The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume I: Volume I

Brevelan and our son by my side, I can succeed in the tasks the dragons have set for me.”
    (You have been tested and found worthy. You shall share the guardianship of the nimbus with Brevelan.)
    An awareness, deep inside his heart, of every dragon alive, as well as those who had died, spread through him. Jaylor bowed his head in awe of the responsibility the dragons passed to him.
    (Send the troops where they are needed.) Gliiam dipped toward the massive city. An army of fierce mercenaries gathered on the banks of the Great Bay, south of the city. (We distort time. It is now near sunset on the day of the kidnap.)
    Jaylor sought the general from Rossemeyer. With dragon aid, he sent the image of a royal messenger to him. The troops that were part of Rossemikka’s dowry must rescue their princess. Forced marches. Arrive at Castle Krej in two days, or lose the princess and the treaty.
    “Take me to my wife,” Jaylor commanded his transport.
    (The king and queen have need of a healer. We take Brevelan with us. What of the babe? He is too young to be left.)
    “Bring Yaakke. But allow Brevelan to carry Glendon for now.”
    A blink of the eye and Brevelan was caught up in a swirl of dragon wings. She cradled a squalling, blanket-wrapped bundle in her arms. A surprised Yaakke clutched the spine of the back of a red-tipped beast.
    “Will the babe be altered by exposure to the void?” Jaylor demanded an answer of his hosts.
    (He has been one of us since the moment of his conception. We are not yet ready to claim him.)
    The truth hit Jaylor then. That night, the night he had tested Tambootie and taken too much, he was drifting with the dragons, needing never to return to Coronnan or his body. Brevelan, fueled by her love, and Darville, guided by his friendship, had sought him in the void and given him reasons to continue with the life granted him. Glendon had been conceived in the void. The babe belonged to no one but the dragons.
    Blood pounded through Jaylor’s veins again. His body took on substance. “Your love brought me back from the realm of the dragons once more, Brevelan.” He hugged her tightly to his chest for the remainder of the ride.
     
    “A nice trick, that,” Zolltarn greeted Darville from the safety of several yards’ distance. “Not everyone can backlash a spell. Are you sure you have no magic in your family?”
    “Not that I know of.” Darville shook his head free of the vision of the spell. The crown weighed heavily on his brow. The figure of Krej, transformed, still sat before him. He hadn’t dreamed that awful moment. “Perhaps the Coraurlia?”
    “Poetic justice.” Zolltarn moved to touch the rotten gilt flaking from Krej’s metallic fur. “We have still to deal with his sister. I found the others. They are clearing the magic traps as they move upward from the dungeons.”
    “Is Jaylor with them? I’d like him at my side when I confront Janataea.”
    Zolltarn shrugged. “He does not appear to be within the castle walls. You will have to settle for me as your companion.”
    Darville eyed the Rover cautiously. “I’ve known Jaylor many years. We work well as a team. This last battle may not allow time to communicate my requirements to you. You know that my trust is still reluctant.”
    “Whatever else I have done to you, or will do for my own ends, in this mission I am as committed as you.” Zolltarn shrugged again. “Lead on, Your Grace.”
    “Through here.” Darville shoved at the locked door behind Krej.
    “Allow me.” Zolltarn waved his hand over the lock. The door opened smoothly. A long stairway circled upward into the tower.
    “Mikka is up here.” Darville sensed his wife as strongly as he had during the seeking spell. “She’s in danger.” He rushed for the first step.
    “Caution, Your Grace.” Zolltarn stayed his impulsive ascent. “I smell magic, Janataea’s magic.”
     
    Mikka gripped the edge of the parapet as vertigo filled her head. The world below her swung in awkward arcs, right and left and back to the right.
    Eyes closed, she forced herself to turn away from the dizzying spectacle. Thoughts of flinging herself to the ground played with her common sense. She had to get away from here and the fascinating temptation to experience flight and death.
    “I knew you’d reveal your hiding place as soon as the need overtook you.”
    Mikka’s eyes opened of their own volition. Janataea stood over the trapdoor, the only exit from this half-open