ROYAL PROCLAMATION:
There are dragons in the land of Draconis. The evil lands of Venn and Borolo are sending dragons against us. His Royal Highness Prince Harald has seized an enemy dragon. He is the Dragon Prince and the one true Dragonseer.
All hail Prince Harald!
Report all dragon sightings. Failure to do so is treason. Protecting other dragons is treason. Refusing an order from Prince Harald is treason.
Obey your King. Obey Prince Harald. Draconis forever.
In Skye’s dream she was flying a dragon.
She was in the cool air high above Rivven, looking down at the houses, market stalls, smithies and farms that made up the city.
She could see the Royal Palace below, with its white walls and towers, and tiny fluttering flags.
She was sitting on the back of a large dragon. He had a long neck, and his back was pale blue from nose to tail. His wings
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SKYE
were spread wide, riding the air currents like a bird. His back was warm, his skin smooth and dry.
A dragon! thought Skye. But strangely she wasn’t scared. It was like something she remembered, like hearing a tune from long ago…
The dragon turned his head and looked at her. He had soft ears like an owl, pale brown eyes and a long snout, and when Skye saw him she felt an odd happiness. “Hello,” she said.
The dragon nodded. “Help me,” he said.
Skye frowned. “What?”
“Help me!”
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He lurched and suddenly tumbled through the air, and Skye yelped. She wrapped her arms round his neck as he fell down towards the city, towards the palace!
“Stop!” she shouted. “What are you doing? Stop!”
“HELP ME!” he roared, his voice fierce and wild. The palace roof hurtled towards them, and Skye screamed—
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Skye blinked and woke up. In front of her was Moira, her maid, looking worried.
“Ma’am, are you all right?”
Skye rubbed her face. “I was dreaming,” she said, yawning. She looked around. “Are we there yet?”
Moira smiled. “Nearly.” She leaned back so Skye could see out of the window.
They were in a carriage heading along the South Road. The road was smooth and the carriage swayed gently as they moved.
Skye’s guards rode ahead and behind, and the air was full of the clip-clop of horses and the jingle of their harnesses. Ahead lay the city of Rivven, glinting and beautiful in the
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“Ma’am?”
bright autumn sunshine. Rising from the centre was the Palace Rock, and above it the Royal Palace.
“I always forget how good Rivven looks,” said Skye.
Moira nodded. “It was lovely staying at Lady Crimson’s lodge,” she said, “but I miss the old streets here.” She smiled at Skye.
“Have you had a nice holiday, ma’am?”
It wasn’t a question a maid would normally ask, but Moira was only a year or two older than Skye, and as close as Skye had to a proper friend. Moira could get away with saying things to Skye that others wouldn’t dare to, and Skye felt she could tell Moira things that she couldn’t say to anyone else.
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Skye shrugged. “It was fine,” she said. “Lady Crimson’s nice. But we both know I was only there because Father didn’t know what to do with me over the summer.”
“We missed all the summer festivals,” said Moira sadly. “Except the Maze Festival, remember?”
Skye nodded but didn’t answer.
Moira gazed up at the palace. “I wonder what else we’ve missed?”
The carriage rolled through the gates of Rivven, past the city guards in their polished armour, and the crowds started cheering. Skye smiled awkwardly at them from the window, and waved now and then. She
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always found this embarrassing, and it didn’t help that Moira, hidden in the shadows, was laughing and pulling faces.
They made their way up the curving road that led to the palace, leaving the crowds behind. As they reached the main gate,
Skye realised the guards were different. They wore black uniforms with silver flames embroidered on their sleeves, and they didn’t salute as the carriage arrived, but stared ahead, scowling with grim faces.
Skye frowned. Had something happened?
They reached the palace steps, and Skye frowned again. Her brother, Prince Harald, was waiting for them. But where was Father?
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Harald smiled as Skye stepped down from the carriage. “Hello, sister,” he said, bowing.
“Hello,” said Skye.
Harald had a friendly smile. He looked as if everything he saw made him happy. Sometimes Skye thought she must look very grumpy next to him. Everyone agreed he was handsome, with blond hair swept
back from a strong face and clear blue eyes. He wore a red tunic decorated with silver thread, and pale calfskin gloves. “How was your holiday?”
