dragon archives 04 - dance with a dragon by linda k hopkins Page A

palace landing, often pushing other ferries aside. Anna stared in astonishment as the boatmen yelled insults and curses at their rivals, while passengers joined in the fray, shouting their encouragement at their own ferrymen, promising silver to urge them on. It was a wonder that more people did not land in the river, Anna thought, but she saw only one boat knocked so hard its passenger fell into the water, unnoticed by the two ferrymen hurling insults at one another. The passenger was rescued from the tangle of weeds by another boat, and he gratefully tipped the rescuing boatman with a large silver coin, before shaking his fist at the other ferryman.
    The stairway leading to the palace lawns was crowded with people, and as Anna stepped off the boat Aaron grabbed both her and Keira by the arm, pulling them through the crush. It was just as well, for no sooner had they reached the safety of the lawn than a woman, alighting from a ferry, slipped on the mossy stairs, dragging her escort with her into the muddy river with a shriek.
    The crowds thinned the further they drew from the river, and Anna looked around in interest. Dozens of trestle tables had been placed on the lawns near the palace walls, covered with snow white linen. Gleaming silverware glittered in the sunlight, while liveried footmen rushed about, finishing the place settings with crystal glass and white napkins. A raised dais was placed to one side, with a table and gilded chairs on the raised platform. Huge swags of white fabric created a canopy above, and flowers and vines twisted around the trellises that held the fabric. To the left played an orchestra, partially hidden behind an embroidered screen, while between the tables and the river mingled hundreds of guests, the doyens of society keeping up a flowing commentary behind open fans as they watched the new arrivals with raised eyebrows and upturned noses.
    Beyond the palace to the right lay the formal gardens, and Anna stared at them for a moment. It was there that she and Keira had been snatched by Jack and flown away to a rocky fortress where they were held prisoner. Jack was long since dead, and Anna knew that no dangers lurked in the garden tonight, but she could not suppress an involuntary shiver. A hand laid on her arm had her turning towards Keira.
    “We’re quite safe,” Keira said.
    “I know. It’s just the memories.”
    Keira nodded. “I know.” She glanced at Aaron. “But we mustn’t allow them to ruin our evening.”
    “No,” Anna said. A bump on her shoulder made her stumble forward slightly, and she turned around to see a young woman stepping backwards, her hand to her mouth as she stuttered out an apology.
    “I’m so sorry,” the girl said, her expression dismayed. “Someone jostled me and I lost my balance.”
    “No harm done,” Anna said with a smile. “There are so many people here, I’m surprised I haven’t been jostled and knocked a hundred times! I’m Anna Carver.”
    The girl smiled gratefully. “Kathleen Hobart.” Kathleen took Anna’s outstretched hand and gave it a limp shake, meeting Anna’s gaze very briefly before dropping hers to the ground. “I’m not very good with crowds,” she whispered. “Father insisted I come today, but I would have preferred to stay at home. I’ve been reading the most wonderful story, and would have liked to finish it.” She looked up for a moment, then dropped her gaze once more. “I don’t know very many people.” Kathleen stood a few inches shorter than Anna, and was demurely dressed in a gown that rose high up her neck, making her look more like a married matron than a girl of seventeen or eighteen, which is what Anna guessed her age to be.
    “Well, nor do I,” Anna said. “But I can introduce you to someone . This is my …” Anna turned to see that Keira and Aaron had moved away. Anna turned back with a smile. “I was going to introduce you to my sister, but I’m sure there will be another opportunity later.