lucien and Arimos said together.
"This discussion is OVER!" Aldane yelled again, his green eye flashing. Lucien looked away. It was pointless to argue with him.
"Kindly clear the table, Lucien." Aldane said his voice gentle again, but he was still visibly upset.
"And you." His eyes bore into his brother
"You and I are going to talk!" Aldane pulled Arimos by his pony tail yanking him out of the room.
I'm sorry Lord Aldane. But I have to take this chance if I don't I'll regret it the rest of my life.
Sincerely Yours, Lucien Roselocke the III
That was the best note he could think of. Lord Aldane would be so angry at him but he had to do this. Not only for father, but for himself as well. Lucien crawled out his window and into the night. Guide me father, and protect me gods, Lucien prayed.
Arimos smiled lighting up the darkness; finally he was rid of that boy. He'd fail in capturing a dragon. Of course with the bandits prowling the country side he wouldn't get too far. A pretty, sheltered creature like Lucien didn't stand a chance. He'd never see him again.
Chapter Three
Lucien arrived at dragon forest about 2 weeks later. He knew to try to enter the main gate was futile. It was heavily guarded, there was a fee, and he wasn't part of a hunting party. On top of all that surrounding the forest was a magic barrier of vines. People had tried to burn it only to find the fire turn on them. It was impenetrable, but according to father's map there was another way in. It was marked by a tree tied in a knot. Once there he would be able to open the gate with a song.
Music is one of the keys to communicating with Dragons. If not for my talent for the flute I probably would have been killed. I believe the legends of the Dragon Songs to be true. Their music has power and meaning
From the Journal of Lucien Roselocke the II
Lucien had been wondering around for hours. Perhaps father was wrong. The whole idea seemed silly now a magic gate that could be opened by a song? What was he thinking? Lucien stopped. There it was! A tree tied in a knot!
He pulled out his flute quickly. He had memorized every song in his father's journal. The tune rang out beautifully through out the forest. Suddenly the tangle of vines parted. Lucien took a deep breathe and entered the dragon forest
"He's not a hunter. Omiza stated coldly.
"Perhaps he's lost." Ruzin suggested
"Impossible, even if he was lost he couldn't get into the forest. The vines would have guided him back to the human town." Omiza narrowed his eyes at the rather benign looking human wondering around. He was very much like a child. No, he was too large to be a human child. He knew what he was. The creature was fairly attractive given he had no tail and such tiny deformed ears.
"A concubine." Omiza said.
"A concu-what?" Ruzin asked annoyed, Omiza always used strange words.
“A type of slave. Remember a slave is a captive human." Omiza reminded him impatiently.
"Why would any one have to hold someone captive?" Ruzin asked humans were so strange.
“Well, in his case it would be for pleasure.” Omiza smirked. It was shame the gods had wasted such looks on a human.
“I don’t understand…” Ruzin puzzled. Omiza groaned. Who understood humans?
“Human males are unattractive; the only way for them to have sex is to force themselves on someone.” Omiza began “That’s why they always attack Dragons because we’re beautiful. And human women, because they’re weaker. ” The human females were tolerable; they normally shrieked and ran a way from him. He actually found that to be amusing. The women who weren’t afraid often provided quite pleasurable company. They didn’t match Dragon females in beauty, but they matched them in passion. And in the dark it really made no difference to him.
“He’s attractive and he’s a human male, Omiza.” Ruzin pointed, out annoyed with Omiza’s know it all attitude.
“Exactly, human women can not enter the forest. So they bring a pretty boy like him instead.” Omiza told him,
"Oh? That’s disgusting.” Ruzin decided. “What do we do about him?”
“Why do we need to do something about him?” Omiza asked. Why did Ruzin always want to get involved in every thing? The human was not his problem. If the gods permitted him entrance to the forest, it must simply be his time to die.
"If we let him wonder around a Tzumite will kill him.” Ruzin snapped. Unlike most Dragonkind, the Tzumites enjoyed killing. Ruzin thought this was from centuries of exposure to humans. They controlled the center of the forest. The stupid human was heading right for them. They wouldn’t kill him any time soon. They’d probably peel his lovely skin off his body while he was still alive, after they’d used him. Rape was another human activity they’d adopted. No one deserved that. Omiza scowled they would have to get him out of the forest quickly.
"Hey what's wrong with that dragon?" Xari popped down from above them. He had no tail or ears. Perhaps he was sick, Xari wondered.
