Page 4 of No Ordinary Drakeling
Chapter 2
1807 AD, Draconis Manor
“Remember when we thought sorcery nothing more than tales told to children?” Zane asked.
“I seem to recall telling you more than one tale of wizards and witches,” Chrysander said. Much to the delight of the small royal family, after growing up, Zane had shifted into a black dragon. Chrysander had taken little time to anoint him as a duke, and he continued to be a great asset as well as a beloved family member.
“You take such delight in reminding me of my youth,” Zane complained, but his dark eyes were amused instead of angry.
“What will you do?” Costas asked.
“I have made overtures to them before but was rebuffed. However, it will take more than a single letter to have me joining their council. I have requested that the writer meet with me to speak of the contents. Arch Lich Chander Daray is set to arrive at any moment,” Chander informed him.
“What do you believe he will look like?” Zane asked.
“I know not. We’ve heard of these sorcerers over the last few centuries, but we’ve had little chance to see them,” Chrysander replied.
“They keep their distance from all shifters,” Damian added. “Our talks with other beasts inform us of such.”
A knock sounded and they sprang to attention, which made Chrysander laugh. “We should perhaps calm ourselves.”
The door swung open to reveal the butler. “Your Majesty, Arch Lich Chander Daray and a Baxter Daray are here to see you.”
“Thank you, Stidham,” Chrysander said. “Arch Lich, Mr. Daray, a pleasure to meet you both.”
Stidham took a step back to allow the two men to enter, and Chrysander got his first view of a sorcerer. At a handful of inches over five feet, the necromancer was short to the dragons in the room that all stood at least a foot taller. Under his dark, smoky crown, which could have only been constructed through magical means, was a disorderly nest of brown curly hair. His eyes were pewter and stared boldly at Chrysander through spectacles. To Chrysander they had a certain misery in their depths, and the dark circles under them spoke of long nights with little sleep. His clothing was nearly impossible to see under a cloak decorated in skulls.
At his side was a man nearly Chrysander’s height and like the necromancer, he was cloaked. His, however, was open to reveal his gray attire and two daggers that hovered at his side, which glowed an unworldly green.
“His Majesty does not usually entertain guests with weapons,” Damian drawled.
“I am a sentinel,” Baxter said. “I go nowhere without them.”
“Thank you for seeing me, Your Majesty,” the Arch Lich said.
Chrysander invited them to take seats and introduced the three dukes in the room, then offered tea and refreshments, which both men declined. “I will admit, Arch Lich, I was surprised by your letter.”
“It was something of a surprise to me too, Your Majesty,” the Arch Lich replied dryly. Chrysander could not say he understood his statement, but perhaps the man had an odd sense of humor. “However, I believe it would benefit the Council of Sorcery to have the dragons join us.”
“Arch Lich, I can make no promises. I have not yet spoken with my kings, and I fear not only their trepidation but that of the other shifter communities. In recent years, the dragons have begun warm relationships with them. We trade goods and both sides make a profit. I would prefer not to lose those connections,” Chrysander said after he dropped down into his chair with his eyes still trained on these magical beings, trying to find any differences between himself and his guests. Though they lacked the scales that appeared in Chrysander’s eyes after he was united with his dragon, everything else was essentially the same.
“The Council of Sorcery would welcome any group of shifters who would wish to join,” the Arch Lich assured him.
“Perhaps you could tell us more about your council,” Damian invited.
“Certainly, Your Grace,” Chander replied. “It was created by Grand Warlock T’Eirick and Grand Summoner Saura of Leolinnia in 1367 with the idea of uniting races for the betterment of everyone. We started with five races, but a great war broke out and the warlocks were all killed. Sometime after that, I was voted to oversee it and I have done so since. We’ve added many new races, including a number of elven tribes most recently. Now we seek to move to North America and bring with us as many shifters as possible.”
“You wish to leave Europe? Arch Lich, what incentive would I have for uprooting my people who’ve lived here for thousands of years?” Chrysander asked.
“Your Majesty, the coffers of the Council are quite deep. The expense would be paid for, and I have an additional boon for you. I would like you to lead the Council,” Chander explained.
“You wish to give me your council, Arch Lich?” Chrysander asked, shocked by the invitation.
“I do, Your Majesty. I have grown weary of the weight of my responsibilities. By giving you the Council, I could focus my energies more on my magical studies and other worthwhile projects.”
“Arch Lich, does your council respect the laws of Fate?” Zane asked.
“There is no greater law than that of Fate, Your Grace.”
