Curse of the Undead Dragon King (Skeleton Key) Read online

  “I’m going to fix this, love,” I whisper into the wind, letting my words be carried home. I close my eyes and rest.

  When the sun touches my face, I open my eyes and stand, stretching all my sore, cramped muscles. I realize I should have packed some food. The grumbling in my stomach wishes I had. But with no one around for miles, I must walk forward and hope that despite the forbidden lands being filled with criminals and outcasts, someone will be kind enough to share a bite of food with me.

  I cross over into Humestia, an odd sensation pressing against me as I walk through the invisible barrier keeping the banished within, wishing I could have found the wizard long before coming to this point. But with no sign of him, no one knowing if he even exists, I continue on and hope that perhaps he is here. Any farther and I’ll find myself in the mountains, crossing over to the ocean, and there couldn’t possibly be a wizard in the ocean with the mermaids.

  I certainly hope not. I might be able to swim, but not for that long.

  An eerie silence rests over the land. With every step, I wish I could turn back, run home, find the answers I need back there. But more and more, I am grateful I did not allow Zanta to take my place on this journey. She might struggle with learning to become a ruler, but at least I know she is safe, and surrounded by people who love her.

  I notice the lack of sounds. No flapping of wings or pounding hooves or feet hitting the ground. A small breeze causes the leaves and trees to stir, but only slightly. Anything, anyone could be hiding in the foliage, just waiting to attack me for no reason.

  These lands aren’t forbidden for nothing. Only those who have done something unthinkable, unforgivable, have been sent here, cast from their homes to live in a land where only evil could dwell.

  A shiver runs up my spine. I can’t let fear drive me. I walk for Zanta, for love. I will make it through this peacefully, and the wizard will fix my problems. I nod to reassure myself.

  Something darts across my path, and all that peace drains from me. I take another deep breath and focus, searching for whatever it is that mocks me. But nothing reappears or runs past me again, so I take another step forward. And another. I relax a little, but keep my senses on alert, searching for any suspicious sounds or movement.

  A small pond reflects the sunlight, catching my attention. I run toward it, grateful for a place to stop and rest for a moment, and to get a drink. Perhaps I’ll find food as well.

  I reach the edge of the water and lean down, gulping up as much as I can. Finally, when I feel like I’m not going to die of thirst, I sit on the ground and fold my wings behind me.

  A small laugh catches my attention, and something darts past me. I stand up and turn, searching for whoever is taunting me, but no one is there, at least not visibly.

  With an audible “hmph” I continue on, walking around the water and returning to the path. Not ten steps farther down the road, the creature goes running by me again. I reach out my claws and catch him before he’s able to get past.

  “What do we have here?” I growl.

  “Put me down, you filthy wyrm,” the satyr spits.

  “You have been tormenting me since I entered this cursed land. I quite literally hold your life in my hands, and yet you still choose to insult me?” I cluck my tongue.

  “You do not frighten me. If I was able to spook you so easily, imagine what something dangerous could do.” He laughs maniacally.

  “What is your name?” I bring him closer to my face.

  “Why would I tell you? Do you like to know the name of your food before you devour it?” He spits again.

  “No, I just like to properly threaten those who bother me,” I say coolly, keeping my voice even and low.

  The satyr wipes the sheen of sweat from his brow. “Khende,” he whispers. “My name is Khende.”

  “Why are you following me, Khende?” I ask, the look I give him driving more fear into him.

  “Humestia’s a nasty place. Those who live here will kill you for sport if they feel the desire. Having so little contact with others can drive anyone insane. I saw a newcomer and thought it would be fun to have a bit of sport. That’s all. Now put me down.” He tries to be commanding, but his gulping makes him appear more comical.

  “I am not a newcomer—I’m just passing through. Be on your way and leave me alone.” I drop him and continue walking.

  “Would a little company kill you?” He brushes himself off and walks beside me.

  “No, but I don’t want it, so go away.” My stomach growls, the pain from hunger becoming more and more unbearable.

  “I can get you food,” he says, sounding matter of fact, still keeping up with me.

