The Dragon Bard (Dragon of the Island) Read Online Free PDF Page A

was spying for.
    She met his gaze, wondering what secrets those midnight blue eyes concealed. All her life, she’d survived by obeying an inner sense that alerted her to danger. But now that voice was silent. This man made her skin tingle and her heart race, but no sense of alarm or urge to flee came over her.
    She raised her gaze to peruse the dark-haired stranger. Was he truly a bard? He looked like no filidh she’d ever seen. Or was he some supernatural being, come in disguise? The old tales told of heroes and gods who appeared in the guise of swans, salmon, ravens or deer. If a being could be shapeshift into an animal, then perhaps this man could transform himself in more subtle ways.
    Indeed, as she looked at him, the room behind him altered and she saw a great, cavernous hall. Hanging on the wall behind him was a crimson banner emblazoned with a gold dragon. A wind blew through the hall and the banner shifted and wavered, making the golden beast seem to spring to life.
    The image faded and Dessia took a deep, steadying breath. Was it a vision? Her first Seeing? She’d spent countless hours staring into the scrying bowl and discovered nothing. Why would such a thing come to her now?
    You must decide. He is waiting.
    The sound of hammering pierced her awareness and reminded her of her need for workmen to build the fortress wall. A plan began to form in her mind. She wouldn’t send this man away. But neither could she risk having him close by in her household. She would tell him that if he wanted to stay, he must serve her as fitted her purposes. Not as a bard, but a laborer.
    She almost winced, imagining his slim fingers clutching a hammer. His long, graceful back bent over a pile of rocks. That smooth skin begrimed with dust. But then she hardened herself against such thoughts. He’d offered to serve her, and she needed workmen. If he found the situation demeaning, he could leave and seek a place elsewhere.
    She met his relentless gaze. “I’ve decided. You’re welcome to remain here, but not as bard and entertainer. I’ve no need of such services. What I lack are men to help rebuild the fortress. If you’re willing to swing a hammer and carry heavy stones, I can offer you a place in my household. Otherwise, my men will escort you from my lands.”
    She saw his eyes widen, then a surge of anger darkened their vivid blue depths. He reminded her of an imperious raven with its feathers ruffled, or a cat hissing when displaced from its cozy spot by the hearth. A heartbeat later, all trace of animosity vanished from his face. His full sensual mouth quirked in a rueful smile. “I can’t see I would be much use to you for such purposes. Surely there are bigger and stronger men in your household more suited to that kind of labor.”
    She smiled back tightly. “Aye, I have such men in my household, but they are occupied in guarding my lands. It was those men who rescued you. Otherwise, you would be on your way to the slave market of Ath Cliath at this very moment.”
    Bridei struggled to conceal his displeasure. Queen Dessia’s last words seemed to carry a warning, reminding him his freedom was dependent on her pleasure. He should refuse her request and bid her farewell. Now that he was free of the slavers, he could go wherever he wished. He could explore the rest of the isle or return to Britain.
    But since he possessed no coin or anything else of worth, traveling around this foreign land wouldn’t be easy. He might once more fall victim to unscrupulous men. The thought of being forced to wear shackles again made his blood run cold.
    Or, he could stay here and pretend to accept the bargain that was offered. Over time, he would find a way to improve his circumstances and get what he wished
    He glanced again at the queen, his gaze lingering on her heart-stopping loveliness. Queen Dessia might pretend to be a cool, calculating leader, but underneath that haughty facade was a woman. And it had been a very long time