"It's a human." Omiza stated sourly
"Really?" Xari face lit up, had never seen a human before.
"Hey squirt, be of use and go scare him away" Ruzin said.
"Okay." Xari giggled and disappeared
“Xari couldn't frighten a fawn." Omiza snapped. Ruzin smiled. This should be interesting.
Lucien looked over his shoulder again, but no one was there. He wasn't alone; he could feel a tingle at the back of his neck. Someone was there. Lucien spun around he was face to face with a dragon kind. It was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. As beautiful as a woman, yet this was a male. The dragon only wore shorts, and an open vest, all made of some sort of camouflage cloth. Lucien wondered why after doing it for so many years, he could no longer breathe.
The dragon kind was darker than Lucien. His skin was the rich brown of Rafa tea. He had hair in every shade of green from turquoise to grass green to pale moss. It seemed to go every where in a delight chaos of curls. His eyes were bewitching; a shade of green so bright they glowed. He also had dragon-winged ears and a tail. Lucien noticed that instead of a point he had a flower at the end of his tail. A flower dragon, he was lucky. Flowers were supposed to be the kindest of all dragonkind.
"Finally, I was beginning to think this place was empty." Lucien beamed brightly at Xari. "You're a flower dragon right?" Father had written about them he pulled out his dad's journal. Where were those notes on the flower dragons? Xari stared at the creature before him. A human? They were all supposed to be ugly, smelly and stupid according to Omiza. He obviously didn’t know anything.
"What are you looking at?" Xari asked. He'd never seen a book before.
Dragons didn’t need books. They had excellent memories and they were telepathic. So once one dragon knew something, they could just pass on the information. To keep from being bothered with too much unnecessary information, elders were assigned to keep track of all knowledge. Elders were also able to project their thoughts long distances. Luckily there also were memory stones one could use if they had to leave a message behind for someone to use. Once close enough to the stone the dragon would be able to sense the psychic vibrations embedded in it. Xari found the book to be utterly fascinating, and he thought the same of his owner.
"Hungry?" Lucien asked. Xari nodded. Lucien pulled out the last of his food. He might as well share the last of his food with Xari. He couldn't believe his luck finding a dragon so easily.
“I’m Xari.” He said, munching away.
“Lucien.” Lucien introduced himself. This is going well. The dragon was rather trusting. Perhaps over time, once they got to know each other, he could convince him to leave the forest. Father had written that dragons were partial to gifts, especially sweets. Flower dragons also liked helping others. They were very pleasant creatures. This made them bad for Dragon Fights[2], so most hunters overlooked them.
“I have a surprise for you” Lucien smiled.
“For me, what is it?” Xari asked again.
“Candy, it’s good. Just don’t swallow it.” Lucien said. Xari eyed the candy suspiciously then popped one in his mouth. Xari closed his eyes and fell over in the grass.
“Xari are you okay?” Lucien asked worriedly.
“It’s so good” Xari squealed. Lucien laughed. About five minutes later Xari sat up frowning.
“It’s gone.” Xari complained, and then he grabbed Lucien by his collar.
“Give me more candy.” He demanded. Lucien sucked on his piece slowly as he watched Xari gobble up all the candy.
“I want more!” Xari insisted, shaking his bag out.
“You ate it all.” Lucien said. Xari leaned in very close to Lucien. He was staring intently at his mouth. Before he knew what was happening, he felt Xari’s mouth on his. He was too stunned to react. Xari pulled away quickly smiling. Lucien realized his mouth was now empty of candy.
“That was rude!” He gasped, still quite flushed.
“What?” Xari asked
“What you did!” Lucien.
“You mean this.” Xari said leaning in kissing him for real. Lucien closed his eyes; he’d never been kissed before. Xari’s tongue ran gently along his. It felt like he was drowning underwater. But it was good thing. He placed is hand on Xari’s shoulder to push him away, but ending up pulling him in closer. He was kissing him back. This was heaven. It had been worth the trip here for this. Reason returned to him briefly and he turned away.
“Stop. I . We. Can’t.” Lucien spoke haltingly. His head was all fuzzy now. What was he doing? Father never mentioned anything like this in his journal. Is that what he meant by affectionate? Yes, Dragons had different customs from humans. That had to be it.
“I like you Lucien.” Xari said resting his head on his shoulder.
