The Dragon Within

By Melody Jackson

Are dragons good...or evil?

Kaena Armae doesn’t really care either way. No one’s seen a dragon in over twenty years, so why should she even care?

But when she comes face to face with the shocking truth in the forest near her home, she is forced to choose sides in a feud that started centuries ago.

And the real war is just beginning.

Now, Kaena must convince opposing sides to join together to combat an ancient evil, or face the destruction of their whole world, forever.

But what if they’re fighting the wrong enemy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melody Jackson
• Release date: Jun 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310349829

Melody Jackson

Melody Jackson is a young “crazy dragon lady” and a lover of all things geek. She resides in the rainy state of Oregon with too many books and not enough time to write (or read) them all. When she’s not spinning the tales in her head into stories, she can be found working undercover at a grocery store or gathering intel for her next stories, and food for the dragons.Dragons need pizza too, you know?

Book preview

Chapter 1

"When war has torn the worlds apart

And darkness will not hide

Beware the evil of the heart

The dragon deep inside."

Kaena knew enough about dragons to stay away from the forest—well, at least unarmed. But that chicken didn’t.

Get back here, you—you stupid animal! You'll get us both in trouble!

She chased the runaway chicken across the field, her jaw clenched as she stretched to grasp a handful of its white feathered backside.

Her foot struck a rock and she flew forward, a mess of curls wrapping around her face as she fell, nearly indistinguishable from the dirt beneath her. She brushed them away with annoyance and looked up, only to see the chicken, still squawking madly, disappear into the forest.

Great. She pounded the ground in frustration. This was not how her day was supposed to go. She stood up, slapping dirt from her faded green dress, and glanced around the clearing. It wasn’t that she was afraid to enter the forest, even though it was forbidden, but if she was seen going in there, well, she was sure to get a harsh lecture when she came out.

As she ducked into the dense underbrush, though, doubts crept into her mind. What if the legends were true? What if she became dinner for some scaly, fire-breathing…?

No. She’d been here a million nights before, and never once seen proof of the rumors. If they hadn’t eaten her before, they wouldn’t eat her now, right?

She shook her head to dispel any further doubt. Just think about the chicken and everything will be fine.

Images of the smug looks she’d get if she came back empty-handed flashed through her mind, spurring her on through the forest. She’d told her parents that she could catch and kill a chicken, and by all that was holy, she would do it!

Kaena stopped in a small clearing and looked around. Autumn leaves colored the trees in soft browns and reds, while birds chattered to each other among their branches, but the chicken was not in sight. She cupped her hand over her ear, listening for clues of which direction it may have gone.

A growl resonated deep within the forest. Her head snapped in the direction of the sound. Was that the sound of a hungry beast waiting to devour her?

Kaena took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. She was just overreacting. It was probably just a squirrel or something.

Just to be sure, she listened for any further growls. Instead, quiet clucking caught her ear, and she smiled. Now that’s what she wanted to hear.

Her smile disappeared faster than ice on a summer day as another growl resounded in the forest, followed by a screech. That couldn’t have been her imagination this time. Her hand moved instinctively to the dagger she kept on her belt. Whatever was over there, it had found her chicken, and it definitely wasn’t a squirrel.

She crept toward the noise, her fingers tightening on the leather handle of her weapon. Doubt niggled at her. She refused to believe it could be a dragon, but there were still other real dangers in the forest.

A large shadow loomed in the clearing before her. She caught a glimpse of silver claws, dripping with blood. Her eyes widened with fear as she pressed her back up against the nearest tree, out of view of the beast. Her knuckles gripped the handle of her dagger so tightly that they turned white. She might have some experience with her dagger, but wasn’t so sure how much damage it could do against such a large foe.

She forced herself to calm down and closed her eyes, listening. The chicken was still clucking, so the creature, whatever it was, hadn’t killed it yet. Maybe she could find some way to distract her foe, grab the chicken, and run. But that thought didn’t sit well with her. She wanted to prove that she could handle things on her own, not sneak around and run like a coward.

