The Dragons Heart Saga

Ahren, who had orders directly from Lord Michon, shot to the Lady’s side. Off her mount in an instant, she was near Lady Kellina as the Captain and several guards placed themselves between the creature and the unconscious woman behind them.

Tambor, for his part, merely huffed in indignation.

“HAS THE FEMALE NOT SEEN A DRAGON BEFORE?” he asked solemnly.

Ahren stood, “Not that it matters, beast! This is the Lady Kellina, newly ordained as the Matriarch and ruler of this Shire by the order of Lord Michon of the Shire of the East.”

Tambor blinked, “MATRIARCH? BY THE ORDER OF LORD MICHON? THAT IS A DIFFERENT MATTER … HAD YOU TOLD ME THIS BEFORE, NONE OF THIS PERFORMANCE WOULD HAVE BEEN NECESSARY!!”

Lady Kellina, having awakened from her fainting spell, got to her feet and started shooing away the well-meaning attendants, even Adelaide, who were hovering over her.” Enough, people! I only fainted, for heaven’s sake!”

She moved forward and faced the dragon standing before Her, “Now, who are You to block our path and forbid entrance to lands rightfully ordained to Me??”

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The following day dawned agreeably pleasant, although some clouds lingered near the horizon. There was nothing that could impinge on Kellina’s mood. She stretched and sat up, noted her fire was going and her breakfast was on the chaise table. She loved that chaise. He had given it to her while she was recuperating from her injuries. She had steadfastly insisted it was coming with her, and He knew better than to argue. She pulled on her robe and sat down to eat as a knock at the door interrupted her.

“Yes,” she called, “Come in.”

The young woman who entered was of moderate height, short blonde hair and steel blue eyes. It was obvious from the other woman’s firm build and masculine mannerisms that she was used to hard work.

Lady Kellina looked her over carefully and smiled, recognizing Ahren from times she’d seen her around the keep, “Yes, what is it?”

The young woman went down on one knee, one arm resting on her other leg then she briefly bowed her head (hmmm … Kellina thought … no curtsy), then rose, “Ahren, if you please, Milady. Lord Michon said you would need some servants to carry your things down to the wagons.”

She nodded, “Indeed, and you are most punctual … er, Arhen.” She decided to take advantage of the moment to ask about the name, “That’s an unusual name for a woman, isn’t it?”

Ahren flushed a bit and nodded, “Yes, Milady, it’s a name someone dear to me gave me and I have used it ever since, if it pleases you.”

The woman’s voice was deep and melodic, easily more masculine than the average female’s. The Lady nodded and smiled, “Then Ahren it is, as you wish it. I need to ask you a question, and wonder if you have time to answer now?”

Ahren nodded, “Of course, Milady.”

“You haven’t been in Shire of the East at all long, have you?”

“No, Milady, only a few months, actually.”

“I know Lord Michon has told you he’d like you to go with me on this journey. I would like to ask your thoughts on this.”

Ahren was silent for a few moments before replying, “Permission to speak candidly, Milady?”

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