The Dragon Knight's Curse (The Dragon Knight Series Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

one to seal you?”
    “She had already passed by that time. Kyloth sealed me away, which he did shortly before the battle that buried Nimbria.”
    “I see. So what’s it like in your realm? What did you do for five hundred years?”
    “I still reside in my home realm, a land that cycles between fire and water. Most dragons sleep through the times of volcanic fire and scarcity. We awaken when the seas swell with rainwater again. As I am being punished for war crimes, the elders have not attempted to remove the barrier separating me from the rest of my kin. With little other choice, I’ve passed most of the time by hibernating for long stretches.”
    “The history book I read said that all rebel dragons were hunted down and killed. If the elder dragons know about you, then why haven’t they attempted to carry out that sentence?”
    “I believe your tome stated that all dragons in Orda . I am not in Orda.”
    “But still.”
    A wordless minute passed, though I could still pick up a low rumble that came from deep within his throat. The best I could equate the noise to was a cat’s purr, but it certainly didn’t come from satisfaction.
    When he spoke again, he said, “Sometimes I wonder if the elders will someday break down the barrier and carry out their justice. It is a formidable barrier, but without Kyloth to reinforce it, it will fall with focused effort. The war occurred at a time when I would be considered young and at my most aggressive. Perhaps the elders have given me that justification. The main reason the elders even allowed some of my kind to be bound by a summoning spell was that sharing power with a human helps mitigate a young dragon’s brashness.”
    “So because you were young you were spared?”
    “Or perhaps they simply do not wish to kill any dragons they do not have to. I’m certain our numbers have not yet completely recuperated even after five hundred years. As the barrier prevents any contact with my kind, I can only speculate on their reasons for leaving me alive and alone.”
    “It must be a difficult life.”
    “Indeed.”
    “What was even the point of sealing you?”
    “I was not the only one to be sealed away. The plan was for Kyloth and the rest of my winged comrades to join me. The war was going against us, so we were going to retreat and recoup our strength, but the other elders must have discovered our intent. I do not know what happened after the battle of Nimbria. The enchantment on the sword was supposed to be a way for us to remain in contact with this realm, but if no one is alive to take advantage of the capacity, then the incantation is moot. It was only when you read that history tome did I learn that the war came to an end with Kyloth’s death a few months later.”
    “You don’t think the dragon elders will stop me from becoming Veknu Milaris, do you?”
    “They might if they discover us before the connection is forged, but that is unlikely with our realms still severed. As I’m certain my presence is being watched, however, then a summoning will alert them of our link. I can already hear their stipulations if we reach such a height, though I sense you’re getting ahead of yourself.”
    “How far am I from summoning you?”
    “You are progressing, but it will require another year of dedicated training to have the prana necessary for the act. Even then you will not be able to summon me for long. Most humans at your stage will need another decade to summon a dragon for more than a few moments. A decade more to become true masters. Still, if you gain some measure of control over your corruption, then perhaps the time required will be less. We shall see.”
    The rest of our trip within Gremly went by smoothly enough. I felt my left side regain its strength to the point I could practice two-handed sword stances without a sting gushing outward with every sharp motion. My overall health steadily returned as well. It used to be that I would tire before even Marcela