First, though, she needed to know what she was up against, and if there was any chance she could kill it. Praying the beast wouldn’t see her, Kaena peeked around the tree. She caught a glimpse of its yellow eye and returned her head to hiding, her heart hammering in her chest despite her insistence that it stop.

A dogra. She could take a dogra. It was just a larger version of a wolf—well, an evil, hunchbacked wolf with flesh-ripping teeth and bone-crushing jaws, but still. She could take it...right?

Kaena pulled out her dagger, flipping it over in her hands. She’d only ever hit wooden targets before, and they weren’t moving. Could this be much different? One good throw in the right place could take a lot of things down. That was the catch, though; she only had one shot. She doubted even someone more experienced than her could kill a dogra when it was charging toward them roaring for blood. But she had to save that chicken.

Breathing deeply, Kaena stepped out from behind the tree, poised to throw. The dogra’s oversized muzzle was buried in the mangled remains of her chicken, and it didn’t even seem to notice her.

Kaena’s shoulders fell. She was too late. I should turn back now, before it sees me. But she didn’t. Throwing her dagger now seemed as ignoble as running away. The dogra wasn’t attacking her…yet.

She shouldn’t have said that. The dogra must have caught her scent, for it turned toward her, its snout bloodied, a snarl on its misshapen features.

Her heart skipped a beat. Reacting on instinct, she threw her dagger. It glanced off the dogra’s shaggy side, only drawing a small trickle of blood, but it was enough to invite its anger. It let out a howl, its yellow eyes locking onto Kaena. She swallowed hard, taking a stumbling step backwards. Her one shot was used up, and she was out of time.

The dogra charged toward her, roaring. With no weapon and no chance of taking down the beast, Kaena made a split second decision. She turned around and broke into a run, her boots pounding on the forest floor as the forest blurred around her.

Adrenaline shot through her veins, and she grinned. This breath-stealing, heart-pumping feeling of adventure, even danger…she liked it. That’s why she had thrown the dagger. Not just to prove she wasn’t a coward, but because she wanted to.

Her grin disappeared as the dogra growled behind her, sounding dangerously close. How long would she have to run until it gave up, or she couldn’t go on? With the forest a haze of reddish-brown around her, she couldn’t tell which way led where anymore. She just ran and hoped she could find her way out.

But what if the dogra followed her out of the forest? It was about half her height, but probably double her weight. Could she really take it so easily, and with no weapon?

At least it wasn’t faster than her. Dogras’ stocky but powerful legs carried more strength than speed, so she should be able to stay ahead of it…for now.

Kaena chanced a glance over her shoulder at her pursuer. The dogra snapped at her heels, blood-tinged teeth protruding from its open maw. Dread tied her stomach in knots as she realized what a foolish mistake she’d made.

Her foot snagged something on the ground and she flew forward, hitting the carpet of dead leaves. Her body stung with small cuts and scrapes as she groaned and cursed her clumsiness. Why now, of all times?

She rolled over onto her back to see the dogra standing over her, its yellow eyes gleaming. Its rancid breath stung her nostrils, the smell like that of rotting flesh, Drool dripped from its chin onto her face, but she was too terrified to wipe it off. She clenched her fists on the ground and braced herself for the worst.

But the dogra didn't attack. Was it toying with her?

The beast lifted its head to the sky and let out a howl that sent chills down Kaena’s body. An iron collar glinted around its thick neck, and she realized it wasn’t a wild dogra. It belonged to one of General Shatek’s guards and was trained to track down fugitives.

But she wasn’t a fugitive. So who had it been hunting?

Kaena slowly shifted her hand to her belt. The dogra growled at her, and she stopped. She didn’t have anything there that could help her anyway; she just wanted to see its reaction.

I need a plan. The dogra didn’t seem to want to kill her, just guard her until its masters arrived. She could use that to her advantage.

Using her hands, Kaena scooted herself backwards a few steps. The dogra growled but didn’t attack. Her plan just might work.

She took a deep breath and quickly thrust her hands down and out, pushing herself to her feet and stumbling backwards, slamming her back into a tree.