“Fine,” said Skye.
There was a slightly awkward pause.
When Skye was younger, she used to adore her big brother. He would joke with her,
tease her and play hide-and-seek, cheer her up and protect her. But recently things had changed. He still smiled all the time, and still teased her – but his jokes had become a little cruel, she thought. Everyone else still loved him, though…
“Where’s Father?”
Harald raised his hands as if to say sorry. “Unable to join us just now,” he said. “There have been some changes here. Once you’re settled in, I’ll tell you all about them.”
“Is anything the matter?” asked Skye, suddenly worried. “Is he all right?”
“Everything is fine,” said Harald, grinning. “Our enemies have shown themselves, but we are more powerful than they thought.”
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This sounded alarming, but Harald rubbed his hands together as if looking forward to a feast. “Everything is going wonderfully!”
His gloves slipped a little, and Skye noticed the skin underneath.
“What happened to your arms?” she asked.
“They’re very red. Did you burn yourself?”
Harald shook his head and straightened his gloves. “Nothing you need worry about, little sister,” he said. His voice was light, but there was something about the way he said “little sister” that set Skye’s teeth on edge.
“Well … whatever,” she snapped. “I’m tired. I’m going to my rooms.” She turned to see Moira organising the servants and sorting out her things. When she turned back
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to Harald, he was already walking away. Skye’s chambers had been prepared for her return. A fire burned in the hearth, the dust had been swept away, and the curtains were open, revealing a view over Rivven.
Skye could see the streets stretching out, and beyond them the southern hills and the great River Seek that ran through the city and out to sea.
This was the land of Draconis, and Skye, daughter of King Godfic, was its princess.
Skye loved Rivven, and Draconis. It was an ancient land with a proud history, and she was proud to be part of it. She wanted to be more part of it – but King Godfic didn’t
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think that was right for a princess. Instead, he sent her to finishing schools, or to people like Lady Crimson, to practise being a pretty princess. Once upon a time, Harald would have stood up for her, and persuaded Father to let her join him in sword practice and horse riding. But these days…
Moira bustled in suddenly behind her. “Ma’am, you’ll never guess what’s happened!”
Skye turned in surprise. “What’s wrong?”
“There’s been an attack!” Moira said.
“Last week, the king was attacked! And Lord Smale has been arrested!”
Skye gaped at Moira in astonishment.
“What?”
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Moira panted. She looked like she’d been running. “And there’s more! Right here, in the palace, there’s—”
There was a knock at the door, and Prince Harald entered. He glanced at Moira, then smiled at Skye.
“Father will see you now,” he said.
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FIREDREAMER
Skye and Moira followed Harald through the palace corridors, down to the Assembly Hall.
“It’s wonderful to have you back,” said Harald, striding ahead. “These are very exciting times for Draconis!”
Skye glanced at Moira, who was clearly desperate to tell her something, but couldn’t while Harald was here. Skye said, “Harald, was father attacked? I heard—”
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“Yes,” said Harald. He stopped for a moment and gazed at her, looking serious.
“Yes, I’m afraid so. There are forces trying to destroy us, little sister. The kingdoms of Borolo and Venn are working against Draconis.”
Borolo and Venn…? Skye shook her head in astonishment. Borolo and Venn were countries south of Draconis. They’d been friendly for centuries. “And you have Lord Smale imprisoned?” she asked.
“For plotting to kill the king, yes,” said Harald.
Skye shook her head again. Lord Smale was the ambassador for Borolo. He was a tall, rather awkward man, and didn’t seem
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much like an evil mastermind. The last time Skye had met him, he’d accidentally spilled wine on her dress and had become so flustered he’d had to go and have a sit-down. How could this be?
They passed guards and servants. Some were the usual King’s Guards in their purple sashes, but many were dressed like the guards on the gate, in black uniforms with silver embroidered flames. The palace guards bowed as they passed, and the servants kept their heads well down and scuttled past as if frightened. The Silver Guards saluted to Prince Harald but ignored Skye altogether.
When they reached the great doors of the Assembly Hall, two more of the Silver Guards
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stood there, fierce and hostile. Harald ignored them and looked back at Skye.
