All Chapters of Stealing The Dragon's Heart : Chapter 101 - Chapter 110

LenaThe rain fell in long, sorrowful streaks against the glass of the window of my room. I stared out at the dreary woods, seeing nothing. My coffee sat untouched and growing cold on the table before me. In my hand I clutched a sheet of paper, the ink slightly smeared from the dampness of my palms.It was a letter from him. Mr. S. The letter said he wished to meet with me, if I was free. He said he knew much regarding the mystical bonds between human and dragon. Much that could help me. Help sever the bond I shared with the great dragon Scar.My hands trembled. I had not dreamed it could be true, that the key to my salvation could come this way, from a stranger in a letter. Yet this Mr. S seemed to know truths about the ancient bonding magic few in the wide world understood. In the short weeks since his first message arrived, we had built a correspondence. He answered clearly my most desperate questions, straight and true, holding nothing back. It kindled a fragile flame of hope in m

LenaAfter a night of troubled dreams, I rose weary but determined. Today I would finally meet the mysterious Mr. S.I dressed hurriedly, thoughts churning with questions. Did he truly understand how to break my bond with Scar? Or was he some charlatan seeking to exploit my secrets? I had come too far to turn back now without answers.The receptionist at my dingy motel blinked at me over his newspaper as I approached the front desk."Excuse me, could you point me towards Joe's Diner? I'm supposed to meet someone there.""Joe's? Sure, just head south down Main Street, take a right on Oak. Can't miss it."I thanked him and headed out into the morning bustle. The cold mountain air helped shake off the last shadows of my unsettling dreams. I still had a couple hours before my scheduled meeting with the mysterious Mr. S. Might as well find some breakfast.I wove between crowded sidewalks, keeping my head down. The press of rough, anonymous faces set my nerves on edge. I did not often ventu

LenaI sat frozen as the ancient woman's ominous words sank in. She peered at me steadily with her rheumy but piercing eyes, awaiting my response."I...I'm afraid I don't understand," I finally stammered, my voice catching dryly in my throat. "What destiny? What role could I possibly fulfill?"She patted my hand with surprising strength given her frail appearance. The paper-thin skin seemed to thrum with hidden energy."All in due time, child," she replied patiently. "First, tell me - what is it you seek by coming here to our sanctuary?"I hesitated, staring down at my clenched hands. Could I trust her with the full truth? But her sage, knowing gaze compelled me to answer honestly."I was told you possess knowledge about severing my bond with the dragon, Scar," I confessed. "I want to be free of him and the control he wields over me."She nodded slowly, taking this in. "Yes, a heavy burden for one so young to bear alone. Now tell me, why is it so very urgent that this bond be broken?"

LenaI had been at the hidden raider village nearly a week now. Despite the answers promised, my mystical bond remained unchanged. Today I was determined to make Mr. S finally explain the method to break it, whatever the cost.After a quick breakfast, I went in search of him. I eventually spotted his graying head bent over a young girl whimpering in pain, her neck raw beneath the etched binding-band. Concern overcame my frustration."Let me help," I offered, rolling up my sleeves. Mr. S glanced up, relief flashing across his careworn face."Lena, thank you. Just hold her gently while I apply this salve."I cradled the girl, murmuring soothing words while Mr. S treated the inflamed skin. The child soon relaxed into sleep. We laid her carefully onto a cot before slipping outside.Mr. S wiped his brow, looking suddenly older. "My methods provide only temporary relief at best. These bands are strong magic."My temper flared. "Well, you promised to help break my bond, yet say nothing beyon

LenaHermes' sharp voice cracked through the training yard. "Again!"I gritted my teeth and raised my sword, exhausted muscles screaming in protest. Across from me, Scar assumed a ready stance, his larger blade glinting in the morning sun.Hermes' training had grown relentlessly brutal. I barely blocked Scar's first crushing blow before his second disarmed me completely. My sword clattered across the stones as I fell to my knees, gasping."Pathetic!" Hermes snarled. "Your enemies will show no mercy. Now get up and go again!"Scar stepped forward, expression thunderous. "Enough! Can you not see she is spent?" He gently helped me to my feet, steadying me as I swayed.Hermes looked poised to argue, but Scar silenced him with a piercing glare. Supporting me firmly, Scar led me back inside to my chambers."Rest now. No more training today." Gingerly he helped me sit on the bed and knelt to remove my battered boots. His fingers worked gently, barely brushing my skin, but that light contact