  “Why would I trust you enough to eat whatever food you brought me? You just informed me that those who live here kill for fun.” I don’t know why I even bother responding at this point. Khende isn’t listening.

  “If I planned to kill you, I wouldn’t have told you that. Besides, does it look like I have the ability? You need food so that if a real threat gets in your way, you can protect yourself. You are weakened.” He has good points.

  I stop walking and think on it. What are the odds that he wants me dead? Truly, I can’t keep going on an empty stomach. Starving myself won’t help anyone. And as a dragon, I’m far hungrier than I am when I’m human.

  I look down at the satyr. “Where would you get food for me?”

  “Here.” He opens a pouch hanging from around his waist and pulls out a cloth filled with meats and cheeses. He holds it out to me.

  I try to take one piece, but end up taking the cloth and all in one bite. “Thank you. But I’m going to need more than that.” I sneeze and cough out the cloth.

  Khende looks down at his napkin, thoroughly disgusted. “Of course. This path will take us past the fields where a herd of cattle often grazes. It’s another hour’s walk from here. Can you wait that long?”

  “Yes.” I grunt. “Why are you helping me?”

  “I’ve nothing else to do. There is no life here. It’s a free-for-all. I’m on my own to avoid getting into one of the battles fought by those who believe they should rule this place. You clearly have no idea what you’re doing, which reminds me—why are you here? Where are you going that you—a great dragon—would need to travel on foot?”

  I find it amusing how he goes from one topic to another in an instant, but I don’t like being questioned. However, he might be able to help.

  “I am searching for a wizard who’s said to be able to break any curse. Perhaps you know of him, and could point me in the right direction.”

  Khende quits walking, and for a moment I fear he’s going to leave by the way he turns and looks out in the distance.

  “Why do you seek such a wizard?” He looks up at me, his hands on his hips.

  “Will my reasons have an effect on your answer?” I laugh to keep from crying.

  “No, but your intentions might. What curse do you seek to break?”

  “Why does that matter?”

  “Because you are not the first person I’ve met on this road seeking such a power. In fact, you’re not even the first dragon to come looking for a wizard. Funny enough, only one other has ever asked me about it, and that was so long ago. I don’t even know if he found what he was looking for, but how could I forget a king asking me for help?” He looks up at me accusingly. “What is your name?”

  “Aurelio, king of Dracameveo,” I state proudly.

  “As I suspected. Like father, like son, I bet.” Now Khende does walk away.

  “Where are you going?” I follow after him.

  “Somewhere you won’t bother me. I helped your father, and he betrayed me. I’m not going to help you, knowing very well you’ll do the same.” He walks off the path and disappears amongst the trees.

  “Khende! Tell me what happened. Please, help me!” I call after him, wishing I could go back in time and change things. If he knew my father, helped my father through the same trials, he could answer some of my
questions.

  What could my father have done to hurt this Satyr and cause him to hate dragons so much?

  AURELIO HAS ONLY been gone a day and a half, but it feels like a lifetime. Whispers began at the news of the delayed wedding. When people poured in asking to speak with the king and Castel and I had to turn them away, whispers became rumors, and rumors became lies so farfetched that panic set in.

  Now the kingdom demands an answer. Where is their king? What happened to their last king? But Castel advised against telling the truth. “I am sorry, ma’am, but the king is unwell. He is in bed resting. I assure you that he is on the mend and will return to duty as soon as he physically can.” At least the last part isn’t a lie.

  The woman coming to plea for more land leaves saddened and disappointed that the one person who could hear her claims isn’t available. I want to cry for these people. I want to cry for myself. But I remain strong because it’s what Aurelio would do—is doing. He will break the spell, and all will return to normal.

  “My lady, we must meet with the council members,” Castel leans down and whispers to me.

  I nod. “Of course.” I look down at the line of people waiting to speak with me—no, not me. With Aurelio. Even then, it should be Castel. But he insisted I talk to them. I can’t help but hurt for them. Not only can they not speak to their king, but they must wait to speak with me now.

