NO ONE CAN ESCAPE THIS FLAME ....

“A son ... I have a son!” called out the nobleman. He beamed at the new born, who kicked his feet under an embroidered gold fabric.

“How is my wife?” he asked the servant.

“She is expecting you in her chamber sire.”

He bolted from the nursery as the servant tucked the loosened corner of the blanket. She kissed the baby on the head and stepped into the adjoining room.

Hours later, a balmy breeze caressed the castle along with the leather-clad man scaling the eastern wall. A drop of sweat glistened from his brow as he inched closer to the third floor’s open window. 

Arm and leg muscles strained to their limit as he hoisted himself onto the ledge. After wiping his brow, he dropped and landed on the hard stone floor with an echoed thump. 

He pricked his ears for any sudden movement. A twisted rope hung from  from his left shoulder. He tied the end to a large dresser and threw the bulk out the window.

With the agility of a mountain lion, he crept toward his prey, sleeping in the carved oak bed. A callused hand swept away the delicate lace curtain. A grin etched his stubbled face. “You, little sire, are mine now.” He scooped up the child and raced across the room, leapt onto the window sill, and shimmied down the rope into the moonless night.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *

“Look!” Scorpius points to a leathery-winged dragon setting fire to a turret on the nobleman’s castle located in the Eight Dominion.

“No one is safe, not even the high born, “ the falconer said to his apprentice. “Now get back to your duties.”

“Serves them right,” muttered Scorpius. “They hide their monstrous behavior under their velvet robes and flashing jewels.” He pumped the wheel with his legs and began to sharpen his master’s blade. He glanced out the window and the dragon set fire to another turret. “A least the dragon is honest about who his is.”

“No need to think about the royals and their problems. In this cottage you are safe. I am off, so do not leave. That is an order.”

“Yes, master.” Scorpius wondered where his master disappeared for hour after hour. He had hoped one day he would journey with him and discover his secret world.

The day had come .... Scorpious’ world turned upside down in one fleeting moment. He was now in the service of the House of Pruzhnino. Court life was nothing like he had suspected ...  

BOUND by DRAGONFYRE .., A novel by Julia Phillips Smith

Featured on Amazon: 

What an exciting premise Julia has created for us! The coming of age story of a kidnapped nobleman’s son soon to learn his destiny.

I hope you all get a chance to drop by Julia’s blog to say hi. Isn’t this what the A-Z challenge is all about. To meet wonderful new bloggers and learn about them and their work.

Thanks for dropping by everyone. Have a FANTASTIC Tuesday! Tomorrow will be a double post the letter C and IWSG post. So be prepared to grab a coffee, kick back, and relax ...