Merry Christmas, Freddo. These are for you.
Outside the Circle
Year one of Desslok's wilderness exile – Early Winter
Baruch walked into the inn and took a seat at the bar. "What've you got tonight, Binnel?"
"House ale and Prin's best crop a' the season."
"So, dishwater and limp cabbage." Baruch plunked a coin on the counter. "Get me a shot of the good stuff. Just one though. Gotta fly Shiyah home with a full load."
Binnel's belly laugh filled the room as other patrons sat at tables and lined the rest of the bar, drinking and talking. "One shot a' Sunshrieker comin' up." He poured the drink.
Baruch downed the Sunshrieker in one toss and wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "Thanks. A man needs something to warm up, what with winter coming early this year."
"Already got some flurries comin' down out there." Binnel pointed out the window. "You should get ta flyin' while you can. Never know if the new Leader might send his troops out this way, lookin' for stars know what. That lad might wear his father's crown, but he hasn't half his wits."
"See you next week." Baruch returned his glass and stood.
"I'm not paying twice the going rate for a room." A young man, shorter than Baruch by half a foot, argued with Prin—Binnel's wife—near the corner tables.
"You will if it's the only room in town," said Prin, fists propped on her hips, face stern.
The young man snorted. "I'd sooner sleep in the stables."
"That can be arranged." Prin swatted at the boy as a second teenager joined the exchange.
"Sir, this isn't necessary. We have the funds to pay the night's fee, doubled or not. Why not—"
"No. She can keep her filthy hovel for someone else," the first boy spat. He walked out, head high.
"I'm so sorry," the second boy said to Prin. "He—we've all had a difficult journey. I'm sure your room is perfectly in order and well worth the expense." He slipped her several coins from his stash—all sidrons.
Where'd he get those? He doesn't look like one of the new Leader's men. Doesn't carry his emblem either. Are they on the run?
"Provisions for eleven, please," said the boy.
At the sight of the money, Prin seemed mollified. "You got horses? Because I know you don't have dragons."
"No, we'll carry everything. Thank you."
Baruch shook his head. Who travels at the start of winter in the mountains? And without mounts? He stepped outside. Falling snow sparkled in the streetlamps and covered the ground in a soft blanket. The boy who'd argued with Prin stood near the corner of the inn. A group stood with him—men, women, a little girl, and a babe in arms. Don't even have the sense to get inside. He tucked one foot in Shiyah's stirrup and swung aboard.
The little red dragon warbled at him so only he could hear her.
"No. They can sort out their problems themselves," he whispered back.
Shiyah snuffed, planted both feet, and sat. Baruch almost tumbled off her back into the snow.
"Contrary beast," he hissed.
Shiyah wouldn't budge.
The young man who'd paid Prin came outside and motioned the rest of the group in. A few minutes later, they came out again. All but the woman holding the baby hefted a full supply pack—even the little girl.
What in the universe are they doing? Never seen this band before, so they can't have a camp close by—at least, not one to speak of.
Shiyah snuffed again and swung her tail around so it blocked the strangers' path.
The boy who'd argued with Prin glared up at Shiyah. "If you would be so kind as to move," he almost growled.
"Where you headed?" Baruch signaled Shiyah to move her tail.
She didn't obey.
"That is none of your concern," said the boy.
"All right then—"
Shiyah blew hot smoke in his face.
"You'll need a place to stay to wait out this weather," Baruch said. "Why not come with us? We have enough room for guests. And we're no friends of the new Leader."
"We'll manage."
The snowfall thickened, and large flakes covered what patches of cobbled street weren't already white.
The little girl, leaning over a bit under her pack, took the boy's black-gloved hand. "I'm cold." Then she walked up to Shiyah and said, "You're pretty. Can I touch you?"
Shiyah nudged the girl's hand with her muzzle.
"Connie, be careful!" A thirty-something woman rushed to her side and snatched her hand back.
"It's all right. Shiyah wouldn't hurt anyone who isn't trying to make her into a pincushion," said Baruch.
The woman gave both Baruch and Shiyah a wary look, then let go of the child's hand.