  I stand and follow Castel out of the room. As we leave, I hear one of the guards address the room, informing them there will be a short break.

  The dress Castel asked me to wear is confining and hard to walk in, with multiple skirts. But he assured me it’s what a queen would wear. I hate to undermine him, but there will be far more comfortable dresses in my future—as soon as Aurelio returns.

  I take a deep breath as I enter the council room and take a seat beside Castel, who sits at the head of the table. The others are already in the room, waiting for us, and they’re all looking at me—some with disdain, some with mistrust, but one with compassion. One of the only two other women in the whole room.

  The doors close, and Castel stands. “Thank you for meeting here on such short notice. It seems history is repeating itself.” He re-tells the story he told me and Aurelio about Ignacio. “But this time, things are slightly different. Aurelio is already engaged. Yesterday, he and Zanta were to be married.” He looks at me pointedly. “However, that was unable to happen due to this curse. Our king’s last request before leaving was that Zanta rule with my aid while he is gone. Under different circumstances, I would have refused or at least counseled otherwise, but Zanta is our future queen, and I believe this is for the best.” Castel takes a breath and looks around the room, perhaps gauging the others’ reactions.

  The woman who seemed sympathetic toward me opens her mouth as if to speak, but doesn’t.

  Instead, a short, nearly bald man with dark eyes does. “Why did we send King Aurelio out there alone? What if he is in trouble? This was foolish on your part, Castel. The king entrusted this information with you, yet you did not send a guard with him. What if he cannot find any such wizard? His father went on that journey a hundred years ago. Who is to say the wizard—assuming he ever existed—is even still alive? The king could be walking—or flying—into a trap, and we would never know it. And to allow this commoner to rule as acting queen, despite the fact that she is not royal and has not yet married Aurelio, is silly. She has no power here. Why would the people listen to her?” The man glares between Castel and myself, and it’s disheartening. Partially because the man doesn’t trust me, and partially because he’s right.

  “Waylon, hold your tongue. Castel used his best judgement in the situation or it would have happened differently,” says the woman who appears to be on my side.

  “How would you know, Estella? You were not there. You weren’t even here when Ignacio left on his journey,” Waylon argues.

  “No, I wasn’t. But Aurelio is our king, and he chose Zanta. He is not marrying her for any reason aside from pure love. He trusts her. And asking Castel to help her rule is very smart on the king’s part. This is not ideal, but at least she will have experience—she will know more than she ever did before. And as for why the people should listen to her? Because the king himself listens to her. The people love their king, and they will love the people he does. I was witness to Aurelio’s announcement of his proposal to this girl. There wasn’t a single upset person in that room. Everyone cheered and clapped and there was an overwhelming joy for the king they love. They will listen to her because she is a voice of reason. And for the record, you weren’t there either, Lord Waylon.” Lady Estella mocks him with that last bit, and I want to laugh and cheer.

  “Thank you,” I mutter to Estella, who continues looking at me as if challenging me to prove her wrong.

  “You’re welcome,” she says loud enough for the whole room to hear.

  “The real reason I have asked for this meeting is not to argue over the king’s choices. Zanta is acting as queen with my help—I will do as Aurelio asked before he left. Elder Waylon.” Castel commands attention with the way he says the bald man’s name. “The next time you find you cannot respect King Aurelio’s choices, keep in mind his plans upon returning.”

  I bite down on my bottom lip to keep from laughing out loud, and it appears I’m not the only one.

  Castel grabs my upper arm and pulls on me until I stand. “Now, what we need help with is keeping peace among the people who fear that their king has been murdered and we’re simply covering it up. Spread the word that King Aurelio is ill. He is getting better, but he still cannot speak to anyone. The wedding is still happening—it’s just been pushed back. Please help us end the rumors about what is actually going on. We do not want the people to know the truth.”

  The room is silent as everyone tries to figure out how best to respond, myself included. Where do we go from here? Less than half the council trusts me, and less than that actually like me. I look to Estella, hoping she’ll have something good to say.