“But you don’t know me.” Lucien protested. Xari pondered this. Lucien was holding his mind back, so he didn’t know him very well.
“Tell me about yourself.” Xari said
“Lucien, well I’m 17… I” Lucien began
“Don’t use words, just think it to me.” Xari interrupted. Lucien was confused. What was Xari talking about? Xari lost patience and probed at Lucien’s mind.
Lucien felt the ground give way beneath him. He was falling, floating, and flying all at once. He could see his past and present. Not only that, he could see everything. He saw himself through Xari’s eyes. He could feel the bugs crawling in the grass; he was a part of the grass itself. He was acutely aware of every living thing around him. There were even living beings in the air, too small to be seen. It was too much; Lucien felt his mind sinking into darkness.
What just happened? Xari looked over Lucien with concern. He appeared to be asleep. He couldn’t believe how open Lucien had been. Was that intentional? Dragons never opened themselves up like that, not even life mates. Only soul mates could, and those were rare. There hadn’t been any the last couple hundred years. Was Lucien his soul mate then? What else could explain their bonding? He knew everything about him. He knew all his hopes, dreams, and fears; he was responsible for him now. Xari stroked Lucien’s dark hair, he was truly wonderful. Lucien didn’t believe that, he was rather insecure.
This human he barely knew had just opened him self completely to Xari. The experience while only a few seconds was amazing. He had been given a very precious gift. But now what? Lucien opened his eyes looking up into Xari’s worried face.
“I passed out?” Lucien wondered out loud
“Thank you Lucien.” Xari said. For what? Lucien wondered
“I’ll go with you okay.” Xari told him.
“Huh?” Lucien asked his head still groggy.
“So you can get your land back, I’m coming with you!” Xari proclaimed. Lucien couldn’t believe this was happening. Still something bothered him. How did Xari even know about any of that? And Xari was about his age...
“But…” Lucien trailed off. “Won’t your parents mind if you just leave?”
“I don’t have parents” Xari said softly
“Oh. I’m sorry.” Lucien began.
“Don’t worry about it.” Xari said, pulling Lucien to his feet. “I want to meet Tia, and Aldane. But not Arimos, he’s a jerk!” Lucien didn’t remember telling him about them. What did it matter? He was taking back a Dragonkind. He could get his father’s land back.
Two figures appeared in front of them. Fear crept up from his feet, slithering up his spine and then firmly planting itself in his heart. Lucien stared at the two dragons, both with angry looks on there faces. The shorter one had pale, milky skin. His hair was white also with silver streaks. Lucien could feel the dragon’s metallic eyes burning into him. This was why people feared dragons.
“Xari, where the hell do you think you’re going?” Omiza asked him coldly
“We said scare him off, not make out with him!” Ruzin snorted. He would have to ask him what that was like later. Was kissing a human like kissing a dragon?
“But he needs my help, when we bonded I -” Xari protested
“You can’t bond with a human moron!” Ruzin started
“Humans can not mind speak, Xari. Now let’s go.” Omiza said. Something had happened between them though.
The energy had changed; Ruzin wasn’t sensitive enough to see it. Xari’s aura had turned blue which was normal for mind speaking. But Lucien’s had changed as well. He’d never seen a human aura change before… and the colors where a chaotic rainbow. He would have to speak to one of those annoying elders about this right away.
“Please, it’s very important. We’d only be gone a little while.” Lucien pleaded
“I know how you humans treat Dragons.” Omiza sneered.
“But I would never do anything to-“ Lucien began
“You want to be an Honorary Noble, don’t you?” Omiza demanded. “Don’t deny it.” Lucien looked away. He couldn’t deny it.
“You‘re too weak to capture a Dragon” Omiza snapped at him. “But you are seductive aren’t you? You think you could use your looks to get your way?”
“That’s not true. You don’t know anything about him! Lucien is a good person, he’s kind and-” Xari insisted
“Even if his intentions are pure, he can’t protect you from the other humans. We’ll be going now.”
Omiza told him. Xari scowled at him then reluctantly followed. He turned and stared at Lucien one last time, his green eyes mournful.
“Follow the trail back the way you came, if you hurry you’ll be safe. Otherwise…” Omiza left the implication wide open. Lucien wasn’t safe in the forest.
