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The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume III: Volume III

The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume III: Volume III

Titel: The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume III: Volume III Kostenlos Bücher Online Lesen
Autoren: Irene Radford
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called the mother ship from his illegal pocket communicator, he said he had flown on a dragon from the mountains to the capital.”
    “Sounds to me like you are just a little insane, Kinnsell O’Hara,” Jamie Patrick agreed. “Let’s take him back home for a nice long rest in a secure hospital.” The eldest of the siblings clamped a hard hand on his father’s shoulder.
    “That will take him out of the line of succession. Parliament will never elect him emperor when Gramps dies,” Katie reminded them.
    “One less to vie for the title.” The brothers shrugged in unison. “Two less since you won’t be returning with us, Katie.”
    “Be glad of that, boys. She’d give you all a run for your money if she decided to leave this benighted backwater,” Kinnsell said quietly. A half grin tugged at the corners of his mouth.
    “I’ll miss you.” Katie had to blink rapidly to keep back her tears.
    “You know us, Katie. We’ll be back to check on you.”
    “No, you won’t. You can’t.” She sobbed briefly, her next words closing her throat. Quinnault touched her hand and she found the courage to speak on, though tears ran down her cheeks. “Coronnan, all of Kardia Hodos must be off-limits to everyone from Terra. Everyone. We can’t take a chance that you’ll bring a new mutation of the plague, one that we can’t combat. We can’t take a chance that you will bring technology and pollution that will give the plague a breeding ground.”
    Her brothers dropped their heads. When Jamie Patrick looked up again, his eyes looked very moist. “We’ll miss watching your daughter grow up. We’ll miss you, Katie.”
    “We love you, Sis,” Sean Michael said quietly.
    Liam Francis looked decidedly rebellious for a moment, then he stepped forward, gathering Katie in a tight hug. “Good-bye, Katie.”
    Each of them dropped a kiss on Katie’s cheek. Then Kinnsell came forward. “You are right, of course. The most sensible one of the lot of you, and she wants to stay here. She’d make the best emperor, boys. Good-bye, Maarie Kaathliin O’Hara de Draconis.” He swallowed convulsively and turned to leave, escorted by his three sons.
    Kinnsell turned for one last look at Katie. In time, Daughter, you will appreciate the gift I leave with you. When you could not unite Coronnan and your balanced government looked about to crumble, you all united against me. You’ll bicker for a while, but you will settle your differences. Help Quinnault govern with wisdom and raise a healthy horde of grandchildren for me. Teach them well the lessons of love, loyalty, honor, and justice so that they may pass this legacy through the generations of our dynasty.
    Tears came to Katie’s eyes as she nodded her acceptance of her father’s gift and final farewell.
    What happened, Daddy, to change your mind?
    I met some locals who took care of me when they should have let me die. I owe them. This is my gift to them, to you, and my grandchildren. I leave you to control your own destinies, free of Terran influence. Free of the Varns at last.
    Thank you. Katie swallowed a lump in her throat. She’d never see him again.
    Call me renegade if you must, but please, give up this nonsense of magic and dragons. They are all illusions and fever dreams, Kinnsell added.
    “Live long and well, Daddy.” Katie laughed through her tears. “Someday you will realize that dragons are real and magic works. Even on Terra.”

Epilogue
     
    Somewhere in Coronnan City, time and date unimportant
     
    T here are injustices I must correct as I move through the city like a ghost. I must use my magic sparingly lest the Commune discover my presence.
    The Commune still makes rogue magic illegal and maintains the magical border to keep out the unwanted. Wind-drift and Rollett will rule them with a more moderate hand than Scarface, but the law was made for a reason and must be enforced.
    Mostly, I need to manipulate events only a little to right wrongs perpetuated by those who must control others or destroy them. Whenever possible, I shall eradicate ignorance so that the innocent know their choices. If I have to, I can access the hidden books as well as the magicians’ approved library to keep information flowing throughout Coronnan.
    Someday I will settle down and make a family of my own among the fisherfolk. Leauman has the most beautiful daughter. Until then, I have a new life among honest boatmen who don’t ask about my past. They care only for the strength

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