FireDrake by Bianca D'Arc Page A

Nellin lay, lounging in the sun with his flock of childish admirers.
    “If you’re not afraid. As you can see, Nellin and I are pretty much a pair. Where I go, he’s usually not far behind.” Mace tried to look sheepish, but the excitement in her gaze reassured him that his fears on this topic at least, had been unfounded.
    “I’m not afraid of dragons,” she said, and he inwardly crowed. “I haven’t been around them much, I’ll admit, but I’m not afraid of them. I’m actually kind of fascinated by them, I think.” She turned to look straight at Mace with those lovely grey eyes of hers.
    “I’d love to fly with you and Nellin, if he’s willing to carry me.”
    “Do you have to be anywhere this afternoon?” Mace pounced.
    She shook her head. “I was just going to do some chores. Washing and such. But that can wait.”

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    “Then how about we get the proprietor to pack two sweet rolls and some mead for us, and Nellin can fly us out to a little meadow we know where there’s a nice shady grove by a bend in the river. We can have our dessert picnic style.”
    “And the little lady can get to know us better. Oh, you are much more nimble than I gave you credit for, Mace. Good work.” Nellin’s congratulatory words sounded in Mace’s mind.
    “I think that would be amazing. I’d love to go with you and Nellin.” Once again Krysta peered out the window to the square, her gaze lighting on the reclining dragon with both admiration and awe. Mace thought it was a very good start indeed.

    Who was this knight, after all? Just when Krysta thought she had Mace figured out, he surprised her. She’d just about decided he was shy and somewhat staid when out of the blue he suggested a spontaneous picnic by the river and a dragon flight to get there.
    He’d surprised her in a totally wonderful way.
    Not that she didn’t like steady men. Krysta actually craved a bit of solidity after the years she’d spent roaming with her Jinn family, but there was something to be said for spontaneity as well. Still, she would never have pegged Mace for the type to come up with such a plan, and it thoroughly enchanted her.
    He was such a dear man. So thoughtful and strong in character. That a dragon such as Nellin had chosen him spoke volumes about his commitment to duty and to serving the people and dragons of this land. All knights were special men, but Krysta had felt drawn to Mace from the moment she’d first seen him.
    Tall, dark and handsome with a solid build and muscles that hinted at enormous strength, he had kind eyes and a tender manner with his dragon partner and his friends.
    He also moved well, like a well-trained warrior should, and she admired the fluidity of his steps. He’d be an excellent fighter…and a talented lover, if she were any judge.
    They finished their after-meal drinks while the proprietor packed up dessert for them and Mace tipped the woman well for her good service. Within minutes, they were heading out into the square. To the waiting dragon.
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    FireDrake
    Nellin rose to his haunches as Mace made the introductions. They’d met formally once before at the Guard House, but it had been a rushed occasion with many others around. This time, Krysta was well aware of the dragon’s scrutiny as she bowed politely and he lowered his head in return.
    “I’m pleased to see you again, Sir Nellin. Thank you for consenting to let me fly with you and Sir Mace.”
    Mace cocked his head, smiling, apparently listening to the dragon before he turned to her. “Nellin says he likes your dress much better than your uniform, though the grey of the Guard’s tunic does match your eyes.” He looked over at the dragon. “Really, Nel. I never knew you were so keen on fashion.” Krysta chuckled as Mace teased his dragon partner. “He also says he’s happy to show you what it’s like to fly.” Mace winked at her.
    “He likes taking