Chapter Four
Lucien was still in the forest an hour later. It wasn’t like he could go home. What the white haired dragon had said still bothered him. Seductive? Lucien wished he was sexy. But the mean dragon was right. Lucien was helpless. He didn’t have any weapons; he couldn’t protect Xari if he wanted to. Lord Aldane could have giving him sword lessons instead of dance classes. Sword fighting was something practical after all
Lucien abruptly halted his musings. It was a field of eggs, dragon eggs. They glittered in the meadow like little golden stars. Lucien crept as close as he thought safe, and pulled out his father’s notebook. He’d inherited his father’s gift for drawing. And he’d never seen a sketch of this type of egg in the journal. He’d actually seen something his father hadn’t. Lucien halted his sketching. He wasn’t alone.
On the other side of the meadow he saw a group of armored men moving the eggs.
“Stop!” Lucien yelled running towards them. “Don’t move those eggs!” Lucien was cut off as he felt himself being lifted upwards by his neck. Lucien grabbed at the arm strangling him but he couldn’t move it. He hadn’t even seen his attacker, his speed was inhuman! He’s not human, Lucien thought struggling against the Dragonkind. He had red eyes. His black hair was unkempt obscuring some his face. He was covered in a black leathery armor from head to toe. He was like a living shadow. He was also over six feet tall, so poor Lucien was some distance off the ground.
“What are you doing here, boy?” He growled. Lucien tried to answer, he felt himself getting lightheaded. Was he going to die?
“Release him at once!” A male voice commanded. Lucien heard a loud crack followed by a whimper from the dragon. Then he was lying on the ground. Lucien gasped for air. The dragonkind had fallen down also.
“You know to never touch a human, you piece of shit!” Another man cut it
“I’m sorry.” The dragon said softly, his voice quivering with terror.
“You will be.” The same voice responded
“I’m all right, really.” Lucien coughed. “He didn’t mean to hurt me.”
“Of course he did.” Someone said gently as Lucien felt himself being lifted up off the ground. He was staring into blue silver armor. He concentrated on the intricate etchings. It was endless swirls, it remind Lucien of
“Wind.” He said out loud
“Right you are.” The first voice said. Lucien looked up at the blondest man he’d ever seen. His hair was like spun gold, every shade of yellow from pale to bronze was in his hair. His skin was bronzed also, though he wasn’t as dark as Lucien. He appeared to be half Hien Lucien stepped back quickly.
“I don’t think he likes you.” Another man on horseback chided. Lucien couldn’t make him out through his armor. “So little hi-boy, where’s your hunting party?”
“I’m not a hunter.” Lucien told him
“That’s obvious.” The blonde man smiled at him. “Were they killed?”
“I’m alone.” Lucien insisted.
“He’s a run away.” The man on horseback decided
“Oh well one man’s loss is another man’s gain.” The stranger in front of him said. He had the widest smile Lucien had ever seen. Lucien noticed that he had perfect white, even teeth. He was actually quite handsome, but there was something sinister in that smile.
“I’m a free person, okay I’m not a slave.” Lucien was starting to lose patience. Why did everyone think he was a concubine? They were as bad as the Lords with there stupid rumors.
“Not yet.” The man on horse back threatened
“Shut up!” The blonde commanded him.
“Look you can’t move those eggs.” Lucien told him. Maybe he could reason with him. The man’s inquisitive purple eyes were focused on him intently.
“Why?” He inquired.
“Because you could kill the dragons.” Lucien said. Wasn’t it obvious?
“The strong ones will survive.” He said flatly. What a strange boy? Why did he care what happened to the Dragons? One had just tried to strangle him. He was pretty, but a fool. How had he survived in the forest was a mystery?
“Well you’re soldiers” Lucien said “And dragons are forbidden to serve in the army. King Demetrius would be most displeased. Not that you’re a part of the King’s army.”
“You don’t know that.” He told him
“Yes I do.” Lucien chided. “Those boots aren’t regulation. And your armor while similar isn’t the same. It’s petinar, a cheaper metal. That’s why it has that green tint to it.” He stared at Lucien warily. Who was this boy? A spy? He was very disarming. King Demetrius was well aware of his tastes in men. They had he same exact tastes unfortunately that’s why they were constantly butting heads.
“Smart and pretty.” The man on horseback piped out. He was sent a cold stare from his leader.
“I am Lord Tristan” He began “I can guarantee your safe passage out of this forest, so why don’t you keep your pretty mouth shut. You’re rather perceptive, so you know it’s more than fair offer. I’ll also keep Bryce and my other men away from you.”
