Dragonforge Read Online Free Page B

of an unfavorable aberration. His identity is no longer of any importance. You are his only offspring. When you pass from this world, the danger he represented will be at an end.”
    “I could have passed from this world at my birth,” said Graxen. “Other aberrations have been drowned in the lake. Why was I allowed to live?”
    The matriarch lifted her fore-talon in a dismissive gesture. “What a pointless question. You are alive now; you have a purpose in life, however menial, of messenger to the king. So far, you have shown an appalling lack of competence in carrying out your duties. What was Shandrazel’s message?”
    “I bring an invitation. Shandrazel is convening a summit in three days. He wishes to invite leaders from throughout the kingdom to discuss the end of the era of kings, and to help design a new era of equality and justice for all races.”
    The matriarch released a barking noise that Graxen at first took as a cough, but then realized was a laugh. “Equality? There is no equality in this world and never will be. The earth has produced four intelligent species, it is true, but it is self-evidently absurd to think they are equal.”
    “Shandrazel feels differently. When you hear him speak on the matter, I believe you will find his arguments compelling.”
    “I hope you find it compelling when humans are marching with dragon heads atop their pikes,” the matriarch grumbled. “They are merely tall and talkative monkeys, with baser urges unchecked by reason. Their animalistic breeding practices mean they outnumber us by a thousand to one. Granting them freedom is dangerously irresponsible.”
    “I’ve had little experience with humans. If they’re truly as primitive as you say, what threat can they pose?”
    The matriarch shook her head at Graxen’s ignorance. She sighed. “This is only one more crisis to be managed. Fly back to Shandrazel. Tell him I will send an envoy to his summit. There must be someone there to serve as the voice of reason.”
    “Thank you,” said Graxen.
    “You’ve delivered your message,” the matriarch said, turning her back to him once more. “Now take your leave.
    “I’ve had a long journey,” said Graxen. “Isn’t it customary to offer a messenger of the king time to rest, to partake of food and water?”
    “You have said Shandrazel doesn’t respect custom,” said the matriarch. “He could have sent a member of his aerial guard. Why send you, if not as deliberate taunt?”
    “Shandrazel has no interest in the bloodlines of sky-dragons. I don’t believe he knows I am your son.”
    “I am to believe it is only coincidence he chose you?”
    “No. When Shandrazel was banished by Albekizan, he sought shelter at the College of Spires. Chapelion sent him away. But I felt pity for Shandrazel and followed him. I served as his messenger in exile. Now, I serve him openly. Still, you are correct. My presence here isn’t chance. I asked for this mission. It was my one chance to ask… to ask…”
    “Don’t stammer,” she snapped
    Graxen felt as if the simplest words were almost impossible to utter. He stared at the frayed threads that had been Androkom, and suddenly grew aware of hundreds of similar threads representing the conclusions of bloodlines. He knew he was one of them.
    “I want to mate,” said Graxen. “It grieves me to think that your thread ends with me. The color of my hide is only a superficial flaw. In every other way, I believe I am an excellent candidate to carry on your bloodline. I’m strong, I’m studious, I’m—”
    “Get out,” she said.
    “But, if you’ll—”
    “Valkyries!” she shouted.
    The tapestries on the wall bulged outward. A score of valkyries emerged from hidden passageways, spears readied. Graxen’s gut twisted as he realized they must have been listening to his every word. Sky-dragons were supposed to be creatures of intellect, devoid of the lusts that fouled lesser beings. His shameful confession of the desire