The Blind Dragon Read Online Free

Answer me. I come to you as your superior . I may not be some kind of famous dragon master or warrior or some such thing, but I do know a few things about these animals. House Dradón has long held the reputation for coddling the undeserving. That ends today. Do you understand, stable master? Garbage will be thrown out with the garbage , and that will be the end of it. Now, prepare this broodmare for breeding."
    Anna's face went hot, her anger rising out of the dark, and she was struck by the insane urge to walk into the birthing stall and smash the fool's face with the hammer. She'd forgotten that she held it. It seemed lighter in her hands.
    The foal growled.
    Lord Layne coughed uneasily and scooted even further away in the straw.
    The foal's growl went deeper.
    Easy, Anna thought to herself. Easy.
    The foal grunted and seemed to settle. Anna took a breath. There was no way this would happen. Lady Abigail was young, to be sure. But Master Khondus, Master Zar, Master Borónd, Captain Fyr, and all the other senior captains of House Dradón would never tolerate this outrageous "plan."
    Never.
    The foal growled again. The sound was even deeper this time.
    "You are sure this beast cannot see?" Lord Layne asked. "My plan will not work if it can see. The sport for Lord Fel—."
    "You're confused, boy," Master Khondus said at last. His voice was quiet. "You have no 'plan.' And the dragons of House Dradón don't provide 'sport' for our enemies. The dragons of House Dradón bring our enemies one thing—and one thing only: death. There will be no 'games.' There will be no 'celebration.' There will be no 'breeding.' And there most certainly will be no 'union.' It won't happen."
    Then the Master stepped to the doorway, snatched the hammer from Anna's hands as if it were a strapping switch, and stepped back into the stall, hammer held ready to strike.
     

7
    " W HA — WAIT ?!" L ORD Layne cried, seeing the hammer.
    Anna followed Master Khondus into the stall.
    Layne was backing away from the Master, one palm up in front of him, the other hand fumbling for his dagger that bounced on its gilded chain. The lordling's feet tangled in the straw. He stumbled and almost went down, then righted himself gracelessly.
    Nightlove growled, but she was too exhausted to move. The foal, however, had energy to spare. It hissed and rose up on its haunches, white wings spread wide in the darkness, blocking Lord Layne's retreat. Its eyes were mean, silvery slits.
    " Wait! " Lord Layne squealed, suddenly not sure which way to go, not sure which direction was the least terrifying: Master Khondus stepping towards him from the front or the white dragon foal blocking him from behind.
    "We'll take you to Captain Fyr," Master Khondus said pleasantly, still moving forward, hammer held ready. "See what she has to say about you and your father's little 'surprise.'"
    "How dare you! How dare—."
    "Funny." Master Khondus smiled grimly. "Your big mouth has been an embarrassment to our High Keep for three years—yet now, in a mere moment, it's become our savior. Had to come down and show me who was in charge, didn't you? I thank the Great Sisters for your pea-sized wits, boy. Kneel. Put your hands behind you."
    "You wouldn't dare —."
    "Kneel, boy. I'll brain you like the senseless pup you are."
    The Master took a step forward, hammer cocked.
    " Stop !" Lord Layne cried, and actually stamped his foot in the straw. "I am of House Tevéss! Halt! I am Tevéss! You cannot—! No —!"
    But as Lord Layne cried "No!" he reached for his sleeve, pulled a hidden stiletto, and lunged for Master Khondus's neck in a single, fluid movement.
    The maneuver might have worked. On someone whose profession wasn't war.
    Master Khondus ducked, Layne's stiletto spearing over his head, and jabbed the lordling hard in the throat with his finger. Layne reeled backwards, eyes bulging, hands at his neck. Master Khondus kicked his legs out from under him, knocked him to the straw, and flipped