The dogra snarled and stalked toward her, silver claws extended. It seemed it didn’t care anymore if it delivered her to its masters dead rather than alive.

Kaena desperately scanned the area for a weapon of any kind that she could use, but there were none to be had. Her knees were still a little shaky; she couldn’t outrun it again. Her heart pounded at three times the normal speed, her breathing erratic as she steeled herself for the attack.

A large flash of orange burst into the clearing, colliding with the dogra and knocking it to the ground. Its long tail whipped around behind it, lined with small but sharp-looking spikes, as it spread its massive leathery wings and growled at the dogra. Kaena could only stare in shock as she watched. A dragon. There really was a dragon in her forest.

The dogra got up, took one look at its attacker and fled, yelping like a wounded puppy. Kaena felt torn between curiosity and instinct. Should she slip away before the dragon saw her, or wait to see what it did?

The dragon turned toward her, its orange scales reflecting the sunlight. All the fear drained out of Kaena as she gazed at the magnificent beast in awe. It stood tall and proud, its long neck arching gracefully in an S shape. Its scales looked like they were stacked on one another, varying shades of orange that dazzled Kaena’s eyes. A gash ran alongside its left flank, the blood dried and crusted. She also noted with interest that one of its scales was missing on its left side, a small patch of white skin where it should have been.

The dragon took a step toward Kaena. She froze, remembering that this was a dragon and not some friendly kitten. If it attacked her, she wouldn’t last a minute, with or without her dagger.

A comforting warmth shone in the dragon’s soft yellow eyes as it met her gaze. A feminine voice floated through Kaena’s mind. Kaena, what are you doing here? You should be…

Kaena jumped. Did the dragon just speak to her? How did it know her name?

I should be what?

The dragon looked away. Never mind.

A strange feeling overwhelmed Kaena. She scrutinized the dragon, taking a step toward it. Was this real?

Who are you? How are you inside my mind?

A howl rang in Kaena’s ears. The dragon glanced in the direction of the sound, then back at Kaena, her voice filled with sadness as she shook her head. You shouldn’t be here. You must go. If they find you they’ll…

Several more cries rang out, followed by men’s voices. The dogras were close, hot on the trail of a fugitive.

Fugitive. Realization dawned on Kaena as she looked at the dragon.

"You’re the fugitive they’re after, aren’t you?" She shook her head. Of course you are; you’re a dragon! But…you don’t want them to find me. Why?

The dragon’s eyes trained on the dense foliage surrounding the clearing. If you are discovered with me, you will be guilty of treason.

"Yeah, but why do you even care? You’re a dragon. According to everything I’ve ever been taught, you’re supposed to be a bloodthirsty killer! She paused. But, you’re obviously not, or I’d be dead right now." She stared at the orange dragon for a moment, unable to shake the feeling that she knew her. But that was impossible.

She shook her head. You seem so…familiar to me, like a face in my mind that I can’t put a name to. She searched the dragon’s eyes with her own. "Who are you?"

The dragon looked at her for a moment before letting out a soft, mournful laugh. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you who I was, little one. You wouldn’t remember.

"So I do know you?"

The dragon avoided her question, looking off into the woods again as the dogras howled, uncomfortably close now. She gazed at Kaena once more, her eyes filled with worry. They are coming for me, not you! Please, please leave. I can handle this.

Kaena wasn’t so convinced of that. She had seen the dragon’s wounds…and who knew how many men and beasts she’d have to fight off?

But, if Kaena didn’t leave now, they’d catch her too. And she knew what the penalty for aiding a dragon was.

Alright, I’ll go, but you have to tell me one thing. Kaena paused. What is your name?

The dragon gazed at Kaena, the same wistful look on her face. Finally she replied, with a tone just above a whisper. Latha.

Kaena savored the word, which flowed over her tongue like honey. Latha. That’s pretty. She paused, drumming her fingers on the sides of her dress. Uh, thanks for saving my life. I mean, I thought…but I guess… She laughed nervously and tucked a curl behind her ear. …Thanks.