"You're warm," Connie said as she stroked Shiyah's muzzle, then pressed against the dragon's scaled hide.
The baby started to cry as a few flakes fell on his exposed face. His mother tucked him close and hushed him.
The argumentative boy rolled his eyes and huffed. "All right. We'll follow you."
Shiyah moved her tail and gave a satisfied warble—to Connie's delight.
Baruch led them into camp as the night deepened.
"It's beautiful!" Connie shed her pack and ran a full circle around the entire group, Shiyah included.
The dragon warbled at Connie in amusement.
Baruch dismounted and led the group to a well-lit overhang built outside the meeting hall—a cave carved into a wide hill at the center of camp. Once everyone was out of the snow, Baruch headed for a line of nearby wooden cabins. He knocked on the second door.
"Was just headin' out to switch places with Tsedeq." Eliyah tugged on his second large boot with meaty hands. "Got a little behind. Rek insisted on tasting every tree on the way back from his bath." Eliyah chuckled. "Silly dragon."
"Tsedeq will have to wait a little longer." Baruch steered Eliyah back inside the cabin and cocked his head toward the newcomers, visible through the small, round window at the front of the cabin. "We've got guests."
Eliyah studied the group through the window. "Hm. Interesting band. The young one's the leader—even though they've got three or four seasoned soldiers with them. And why bring children? Something's odd about this group. Think they're on our new Leader's wanted list?"
"The grouchy kid's their leader? Stars help us…" Baruch muttered into his hand. "What kind of soldier takes orders from someone like that? And if they are running from the Leader, what threat could they pose to him? He has hundreds of thousands under his command. Nine adults and two children are no match for that."
Eliyah's gaze was fixed on the boy.
"Shiyah insisted I bring them." Baruch shook his head. "That dragon."
"If Shiyah insisted, I'm sure she had her reasons."
"Yes, the girl told her she was pretty."
Eliyah laughed. "Shiyah's not so shallow, my friend."
"I know, but sometimes she asks for the strangest things."
"She is a dragon. Adonai gave them a different view of the world—maybe to balance out our coarseness." Eliyah went to the door. "I'd like to meet that young man."
"The disagreeable one?"
Eliyah nodded.
"Go ahead. But remember, I warned you."
The older man left the cabin, and Baruch followed close behind.
"I hear we have guests," said Eliyah as he approached the group. He held out a hand to the disagreeable young man. The boy gripped Eliyah's forearm, and Eliyah did the same as he studied the young man's face. "You seem familiar. Ever been to the capitol?"
"Yes."
The young man who'd paid Prin laid a cautious hand on the first boy's shoulder.
Eliyah let go of the boy's arm as his eyes grew big. "I know your face—those eyes. You've covered the red hair, but the roots are already showing." He fell to one knee. "You're Queen Talonka's son."
Baruch caught his breath. That's the prince? I thought Prince Deun was already on the throne. Great, and I already told him I don't support his reign. His hand flew to his holstered weapon. He'll slaughter us—
"I am," said the young man. "My brother killed our father and usurped my throne. Now, he seeks to have me killed as well." He stood straight and tall. "I am Desslok, younger son of Talonka and Deun I. Will you aid me in taking back my throne?"
Another prince? But… Baruch's grip on his gun went slack as Eliyah looked to him for an answer. "I—We—"
"My treacherous brother has already gathered his armies and begun his search for me. He may not search indefinitely, but he will scour the planet for some time to come. His forces will have no mercy on anyone who opposes his reign," Desslok said.
"I must consult with my fellow riders." Despite the cold, sweat beaded on Baruch's neck and ran down his back. What else can I say? Did he expect to walk in here and get everyone to believe him without discussion? He doesn't get to make assertions and take over my camp without us at least taking a vote.
"Very well." Desslok seemed a bit less on edge, but still wary.
"Eliyah, please, take them to the empty cabin, and see that they have accommodations for the night, then meet the rest of us in the hall," said Baruch.
Eliyah rose. "This way." He ushered the prince and his group to the largest of the cabins—what Baruch had intended to be a barracks for new recruits.
