Dragon Storm: Skye and Soulsinger E-Book

Alastair Chisholm

• Herausgeber: Nosy Crow
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Serie: Dragon Storm
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 67

Beschreibung

The eighth book in a thrilling, magical, and action-packed new fantasy series, illustrated throughout and perfect for 7-9 year olds! In the land of Draconis, there are no dragons. Once, there were. Once, humans and dragons were friends, and created the great city of Rivven together. But then came the Dragon Storm, and the dragons retreated from the world of humans. To the men and women of Draconis, they became legends and myth. When Princess Skye returns to Rivven she discovers a city in chaos. After an attack by the fearsome dragon Firedreamer, everyone is preparing to go to war with the Dragonseer Guild! But Skye knows the Guild is not a threat, and something is terribly wrong. Can she find her own dragon, Soulsinger, and stop this war before dragons disappear forever? The eighth book in an exciting new fantasy series from the highly acclaimed author of Orion Lost, brilliantly illustrated throughout, and perfect for fans of Beast Quest and Dragon Mountain.

Leseprobe

 

Also in the series:

TOMAS AND IRONSKIN

CARA AND SILVERTHIEF

ELLIS AND PATHSEEKER

MIRA AND FLAMETELLER

KAI AND BONESHADOW

ERIN AND ROCKHAMMER

CONNOR AND LIGHTSPIRIT

ROYAL PROCLAMATION:

There are dragons in the land of Draconis.

The evil lands of Venn and Borolo are

sending dragons against us. His Royal

Highness Prince Harald has seized an

enemy dragon. He is the Dragon Prince

and the one true Dragonseer.

All hail Prince Harald!

Report all dragon sightings. Failure to do

so is treason. Protecting other dragons is

treason. Refusing an order from

Prince Harald is treason.

Obey your King. Obey Prince Harald.

Draconis forever.

SKYE

In Skye’s dream she was flying a dragon.

She was in the cool air high above Rivven, looking down at the houses, market stalls, smithies and farms that made up the city. She could see the Royal Palace below, with its white walls and towers, and tiny fluttering flags.

She was sitting on the back of a large dragon. He had a long neck, and his back was pale blue from nose to tail. His wings were spread wide, riding the air currents like a bird. His back was warm, his skin smooth and dry.

A dragon! thought Skye. But strangely she wasn’t scared. It was like something she remembered, like hearing a tune from long ago…

The dragon turned his head and looked at her. He had soft ears like an owl, pale brown eyes and a long snout, and when Skye saw him she felt an odd happiness. “Hello,” she said.

The dragon nodded. “Help me,” he said.

Skye frowned. “What?”

“Help me!”

He lurched and suddenly tumbled through the air, and Skye yelped. She wrapped her arms round his neck as he fell down towards the city, towards the palace!

“Stop!” she shouted. “What are you doing? Stop!”

“HELP ME!” he roared, his voice fierce and wild. The palace roof hurtled towards them, and Skye screamed—

“Ma’am?”

Skye blinked and woke up. In front of her was Moira, her maid, looking worried.

“Ma’am, are you all right?”

Skye rubbed her face. “I was dreaming,” she said, yawning. She looked around. “Are we there yet?”

Moira smiled. “Nearly.” She leaned back so Skye could see out of the window.

They were in a carriage heading along the South Road. The road was smooth and the carriage swayed gently as they moved. Skye’s guards rode ahead and behind, and the air was full of the clip-clop of horses and the jingle of their harnesses. Ahead lay the city of Rivven, glinting and beautiful in the bright autumn sunshine. Rising from the centre was the Palace Rock, and above it the Royal Palace.

“I always forget how good Rivven looks,” said Skye.

Moira nodded. “It was lovely staying at Lady Crimson’s lodge,” she said, “but I miss the old streets here.” She smiled at Skye. “Have you had a nice holiday, ma’am?”

It wasn’t a question a maid would normally ask, but Moira was only a year or two older than Skye, and as close as Skye had to a proper friend. Moira could get away with saying things to Skye that others wouldn’t dare to, and Skye felt she could tell Moira things that she couldn’t say to anyone else.

