Dragon’s Keep

by Draconic Spirit

Chapter One

Dakota was exhausted. Sweat poured down her face and neck. Time was running out for the people behind her and herself. The people she was trying to save wouldn’t be able to stop the fire raging toward them. A young man reached for the old couple, pulling them up. The stone wall blocked their path forward and a fire raged at their backs. She turned and braced herself for what she had to face. Trembling, she summoned up the last of her power.

The blast quickly approached Dakota. There was no way she would be able to get out of the way of the roaring fireball in time. Lifting her hands, she quickly erected a shield to protect the people that huddled behind her. The old man held an old woman close. The young man stood determinedly in front of the couple. Kota braced herself for the impact.

The fire hit her shield and a fierce wind whipped at her hair. She gritted her teeth, clenching her lower lip between her teeth in concentration. Sweat dripped down the side of her face. Kota fell to her knees, desperately trying to maintain her barrier. She summoned up the last of her reserves to spread her shield to protect the people at the cost of exposing herself to the raging inferno. She screamed as the fire burned her skin. Kota slowly sank to the ground exhausted. Her last thought before darkness overcame her was of the people that she fought to protect.

“Dakota, wake up.” A stern, childish voice intruded. Kota tossed an arm over her eyes.

“Go ‘way.” Her voice muffled while she burrowed under the covers.

“Mother said to get up.” The owner of the voice pulled the covers off of Kota.

“Fine, I’m up, Nevada. You can tell Mother I’m up.”

The young girl scampered off shouting, “Kota’s up! Kota’s up!” Dakota stretched as she climbed out of bed. She pulled on a threadbare robe and sat before her mirror. She ran her fingers through her blond-streaked, light brown hair. Picking up the brush, she contemplated her dream.

She’d been having the same dream for a week now. It was the same every time: her versus a raging inferno while people looked on. It just didn’t make sense. One couldn’t block fire at will. And why was she risking her life for people she didn’t know.

Frustrated, Kota placed her brush on the table and left her room. She walked into to the dining room to be confronted by her stepmother’s cheerful greeting.

“Good morning, Dakota.” Her stepmother’s ever bubbly voice brought a smile to her face. She could always rely on her to make things seem brighter.

“Morning, Mother.” Kota sat down next to her fidgeting sister and grabbed a pear from the basket on the table. She took a bite, savoring the juicy flavor of the succulent fruit. Her stepmother grabbed a piece of fruit and handed it to Nevada and then took one for herself.

A few moments passed while they silently ate their light breakfast. Nevada’s mother picked up a folded piece of paper from the table and handed it to Dakota. “A messenger brought this by early this morning, Dakota. It’s from your father.”

“A letter from Papa? He’s never sent a letter before.” Dakota broke the wax seal and opened the letter. She briefly scanned the letter, before turning towards her mother. “He wants me to join him at the capitol.”

“Does he say anything else, Dakota?”

“He wants to talk about Mama.” Dakota looked at her stepmother with a raised eyebrow.

“Kota, who’s mama?” Nevada tugged at Dakota’s sleeve. She gave her stepmother a pleading look.

“Go ahead and get ready to go to your father’s place at the capitol. I’ll explain to Nevada.” The woman gently took Nevada aside, while Dakota left to pack a travel bag. “Come along, sweetheart. Mother will explain who Mama is.”

Kota changed into a comfortable traveling ensemble and packed a few travel essentials into a small carry pack before proceeding to the stables. There she found the coachman prepping the coach for her trip. The footman assisted her into the conveyance. Dakota settled herself comfortably on the thinly cushioned seat. She was thankful the trip would be less than two hours.

She watched the neighboring fields go by through the curtained window. This part of the country always seemed to be boring. She just couldn’t place why. The fields just didn’t hold any meaning to her other than they provided food for the table. She couldn’t find anything interesting in how that food was provided.

Dakota wondered what her father wanted to tell her about her mother. Her mother, Sierra, had been gone from their lives since she turned twelve. All she could remember of Sierra was her large dark blue eyes and her smile. Her mother was always smiling and laughing.

Her father married Nevada’s mother a year after Sierra died and Nevada was born a year after that. She loved Mother and Nevada, but there was always a piece of her missing. She was discontented with her life. Dakota just didn’t know why she felt this way. Maybe she would find a purpose after talking to her father. The two hours passed slowly while Dakota contemplated her life.

The coach pulled up at the front of her small house that her father used while in town. Her father was waiting on the steps while Kota alighted from the carriage. She flung herself into his waiting arms.

“Papa!” She stepped back and grinned up at him.

“Dakota, I’m so glad you came.” He embraced his daughter tightly. He held her at arm’s length, pride shining in his eyes. “You’re so much like your mother. She would be proud of you.” A shade of sorrow passed through his eyes. “Let’s talk in my office.” He became serious as he ushered her inside.

Dakota followed her father into his small, homey office that appeared to be a small library. There were many shelves packed tightly with books on the latest political scene to books of fairy tales that Sierra used to read to her when she was little. She sat on the oversized couch running her hand over the surface, remembering the last time she and Sierra sat on this very couch, reading stories about dragons and magic. She loved those stories more than anything.

She looked up expectantly at her father when he sat next to her holding a heavily creased piece of paper. “Papa, why did you want to talk about Mama today?”

“A letter arrived addressed to you from Sierra. Her people had been holding onto it for the past six years.” He handed Dakota the piece of paper. She opened the letter and gazed at the writing with tears in her eyes. Her mother had left a letter for her. The writing was still legible after six years.

My Dearest Dakota,

I wish I could have helped you become the beautiful young lady I’m sure you are. Due to circumstances beyond my control, your father raised you alone. Though I am no longer with you in body, I have been watching over you in spirit.

I arranged for this letter is to be delivered to your father for you. I want you to follow your heart regarding the information I have for you.

Kota, I want you to visit the mountain home of my people. You can find them in the small town of Frontera on Frost Mountain. An old friend of mine has been keeping something of mine for you. Tell them you are the daughter of Sierra, they will understand.

After that, I wish for you to seek the wind. He will possess wind magic. To find the wind mage, seek the weapons master, Master Roderick. He will lead you to the wind. Please strive to protect the defenseless. Great things come from those that stand against evil. I know this doesn’t make much sense now, but one day you will understand.

I love you and your father so much. You both brought joy to my life even when my end was near. Goodbye and remember I love you.

Love, Mama.

“Papa, Mama wants me to visit her people.” She looked up at her father with tears streaming down her face. “And find a Master Roderick and a wind mage.” She looked confused about the last part. “Who’s Master Roderick?”

“Don’t know a Master Roderick or what a wind mage is. Your mother’s people will most likely know the answer to those questions.”

“Do you think I should go, Papa?”

“You should at least visit Sierra’s people. The rest is up to you.” Dakota nodded her head slowly.

“But, Papa, how do I find Mama’s people?”

Her father went over to the desk and pulled out a small scrap of leather. He handed the scrap to Dakota. “This is the map your mother gave me when we first met. It will lead you to her people.”

“Thank you, Papa.” She hugged him. “I guess I’ll leave tomorrow morning. Today is for you.” He smiled warmly at his oldest child.

“What say you and I go for a ride, Kota?” She looked up excited despite her tear streaked face.

“I would love it. Let’s go, Papa.” The two exited the study and headed for the stables.