Jekka Jones [Jones - Invasion and Dragons

The Wizards Seal

Part II

Invasions and Dragons

Jekka Jones

Wizards Seal: Invasions and Dragons

Copyright 2018 by Jekka Jones

All rights reserved

Cover by Mandi Davies

Edited by Nick May and Alexandria Melone from TypeRight Editing

This book is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, or events are fictitious or the products of the authors imagination. Any resemblance to actual events, places, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

ISBN13: 978-1727093544

ISBN-10: 1727093542

To CB

The first person

to read and edit the first draft

it was rough, so thanks a ton!

Chapter 1

It was a beautiful garden, thick with vegetation but organized to look like a tamed forest. The maple, cherry, and hycamore trees reached above the ambassador suites, almost concealing the tiled roofs so the garden appeared even larger than it was. Pebbled pathways wandered among the trees and bushes, twisting and turning like any path in the woods. Many sections of the path broke off to hug the shoreline of an hourglass shaped pond that sat in the middle. A red bridge spanned the narrowest part of the pond, arching gracefully to the center and down again to the opposite bank. Small shrines devoted to the Tsuregan gods dotted the garden, standing beneath slender cherry trees or atop flat rocks protruding from the ponds surface. Large gold, orange, and white fish swam lazily in the pond, breaking the surface as they lunged for the dragonflies skimming above. It was just as secluded and peaceful as any forest, and the perfect place for a young couple to escape the stares and gossip of the palace.

They lounged in the shade of a cherry tree. The young mans gaze wandered around the garden, his hazel eyes occasionally pausing on the windows just visible through the foliage, studying the opaque glass for movement before moving on. His companion leaned against his side, fiddling with the sleeve of his tunic. At first glance, the young man and woman appeared as any other noble. The young man wore a deep green tunic belted at the waist and plain black trousers. The woman wore a lavender dress that spread around her in a puddle of silk fabric.

What I dont understand, said Myra, drawing Landons attention away from a second-story windowit was well positioned to see anyone in the garden, is if the meeting isnt until noon, why do you have to be all dressed up for it? Its just a fancy tunic with a fancy belt. She took the corner of Landons sleeve, embroidered with silver, and rubbed it between her fingers. Its not like those glorified bathrobes the Tsuregans wear.

Dad thinks its important for me to look the part of an ambassadors son when Im in public, Landon answered, scowling. His father, Diego, had insisted that Landon stand in the middle of his room while he and three other servants dressed and undressed him like a doll. Landons adopted father, Eli, had sat in a chair and voiced his opinion on each outfit. Landon had thought it wouldnt take very long, especially with Elis involvement, but both fathers had been determined that their son appear strong and regal. To Landons embarrassment, it had taken three hours before both of his fathers had settled on the tunic. It was an ordeal he was not going to share in detail with Myra.

I tried reminding him that were Nircanian now, Landon continued, but he said the kings dont see it that way. So, Im wearing this. It was the only thing that didnt make me look like a fooland wasnt purple.

Myra chortled. They do like purple, dont they? She traced her finger over a swirl of silver embroidery. I have a bunch of dresses thatre either too low in the front or too low in the back in my room. I asked for one of those bathrobes, but apparently thats too formal for a Nircanian.

Landon looked at Myras dress. You managed to find a decent one by the looks of it, he pointed out. It had a modest neckline embroidered with little silver flowers that crept along the sleeves and bodice. The lavender color made her eyes bluer than Landon had ever seen. You look beautiful.

Myra smiled. Sierra found it in her room and suggested I wear it because it didnt fit her. She kept saying that the more I look like a lady, the less the nobles will bother me. She rolled her eyes. I have no idea why they would insist on me wearing this thing. Its not like I want to impress a nobleman or something. She gave Landon a sly look, and he grinned back.

You better not. Ill stick them in the pond before they can get anywhere near you, he said to Myras giggles. He emphasized his point by tickling her. Youre my forever girl!

Your girl? Myra said, trying to counterattack by poking him. Excuse me, my lord , but I dont belong to anyone!

Landon dodged her fingers as best he could, but the tree he was sitting against made it difficult to evade Myra. Did you forget about all those stinky noblesow! Landon grabbed his right side where Myras finger had jabbed it, doubling over and grimacing in pain.

Im sorry! I didnt know your stomach still hurts, Myra said quickly, snatching her hands back.

Landon looked up into her concerned face, an impish grin curling the corner of his mouth. Myras worried expression melted into disapproval. She shoved him, sending him sprawling in the grass. Landon burst out laughing.

Its not funny, Lan! Myra whispered angrily. Youre supposed to fake it with the samurai, not me.

Couldnt resist, Landon replied, pushing himself upright again. Two and a half weeks of rest had allowed him to regain his strength after the hard journey to Tsuregi. The only symptom he experienced from the journey and when hed been imprisoned in Menrye was a shortness of breath, but only if he tried to run for more than a few minutes.

This fact, however, was kept from the samurai. Although every king was eager to see Landon, he and his family had taken full advantage of his condition to avoid banquets and balls. Once Landon began showing improvements, requests for him and his family to attend the banquets had come pouring in. Not wanting to deal with the whispers behind his back and open stares, Landon had continued to pretend that his stomach was hurting him. Hed done such a convincing job that the palace physicians were fooled. They kept bringing him tonics, which he pretended to take and then dumped the contents in the chamber pot or near-empty wine jug. His family and friends knew what he was doing and played along.

What did the doctor say this morning? Myra asked. Will he excuse you from the council?

Landon shrugged. It was Kobayashi again, and I think hes onto me. He asked if I tried walking for more than an hour, and when I said no, he told me to give it a trypretty much ordered me to spend the entire morning in the garden.

Ah, said Myra, nodding her head. So thats why you wanted to sit down for a bit. I thought you were being romantic.

That was the original intention; Kobayashis request was just a bonus.

Myra pecked a kiss on the corner of his mouth. Look a little more tired, just in case hes watching. I dont want you stuck in a room all day with those murderers. I was so hoping the storms would slow them down, but, she pulled a sour face, they didnt. The Borikans made it here on time.

Landon suppressed a shudder at her words. King Jerich Issachar of Menrye, the last of the kings traveling to Tsuregi, had arrived four days ago with Kennin, Sayre, and Niklas Drakshu. King Katsunaka had thrown a large banquet, supposedly the largest ever, to celebrate all six kings presence in Tsuregi. Landon had pretended that his stomach hurt so much that he couldnt move, allowing his parents to stay and tend him. He didnt want to meet anyone, especially the Menrians. The last time Landon had been in the same room as one of the Drakshus was when Kennin had officially handed him over to Angen Hastril for the Twins Revenge.