The dragon simply nodded. Kaena turned and started walking out of the clearing, her mind overwhelmed with what had just happened. A dragon. I just met a dragon. Kaena shook her head as she strode through the forest. I thought they were just a myth…

The more Kaena walked, the more she began to regret leaving the dragon. More questions swirled through her mind. What if I just let a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity go? What if the dragon is captured and killed because of me? Then I’ll never even figure out how she knows me or why she looks familiar. She stopped abruptly, now shocked. What was I thinking?

Kaena whirled around and trotted back the way she’d come, breaking out in a jog and then a full-blown run. Besides all the other reasons for going, she also owed the dragon her life. It was time to return the favor.

The sounds of metal clanging and men yelling filled Kaena’s ears as she approached the clearing. Without thinking, she burst out into the clearing. A mixed group of vicious dogras and armored men surrounded the orange dragon, trying to bring her down. The dragon was fighting valiantly, but was losing the battle. She roared in pain as one of the dogras sunk its teeth into her flesh.

Hey, leave that dragon alone!

One of the men looked over at her and growled. Go home, little girl, before you get in trouble.

Kaena glanced down at the ground, looking for a weapon of some sort that she could use. She noticed a bloody sword on the ground, lying next to a fallen soldier. She picked it up and took a defensive stance, staring down the man. Not a chance.

The man glared and advanced toward her. Kaena took a deep breath. Okay, it’s like a dagger, but bigger. Though, I don’t think throwing it would be a good idea.

The man swung his blade, and on instinct she brought hers up, surprised when she heard the metal clang. She didn’t have a clue what she was doing, but she did it anyway, her blade clashing against her opponent’s as she blocked his blows, even getting in a few of her own. In one surprising counterattack, she spun around and kicked the man’s sword right out of his hand. He gaped openmouthed as the blade hit the ground with a thud.

Kaena stared at it in amazement. I didn’t know I could do that. She resisted the urge to grin at her newfound skill and pointed the sword at the man’s neck. He didn’t seem fazed.

Put down the sword, little girl. You couldn’t kill me if you tried.

Kaena glared at him. Says who? I might. And I’m not a little girl.

In her head, however, Kaena contemplated whether she really could kill a man. Her stomach churned at the thought.

The dragon lashed its tail around and hit the man in the skull, knocking him out. Kaena let out a quiet sigh of relief and turned to help the dragon fight, even as dread sank into her stomach. They didn’t stand a chance of winning. But that didn’t mean they wouldn’t try.

Chapter 2

"A secret hidden long ago

Must one day come to light

Or else the beast will take control

And bring an endless night."

She backed up until she was touching the dragon’s scaly body. There’s no way we can take them all.

"I know."

Kaena blinked, nearly forgetting to dodge. Did the dragon just read her thoughts?

"In their current state, your thoughts are open for anyone to read, little one."

That was unnerving. So…you can read my thoughts.

"In a sense, yes."

"I can talk to you in secret this way?"

"Within a reasonable range, yes."

Kaena thought about the pros and cons of this concept as she dodged yet another blow. Well then, what’s the plan? I’m assuming you have one, because I don’t, and otherwise we’re both going to die. And I know you don’t want that, so—

The dragon’s voice was calm and certain. We kill them all.

This shocked Kaena so much she nearly dropped her sword. What? You can’t just kill them!

"If even one of them escapes, your safety will be compromised."

Kaena struggled to focus on defending herself. Her blows faltered, her mind too greatly disturbed with the thought of killing the men. Yeah, but what’s killing them all going to accomplish? Eventually they’ll come back, in larger numbers too. And killing them would only serve to further their beliefs that dragons are nothing but evil.

The dragon seemed surprised and even amazed. Chaim was right about you. You are wise beyond your years, little one.

What sort of a name is Kai-yum? Kaena wondered. It sounds like someone coughing. She was glad her parents hadn’t named her Chaim.

Kaena risked a quick glance backwards to see how the dragon was doing. That was a foolish mistake. Quicker than she could say ‘dragon dung’, Kaena felt her sword leave her hand, turning her head just in time to see it hit the ground. Her opponent held his sword under her chin and grinned.

