The Heart of Avonoa

Avonoa Series   Book Three

H.R.B. Collotzi

Copyright © 2017 H.R.B. Collotzi

All rights reserved

Interior Map Illustration

Copyright © 2022 H.R.B. Collotzi

All right reserved.

Cover Art by Getcovers

Copyright © 2022 H.R.B. Collotzi

All rights reserved.

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

ISBN: 978-1-962628-18-1

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019915045

Published by HRB Collotzi

Rosemount, Minnesota

www.avonoa.com

Also By H.R.B Collotzi

Avonoa Series

The Secret of Avonoa (Book One)

The Shadow of Avonoa(Book Two)

The Heart of Avonoa (Book Three)

The Traitor of Avonoa (Book Four)

The Krusible of Avonoa (Book Five)

Also:

Dragons of Avonoa Series

The Gatekeeper of Death (Book One)

The People of the Storm Series

People of the Storm

People of the Storm 2

www.hrbcollotzi.com

This book is dedicated to my parents!

Mom, thank you for your love and support every step of the way on the journey of writing these books! Thank you for teaching me that everything is possible! I love you!

Dad, thank you for always being there to help me with my questions and teaching me so much! Thank you for teaching me to be a strong woman! I love you!

Both of you, together, separate, and in your different ways, made me the woman I am today! You both helped make these books a reality!

Map of Avonoa

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Also By H.R.B Collotzi

Dedication

Map of Avonoa

Chapter 1: A Name and A Blessing

Chapter 2: Irritations

Chapter 3: Secret Meeting

Chapter 4: Nocturnal Intrigues

Chapter 5: Oust

Chapter 6: Terrible Habits

Chapter 7: Games

Chapter 8: Inception

Chapter 9: Validations

Chapter 10: Empirical Conclusions

Chapter 11: Notions of Assurance

Chapter 12: Bait

Chapter 13: Unexpected Punishment

Chapter 14: Taking Flight

Chapter 15: Trifling Tastes

Chapter 16: A Request

Chapter 17: Keeled

Chapter 18: Enemies

CHapter 19: Nonconforming

Chapter 20: Bedeviled Pursuit

Chapter 21: Yielding to a Fissure

Chapter 22: Troth

Chapter 23: Hostile Alliances

Chapter 24: Essential Assistance

Chapter 25: Obliteration

Chapter 26: Narrow Escape

Chapter 27: Enigmas

Chapter 28: Misinformation

Chapter 29: The True Enemy

Note to Readers!

Books By This Author

The Adventure Continues in

More books from HRB Collotzi

Chapter 1: A Name and A Blessing

Y ou know, it’s supposed to be a sign of trouble when a black dragon hatches in the middle of the day. Sunlight spilled across the rich blue of the female dragon’s back, making the cavern dazzle. A scratching sound came from in front of her.

​I’ve heard that, the large gray dragon answered. He lay curled around a teardrop-shaped midnight-black rock. It could easily have been mistaken for a large black gem, but because of its engorged size, any dragon would know it was a fertilized dragon egg. And by the size of it, ready to hatch at any moment. If he’s anything like you, he should pop out any minute, he chortled. The scratching grew louder.

​She lifted her slim head off the floor. I didn’t see you complaining when you offered me your heart, she teased back. Besides, I’m not that bad, am I?

​He chuckled again and readjusted himself around the black egg. Its many facets caught the light and made the cavern sparkle even more. I’ve never met a dragon so inherently immune to following directions.

​She laid her head back down. It’s a good thing he’ll have you here to teach him. You are so good with young ones. She sighed, I can’t believe we’re going to have our own.

​He snorted, I can’t believe you gave up the chance to order me about some more.

​After a quiet lull, the egg shook violently. Almost time now. The gray dragon stood up from his vigilant warming position. Ah, he groaned as he stretched his sinewy neck and spread his claws out to their full extent. You’re aware that we won’t have a moment’s peace for a long time around here, he said, extending his hind legs before loping over to join the dame.