By the stars, Eliyah. Why did you have to think you recognized the boy? He passed Shiyah on his way to fetch Tsedeq out on watch. "Did you think the same thing as Eliyah?" He patted the dragon's muzzle.
Shiyah snuffed and gave him a toothy grin.
Baruch settled the group of riders at the center of the hall. A well-stoked fire crackled nearby and lent warmth and light, along with several dozen torches. All seven of their dragons lined one curved wall.
"This isn't possible," said Tsedeq, blue eyes hard. "Another prince? There's only supposed to be one heir per generation. He has to be lying." Tsedeq turned to Eliyah. "You didn't see what you thought."
"But I did," Eliyah countered. "The boy has her face. If you'd seen him, you'd know."
"Let's see him, then," said Tsedeq with a wave toward the covered cave entrance.
"But what if he's already got troops headed this way?" said Yariyah, Tsedeq's wife as she cradled sleeping Norrin, their toddler. "I'm not losing my husband and son to those monsters. He doesn't need to know our numbers or that we have our families here with us."
Tsedeq cooled a bit at his wife's words. "No, I suppose he doesn't."
"Then let us go to him," said Gul, the quietest of the men. He sat beside Zair, his dragon. "I won't put my Melda in danger either. She's already lost her mother. She doesn't need to lose anyone else."
"Tirzah? Yashiyah?" Baruch looked to the two young women who hadn't said anything yet.
"I would like to know if he's telling the truth," said Yashiyah as she skillfully used her single arm to polish the wooden body of her nayginoth. Its strings glimmered in the fire light.
"Me too," said Tirzah, youngest of the group—no more than nineteen.
"I'll get the boy," said Baruch. "Gather outside."
"I'll stay here," said Yariyah as Norrin shifted in his sleep. "I trust Tsedeq's judgment."
Tsedeq kissed his wife's forehead, then his son's and followed Baruch and the others outside.
When he reached the large cabin, Baruch raised a fist to knock, but decided against it. If he's planning anything, I don't want to give him time to cover it up. He stepped in without knocking.
Desslok was already standing, ready to meet him.
Boy's got good ears. "Come outside with me." He motioned Desslok to follow him. The young man gave him an incredulous look. "If you will."
Desslok followed.
When they reached the riders—all but Yariyah—the group studied the young man.
Desslok seemed equal parts insulted and intrigued, and he watched every rider with calculating eyes.
Eliyah stayed back in respect, but the other five gathered closer, especially Tsedeq.
Baruch kept his distance.
"I met Queen Talonka once," said Gul. "She was… the best queen Gamilon has ever had, and I respected her for it. When that witch murdered her, I grieved with the rest of the world."
Desslok seemed uncomfortable with the mention of the former queen's death, but didn't say anything.
"If you're really her son," said Tsedeq, "why come all the way out here?"
"As I told your illustrious leader and second-in-command," said Desslok coldly, "I am not here voluntarily. My brother seeks to kill me."
"Why haven't we heard of you before now?" said Tirzah.
"When my mother bore twins, she defied tradition and kept both of us," Desslok said. "But though my father agreed not to have me sent away, he would not suffer me to leave the palace. Thus, I have lived in obscurity until now."
The five riders exchanged distrustful glances.
"I assure you, I am no fraud. I travel with three of my mother's most trusted soldiers, Dommel Lysis, Wolf Frakken, and Garen Krenshaw. Ask them if you do not believe my word alone."
"Do you have any other evidence we might consider?" said Tsedeq.
Desslok sighed and pulled from one pocket a little silver device, shaped like a slightly flattened egg. It fit easily in half the young man's palm. "This is none of your concern, but perhaps it will convince you." He tapped the device and from it sprang a hologram.
All seven riders gasped.
In the middle of camp materialized a life-sized likeness of Queen Talonka.
"Mother." Desslok nodded to her.
"My son." She smiled at him. "Do not forget the things I have recounted to you."
"I won't," he said. "Thank you."
"Never forget, I love you." Queen Talonka's likeness vanished.