Her mind worked quickly. If she could just get the dogra off of the dragon, maybe she could help her. Her mind barely registered the man’s lips moving, presumably asking her a question, or telling her she would be arrested. She was too busy imagining ways out of their predicament.

It hit her then. Sleep. Could she just get the dogras to sleep?

Kaena imagined herself singing a lullaby to a bunch of bloodthirsty dogras and scoffed at the idea. It was an unlikely scenario—though, what else could they do?

The man’s voice sounded distant in her ears now, as if he was speaking through a thick fog. Kaena noticed a strange wisp of color looping above his head, bright red and active, as if it were a playful being. Time seemed to slow around her, and the man’s voice faded away completely. He looked blurry, as if he was just a reflection in the water.

She blinked, wondering if her eyesight was fuzzy. Looking around the clearing, she noticed several more wisps darting to and fro in the air, in varying shades and colors. Her head felt light, as if it was enveloped in a cloud. She watched with curiosity as the wisps began to slow down, making lazy loops as they settled onto the ground.

Her eyes returned to the man in front of her, and she was surprised to find he had fallen at her feet. Her vision began to clear, and she saw the man was not moving. Was he dead? No, his chest was moving, so he was alive, just…sleeping.

Kaena looked around the clearing and found all the men, and the dogras as well, fast asleep on the ground, looking rather peaceful even.

"A good idea, little one."

Kaena wanted to smile at the compliment, which she presumed was directed at her, but she felt exhausted. Her own eyelids grew heavy, a dull throb pulsing in her temple. The ground seemed like a soft pillow, inviting her to lie down upon it and rest. The last thing she saw before passing out was a large orange form moving toward her.

<><><><><>

Her head hurt. That’s all Kaena knew when she first woke up. Slowly, she pushed herself up into a sitting position, stretching and groaning. Where am I?

Blinking to adjust to the light, she looked around. Birds chattered softly from high tree branches, and the ground beneath her crunched as she shifted her positions. Leaves. She was in the forest. But…why?

Kaena rubbed a head on her forehead. It throbbed painfully, like she had been punched in the head and knocked out. She braced her palms against the ground and pushed herself to her feet, feeling a little shaky. What a strange dream.

Kaena shook her head, trying to clear the fog from her mind. She remembered birds and flying colors…but the rest was hazy. There’d also been something orange.

A distant voice shook Kaena from her wonderings. Kaena!

Someone was calling her. She took a small step forward, placing her hand on a nearby tree trunk for balance. Her head still throbbed and her body hurt, but she seemed to be okay.

Right. She wasn’t supposed to be here. She took a deep breath, hoping she wouldn’t get in trouble for her little adventure. What would she tell her mother?

After taking a few more steps and feeling confident she could move normally, Kaena broke into a fast jog. She let her instincts guide her, feeling relieved when she saw her home in the distance through a gap in the trees. She thought up a story to explain her disappearance. She had been…chasing the chicken, right, and then …took a nap in the forbidden forest?

She emerged from the forest just as a tall, lanky figure came running in her direction. Kaena!

Kaena furrowed her brow. Jarden?

Her brother came to a stop right in front of her, a frown on his serious face. His blue eyes narrowed as he stared at her, crossing his arms over his chest. Kaena, what were you doing in there? You know the forest is off-limits!

She looked him over for a moment, blinking. A wry smile crept up her face. Well that’s a nice way to greet your sister whom you haven’t seen in four months. She walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist, her head resting on his chest. Welcome home, big brother.

Jarden stiffened at her gesture, then sighed and laid his arms around her, his voice gruff but affectionate. It’s good to see you too, Kae. He looked down at her sternly. But don’t think this means you’re getting off the hook. Why were you in the forest?

The story she had been concocting disappeared from her mind as she pulled away. I—uh…

Jarden sighed and ran a hand through his thick blond hair, like he always did when he was worried. Kaena, don’t you know how dangerous the forest is? You could’ve been killed!