​Since when has it ever been peaceful in here? she growled playfully, allowing him to curl around her.

​The pair lazed a while longer while watching the egg shake and rattle in its divot. Finally, when the noise built to its paramount, they raised their heads and stretched their necks to await the moment of breech.

​You know what you’re going to name him? he whispered.

​Of course I know, she whispered back.

​Neither of them noticed the shadow appear behind them in the opening of the cave.

​The egg vibrated ferociously, then shuddered to a stop. A hairline crack appeared on the left side of the point at the top and slowly spread down to the rounded bottom. Without warning the two sides burst apart, throwing egg shards in every direction. The new parents flinched at the sudden appearance of their offspring before slow smiles spread across their mouths. The dame took a breath and opened her maw, but too late.

​Dakoon, a voice said from the entrance of the cave.

​The dame’s eyes widened at the shock of hearing someone else’s voice. Then the weight of what it had said dawned on her. She sprang toward the voice, loosing a torrent of flame to fill the entrance.

​HOW DARE YOU NAME MY SON!! she roared at the figure engulfed in flame.

​Calm yourself, Niktiya. The flame died down to reveal the prophetess Visi. Her dull white scales looked almost as beautiful as they had in her youth as the sunshine behind her ricocheted off them. But the light did nothing to hide her hideous, drooping eyes. That’s what you were going to name him anyway. Her raspy voice filled the cavern. I’ve come to give him a name— she turned her eyes on the new hatchling, and a blessing.

​Niktiya’s anger faded into surprise. A blessing? she asked. You haven’t given any hatchling a blessing for decades.

​Almost a century, the prophetess corrected her, but this hatchling will be special. She crawled toward him with a limp in her step. Tustan, she acknowledged the father without looking at him.

​Prophetess, he mumbled as he slunk out of her way.

​A rumble began in the bottom of Visi’s throat. It grew in pitch as it became louder. Soon she hummed. This hatchling will grow to be strong and brave. Many lives, alone, will he save, the old dragon dame chanted. Black like the night and swift like his mother. Bold and smart like no other. The two parents watched in nervous anticipation. The wizened old dragon lifted her claw over his head. As the little dragon shuffled around in the broken remnants of his egg, the prophetess sprinkled something from her grasp onto him. She mumbled something inaudible, even for a dragon with sensitive hearing. Then, replacing her claw on the ground, she looked at the new parents with a stern gaze. Broken heart only when the time is right, for it shall be to end a fight. So I say so let it be, this dragon blessing all shall see.

Chapter 2: Irritations

I t would be easier, yes. Visi sat curled on the ground as Priya paced along the rocky ridge of the cliff face. The old seer dragon’s drooping white scales, once brilliant, sagged over the ledge above the precipice beside her. This location would be extremely difficult for a human to attain, which made it a perfect place for dragons to meet. But since when has Hiro ever done anything easy?

​Priya’s sharp green scales sparkled in the warm spring sunlight as she stared out over the landscape. The tip of Teardrop Sea sprawled off to the east. The Forest of Shenharah stretched on the horizon in front of them. A little Hamees village and several other human villages lay nestled somewhere amidst the trees and hills of the northern part of the Noble Kingdom they surveyed from this perch. On the south side of the mountains behind them, Kingstor Noble’s great castle lay, built in the shadow of these mountains. Far in the distant north, too far for even dragon eyes to see from where Priya stood, The Great Northern Mountain reached out to scratch at the sky.

​But if I could— Priya started again.

​No, Visi’s gravelly voice was firm as she rose. Why did getting old have to hurt so much? The pain was an insult. It won’t happen, so don’t dwell on it. I’m not saying you shouldn’t try, but don’t be disappointed when it doesn’t work. Now, the old dame asked as Priya turned to face her, do you remember what it looks like?

​Of course I do. The young green dragon shook her head indignantly and turned away.

