Free The Last of the Firedrakes by Farah Oomerbhoy

Gwenfar-ith-Aran of the fae,” said Penelope, slowly.
    “Fae,” I whispered. “My mother was fae?”
    Now I was really shocked. I had presumed that my mother was a mage like my father or just an ordinary person. But fae! Who’d have thought?
    Penelope nodded. “And not just any ordinary fae, your mother was one of the Immortals.”
    “Immortals,” I squeaked. “If she was immortal, how could she have died?”
    Penelope smiled. “Most of the fae have very long lives, spanning centuries, and those of the royal house of Gwenfar-ith-Aran are immortal. But even immortal fae can be killed using the right weapon.”
    I nodded, thinking back to my dream where Morgana stabbed my mother with the dagger.
    “So, if a child is born of a fae and a mage, what do they become?” I asked, intrigued.
    “Well,” said Penelope thoughtfully. “They take on either trait or power, or the magic can skip the generation completely. If you do have the potential for fae magic, I should be able to sense it.”
    My eyes widened. “So,” I said, “can you sense anything?”
    Penelope held my hand in hers and closed her eyes. I could feel a sort of tingling sensation in my hands when she touched them.
    Finally she looked at me and shook her head. “No, nothing,” she said, hesitating. “But do not be distressed, Aurora dear, you’ve probably taken on your father’s magic. The magic of the mages is different from that of the fae. The Duke of Silverthorne is a very powerful and experienced mage, and he will be able to sense that.”
    Kalen nodded. “Yes, the duke is very influential in Eldoren and is chief advisor to the king. Silverthorne Castle is the only place where you will be safe.”
    “This is true,” said Penelope. “If Oblek tells Morgana you have escaped, it is only a matter of time before she sends the Shadow Guard to hunt you down.”
    “Who are the Shadow Guard?” I asked. A twinge of fear ran down my spine. I didn’t like the sound of anything hunting me, especially something with a name that began with shadow .
    “They are the scourge of Illiador; Morgana’s personal guard, loyal only to the queen and the archmage. They are not only mages, but also hardened warriors, enhanced by a powerful magic. They’re trained by Lucian himself. We need to get you over the border to Eldoren as soon as possible,” said Kalen.
    “But I want to see the night market.” I knew I was being childish, but I really wanted to visit the magical fairy market. I didn’t think I would ever get a chance like this again.
    “Please,” I pleaded, looking at Penelope, and back at Kalen.
    Kalen must have felt sorry for me, since he seemed to agree. He turned to his mother. “Yes, Mother, maybe we can see the market tonight and tomorrow morning we can head off to Eldoren.”
    “Is it far?” I asked. I was not too keen on riding for hours, to who knew where.
    “No, not really, it’s just on the other side of the Cascade Mountains,” said Kalen. As if popping over the mountains was a simple feat.
    I was horrified.
    “You want me to travel over a mountain? On what, horseback?” I squeaked.
    Kalen grinned. “Not used to riding, eh?”
    “I know how to ride, but how many days will it take?” I asked, hesitantly.
    “It’s not too far. We are right on the border,” said Kalen. “About five to seven nights, depending on the weather.”
    “What! Seven days? Where will we sleep?” I asked, horrified at the prospect of traveling over mountains on horseback for a week.
    Kalen looked confused. “We sleep outside. We will have to make camp. Don’t worry, I know how to light a fire to keep away the wild creatures.”
    “Wild creatures,” I repeated. “Camping outside!” This was not my idea of safe at all.
    “And we must get you some suitable clothes,” said Mrs. Plumpleberry, eyeing me up and down. “I think I have something that may fit you. My eldest daughter, Dewdrop, left some of her things here when she moved away after her