Page 46 of Dragon Master (Rise of the Dragon Master)

His voice rang with the sharp authority of my commander, his tone assuring me he wouldn’t tolerate anything else from me. It was a side of Asher I’d never seen, so I knew he was serious. Reluctantly, I bit my tongue and turned my back away from the other asshole, preparing to walk to the river and cool the fuck down. I wanted to punch his stupid face so badly.

“I shouldn’t be surprise you back down that easily, coward.”’

It was my turn to see red. “You dare to callmecoward?!” I spun on him again. “You are the one who pointed a spear at a sleeping man, because you didn’t have the fucking courage to face me and challenge me like a man.”

Every single warrior around us cursed in unison, like I had just done the stupidest thing I could have possibly done. Asher plunged his fingers through his blond hair, probably trying to busy his hands so he wouldn’t have to strangle me.

Yet, it was Lachlan’s reaction that told me everything I needed to know. A pleased smile slowly stretched his lips and he straightened, glancing at me like he had already won. Whatever I had just done, it was exactly what he wanted.

“If facing me like a man is what you want, then a fight for honor I shall grant you. I, Lachlan Battlesky, challenge you Braxton—” he paused, like he was trying to figure out my last name.

“Skyburrito,” someone offered and I made a face, I was going to die with the ugliest last name ever created.

“I challenge you, Braxton Skyburrito, to a duel to the death three days from now.”

Holy shit. Maybe I should have listened to Asher and kept my mouth shut..

“Do you accept this duel?” His eyebrow rose, daring me to say no.

My mouth opened to answer, but before I could, Harrison stepped into the circle. “I accept the challenge in Braxton Skyburrito’s name.” He invaded Lachlan’s personal space, getting in his face like he was dying to kick his ass.

“No. I accept the challenge in Braxton Skyburrito’s name,” Elijah echoed.

“It is I who accepts the challenge for Braxton Skyburrito.” Harper stepped forwards.

“I accept the challenge in Braxton Skyburri—”

“We get it,” I interrupted Finn. I really needed for everyone to stop sayingSkyburrito. “I appreciate you all for wanting to fight him on my behalf, but I can fight for myself.” My eyes bore into Lachlan’s smug face. “I will fight you. Just give me the time and place and I’ll be there.”

“Dragon’s altar. Three days. At the crack of the day’s first light.”

“Are you done?” Kingston’s roar caused every single one of us to jump back from the start. Holy hell, he was pissed.

“Yes, Chief.” We all answered in unison.

“Then, return to your posts.” His voice rang in the air like he was ready to skin me for being so foolish, but it was Evie’s reaction that gutted me.

Disappointment visibly colored her face, like brushstrokes on a canvas, assuring me how monumentally I had fucked up. She turned around without a single word, and walked towards a few groups of people who had awakened, reassuring them all was well, and they should try to sleep some more before we had to leave.

My heart sank, but the feeling was quickly replaced by jarring pain along my arm the moment Asher’s spear crashed against my wrist, forcing me to let go of my sword.

“Fuck!” I gasped, gripping my wrist to stop the throbbing, my eyes as wide as saucers.

“Pick up his weapon,” Asher seethed, nodding towards Harper.

Keeping her gaze from mine, she lifted the blade, stepping back.

“My sword—”

“It is mine now,” he barked. “You will get it back when you learn to respect the chain of command.”

I swallowed, realizing my actions had pushed my friend to the brink. He was my commander now. “Yes, Sir.”

“You are relieved of duty effective immediately. You will not stand with my warriors again until you come for training with me tomorrow morning.”

“I visit the Dragons each mor—” I stopped when Harrison’s eyes went wide, probably asking if I had a death wish.

“With me. Tomorrow. Morning. Is that clear?!” Asher growled through clenched teeth.

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