No one spoke for ten full seconds.
"That could have been made by any competent programmer on Gamilon or any of the colonies," said Tsedeq. "You don't have any real proof, do you?"
"Not for one such as yourself," Desslok quipped.
"He has her face," Eliyah said from the back of the group. "Adonai as my witness, I know that face. I'll never forget it."
At Eliyah's continued assertion, everyone stared hard at Desslok again.
The young man seemed more annoyed than uncomfortable. "Either accept my words or don't. I haven't the time for this." He whirled and left the riders standing in the falling snow. The creak of the cabin door closing rang in the quiet night.
"I… suppose he looks a bit like Queen Talonka," said Tirzah. "But there are lots of people who look similar."
"He's her blood, sure as I'm a Tsarden," said Eliyah. "Didn't you see the gloves?"
"It's freezing out here! I'm wearing gloves too." Tsedeq held up both covered hands.
"Those aren't for keeping warm. They're to cover something up," said Eliyah. "I'd wager my dragon he has the mark."
"Mark?" Tirzah said.
"You've never heard of the queen's mark?" said Tsedeq. "Queen Talonka never hid it. Whenever she appeared on the global news channels, she had one hand that had a patch of pale skin on it—like the coloring on some colony worlds' immigrants. She never talked about it, and everyone said it was a birthmark. She had mixed parents—father was Gamilon, mother was… well… we're not sure of her blood line."
"If he had the mark, why didn't he show us?" said Tirzah.
"If you were him, would you show off something like that?" Tsedeq said. "I don't think he has it, anyway."
"One way to find out," said Baruch, and marched after Desslok.
The rest of the riders followed him. Only Eliyah protested.
Baruch opened the cabin door.
"Will you not let weary travelers sleep?" Desslok met him at the threshold.
Before the young man could stop him, Baruch grabbed Desslok's hands and pulled off both black gloves.
Desslok stuffed both hands under his arms, but not before Baruch caught the snippet of white skin that covered a third of his left hand. "What is the meaning of this?" he snarled.
Even Tsedeq froze.
Baruch thrust the gloves back at Desslok. "I—I'm sorry." He avoided the young man's gaze and dropped to his knees in the snow. "You are who you say."
The rest of the riders copied Baruch's posture.
"Please, forgive us. We had to know for sure. If you were a spy, we couldn't risk being overrun by Leader—by the Usurper Deun's forces. We have families to protect, a home to defend," said Baruch, head bowed.
"Rise," Desslok said as he tucked his gloves in a pocket instead of putting them back on. "Your intentions were honorable. Even if your actions were misguided."
"Take my cabin for the night," Baruch gestured to the first structure in the line.
Desslok shook his head. "I too have a charge to keep." He tossed a glance over his shoulder at the men, women, and children with him. "I'll not leave them."
I can respect that. Baruch nodded. "If you need anything, tell us. We will gladly provide it to you."
"And we will help defend you and your home. You keep watch for the town we just came from, don't you?" Desslok said. "My people will help fill your scouting needs and take part in watch rotations. We will aid in hunts and any other necessary duties."
The rest of the riders spoke in excited whispers behind Baruch.
"We thank you. Our numbers are few now. Once, we boasted a host of one hundred strong, but years, wars, and hardship have whittled us down to seven riders and our families—plus the dragons."
Shiyah approached the group from behind and sheltered them from the falling snow with her wings.
"My compliments to you, good dragon," Desslok bowed to Shiyah. "You were first to recognize me."
Shiyah looked pleased with herself as she warbled back at the young man.
"We'll let you and your companions rest," said Baruch. "Tomorrow is the first winter hunt. There will be enough snow deer out to keep our dragons full the rest of the season.
Desslok nodded to Baruch and shut the cabin door.
No one said anything on the way back to the hall, but Baruch's heart leapt. If he's the true heir to the throne, we must do whatever we can to keep his whereabouts a secret. Deun will be coming for him. Even if he's mule-headed and proud, he isn't cruel. He cares about those people with him. That's more than I can say of the new Deun… Stars, help us. What have I gotten us into?