Maiden Flight Read Online Free PDF Page A

the softer feelings she inexplicably had for this hard knight who had stolen her heart with only his smile.
    They lay down again for a while, basking in the lethargy that she was learning came after incredible sex. They enjoyed watching the late afternoon sun glinting off the lake and the dragon flying low over the forest in the distance.
    She turned in his arms to look up at his hard chiseled face. “You know, I’ve never seen a dragon in these parts before, much less a knight.”
    “You’ll see more of us soon. We’ve founded a Lair just to the north of here by the king’s command, and will be patrolling the border from now on.”
    “That sounds like trouble. Your dragon friend said we might see war from Skithdron.”
    He nodded once. “It’s true. There’s unrest to the east. More skith attacks than usual for one thing, and political maneuvering between the kings and politicians.”
    “My mother said she’d heard rumors, but we were hoping it was just talk.”
    “Unfortunately not.”
    She lay back against him, staring at the sky and thinking hard while he idly drew soft circles on her bare skin with his fingertips.

    “Will I ever see you again?” Her tone was curious, not possessive, but the words caused a tightening in his heart.
    “I hope I’ll see you often. In fact, I want you to come back with me to the new Lair, Belora. I want more than just this. Will you come with me?”
    “I want to, more than you can know, but there's more to consider than just my desires.”
    “What could be more important than this?” His hands skimmed her back, bringing her close to his heart.
    “My mother relies on me, Gareth.” Her voice was small. “I can't just leave her.”
    Gareth set her back slightly so he could look into her eyes. “You are a noble creature, my Belora. Kelvan and I will take you to your home and speak with your mother. As Kel is fond of saying, the Mother of All will find a way.”
    He stroked her cheek. “You’re truly not afraid of Kelvan, are you?”
    She gave him a puzzled smile. “Why would I be afraid of a dragon?
    They’re noble creatures, especially those who are in service to the lands and fight to protect us.”
    “And you can hear him when he speaks to you?” Gareth held his breath.
    So much depended on her answer.
    “Well, yes, of course. Can’t everyone?”
    He shook his head and laughed lightly. “Not everyone, Belora. Only a few are blessed with the ability.”
    She tilted her head, thinking. “That’s strange. I thought everyone could.
    My mother can, I know that for certain. She was friends with a dragon when she was little.”
    He kissed her lightly. “Then the Mother of All has definitely put you in our path for a reason. If we are meant to be together—and I feel close to certain we are—it will all work out. All I ask is that you at least come back with us to visit the Lair. I want you to see it and learn a little of our ways." He stroked her hair back from her face, his heart shining in his eyes. "If you think you could live there, well, then I’ll have another question to ask you, but we'll take first things first. Let us go see your mother and then we’ll go to the Lair for a visit. Do you approve?"
    "All right. A short visit."

    * * * *
    Adora watched in awe as a mighty dragon landed in the small clearing in front of her cabin in the woods. She’d not seen a dragon since she was a little girl, and this one was a beauty. Blue and green with the iridescent sparkle of his kind, this dragon reminded her of her childhood friend. Even more amazing, this dragon bore a young knight on his back along with her daughter! She wiped her hands on her apron and rushed out to greet them.
    "Belora, my dear, you've brought guests." Adora smiled as her girl raced from the dragon's side to hug her.
    "This is Gareth and Kelvan." Belora's excitement was evident as she took her mother's hands in hers, pulling her forward to meet them. “Gareth, Kelvan, this is my mother,