​Do you remember what to say?

​You know I do.

​Don’t forget to bring the praxen seeds—

​I know.

​—and the foolsberry the second day—

​Priya nodded.

​—and the signal at the exact time.

​Priya’s head dipped.

​Visi sighed. She could see the weight on the little green dragon’s shoulders. She could see the anxiety in her eyes. She stepped next to her and matched her position, sitting back on her haunches.

​If it’s any help, she whispered, one way or another, it will all be over soon.

​Priya nodded again.

​You’ve done so well, little one, Visi’s voice shook. You will kill him soon.

​Three sets of dragon claws clattered on the rocks outside of Rakgar’s lair. One set was brown with an orange tinge; one, the light gray of a stormy sky; and the last, black as a starless night.

​Hiro, Tog, you go first, the brown dragon grumbled to the other two. If I set a claw in there before you, he’ll think I’ve come without you and I’ll be ash before either of you pass the entry.

​He’s that bad, Trakillyn? the black dragon questioned.

​Hiro, you’ve no idea, Trakillyn answered. You’re a favorite of his. He’s kinder to you than he is to anyone else. Yet—

​A deafening roar exploded from the cave along with a burst of flame, making all three dragons jerk back.

​Oh, spit in Tarsa’s eye, Trakillyn muttered, stumbling backward. I think I’ll just stand guard out here a minute. Easing back on his haunches, the long spikes on his shoulders faced the rocks to one side of the cave entrance and his nose pointed up at the magnificent mountains floating around the even more imposing Inner Mountain on which the three had landed. His tail twitched from nerves and his wide eyes likely didn’t even see the clear spring sky and setting sun.

​Well, Tog, Hiro turned to the gray dragon with short ridges running down his spine, I suppose it wouldn’t be wise to keep him waiting.

​Hiro and Tog entered the cave together.  He gets worse every day, Tog, Hiro’s best friend, grumbled next to him. Tog scrubbed smoke out of his protruding eyes as an orange dame scurried out of the cave opening they had come through and took off into the air. They wondered if she was the cause of the frightening roar. He sent Trakillyn and Sanatab to cut down fifty oak trees, Tog whispered once she had gone. He gave no reason. He sent Makki to stack them, again with no explanation, he just ordered him. Then he forced Burrabill and Hakkil to carry the same trees into the Black Forest and leave them there. No explanation, and ordering them around like a human king. Like he has the authority. Their claws beat a rhythm against the stone as they walked through the cave toward Rakgar’s lair. Tog lowered his voice even more in the silence, ensuring that only Hiro could hear him. He told Makki not to tell anyone and insisted on his wyrd. The only reason I know any of this is because I stumbled upon Makki while he was at it. And this happened in just the last sun cycle, Tog finished out of the corner of his maw. They approached Rakgar, their leader, and he turned to acknowledge them.

​Hiro and Tog bobbed their heads, but Hiro spoke. Clear skies to you, Rakgar. You summoned us?

​Where is Trakillyn? Rakgar bellowed, making the horns and barbels jutting from his head bristle in anger. Those horns traced paths down his back and shoulders and onto the backs of his front legs. All of them seemed to spike higher with the big dragon’s rage. Rakgar’s head was almost as large as Hiro’s body. He was a threatening figure to the entire ruck, except perhaps Hiro.

​Hiro and Tog shared a glance. I asked him to stand guard, Hiro said. I thought we might not want to be disturbed.

​Rakgar followed Hiro’s eyes to the others surrounding them in the cave. There weren’t many that chose to spend time in Rakgar’s lair these days. Seeing how Rakgar was twice the size of all the larger dans, his temper was best to avoid. Only Milah and Mitashio and a faerie woman named Skorkot lingered.

​Milah and Mitashio, a pair of brown brothers from the same egg, had always despised Tog and Dakoon, as Hiro had formerly been known. There was no specific reason for the animosity, but it emanated from both sides. Hiro was known for being a rather good-looking dan. Since he only had two gracefully, curving horns on his head and nowhere else, some said he looked feminine. The dames, however, thought him extremely handsome.

