Free There Be Dragons by Heather Graham Page A

really a very good man. He was a cheerful man, as well, one who loved his wife and was grateful for his children. He woke each morning in a good mood, and as was his custom, he walked to his balcony that morning, ready to start the day by waving to any of his people who might bedown below. Though he was a little concerned that his son had not appeared as yet, he had deep faith in the boy, and would never believe that Michelo could have fallen on his way home.
    That morning, he yawned and stretched, and looked around, but saw no one. He was about to return to his bedchamber when he saw something, perched on his balcony rail, that caught his astonished attention.
    A falcon. Shimmering in the morning light. A magical creature, he thought with awe.
    “How lovely you are! How I would love to own you, gorgeous creature. But then, you look as if you are the wind, freedom itself, so … I shall just admire you!”
    Then, he could have sworn that it talked! Words came to him, as if carried softly on the wind.
    “Oh, great Duke! Orisini Fiorelli of Calasia! You are the man with the greatest power, and the greatest responsibility!”
    “Is my conscience talking to me?” he gasped. “Where have I failed?”
    “Today, in the square at Lendo, you must not allow the future to be set without thought! I will come, and drop an olive branch before the lady who must become the bride of your son. Wrong can wear the face of right. But, you, great duke, must not be fooled!”
    The falcon flapped its wing in the air. Then it turned, soared into the sky, and disappeared over the hills. Orisini stared after it. Amazed, and fearing his years were taking a toll on his mind, he shook his head. He returned to his bedroom, where his wife was stirring.
    He sat on the edge of the bed. “I saw a falcon. It talked to me,” he said.
    “That’s nice, dear,” she said, still half-asleep.
    “A falcon … my conscience!” He stood, determined. “That’s what will be done!” he exclaimed.
    His wife woke in full, blinking with confusion. “What will be done?” she asked.
    “Today … in the square at Lendo. We will assemble all the ladies of Calasia in full. A falcon will come, and drop an olive branch. And Michelo must marry the girl who stands where the branch is dropped!”
    He started out of the room. His wife, fully awake, jumped out of bed. “Orisini! There are bats flying about in your head, my love! The marriage is arranged. The invitations to the wedding are printed! There is to be a great feast … It will be Christmas Day! Orisini!” she wailed.

    But he was gone.
    And she sighed. The printers were going to just be furious!

    Michelo came home to jubilation. The people greeted him even as he approached his house, and he greeted them with pleasure in return. At last, he walked into his parents’ home, the great castle in the heart of Calasia. His mother, on the staircase, ran down, crying his name, eager to embrace him. His younger sister, growing now into womanhood herself, raced to him, and he lifted her, and swung her about with happiness. He kissed and hugged his mother, and then his father came, too, and for several minutes, they did nothing other than rejoice in one another’s company.
    Then, of course, his father asked about the situation on the borders, and Michelo gravely informed him that it was serious, and they must rally the people of Lendo and Baristo, and make them see the danger. His father listened solemnly, and agreed, but then staunchly decided they wouldn’t speak of such things just yet.
    “I have something to say, Father,” Michelo told Orisini.
    “And so do I!” his father said.
    His mother groaned.
    “It’s about the wedding,” Orisini said.
    Again, Michelo’s mother groaned.
    “I have something to say, as well,” Michelo told them.
    “It’s not to be so simple,” Orisini explained.
    “No, it cannot be, for I am in love,” Michelo informed.
    “In love!” his mother gasped.
    “In love! How