dragon archives 04 - dance with a dragon Read Online Free PDF

allow his brother drag us into war,” Anna heard someone remark at one of the inns. “I won’t mind if he attacks to the north,” another man retorted. “Terran’s taxes against our goods are making it impossible to trade in the towns there.” Terran was king of the neighboring kingdom, and he had imposed stiff tariffs on wool and linen brought in from beyond his borders. But despite the lack of love for Terran, the general consensus amongst the people seemed to be that Alfred lacked wisdom, while his brother, Rupert, hungered for a war Alfred could ill afford to wage.
    The funeral of one king and coronation of another meant that there were many travelers on the road, and there were nights when it was impossible to secure more than one room for the party. On such nights, the men would sleep on the floor of the common room, along with the other male guests of the establishment, while the women and children shared a chamber. Often the inns were so full, some guests had to share their chambers with strangers, but Aaron always seemed to manage at least one room for the comfort of his family.
    During the day, Aaron took his children out for short rides, and his wife for longer ones. Anna noticed in quiet amusement that Keira often returned from these excursions with cheeks that glowed and eyes that sparkled, but she kept silent about her observations. For herself, when she grew tired of the confines of the carriage, she climbed onto the driver’s box and sat with Thomas. Sometimes he allowed Anna to take the reins while he leaned back with his cap over his eyes, and she would loosen her hold, enjoying the feel of the breeze through her hair.
    They arrived at Drake Manor, the home of Aaron’s cousin Favian, late in the afternoon of the sixth day. The home was shared with Owain and Margaret, Aaron’s uncle and aunt, who occupied one wing, while Favian and Cathryn lived in the other, along with their two children, Will and Bronwyn.
    It was five years since Anna had last been at Drake Manor. As the carriage barreled up the long drive that led to the house, she could see Favian and Cathryn waiting at the end of the drive, while a girl who was no longer the child she remembered stood at her parents’ side. Aaron leaped out before the carriage even came to a stop, and Favian strode forward, his right hand clenched into a fist which he pounded over his heart.
    “Master,” he said, bowing his head for a brief instant, before looking up and meeting his cousin’s gaze with a nod. Aaron smiled and nodded back, before turning to look at his aunt and uncle, who had come out as the carriage drew to a halt. Like Favian, Owain placed his fist over his heart and beat his chest.
    “Master,” he said.
    “Power and might to you, Owain Drake, and strength be over your home.”
    “Thank you, Master,” Owain said. He lifted his head. “It’s good to have you back, Aaron.” 
    “Keira! Anna! Welcome!” Anna turned with a smile to see Cathryn hurrying towards them, while Margaret walked at a more sedate pace a few steps back. Behind her hung Bronwyn, but as Anna glanced at her, she looked up and met Anna’s gaze with a shy smile.
    “Anna,” Margaret said, taking her by the shoulders and studying her face intently, “you no longer carry the look of a girl, but have matured into a woman. It is good to see you again.”
    “Thank you,” Anna replied with a faint flush. Cathryn, who had been greeting Keira, turned to her, and pulled her into an embrace.
    “I am so glad you made the trip this time. We see Keira and Aaron so often, but never have the chance to see you!”
    “Well, if Aaron would deign to carry me like he does Keira, then I would see you more frequently,” Anna retorted. Cathryn grinned, and flashed a quick look at Aaron. If he had heard the comment, he was choosing to ignore it. A shout rang through the air, and the women turned to look at Zach and Lydia, running in wild circles around the carriage.
    “They must