She bit her lip and looked away. I know, I know. She held her breath and gave him a pleading stare. Could you just, you know, not tell Mother and Father about this?

Jarden looked away, shaking his head. Don’t make me do this, Kae. I’ve already—

Please? She gave him her best sweet-little-sister look, trying not to smile as she saw him melting. I swear…I won’t go in there again, Jarden. I was just trying to catch a chicken that had escaped, honest. And then…I guess I fell asleep.

He sighed. Fine. As he turned away, she heard him mutter under his breath, The things I do for you…

She smiled and gave him another hug. Thank you. She looked up at him, her gaze hopeful. "So, you’re staying, right?

Well…for a while, yeah. He looked around. Where are Mother and Father?

She gestured toward the house. They’re in there. Mother’s probably cooking dinner, and Father’s been in his study all day.

At the mention of food, Jarden grinned. Then let’s not waste any more time out here. Let’s go inside. I need to wash up and get settled, and then we can talk. He began walking in long strides through the field. Uncle has some important business in town and said I could stay here until it’s finished.

What sort of ‘important business’?

Jarden shrugged. I don’t know…he didn’t tell me.

They both fell silent. Kaena focused on taking long enough strides to keep up with Jarden. He’d grown again, hadn’t he?

She looked up at him, judging the distance between the top of her head and his. Yeah, now she was just level with his shoulder. She straightened, trying to appear taller. Jarden caught her eye and grinned. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

As they walked on, Jarden started whistling a low, familiar tune. Kaena wondered if she should tell him about what had happened in the forest, dream or not. She’d have to sort that out for herself later.

They walked through the gate, and Jarden stopped for a moment to say hi to their farm animals, petting them and murmuring praise. Kaena couldn’t help but smile. She loved how friendly he was with them.

They finally reached the door and Jarden stepped in front so he could hold it open for her. Once they were inside, he called out loudly, I’m home!

A crash sounded in the kitchen, and a small, plump woman came bustling out, wiping her hands on her flowered apron. Her black hair was up in a neat bun, and she beamed as she held out her arms to embrace her son. Oh, oh Jarden! Is it really you? I can’t believe you’re home!

He smiled and bent over to hug her. It’s good to see you, Mother.

A deep voice called down from above. Who’s home?

Her mother cupped her hands to her mouth. Dale, Jarden’s home!

Jarden? Heavy footfall sounded as her father descended the stairs, his ginger hair disheveled like it always was when he was working. He grinned when he saw Jarden. Welcome home, son!

Jarden gave his father a hug as Elisse gaped at Kaena. "What in the name of heaven did you do to your dress?"

Kaena looked down at the stains on her outfit and exhaled slowly. Oh, that. I…tripped. She bit her lip, hoping her mother wouldn’t question her further.

Jarden and Dale began walking toward the dining room. Kaena started to follow, eager for an excuse to get away, but a hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her. Elisse shook her head, still examining Kaena’s dress. "Well, we’ll deal with that later. Right now I need your help in the kitchen."

Kaena threw a pleading gaze toward her brother as she was pulled away. He gave her a sympathetic smile and a shrug before turning to hear whatever Dale had to say.

Kaena sighed. She followed her mother into the kitchen and nearly stepped in a pile of broken china.

Oh, I was so excited when I heard Jarden’s voice that I dropped the plate! Elisse made a clicking noise with her tongue as she moved about, preparing the meal. Would you mind cleaning that up for me, dear?

Kaena stifled a sigh. Not at all. She grabbed a broom from the corner and began to sweep up the broken pieces, careful to get the ones under the counter as well. As she worked, Elisse chattered excitedly.

I’m so glad that Jarden decided to come home. I was beginning to think he’d left us for good. Her voice took on a worried tone as she spun to face her daughter. We’re only having chicken tonight, is that good enough? Oh I do wish I would have known ahead of time; I could have fixed up a proper meal. But oh, it is so nice to be surprised! She beamed and continued her cooking, not even bothering to see if Kaena had answered.

Kaena finished disposing of the broken plate and put the broom back. It’ll be fine, Mother. We all like chicken.

