Aspen (The Dragon Kings #2)(56)

Aspen studied the gold dragon while Winerva spoke. He had beautiful black eyes, and his wings sparkled, even in the darkness.

This dragon has been presented before the court and found guilty for killing several humans and one dragon. We decided that due to the horrific nature of his crimes that he be sentenced to death.

A large sword materialized on the floor at Aspen’s feet.

Your task is to be his executioner. He will not fight back. This should be easy. The sword is sharp enough that it will cut of his head without too much effort.

Aspen stared at the sword. It the last thing she would have to endure to be with Sid forever. But how could she slay a dragon? Even if he had done those horrible things. It didn’t seem right that she begin her reign by killing one. She hesitated but picked up the sword. It was lighter than she expected.

Perhaps, the white dragon said. It would be beneficial for you to see him as one of your own.

Aspen looked up at Sid, hoping he could give her some sort of hint as to what she was supposed to do. The look on his face was not comforting. He looked angry and tormented. Aspen turned, and a young man knelt at her feet.

Having him in human form was not going to be easier. How could she look him in the eye and cut off his head?

He looked up, and his face paled.

“What is your name?” Aspen asked.

“My name is Tendoy, and, Your Majesty, I beg you for mercy.”

“Did you eat a human?”

He grasped the bottom of Aspen’s pant leg and buried his face in her feet. “But it was by accident. I swear. I was going after a cow, and he was standing behind it. I never saw him, I promise.”

“When did this happen?”

“Yesterday. It was an accident.”

“What about all those humans before that.”

“I had nothing to do with that.”

She spun to face Winerva. “Is this true? Did he only eat a human as an accident?”

The tiny river dragon spoke. “He was presented before the council last evening and found guilty of all the human deaths.”

“Did he admit it?”

“No, but that is irrelevant. There is not more than one dragon flying around eating humans. He made up that story when he got caught.”

“How was he caught?”

“One of our guards saw him eat the human.”

“Was there a cow?”

“Yes, but again, irrelevant. He’s using that as an excuse. Your job, as Winerva pointed out, is not to judge but to ensure that the punishment is carried out.”

Little girl, Winerva said, you are taking too long. Kill him and be done with it.

Aspen spun the sword in her hand and took three deep breaths. Then she swung the sword. At the last minute she stopped. This was not right.

“No,” she said, throwing the sword down at his feet. “Killing him would be wrong. Especially considering we do not know for sure he is guilty. As queen it is also my privilege to change the sentence if I wish. I banish him from all contact. He will live out his days as a human. Food, shelter, and water will be provided. He will have no contact with either dragon or human.”

Aspen looked at him. “If you fail to meet any of those conditions, your custodians will bring you back to me, and I will kill you. You will receive no more mercy from me. Now go, I wish to never to see your face again. When you die, we will leave your body to rot in your cage.”

Aspen looked up and nodded to the two dragons guarding the door. She had no idea if she was doing the task correctly or not, but she would not have his blood on her hands. She hoped that afterwards she could figure out if he was really guilty or not. If he was not, she could bring him back out of isolation.





She once again thwarted the council’s intentions. I’m not sure they know what to do with her, Everett said.


I’m convinced she will make a great queen, Sid replied.

Me too, but I’m afraid they may not think so. Winerva, especially. This task has always been the most difficult, and Winerva has never done the same one twice. Her tests always have had two possible outcomes. Either the woman carries out the task, or she proves her inability to do so. Aspen did not do either of these things. She showed mercy, yet followed through with the judgment. Winerva must be furious.

Can we go down there? Sid was so proud of Aspen. She never faltered, and she proved to many of the dragons that should could hold her own.

No, not yet, they have to announce their decision first.

Sid decided it was time to acknowledge Theo’s presence. Theo, I need you take care of something for me.

I thought you were going to kill me.

I was, but then I realized I wouldn’t have anyone to do my dirty work for me if you were gone.

Smart choice, Your Majesty.

If you ever call me that again, I will kill you. I may be your king, but I am first and foremost your friend.

Okay, what do you need me to do?

Make sure Aspen’s orders concerning Tendoy are carried out. Find a couple of canyon dragons to watch over him. They can watch his mind without actually having to be in his presence.

Got it, anything else?

Nope. But see if you can figure out if he really is guilty or not. Something doesn’t feel right about this.

Theo left, and Sid felt better about the Tendoy situation. He sat down next to Everett. The old dragon was breathing rapidly. How much longer? Sid was getting tired of waiting.