The Dragon's War Read Online Free PDF

out,” Dallan said. She disengaged from Senta and held up her sword, turning about.
    “I seek a new a new challenge,” she said loudly, “I need a new playmate. How about you?” she said, pointing her sword directly at the cloaked figure. There was a moment of silence at the strange calling out, and Skye stopped her current engagement with Eira and felt a finger of unease trace itself along her spine. Very slowly, the figure pushed away from the wall, and just as slowly lowered the hood.
    Dallan dropped her sword into the dust. “I yield.”
    Senta stabbed her sword into the soft earth, a grin on her features. “As do I.”
    And the Ha’kan as one breathed out the name, and even the High Priestess herself murmured it with such pleasure it caused Helena to glance over at her in surprise.
    “Raine.”
    Skye’s reaction was far less subdued. “Raine!” she cried, and rushed the Scinterian warrior. She would have tackled the woman were Raine not solid as stone. Instead, Raine spun her about then set her on her feet, hugging her tightly.
    “I’m so glad to see you,” Raine said. She brushed Skye’s fair hair from her eyes. “And I’m so sorry I couldn’t come for you.”
    “’Tis no matter,” Skye said excitedly, “Dallan, Rika, Torsten, Idonea, even Syn, they all came for me.”
    “As I knew they would,” Raine said, clapping Dallan and Rika on the back as they joined the reunion. She clasped arms with the First General as Senta greeted the Scinterian warrior, then was enveloped by a welcoming phalanx of the Royal Guard.
    “So that is the Dragon’s Lover,” Helena said, leaning across her daughter to address the High Priestess without taking her eyes from the newcomer.
    “Oh, yes,” Astrid said.
    “I must say that the legend does not do her justice.”
    And indeed it did not, for Raine was the product of a Scinterian father and an Arlanian mother, two extraordinary races that had passed from the world. The Scinterians, allies of the dragons and the most fearsome warriors of all time, and the Arlanians, a gentle people so sexually desirable they were annihilated by the lust of others, these were the races that had produced the impossible melding that was Raine. Helena admired the creature in front of her: lithely muscular, golden hair, dark blue eyes, chiseled features, and understood why she captivated her people.
    Raine approached the Queen, who had risen from the stands and stepped down onto the field.
    “I beg your forgiveness, your Majesty. I should have presented myself with more formality, but they seemed like they were having so much fun.”
    Halla gave the deep curtsy she would give only to others of equal stature, and although Raine was not a head of state, she had more than earned the honor. Raine returned the deep bow.
    “You are always welcome here, Raine,” Halla said. “And as promised, your chambers are just as you left them. Will Talan be joining us?”
    “Yes,” Raine said, “soon. She left for the north to tie up a few loose ends, but should be here within a day or so. It’s our intent to ride with you to Mount Alfheim. Well,” Raine corrected herself, “Talan will probably fly. I will ride with you.”
    “That is generous of you and we welcome your company.”
    The Queen was joined by the High Priestess and another woman wearing the garbs of the Ministry whom Raine did not recognize, at least initially. Raine took Astrid’s hand and brushed a kiss across it, which caused a flicker of violet in Raine’s eyes. Helena caught her breath at the lovely color. She had heard rumor of the beauty of Arlanian eyes, but until this moment, had never seen it.
    “You’re going to get me in trouble, High Priestess,” Raine said mischievously, knowing her eyes had nearly displayed.
    “Would that were true or even possible,” Astrid said, a smile playing about her lips. Flirting with the Arlanian was as enjoyable as it was futile. “Raine, this is Helena, our High Priestess for