Free Quest Of The Dragon Tamer (Book 1) by Cole Pain

were the first to suspect Ren. They disappeared days ago. We fear the worst.”
    Ramie drew in a breath and glanced at Fraul. His captain was red-faced and visibly fuming.
    “Ren would kill himself before he would harm Manda and Chris,” Fraul mumbled.
    Ramie knew Fraul spoke the truth. Ren and the Kahn siblings were fast friends, despite Valor’s influence. Ramie had always suspected Ren would one day ask for Manda’s hand in marriage. Now it may be too late.
    “Unfortunately, when I rebirthed the Quy, Ren attained the power as well. He’s strong and prophecy has warned me he will use his power to try to regain the throne, stifle the order of the Collective, and deny your rights to use magic.
    “I’ve come to believe the fates spared me for a purpose, but I hadn’t known that purpose until today. My children, fate has selected me to be your guide. We must join together to stop the crown prince of Zier, and we must work together so the Lands can discover the wondrous gift of magic.
    “Children of the Lands, will you head my voice? Will you allow me to teach you how wonderful magic can be?”
    People shouted their assent. Ramie scanned the crowd. None were in Zier’s black and gold.
    Valor stepped forward, taking Ista’s hand. “We will welcome her, won’t we, Newlan!” There were more cheers. Ramie gritted his teeth. If Ista had conquered Zier herself many would question her motives. But she hadn’t; Valor had. Ista offered her services, nothing more. That alone would prove her innocence to many.
    “How did you survive all these years?” someone yelled below the balcony.
    Ista looked down at him and smiled like a patient mother. Her long hair fluttered sensuously in the breeze. “Sorceresses don’t give their secrets, my child.”
    A ripple of laughter careened through the crowd. Ramie turned to Fraul and raised an eyebrow. Fraul scowled.
    “I urge those who felt the Quy reconnecting inside them to stay and begin training. Those who did not, go home and spread the word that a New Alcazar will be built in Zier for all to learn.”
    “What about the Druids?” someone shouted. “They could close us from the power.”
    “Yes, they could, my friends,” Ista replied, face twisting with severity, “but they won’t. If they do they will have to answer to me.” There were whispers of approval and thanks. Ramie was stunned. These people were trusting Ista to save them from the Druids?
    “There’s something you should know about the Druids,” Ista continued, voice softening. “The Druids were warned of this day by one with the sight years ago. When they closed people from the calling power they were trying to stop this destruction. The Druids aren’t evil. Although they were too zealous in their closings, they did so out of fear.”
    Ramie’s face darkened. Nothing about the Druids was good.
    “Now that the power has been reborn the Druids will be fearful. We must make them unafraid. I’ll send a messenger to them. If we are to defeat Ren, the Druids may be needed. But I assure you the Druids won’t harm us. I’ll see to that.”
    Ramie thought about his brother’s fate. He could see the same happening to Ren. By the Fates, he couldn’t let that happen.
    “Ramie, you must leave. The faster you go the better.”
    Ramie noted Fraul’s singular reference. He looked at his captain, knowing Fraul would remain behind until he knew Ren was safe.
    “You must leave. Now, my lord.”
    Ramie opened his mouth to speak but decided against it. Fraul was right. He had to leave before Ista discovered he had the Quy. Fraul ushered him to the gates of the castle. No guards were anywhere to be seen. Ramie was glad his troops had camped outside Stardom’s walls. It would allow a much easier escape. When he reached the gate Ramie paused to look back, but his captain was already sprinting in the opposite direction.
    - - -
    “She’s still asleep?” Sim whispered in his mind.
    “Yes,” his inner companion