Elisse nodded. "Yes, but it isn’t very special, dear. For such an occasion, I would have preferred to fix a special meal."

Kaena shook her head, laughing silently. She started to head out the door but was stopped once again.

Kaena, where do you think you’re going? I need you to help me with dinner. Elisse gave her daughter an admonitory stare. You’re getting to be a woman now, and it’s high time you start learning to do a woman’s job, for when you have your own house to care for. She shooed Kaena away from the door. Now, wash up so you can help me carry these dishes. Your hands are filthy!

Kaena rolled her eyes and trudged toward the wash basin. She drowned out Elisse’s chatter as she plunged her hands into the warm, soapy water, scrubbing off layers of dirt. Getting to be a woman now, huh? Well, I’d rather be in the forest than in here doing ‘a woman’s job’.

Once they were thoroughly clean, Kaena shook her hands vigorously, spraying water droplets everywhere. Elisse continued to prattle on, something about the market and bargains she had gotten, as she was often inclined.

And that’s what I said. Elisse turned and set a stack of plates in Kaena’s arms. I told him I wouldn’t pay a penny more, and you know what he did? Elisse poked her head into a cupboard, her voice muffled until she pulled it back out. …Now who would decline such a generous offer? She stared at Kaena. Well what are you doing still standing there? The table won’t set itself!

Her cheeks burning, Kaena hurried through the door, breathing a sigh of relief once she was out of the kitchen.

Mother could talk the ear off a horse. Kaena stepped into the dining room. Her father was leaning back in his chair, legs propped up on the table, arms folded behind his head as he talked. Jarden sat across the table from him, listening intently and nodding.

Kaena quickly slid the plates into place and sat between the two men. Dale turned his attention to her. Ah, there’s my pretty girl! How’s your day been, Kaena?

Fine, Father. She smiled, and the two men returned to their conversation.

Elisse came bustling into the room a moment later to announce that dinner was just about done. Kaena suppressed a giggle when she saw her mother plant her hands on her hips, staring down her father.

Dalend Armae! Get your dirty shoes off my table!

Dale quickly complied, seeing his wife's infuriated expression. She whipped out a rag and scrubbed the offending area with brisk ferocity. Then she gave a satisfied nod before marching back to the kitchen to get the food.

A moment later, heavenly aromas wafted into the room, rich and warm. Jarden inhaled deeply and sighed. Is that chicken I smell?

Elisse walked into the dining room, holding a large platter of steaming food. Yes, it is. If I’d known you were coming I would have made something special, but—

It’s fine, Mother, really. Besides, anything you cook is sure to be delicious. He gave her a charming smile.

Elisse smiled back as she set the dish on the table, then sat her plump bottom on the seat next to her husband.

Kaena leaned over and nudged Jarden in the side, whispering teasingly. Flatterer.

He just grinned, focusing his attention on Elisse, who began dishing out the food.

Once everyone was served, Dale said a quick prayer, and they began to eat.

So, Jarden, how’s your job going? Elisse asked, delicately placing a bite of food in her mouth.

Hmm? Jarden looked up from his rather large bite, another on his fork already halfway to his mouth. He swallowed and said, Oh, it’s been…good, before shoveling another two bites into his open maw. Elisse gave him a disapproving stare, and he slowed down. Sorry.

Dale laughed. Is that all we get? Just ‘good’? Nothing exciting has happened?

Jarden shrugged. Not really.

There was a pause. Elisse turned to Kaena. And what about you? What have you been doing all day?

Kaena swallowed. Uh, I was just walking around. It’s a lovely day, you know. She lowered her head and put another bite of food in her mouth before more questions could be asked.

The rest of the meal was eaten in silence. Once they had finished, Elisse rubbed her hands together. "Well, shall I go fetch the pie now?

Oh yes, please. Dale leaned back and rubbed his bulging belly.

Actually, I think I’ll pass. Jarden stretched his arms above his head. Seeing Elisse’s worried expression, he reassured her. I’m just tired from my journey.

Oh, of course, dear. Elisse stood and began stacking dishes, as