“That’s not fair!” Bryce protested. An electric jolt went towards him. He was knocked to the ground.
“That was a warning.” Tristan told him. A whip extended from his hand
Lucien stepped back; the whip made of lightning! It actually seemed alive. He smiled at Lucien again: the whip slowly coiled around his arm and disappeared into his gauntlet. Lucien was terror stricken; the poor child must have never seen magic before. He had to be from of the southern manors. The Lords in the south liked their isolation; this made them rather unaware of the ways of the world. He could tell by his speech he wasn’t a peasant. Perhaps he was a bastard child of some noble.
“So what’s your decision?” Tristan asked looking right through Lucien. Lucien stared right back swallowing his fear.
“No, you’re going to put those eggs back now or I’ll...” Lucien trailed off. What could he do? Tristan held in his laughter. The boy was shaking from fright, yet he was still trying to stand up to him. If only he could find soldiers with half as much courage.
“You’ll what?” Tristan asked him with amusement. “I’m really interested in what you’ll do to stop us.
“I’ll play the Dragon’s Cry.” Lucien said softly
“The what?” Tristan asked
“It’s ancient song.” The black haired dragon broke his silence “It sounds like the cry of an injured baby dragon.”
“Really?” Tristan mused. “How intriguing? But you’re not going to do that, because it would be
suicide.”
“Everyone one back to work!” He commanded, walking away from Lucien “In spite of your insolence you’re still welcome to join us. If nothing else I shall be entertained for the next few days.”
Tristan halted. The sound overwhelmed, it was something so painful. He felt if someone had reached inside his heart and pulled it inside out. It did sound like a crying baby dragon. That boy had made true on his promise. By the gods half the dragons in the forest would be here in a few moments. How had he learned that? What type of instrument could duplicate a dragon’s voice? What a wonderful weapon it would make! Lucien put his flute down. He hate that song, it was draining.
“Boy, come with me now!” Tristan commanded him. ”We have no time.”
“My name is Lucien and I’m not going anywhere with you!” Lucien shouted.
“Lucien Roselocke, I presume.” Tristan said. He was Aldane’s boy, it all made sense now. He seen him at court before, Lucien had grown up very nicely. He looked very much like his father, but darker. He was even a dragon lover.
“You’re here to become an honorary noble right? I’ll help you capture a dragon and get your land back. Just tell me everything you know about dragons and where you got that flute.” Tristan said.
“Forget it!” Lucien snapped. Tristan smiled again: this time it was quite terrifying though. The boy had an extensive knowledge of many things, especially dragons. He had the added benefit of being Aldane’s precious
The devious wheels in Tristan’s mind were spinning out of control. It was said Tristan hatched more plots before breaksfast than most men did in a life time.With Lucien as a hostage, he could force Aldane to vote any way he wanted him too. He could force that self righteous bastard to do a lot of things. They were actually very close once, but Demetrius had stolen him away from him. When he found out Aldane had left the king for some peasant Hien boy, it had been the most wonderful day of his life. What a twist of fate that child was in front of him now? It had to be a sign from the gods. Lucien would be a valuable asset, there was no way in seven hells he’d ever let him go.
Lucien suddenly thought of a fox hunt, because he finally understood how the fox felt. He bolted away from Tristan. In spite of his head start, he could feel him gaining on him. Even with his heavy armor Tristan would over take him soon. Lucien tried to run faster. The skinny brat was fast, Tristan thought. Once he got him out of the forest and back to his manor he would provide him with a lot of entertainment. Tristan’s hand fell heavily on his shoulder. Lucien tried to pull a way but he couldn’t break Tristan’s iron grip.
“I’m trying to save your life fool.” Tristan hissed in his ear. He had gripped Lucien’s slender wrists in one hand. He wrapped his other arm around his chest. The boy would not surrender. Finally Tristan sent a mild electric shock through him; Lucien went limp in his arms. He took Lucien in, seducing him would be a challenge. The boy surely hated him, but love and hate were both passionate emotions. It would be his greatest conquest ever. Tristan paused.
The forest was completely silent. The dragons were coming. Tristan swore. He wrapped his cloak around Lucien, covering him completely. He left on the edge of the clearing by a tree. The cloak did its work and Lucien blended into the environment. Lucien would probably be safe. He and his men were another story. Tristan uncoiled his electric whip and faced the dragon horde.
