Read Online Dragon Stones (Book One in the Dragon Stone Saga) by Kristian Alva - Free Book Online Page A

Listen to me carefully. It’s too
late to do anything about it now. We don’t have much time. These
soldiers will kill me, Elias.”
    “What? No—no! Don’t say that!” Elias began
to sob.
    “Stop! Be strong! You must escape with the
stone. Go to Darkmouth Forest. Follow the path to the Elder
Willow.” Carina rushed to the cabinet, and pulled out a little
dagger and a worn journal. “Use the map in this book. The Elder
Willow is well-hidden, so you must continue to look for it until
you find it. Take this dagger; it is enchanted. No one will be able
to take it from you. Guard this book—it is my grimoire. All my
knowledge of spells is in here; safeguard it well.”
    “Grandmother—please!” Elias’ chin trembled.
“You’re scaring me!”
    “Elias—I’m sorry I can’t explain, but
nothing can be done about it now. Go to your room, swiftly! Get
grandfather’s cloak and your knapsack.”
    Elias ran to his room, pulling on his boots.
He donned his warmest cloak and ran back out to the kitchen.
    “Grandmother?” Hot tears ran down his
cheeks. Elias was afraid.
    Bang! Bang! The men pounded on the door.
“Woman! Open the door. We’re here upon orders from the
emperor!”
    “Be brave! Elias, here is some dried beef
and your waterskin. Put it in your rucksack. Do you have the dragon
stone?”
    “Yes. It’s here.” Elias unclasped his fist,
and it was there, shining in his palm.
    “Hide it!”
    Elias obeyed, tucking the stone into his
boot.
    Carina clasped his face in her hands. “I
love you, my grandson. No matter what happens, remember that. Now
go. Leave through the root cellar. Stay hidden until it is safe.
You will know when. Then, run to the forest, and go straight to the
Elder Willow! Do not look back, just keep running!”
    Bang! Bang! “Open up! Or we will break down
the door!” the men yelled from outside, more forcefully this
time.
    “I’m coming! Hold on!” shouted Carina, and
then, whispering, “Elias—make haste! You must go!”
    Carina lifted a worn carpet in the kitchen,
revealing a door. Elias slipped through the door in the floor and
crawled down the rickety steps into the root cellar. He was
underneath the cottage. Carina slammed the door shut. He heard his
grandmother dragging the rug back over the opening. He tried to
move, but fear kept him frozen in place.
    His eyes adjusted to the faint light coming
in from cracks. Above him, he heard the front door open and loud
footsteps—the soldier’s boots. He could see movement through a
crack in the floor. Elias paused, listening closely.
    “Old woman—we heard you found a stone in the
forest—where is it? Tell us quickly, and I might let you live.” It
was a man’s voice—gruff and angry.
    “A stone?” Carina responded. “I don’t know
anything about it. If I had something so precious, I would have
sold it and bought myself some food! The emperor isn’t feeding me,
after all.” Her voice did not betray a hint of fear.
    “You don’t know anything about it, eh? How
about your grandson? I want to talk to him. Where is he?” asked the
captain.
    “I don’t have a grandson. I live alone,”
said Carina.
    “Do you take me for a fool, woman?” roared
the captain.
    “Yes! You are a fool!” Carina screamed. “A
pathetic fool! Are you going to attack an old woman? Get out—get
out of my house!”
    Elias gasped, his hand going up to his
mouth. He never heard his grandmother talk like this. Elias heard a
dull thump and a crash.
    He heard a groan. It was his grandmother’s
voice. They had thrown her to the ground—an old woman! These men
were beasts. Elias swallowed a lump in his throat, but he kept
silent.
    “Tell me where to find the boy—and the
stone. Or I will kill you, woman. Now talk!” Elias heard the sounds
of other men stomping into the cottage. Some of them were
laughing.
    “It is true… I am an old woman.” Carina spat
blood. “I am weak… I have been sick for a long time. But
appearances can be