Page 221 of Dragon Champion (Age of Fire 1)

“I’m sorry, my friend. This was all an excuse to get you off the island. I didn’t want you to be a part of what is coming. I’ve been false with you. About unimportant things. In other matters I’ve been true, and always will be. Thank you for what you’ve done for me.”

AuRon raised his wings, and in a single jump and a mighty beat was aloft.

“Are you mad?” Varl shouted.

AuRon made a final loop over the confused barbarian, feeling for the dwarsaw tucked tightly within his ear. “Yes. The question is, am I mad enough?”

Chapter 27

AuRon flew faster than even he had at the trials. He wished to return to the island before Shadowcatch arose from his slumbers.

He landed in the cave, and did not stop to speak to any of the keepers as he hurried to the caves of the breeding stock. When he stood at the gap that led to the breeding stock’s chambers, he concentrated on repeating the trick he had been practicing the night before. He watched his scales change over from gray to the dull black that matched the stripes descending his back.

From deep within his own cave, he heard voices.

“Well, did he say anything about when he would return?” Eliam rasped.

“Fishing with Varl was all I heard,” someone answered, probably the Dragonguard Rand, who was on duty when AuRon rose.

“He’s playing us false,” a dragon’s voice said in the clipped tones of a trap snapping shut. Starlight’s.>“Treason is dealt with swiftly among our kind. We’ll soon find out who the deceiver is.”

“I’m happy to hear it. The second piece of news?”

“Three drakes have begun to fly. There will be more trials soon. Even Starlight will be involved this time, as well as you.”

“Why not Shadowstalk?”

“His turn in the dragonelle cave.”

“So it is. I look forward to flying against Starlight.”

“He looks forward to meeting you in battle.” Eliam tossed the dagger in the air. It spun as a blur, but he snatched it by the hilt as if by magic.

“How can he be so sure of facing me? Isn’t the idea to face the younger dragons and give them a chance to prove themselves?”

“You two are the swiftest. You’ll be sure to face each other at the end of the trials.”

“So be it.” AuRon said. “You’re quick with that dagger. Have you ever faced a real dragon in single combat, as your father did?”

“Many times. I have the ears to prove it. Four times my father’s tally, and I’m only half the age he was when he was killed.”

“I wonder.”

Eliam spun his dagger again, but missed the hilt when it came down. It bounced toward AuRon, but the Dragonblade stepped out and caught it with the blade pointed at AuRon. The motion turned into a lunge at AuRon’s flank.

AuRon, keyed up though he was, resisted the urge to lash back. He stood there, quivering, as the blade halted a claw’s width from his rib cage.

“You don’t react,” Eliam said. “Is it wisdom or fear, I wonder. Men, you’ll say—”

“NooShoahk, NooShoahk!” AuRon heard Varl’s voice calling. The keeper appeared around the bend of the cavern, his wild hair streaming. He halted. “What passes here?”

“Nothing of consequence,” Eliam said, sheathing his dagger. “What’s your business?”

“A fishing boat just got in. Her hull is full of tuna the size of dolphins, they say. I was wondering if NooShoahk would care for fresh fish for a change, before it gets chopped into hatchling-meal.”

Eliam shrugged, the black scales at his shoulders shifting and glittering in the candlelight. “My business here is done. Enjoy your fish, NooShoahk.” He burst out laughing. “Gar, you deserve a good meal before the trials.”

The Dragonblade and his armored shadows left.

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