Chapter Five
Lucien was lying in the grass: he could feel the dew soaking through his clothes. He was wrapped in cloak that wasn’t his own also. The way the birds were chirping meant it was morning time. Lucien felt something crawling on his hand. He sat up quickly flinging the bug off of him.
“I’m alive?” he asked. He had to be. He recognized the path he was on. He was home. But how had he gotten here? Had he dreamed everything? What about the eggs and where was Lord Tristan? He wondered what Xari was doing right now? He’d have to go back to the forest and find him.
“Oh thank the gods.” Aldane’s familiar voice rang out. Damn, Arimos scowled to himself. Lucien had come back after all. Still there was a chance to stop Aldane from spoiling Lucien once and for all.
Arimos jumped off his horse, he pulled out his whip pointing it at Lucien.
“It’s time you learned to listen, boy.” Arimos said coldly.
“Arimos what are you doing?” Aldane asked in alarm.
“He disobeyed you, he has to be punished.” Arimos told him
“No, that’s barbaric. I will deal with Lucien later.” Aldane said. Arimos groaned inwardly. His brother had spent the last two weeks insane with worry. Aldane had barely slept or eaten, and it’s all Lucien’s fault, Arimos thought angrily. Lucien had to pay.
“It doesn’t stop you from beating me!” Arimos shouted at him.
“He could have been killed, Aldane. You’ve never disciplined him, that’s why he doesn’t listen now.” Arimos argued.
Aldane looked away from him. Was this his fault? He knew the other lords would be appalled at how soft he was on his servants. Lucien wasn’t really his servant anyhow and Lucien was a good boy, if stubborn at times.
“What if he runs off again brother?” Arimos asked. “He might not come back.”
“You won’t do that, will you Lucien?” Aldane said with confidence. Lucien looked away. He was going back. He would become an honorary noble, he would see Xari again
“I’m sorry Lord Aldane I have to.” Lucien said
“You will not.” Aldane told him.
“You can’t stop me.” Lucien said defiantly. Arimos had been watching the whole exchange with glee. They had never argued, it was wonderful
“Ten lashes.” Aldane’s voice quivered. He would do whatever it took to keep Lucien safe, even if it meant he ended up hating him. Aldane turned away. He couldn’t watch this.
Lucien stared at him in shock. He was actually going to let Arimos beat him. He’d never been beaten in his life. He had disobeyed Aldane. Still it had been worth the consequences.
“Do your worst Arimos.” Lucien
“I will” Arimos responded.
Lucien watched as Arimos raised the whip. Don’t flinch, don’t cry, and don’t yell, Lucien thought to himself. The whip never came down on him though.
“You’ll not touch him.” Xari said, he’d caught the whip. Where had he come from?
“L-let go you beast!” Arimos shouted. Xari yanked the whip forward instead, causing Arimos to fall most ungracefully onto his face.
“Are you okay?” Xari asked pulling Lucien off the ground.
“Xari what are you doing here?” Lucien asked
“Guards!” Arimos cried out “Come quickly and take this monster to the dungeon!”
“And you Lucien!” He shouted “You’re getting twenty lashes!”
“Guards return to your posts.” Aldane said smoothly. The two men stared at the scene curiously and then retreated.
“Arimos, I would advise against attacking another lord.” Aldane continued.
“Come on Aldane.” Arimos protested “You’re not going to go through with-“
“Do I have a choice?” Aldane snapped at him. “I have to report this event to the local consulate. He will be made into an honorary noble. Legally I can return his lands to him.”
“Legally you could, but you don’t have to!” Arimos cried
“I gave Lucien my word as a lord, I can’t break that promise.” Aldane said
“Sure you can.” Arimos said nonchalantly.
“Go away, Arimos” Aldane commanded. Arimos took off. He’d just helped to lose half their lands. Aldane was probably going to give him 100 lashes. How had that idiot boy captured a dragon, how?
“Well congratulations Lucien.” Aldane said brightly. Perhaps you should get a leash for your dragon though.”
“What’s a leash?” Xari asked.
“Uh, don’t worry about it” Lucien told him.
“Why don’t you head home Lord Lucien, I’ll bring over your papers later.” Aldane said softly. Lucien had actually made it to the forest and returned with a dragon. Well it was a rather small dragon, but he had done it. Somehow in the last six years Lucien had grown up. How had he missed that?
