Dragonkin Read Online Free PDF Page A

here?”
    “Well, it took us a day to get the infection out of your system. Milan’s claws are poisonous, unlike most dragons’. After that, we had to get you healing. It seems you’re a little different than most other spellcasters we’ve come across.” He pulled a stool over and sat down before her.
    Kestrel gave him a small smile. “I’m not sure what you mean. I appreciate you taking care of me. How is the little one doing? She was whimpering, so I wasn’t sure if she was hurt.”
    The older man eyed her. He leaned over his cane and rested both hands on it. His nails caressed the other side and reminded her of claws. “I’m not sure you should be asking about the hatchling. Some among the party who found you thought you were trying to steal the dragon. Many were bent on letting you die. Figured you deserved it. Taking hatchlings is punishable by death. I thought we should give you a chance. I sensed something different about you. Is that true?”
    Do I tell him the truth? Do I confess why I really came here? If I do that, then I’m sure he’ll turn me away. “It was in distress. I was trying to help. I didn’t mean any harm.”
    He nodded. “You have a powerful mind. I got enough from you that you meant no harm. The others weren’t able to read your thoughts. Now that you’re up, there are a few—”
    The door burst open. It hit the wall hard, and she jumped. In marched a man with tanned skin, long black hair that was braided at the sides. He wore a flowing emerald tunic and brown pants with tan leather boots. Belted at his waist was a small dagger. His expression was molded into one of pure fury. The veins throbbed on the side of his neck. His jaw was clenched, and his nostrils flared with each exhale. His gaze was hard, and it was directed at her.
    “Good, you’re awake. Now you can explain why you were after the hatchling.” He pulled his dagger from his belt.
    Kestrel saw the hate in his eyes and drew back on the bed. The move sent sharp pains through her stomach. She winced, doubled over, and bit her tongue to keep from moaning. Tears came to her eyes from the jolts in her abdomen.
    “We need to do this later. She’s just woken up.” Ralag spoke to the other man.
    “Like hell. We do this now! You know the punishment for abducting a hatchling. There are no exceptions. She’s only faking it anyway.”
    “Will you listen? She is not like those lowlife thieves. She’s different.”
    Kestrel lifted her head to see the other man step toward her. Ralag placed a hand on his arm. A sharp stab went through her. She drew in a breath and tried to call upon her power, but it wasn’t responding. He reached for her, and when he touched her, the power flared to life. It raced through her blood and warmed her skin. At once, he pulled his hand away and winced. His eyes widened, and for a brief moment, she thought he looked at her as though he knew her.
    “What the scales was that?” Ralag said.
    The other man scowled and shook his head. His murderous expression returned. “It doesn’t matter. You’re coming with me. The king will want to see you.”
    The other man grabbed for her again. Kestrel threw a ball of fire at her aggressor. She missed on purpose, only singing his arm.
    A devilish smile appeared on his lips. “Spellcaster, magic fire has no effect on me. You will be brought to justice.”
    Kestrel formed another ball and held it. “This isn’t magic fire. This is dragon fire. One ball will burn a hole right through you. The first shot was a warning. Now back off.”
    He stepped toward her again. “No human can wield dragon fire for long. You’ll burn out in a minute or two.”
    Some of her strength returned. Tapping into her dragon side was helping her recover. “You want to really test that theory?” The ball bounced in her hand. She ignited a flame in her other hand and played it over her fingers.
    A look of awe swept across his face and then died away. “Ralag, how is she doing