Skye shrugged. “It was fine,” she said. “Lady Crimson’s nice. But we both know I was only there because Father didn’t know what to do with me over the summer.”

“We missed all the summer festivals,” said Moira sadly. “Except the Maze Festival, remember?”

Skye nodded but didn’t answer.

Moira gazed up at the palace. “I wonder what else we’ve missed?”

The carriage rolled through the gates of Rivven, past the city guards in their polished armour, and the crowds started cheering. Skye smiled awkwardly at them from the window, and waved now and then. She always found this embarrassing, and it didn’t help that Moira, hidden in the shadows, was laughing and pulling faces.

They made their way up the curving road that led to the palace, leaving the crowds behind. As they reached the main gate, Skye realised the guards were different. They wore black uniforms with silver flames embroidered on their sleeves, and they didn’t salute as the carriage arrived, but stared ahead, scowling with grim faces. Skye frowned. Had something happened?

They reached the palace steps, and Skye frowned again. Her brother, Prince Harald, was waiting for them. But where was Father?

Harald smiled as Skye stepped down from the carriage. “Hello, sister,” he said, bowing.

“Hello,” said Skye.

Harald had a friendly smile. He looked as if everything he saw made him happy. Sometimes Skye thought she must look very grumpy next to him. Everyone agreed he was handsome, with blond hair swept back from a strong face and clear blue eyes. He wore a red tunic decorated with silver thread, and pale calfskin gloves. “How was your holiday?”

“Fine,” said Skye.

There was a slightly awkward pause. When Skye was younger, she used to adore her big brother. He would joke with her, tease her and play hide-and-seek, cheer her up and protect her. But recently things had changed. He still smiled all the time, and still teased her – but his jokes had become a little cruel, she thought. Everyone else still loved him, though…

“Where’s Father?”

Harald raised his hands as if to say sorry. “Unable to join us just now,” he said. “There have been some changes here. Once you’re settled in, I’ll tell you all about them.”

“Is anything the matter?” asked Skye, suddenly worried. “Is he all right?”

“Everything is fine,” said Harald, grinning. “Our enemies have shown themselves, but we are more powerful than they thought.” This sounded alarming, but Harald rubbed his hands together as if looking forward to a feast. “Everything is going wonderfully!”

His gloves slipped a little, and Skye noticed the skin underneath.

“What happened to your arms?” she asked. “They’re very red. Did you burn yourself?”

Harald shook his head and straightened his gloves. “Nothing you need worry about, little sister,” he said. His voice was light, but there was something about the way he said “little sister” that set Skye’s teeth on edge.

“Well … whatever,” she snapped. “I’m tired. I’m going to my rooms.” She turned to see Moira organising the servants and sorting out her things. When she turned back to Harald, he was already walking away.

Skye’s chambers had been prepared for her return. A fire burned in the hearth, the dust had been swept away, and the curtains were open, revealing a view over Rivven. Skye could see the streets stretching out, and beyond them the southern hills and the great River Seek that ran through the city and out to sea.

This was the land of Draconis, and Skye, daughter of King Godfic, was its princess.

Skye loved Rivven, and Draconis. It was an ancient land with a proud history, and she was proud to be part of it. She wanted to be more part of it – but King Godfic didn’t think that was right for a princess. Instead, he sent her to finishing schools, or to people like Lady Crimson, to practise being a pretty princess. Once upon a time, Harald would have stood up for her, and persuaded Father to let her join him in sword practice and horse riding. But these days…

Moira bustled in suddenly behind her. “Ma’am, you’ll never guess what’s happened!”

Skye turned in surprise. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s been an attack!” Moira said. “Last week, the king was attacked! And Lord Smale has been arrested!”

Skye gaped at Moira in astonishment. “What?”

Moira panted. She looked like she’d been running. “And there’s more! Right here, in the palace, there’s—”

There was a knock at the door, and Prince Harald entered. He glanced at Moira, then smiled at Skye.

“Father will see you now,” he said.

FIRE-DREAMER