“So now you have your lands back!” Xari said cheerfully
“Yes, thanks to you” Lucien said running a hand through Xari’s mess of curls. Xari embraced Lucien.
“Are you happy now?” Xari asked him looking up into his eyes, their face only a few inches a part.
Of course I am.” Lucien said his heart rate increasing. Xari was so close he might try to do something. Lucien didn’t; resist as Xari’s mouth met his. It was just a dragon custom, Lucien told himself. So it’s okay to kiss him, it was better than okay in fact.
Aldane had looked back briefly. Lucien had grown up a lot more than he thought it appeared. He hadn’t captured this dragon, he had persuaded him to leave the forest it appeared. He smiled, he knew well that type of persuasion was more powerful than any sword. Still, with a dragon? He knew many nobles indulged in such things, it was something he could not even fathom. Aldane shook his head. Lucien was an adult now he could do as he liked. He clucked his tongue and his horse continued down the path.
Lucien broke off the kiss finally. Xari wondered why he was so conflicted. Humans never know what they want. That’s why they’re miserable. Omiza had said. Lucien didn’t know what he wanted then?
Xari knew exactly what Lucien wanted, he had been inside of his mind. Xari had seen parts of Lucien that he wasn’t even aware of.
“Hold on.” Xari said grabbing Lucien’s shoulder. Then he disappeared. Lucien looked around in bewilderment. Where had he gone
“Over here!” A tiny voice called from his shoulder. There was Xari, a mini-Xari, sitting on his right shoulder. Lucien jumped back in shock causing Xari to fall. He heard a squeal. The he caught him swiftly.
Lucien held him up to eye level.
“How did you that?” Lucien asked stunned.
“All dragons can, I was hiding in your shirt pocket.” Xari laughed. Lucien smiled. Dragons were the most amazing creatures. Father had never even mentioned this at all.
“What will you do now?” Lucien asked
“Why can’t I stay here with you?”
“Well you can but won’t the other dragons be mad?” Lucien wondered.
“Nah, they’ll be glad I’m gone.” Xari said. Lucien came upon his old home and stopped in shock.
“What a dump!” Xari said. Dump was a compliment. The house had fallen into ruins. The windows were broken or missing. The roof had fallen in, vines had grown over everything. Lucien sighed dejectedly.
“Looks like we have a lot of work ahead of us” Xari said. His home had been pretty nice once.
“You’ll help me then?” Lucien asked
“Of course I have to live here too.” Xari responded.
“Well let’s get started.” Lucien said smiling.
So begins Lucien Roselocke the III’s adventures with the Dragonkind.
Some background notes
Once upon a time, the universe was covered in darkness, then the One who is Light came and pushed back the shadows. Defeating the darkness took great energy and the One who is Light won the battle, but did not survive it. Upon the death of the One who is Light, twin stars were born (two sons).
The first born was named Aldus, which means adored one, he was given the magnificent spiritual plane The plane was made up of the heavens, the land of angels and Illumina, the land of fairies. Aldus was also given control of the hells and the underworlds that the darkness had left behind. Even though the darkness was defeated, it could not be destroyed, only contained in the balance of things.
Eldus, which simply means second born, got the physical world and named it Elementa. The physical world was divided into day and night as to also maintain the balance. Both gods were pleased with their planes and happiness and joy was abundant for a while…
This is the foundations for all religions in Elementa. Royalty and nobles tend to worship Aldus, and
peasants worship Eldus.
Elementa is a super continent of four kingdoms, Kaze is the Western Kingdom, Hi is the southern kingdom, Kasui is the Eastern kingdom, and Daichi is the Northern Kingdom. The dragon forest occupies the center of Elementa and touches all four kingdoms.
Thank you for reading and also supporting me. This is an idea I’ve had for quite sometime...Half dragon, half human creatures. How would we react to them? How would they react to us? It sat for a couple years until I created Lucien and Xari then took off from there. The biggest inspiration for this story comes from the Fragrance tale and Final Fantasy. If you can believe that....
I also wanted to continue the Unbound storyline. I am in love with Elementa it is such an interesting world. Everyday I create new parts to it. I’ve included some sketches; they’re not too bad right. I’ll have to keep practicing, but I hope you enjoy the story.
[1] Hi-hi: Derogatory term for Hien.
[2] Dragon Fights. A form of entertainment for Nobles where they force their dragons to battle each other.