  “Let me take Zanta.” She stands, and I want to clap with joy. “I will teach her the ways of being a queen—at least, as much as I know from being so close to Dargiana. We will act like the queen, doing all the things she would have daily. We are going to show the people that Zanta is trustworthy, and that despite not actually being married to Aurelio, she was born to be queen.” Estella wraps her arm around my shoulders, and I’ll never be able to fully express just how much that means to me.

  “I agree,” Castel says. “Does anyone have a justifiable reason as to why this would not be acceptable?” He looks at me before turning to each member, waiting for an objection. No one speaks.

  “Then it is to be done.” Castel smacks his hand down on the table. The sound resonates through the room, and once it has gone silent, everyone stands and disperses.

  I turn to Estella, her arm still around me. “Thank you so much. I don’t think that would have gone very well without your support.” I am counting down every second until Aurelio returns.

  “No need to thank me, child. I believe you will make a wonderful queen—you just need some help. Now firstly, let’s see about getting you some more comfortable and yet regal gowns to wear. You are stiff as a board walking around in that thing.” She grabs a bit of the skirt and moves it about before dropping it.

  “Thank you. I would most appreciate that. It’s so tight, I feel like I can’t breathe.”

  “That’s because none of these dresses have been customized for you. They belonged to Aurelio’s mother.” Estella waves her hand as if whoever thought to have me wear them was an idiot. I couldn’t agree more.

  And knowing who they belonged to saddens me. How many people recognized this dress today? How many people questioned my loyalty as they saw me prance around in their former queen’s gown?

  “Do not fret, dear. Only the worst of people would assume the worst of you. Besides, Queen Dargiana hardly had the chance to wear these gowns. They were made only
right before she passed on. And even if she had and people saw, they would know that their former queen would only want the best for you. She did, after all, die to save you.” Estella pats my hand.

  “Thank you,” I whisper, not wanting to think about it.

  “Let us go to the dressmaker first. We will get you properly fitted for clothing of your own. After that, we will discuss how to address the people in times of need. I fear keeping the lies straight will get far too complicated the longer they must go on. We need to be ready for that.” She leads the way out of the council room, back through the castle, and out into the sunshine. We walk to the market in silence.

  THE SUN HAS begun to set, and Khende hasn’t returned. I fear he isn’t going to, despite how much I need his help right now. It sounded as if he had good reason to leave—I just wish I knew what that was. Father was always kind and just. What could he have done to hurt Khende so badly?

  “Khende!” I call out. “If you’re still nearby and can hear me, please come out. Whatever my father did, I am not him. I do not plan on hurting you or causing you grief. You asked to help me, and I said yes. Please don’t abandon me now!” I hate the despair that washes over me. This will be my second night on the hard ground, away from home, away from Zanta. Already it’s been too long.

  The bush in front of me moves and Khende appears, grumbling under his breath. “I’m here, Prince. Now what do you want?” He puts his hands on his hips and stares at me.

  “I am the king,” I clarify, but I don’t get a chance to continue speaking.

  “See, another issue. Why do I need to know? I don’t care. Is it so important that you be addressed as king, even out here where nothing like that matters, that you would call me back here just to throw that in my face? You’re king? Right now we’re sleeping on the same ground, buddy.” He plops down on the dirt, folding his arms over his chest.

  “I clarified not to mock or hurt you, not to prove that I’m better than you, but because you wanted to know who I am. The woman I love is a commoner, a woman who had nothing, comes from nothing. I would gladly give someone in need my bed so they did not have to go through more affliction. I am King Aurelio of Dracameveo, and I care for my people. My father, the man you spoke ill of, died less than a week ago. I am suffering, as anyone would being trapped within only half themselves. I can’t shift back into a human, which is the only reason I’m here. I was told there was a wizard who could fix my problem. If you do not wish to help me, fine. So be it. But do not think that I find myself higher and mightier than you because I am a king. If I were so prideful, so selfish, would I have asked for your assistance?” I wish I didn’t need his help. But I do, and I’m stuck with it.