Three years of strife have passed since Kale and Bardon freed Paladin's knights. Now, fiery dragons scorch their beautiful countryside as an evil husband-and-wife wizard duo battle one another for supremacy. The people of Amara just want to be left alone, hoping the conflict with disappear. But Paladin is dying, and Bardon and Kale--now married--must accept fateful assignments if their land is to survive. Will their efforts turn the tide against their adversaries?
They face a deadly threat--and a challenging choice.
Kale's responsibility is to find, hatch, and train an army of dragons, and she tackles the daunting task--until she is shocked by a betrayal. As the Amaran countrymen seek escape, she must search for her husband, family, and friends while organizing an underground movement to weaken the enemy. But when the end draws near, Kale must choose between two dismal destinies.
Prepare to experience breathtaking adventure and mind-blowing fantasy as never before in this stunning addition to Donita K. Paul's popular Dragon Keepers fantasy series.
Sir Bardon gripped his struggling wife in his arms.
"You're not rushing into that battered building, Kale." He lowered his voice to a more soothing tone. "Come on, lady of mine. You can control this urge."
With his arm encircling her waist, he felt her take a deep breath and let it out slowly. He loosened his grasp but remained wary. In this state she couldn't be trusted. Her talent sabotaged her judgment. Perhaps words of reason would override her compulsion.
"Remember, Kale, we must find Regidor and Gilda before it is too late." Kale's body tensed, and he reacted by tightening his hold just before she tried to lunge out of his arms toward the inn.
"Bardon, please." Her voice broke on the last word.
"I'm just as determined to keep you here as you are to go. Relax, Kale. Think."
He scanned the building she wanted to enter. One end had collapsed under the barrage of a recent battle. The other smoldered sullenly. The muscles in Bardon's face tightened. Fire dragons. I wonder how many? A drenching rain had doused the flames. How long ago? Where are the people to answer my questions?
The rain had finally stopped. The villagers had collected their dead. But still the acrid smells of war permeated the air.
"I have to go in, Bardon." Kale's voice shuddered as she pushed ineffectively against his hold.
"Yes, I know. All I'm asking is that you think first. That you plan."
She leaned her head back against his chest. Her skin smelled of citrus. He inhaled, relishing the fragrance, and rubbed his cheek against her hair. The brown locks in curly twists bounced against his face, tickling his nose.
Bardon regulated his breathing, willing Kale to fall into the same pattern, to draw from his reserve and strengthen her own. She ceased twitching. "I'll take Ardeo to light the way." "Good," said Bardon.
Six minor dragons roosted on the saddle of Kale's horse. Their varied colors distinguished them as belonging to a special species both intelligent and willing to work with the seven high races. Ardeo flew from his companions and landed on Bardon's shoulder.
On this cloudy day, the dragon's pale skin looked mottled. In sunshine, his coloring resembled old pasty porridge. But in the dark, the dragon glowed with a moonlike aura.
Kale quivered within Bardon's arms. "I'll take Pat to help me pick the safest route." Another of the minor dragons flew to roost on her shoulder. He snuggled his plump brown body under her ear, rubbing his head against her chin with affection.
"Good." Bardon approved. The fix-it dragon would analyze the danger in the weakened building. Still, Bardon didn't much care for Kale going into the inn.
Her muscles stiffened, and he tightened his hold. He spoke to focus her attention. "What else? Think."
"I'll wear my moonbeam cape. That'll protect me some against splinters and scrapes."
"Fine." Bardon relaxed his grip. "You'll move slowly, with caution? You'll listen to Pat?"
"Yes." Kale nodded, her eyes fixed on the charred front door. Pat and Ardeo flew into the air and circled above the yard. Bardon dropped his arms to his side, and his wife took a step toward the shattered inn. Quickly, he placed a hand on her arm and turned her toward the horses.
"The cape," he said.
"I forgot."
He positioned himself between her and the building until she pulled the garment from her saddlebag and draped it over her shoulders. He grasped the front lapels and pulled her to him, fastened the tie at her neck, and kissed her forehead.
"Stay out of trouble."
He watched her eyes focus, knowing her thoughts had finally...
Reviews
Kathryn Mackel, author of Vanished and Outriders ...
"DragonFire is a soaring adventure. But I wouldn't expect any less from Donita K. Paul, as she always gives us a delightful read: intriguing, challenging, and full of blessing."
Robert Elmer, fantasy/sci-fi author...
"A rich, fantastical treat--DragonFire lights the imagination with every turn of the page!"
Hannah Alexander, author of the Hideaway series...
"DragonFire is not a book only for the young of age, but also for the young at heart. Donita Paul possesses a unique talent for instilling deep wisdom and spiritual truth in a story that is engrossing and satisfying for adults and children alike. She is one of my favorite authors."
Jim Denney, author of the Timebenders series and Answers to Satisfy the Soul...
"In DragonFire, Donita K. Paul has outdone herself! Though all of her dragon tales enchant, entertain, and inspire, this latest entry reveals even more profound depths in her characters--and in her magical winged creatures. This story will touch your emotions--and your soul."
Tamara Leigh, bestselling author of Perfecting Kate...
"DragonFire is 'predictable'--in the very best sense of the word! Breakneck pacing. Plot twists aplenty. Spiritual truths that inspire. And a powerful ending that--here we go again--leaves you wanting more."
Janelle Clare Schneider, author...
"DragonFire is a worthy continuation of the endearing series begun by Donita K. Paul. Lovable, admirable characters, entertaining adventures and misadventures, and breath-stealing plots twists, all deftly woven with sustaining strands of spiritual truth. Youth and adults alike will find these books impossible to put down until the last page is read."
Lyn Cote, Author of Blessed Assurance...
"Another enchanting fantasy starring the Dragon Keeper, Kale. Even when she thinks she's failed those she loves and who trust her, obedience and Wulder's love guide Kale. Inspiring."
Peggy Darty, author of When the Sandpiper Calls and When Bobbie Sang the Blues...
"Donita K. Paul has created another delightful tale featuring Kale, Bardon, and their enchanting friends. DragonFire takes the reader inside a wonderful world of fun and fantasy, with spiritual truths lighting each pathway. I loved it!"
About the Author
Donita K. Paulis a retired teacher and award-winning author of five novels, including DragonSpell, DragonQuest, and DragonKnight. When not writing, she is often engaged in mentoring writers of all ages. Donita lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her two grown children make her proud and her two grandsons make her laugh. Visit her online at www.dragonkeeper.us.
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