“These are dark times,” he said. “Skye … our father was attacked by dragons.”
Skye stared at him. She wondered if he was joking, but his face was hard and serious. “Dragons? Real dragons?”
Harald nodded. “There are dragons right here in Rivven. They’ve been hiding all this time – summoned by a cult of deadly wizards. They’re working with Borolo and Venn, and they want to seize control of Draconis.” He grinned suddenly. “But we have our own surprises. Come!” He entered the hall. Behind him, Skye and Moira looked at each other, and then followed.
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The Assembly Hall was long, with high ceilings, but the morning sun didn’t reach this part of the palace and it was dimly lit by only a few flickering torches. It was usually busy with courtiers and servants, but today there were only more guards. At one end was a throne, and sitting on the throne was Skye’s father King Godfic.
“Good morning, Father!” called Harald cheerfully. “Look who’s back!”
King Godfic’s head jerked up, and he gave a snort. The king was short, and his golden crown and thick robes seemed to push him down into his seat. He looked as if he’d just woken up. He peered at Harald, and then Skye. His eyes widened slightly.
“Hello, Father,” said Skye, and bowed to him.
King Godfic nodded. “Good … good to see you, m’dear,” he said. His voice sounded thick, and he still seemed half asleep. “Did you have a nice time?”
“Yes, Father. Lady Crimson sends her regards.” Skye hesitated. She never knew
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what to say to her father. He spent so much of his time being the king, regal and haughty. Skye was sure he loved her, but every conversation was like this.
“I was telling Skye about the terrible situation with Venn and Borolo,” said Harald. The king grunted. He seemed confused and not himself. “And I told her how you were attacked by dragons!” continued Harald. The king gave a little jump. Harald smiled. “But she doesn’t need to be afraid, does she?”
Skye glanced at Moira. What was going on?
Harald turned to Skye. “You’re just in time,” he said. “We’ve arranged a Royal
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Address for this afternoon. We’ve summoned every important noble in the kingdom to come and swear loyalty. That’s right, isn’t it, Father? It was your order, wasn’t it?”
King Godfic looked at Harald. He blinked once or twice. He seemed about to say something, and then…
And then, from the shadows at the back of the hall, there came a growl.
Skye stiffened. Her father did too. His eyes darted from side to side, but he didn’t turn his head. Instead, he said, “I … yes.” His voice sounded scratched, and he coughed. “Ahem. Yes, it was my order. You are to attend the … the…” He
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looked at Harald.
“The Royal Address,” said Harald again. Something moved in the shadows.
“Yes,” said King Godfic.
Skye turned to Harald. “What’s happening?” she demanded. “What’s that sound? Harald, what’s going on?”
Harald smiled. “They underestimated us, sister,” he said. “They sent a dragon, but we were ready.” Slowly he pulled off his long gloves. Underneath them his hands were bright red, from his fingertips to his wrists. He looked at them. “You asked about my hands,” he said. “It’s nothing, really, just a side effect of something marvellous. I’ve learned a trick, you see.
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Watch what I can do.”
He held up one hand in a fist … and something stepped out of the shadows behind King Godfic.
It was huge-shouldered, as red as blood, with green ridges along its snout and furious golden eyes. Its muscles rippled as it walked, and its mouth hung slightly open, revealing large yellow teeth. With each step the floor shuddered.
King Godfic gave a little squeak. He didn’t look behind him, but his hands gripped his throne as the creature approached.
It was a dragon.
“Skye,” said Harald, grinning, “meet Firedreamer.”
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The creature gave another long, wet growl. Moira whimpered and tucked herself behind Skye, who stood in terror. She wanted to run, but somehow kept herself still.
“This is a great time for Draconis,” said Harald. “Things are going to change, little sister.” He smiled again. “I hope we’ll see you this afternoon for the Royal Address?”
Skye managed to look away from the dragon to Harald. She swallowed. “Yes,” she said. “I’ll, ah, I’ll go get ready.”
Harald nodded. “Good idea!”
Skye and Moira bowed to King Godfic, who was still in his chair. They walked, carefully and slowly, out of the hall, and back to Skye’s chambers without speaking.
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Then they stared at each other in horror.
“My lady,” said Moira, in a weak voice.
“What is going on?”
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