Chapter 10
Chapter
Ten
The wind whipped passed Wraith’s face as he rode on the back of Konrad in his dragon form. The large green dragon beat his wings as they soared above the Island of the Way of the Dove.
Everything appears so different from on high.
Wraith sat up straight, scanning the mountains, valleys, and forests. He saw a human leading a horse and wagon loaded with produce down a dirt road. Further on, a man and woman walked arm-in-arm together.
But not everything was different from this high up. He could still see the dead, meandering around.
And in certain places, the landscape radiated with power where death had leaked into the ground and remained. These spots spoke of bloody battles or deadly plagues or any event that had resulted in the death of many. They would be strong places for necromancers to practice their arts.
And if Wraith were down there, he could assist those stuck on this side to pass on. In his experience, these were spots where spirits often remained and needed help.
They flew on, passing over people, ghosts, and landscapes. It all looked so beautiful from this high up. Wraith lifted his hands up and out, feeling the cold breeze rushing between his fingers. His lungs expanded, muscles relaxing. He tilted his head to the sky.
I am flying! I am flying in the air like a bird!
It was exhilarating. And freeing. He’d never guessed how glorious it would feel.
Then Konrad’s head swung back around. He looked at Wraith. Immediately, Wraith dropped his arms and gripped the pommel. He schooled his features. Konrad turned back.
The flight was less enjoyable knowing the dragon you rode didn’t like you. He stared down at the green scales, which shone in the sunlight. He wished to touch them and feel the texture.
But Konrad would not wish for Wraith’s touch. So Wraith remained still.
I just need to be competent today. Prove my worth and usefulness. Then maybe he’ll like me. Or maybe he’ll at least hate me less.
They approached a small fishing village. Wraith leaned forward.
A large crowd congregated by the harbour. People walked around carrying baskets loaded with fish. And there were even more fish filling trays and laid out on tables. The scent of grilled fish rose into the air. A group of musicians played whilst villagers danced in a square.
This must be the festivities.
Konrad landed in a clear space by the harbour. Children sprinted towards them. The adults came at a more respectable, although still rushed, pace, no doubt wanting to see a real dragon up close.
Wraith unstrapped himself and climbed off Konrad’s back. He removed the harness and took off the pack that Konrad wore. He stepped back.
The air shimmered and grew thick around Konrad. The scent of smoke filled Wraith’s nostrils. Konrad’s neck retracted. Limbs shifted, becoming smaller and thinner. Wings disappeared. Scales turned to skin. He went from all fours to standing on two human legs.
Gasps escaped the crowd. Finally, Konrad stood in his full naked glory.
Wraith sucked in a breath. Konrad’s muscles bulged. He stood tall. His brown skin shone in the sunlight. He pushed a hand through his short hair, and Wraith’s mouth dried.
His future spouse was so handsome. Wraith could have rejoiced to go to bed with him and enjoy their living bodies. And Konrad’s arms looked so strong too. If they wrapped around Wraith, he’d feel so safe and cared for, in a way he never had before.
But Konrad hated him. The wedding night would not be something to look forward to. Because Konrad would not wish to bed him. So the best Wraith could hope for was quick.
But what if Konrad was cruel?
Konrad glanced at him, eyes narrowing. And Wraith realised he’d forgotten what he was meant to do.
He’d been so busy staring at Konrad with his broad chest, rippling muscles, and thick thighs.
He reached into the pack and pulled out a green robe.
He dashed forward, shoving the pile of fabric at Konrad.
With a slow breath, Konrad plucked the robe from Wraith’s hand and lifted it up, shaking it out. Then, without rushing or being in any way embarrassed that everyone could see his beautiful naked body, plump arse, and lovely cock, he slowly wrapped the robe around him and buttoned it closed.
Konrad lifted his chin and smiled at the crowd. “I, King Konrad of Draconia, and my betrothed, Shadow Prince Wraith of Necros, are here on behalf of the Monks of the Way of the Dove on this most festive day.”
Cheers and claps followed Konrad’s declaration. Everyone hung off the dragon king’s words. However, a couple of dead men sat on the edge of a pier, fishing, paying Konrad and Wraith no interest.
“I caught something!” one of them shouted.
The other jumped up, watching the non-existent line tighten.
The first fisherman reeled in the line, the other leaning over him.
With great struggle, as well as lots of shouting and laughing, the first fisherman pulled a fish from the water.
It was not a real fish, of course. They’d created it with their memories, like they’d created the fishing lines.
The fishermen laughed and clapped each other on the back.
“We’ll eat well tonight!” the second fisherman said.
Perhaps fishing was what these two men had most loved to do in life.
Maybe they did not want to lose it by moving on.
So they remained. Wraith did not like to force the unwilling on.
Not if they were happy here. Still, he would have liked to talk to them to see if they needed assistance from him. He would have done it if he were alone.
Suddenly, Wraith realised Konrad and the crowd stared at him.
How long have they been doing that? He looked around, searching for some clue as to what he’d missed to cause this sudden attention.
Konrad cleared his throat. “The bait box, please, Shadow Prince Wraith,” he said, voice clipped.
“Oh. Of course.” He reached into the pack and pulled out one of the boxes. He ran forward and handed it to Konrad and then stepped back.
I need to focus. I need to be helpful and competent so Konrad stops hating me.
Holding the box, Konrad turned to the crowd and smiled in a way he had never smiled at Wraith.
A woman dressed in a giant fish costume walked towards Konrad.
“I am Bernadette, queen of fishes.” That would explain the fabric crown on her head. And why she was dressed like a giant fish. The woman bowed. “Thank you, King Konrad and Shadow Prince Wraith, for this gift. We gladly accept it.”
“You are very welcome. We wish you a prosperous haul today and for the year ahead,” Konrad said.
She smiled at Konrad. Then glanced at Wraith. Konrad looked at him too.
Wraith stilled. Was he meant to say something? Do something?
Konrad turned away. “We must continue on. Thank you for having us, Queen Bernadette of the fishes.” He bowed, and the crowds cheered.
Then he removed his robe. Wraith ran forward to collect it as Konrad shifted. Wraith then attached the harness and pack. He climbed on and strapped himself in. They took off, and the crowd cheered.
Wraith’s gaze returned to the dead fishermen. They danced and crowed on the dock, holding up a fish. It seemed they’d caught another non-existent fish.
Wraith smiled at the sight of them.
They flew on to the next location, which appeared much the same as the first. They landed by the harbour, and the crowds moved in to greet them.
As Konrad closed his robe, he said, voice low so the crowd could not here, “Try and act like my betrothed this time. Not like my servant.”
Wraith blinked. “What do you mean?” He’d seen many servants. He didn’t think he’d ever acted like one.
Konrad let out a breath. “Stand beside me, not behind, and act like we are both presenting the bait to the village. Not I’m presenting it and you’re assisting.”
He glanced into Wraith’s face, which no doubt did not instil confidence, since Wraith still did not fully comprehend what Konrad wanted of him.
“Just do as you normally would as a prince dealing with civilians!” Konrad said, clearly exasperated.
Well, that was even more confusing. He’d had no proper role in any functions involving civilians. Anytime his presence was required, he just stood there and shut up. That was what was wanted of him.
Wraith opened his mouth, about to explain that.
But Konrad turned away. He walked towards the crowd. “Good afternoon. I, King Konrad of Draconia, and my betrothed, Shadow Prince Wraith of Necros, are here on behalf of the Monks of the Way of the Dove on this festive day.”