​No matter the cause of the enmity, the brothers had sought a confidence with Rakgar as soon as Hiro began disagreeing with their leader. Hiro’s father Tusten, Rakgar’s most trusted counselor, had died several months ago. It was then that Hiro began to disagree more often with Rakgar, so to ingratiate themselves, Milah and Mitashio had become his Yes-Dragons.

​Milah and Mitashio know of your assignment, Rakgar rumbled in his deep, sonorous voice. Did you discover anything?

​No, Rakgar, Hiro answered.

​We searched the area that I last visited with Priya, Rakgar. There’s still no sign of your daughter, Tog said cautiously. From the random place where Tog and Priya had landed in the forest, a short distance from the Rock Clouds in which they lived, Priya had disappeared. What Tog and Hiro didn’t tell Rakgar is that Princess Anna, a human princess, had appeared at that time. Anna had tricked Tog into bringing her to the Rock Clouds and they left before Priya could return. We found nothing more than the necklace I returned to you three sun cycles ago. I saw her tracks in the ground, but nothing more. No ash, no weapons, nothing.

​I’ve searched the area as well, Rakgar, Hiro supported his friend. She’s nowhere to be found. There are no fresh tracks to follow. She must have flown away.

​Smoke drifted from Rakgar’s nostrils as his spikes bristled again. Hiro and Tog shared another uneasy glance before Hiro took a step forward. I’m sure she’s fine, Rakgar, Hiro edged toward the massive dragon. We also found no blood, or embers, or anything to indicate she’s been harmed. We ranged well away from the point she disappeared to the place where— Hiro cut himself off quickly. He’d almost said, where Tog found Anna. Instead, he finished with, —where Tog decided to come back.

​We left burns and upward slashes on the trees, Tog quickly added to cover Hiro’s slip. We left the signs to come home and I’m sure she’ll return when she finds them.

​Rakgar snorted and shot flame from his nostrils. Both Hiro and Tog flinched at the sudden threat. Rakgar’s brows lifted and he straightened from his crouch, noticing their hesitation. Even Milah and Mitashio turned aside ever so slightly from their leader. All the dragons feared Rakgar’s anger, but the faerie Skorkot, with silver hair pouring down her back and transparent skin pulsing with her blood, stood staring boldly at the dragons.

​Rakgar’s eyes noted the dragons’ movement. Are you afraid of me, Hiro? Rakgar almost whispered, but it didn’t sound like a concern.

​Hiro couldn’t meet his eyes. I fear your disappointment, Rakgar. I’m disappointed at Priya’s continued absence as well, but…

​But what, Hiro? Rakgar growled.

​Many— Hiro shrugged, —many say your anger is irrational.

​Rakgar snorted again, but in Tog’s direction this time. Do they?

​Tog hung his head and twitched it to several different positions to avoid eye contact. With toggling eyes that could see in two different directions at once, it was an undertaking for him.

​When Rakgar’s mouth started to open again, Hiro hurried forward to position himself between Tog and the leader. It’s understandable to be upset when your daughter goes missing. I’m angry as well. And while our anger may not be rational, we can’t control being upset by something like this.

​The corner of Rakgar’s lip curled in amusement. You think I’m upset about a wayward daughter? Well, it’s not the first time she’s disappointed me. Rakgar turned his back long enough for Hiro and Tog to share another glance, this time laced with confusion. When Rakgar settled back on the floor he waved his claw to Milah and Mitashio. Tell them, he said to the brothers.

​Milah stepped forward. His back straight, he looked down his triangular snout at the black and gray dragons. You’ve heard the rumors of dragons being killed on the surface? When Hiro and Tog nodded, he continued. That’s only a fraction of the truth. Several dragons—

​—twenty-three to be exact,