Read dragon archives 04 - dance with a dragon for Free Online

on foot.
    As Anna crossed the bridge, she was once again struck by the teeming mass of humanity that pushed and shoved within Civitas’s walls, but she also noticed a heaviness that hung over the city like a smothering blanket. The people within the city still went about their daily business – housewives did their shopping, hawkers sold their wares, craftsmen and merchants conducted business. But the atmosphere was subdued. And then there were the clothes – blacks, grays and dark browns. As they moved along the street, Anna saw that black drapes hung in the windows, and when they passed a church, she saw that not only the windows were covered, but the walls and doors as well.
    But even the bleakness of mourning could not fully suppress the vibrancy of the city, and it pulsed with a beat that strained to be free. Anna wondered what Garrick would think of this place, but she knew he would not like it. Too many people, too little space. But Anna felt as though her heart was beating faster, desperate to match the rhythm of the great city.
    “Why’s everyone wearing black?” Lydia whispered.
    “Because the king has died,” Anna explained.
    “But why?”
    “The people want to show their respect for the king, so they are dressed in mourning.”
    “What’s mourning?”
    “When someone dies the people left behind dress in black to show how sad they are that they won’t see the person again.”
    “Oh. Why did he die?” Lydia asked after a moment’s pause.
    “He was sick for a long time, and then he died. But we will have a new king soon.”
    “Will the new king also die?”
    “Eventually. But hopefully not for many years.”
    Lydia seemed to be pondering that as Thomas pulled his horse to a halt outside a large house, black timbers stark against whitewashed walls. As he dismounted, the wooden door was cautiously opened from within by an aging man with skinny legs and a large, hooked nose.
    “Harry,” Favian said, stepping forward.
    The man bowed stiffly. “Master,” he said. Squinting his eyes, he peered at the people gathered around Favian. “You brought visitors, Master,” he said, his tone suggesting that this inconvenience was a personal affront. He glanced down at the two children who were staring at him, and his brows gathered together in a frown.
    “I did. But perhaps you will allow me entry into my own house?”
    “Of course, Master,” said the man, pulling himself stiffly from the door with a bow. Taking Lydia by the hand, Anna followed the others into a hall that, even though it stretched the length of the house, was only half the size of the hall at Storbrook.
    Favian turned to face the others. “Welcome to Drake House,” he said with a wave of his hand. “Not as grand as Storbrook, to be sure, but comfortable enough for a few nights.”
    “You are right,” Aaron said, his face straight as he glanced around. “This place is very pokey.” He turned to Keira. “Should we find more comfortable accommodations elsewhere, my sweet?” Keira glared at him in mock consternation, but her attempt at sternness was lost when she laughingly turned to Favian.
    “Please forgive his rudeness – he can be quite uncivilized at times. In fact, there are times when I think he’s no better behaved than a wild beast. But I am very grateful for your kind hospitality, so thank you.” 
    Beside her Cathryn laughed. “No need to apologize, Keira. We are all familiar with Aaron’s, er, manners.” She turned her attention to Harry. “Please send some refreshments to the parlor, and let Hannah know that we have arrived.” The man bowed again, and left the room as Cathryn turned once more to her guests. “Follow me, and I will show you your chambers,” she said, leading the way out of the hall and up a narrow flight of stairs.
     

Chapter 6
    The following day dawned cool and damp, despite being late spring, as though nature itself was joining the residents of the city in mourning the loss of their king.