The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume I: Volume I

circle around Rejiia and the statue of her father. Leaves and soil, moss and small rocks rolled into the tornado. The wind increased and lifted its burden free of the Kardia’s gravity.
    Everyone in the crowded clearing ducked and shielded vulnerable eyes from the blowing debris.
    He whistled and she sang ’til the clearing rang
Filled with love and magic.
     
    The magic storm winked out, taking Rejiia and Krej into the void. The burning arch collapsed and puckered, forming a ragged scar around the now-closed wound in the magic barrier.

Chapter 40
     
    M agicians and dragons filled Shayla’s old lair with life and energy, laughter and love. Jack watched the flames from the campfire dance around the circle of rocks. He closed his eyes in contentment.
    He stretched out his legs and shifted his back to a more comfortable position. Home at last, with a family of magicians gathered around. Katrina sat beside him on a nest of old blankets. Jaylor approached them, an odd bundle held close against his chest. Jack squeezed Katrina’s fingers in reassurance, then stood to face the Senior Magician.
    “Don’t know why we kept any of Master Baamin’s old robes.” Jaylor kept one eye on the blue-tipped male dragon who embodied all of the knowledge, wisdom, humor, and spirit of the former Senior Magician. “But it seems fitting that his master’s cloak be yours now, Yaakke.”
    Without much ceremony or ritual, the current Senior Magician handed Jack the cloak of fine blue wool with silver stars embroidered on the collar.
    “My name is Jack.” He looked around at the gathered assembly with pride and a swelling sense of family. His eyes lingered on Zolltarn and then Baamin. “Yaakke was a name chosen by a child to prove to the world that I was worth something. I don’t need that name anymore. I’m Jack, just plain Jack.”
    A ripple of nervous laughter passed through the gathering.
    “Knew you’d lose that childhood arrogance once we turned you loose.” Old Lyman, the eldest member of the Commune, slapped him on the back.
    Jack remembered hearing the old man saying that Yaakke should be locked up, for the safety of the kingdom, until he learned humility. He didn’t correct him. He didn’t need to.
    “Yaakke is a name of power, for a man destined to lead great peoples. As my grandson, you will one day lead the Rovers!” Zolltarn pronounced in a voice that echoed throughout the lair.
    “You have sons and other grandsons more deserving than I, Zolltarn. I have not been raised to Rover traditions and won’t tolerate a lot of your ways.” Jack didn’t look away from his grandfather’s piercing glare.
    “What traditions won’t you tolerate? We are an old and honorable race!”
    “I won’t steal for a living. Nor will I rove the countryside. I want a home. A wife. Children.” He glanced down at Katrina.
    She blushed but didn’t turn her head away.
    “And now that you are a full Master Magician, Jack,” Jaylor took command of the meeting again. “I have an assignment for you.”
    “If you want me to find Marcus and Robb, I’m sorry. I don’t think they can be found until both armies are pulled back from the front and fully counted, magician and mundane. There have been some pretty strange things happening out there lately.” Jack shook his head in dismay.
    “I claim that quest, Jaylor. If anyone is sent to find Marcus, its me.” The pasty seller from the coronation market jumped up from her place among the apprentices.
    Jack recognized her, even dressed in boy’s leather trews and vest. If she had any magic talent to earn her place in this gathering, she hid it very well.
    “You aren’t going anywhere, young lady, until you’ve earned journeywoman’s status.” Jaylor frowned at the girl, then turned back to Jack. “I do want to find my journeymen as soon as possible, Jack. I have sent word to the battle mages at the front to look for them. If necessary, I’ll send a journeyman in search of them. The task I have for you is closer to home and of some urgency.”
    “Tonight? Don’t I get an opportunity to get drunk and sleep off the hangover with the rest of you?” Jack cocked an eyebrow at Baamin. “Seems that even my father had one night of rebellion before he accepted the saddle of responsibility.”
    More snickers. Jaylor gathered Brevelan and the boys close to his side, clear evidence that he, too, took some time away from his responsibilities.
    “We must sing and dance to celebrate