Total pages in book: 151
Estimated words: 140580 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 703(@200wpm)___ 562(@250wpm)___ 469(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140580 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 703(@200wpm)___ 562(@250wpm)___ 469(@300wpm)
They came within eyesight of the ruins of the Burgruine Fluhenstein. It sat further up on the mountain slope, the walls still standing although the roof had given out ages ago. It looked blocky and imposing from one angle, but sad as well; a relic of a time gone by. Alric gestured up toward it. “A castle once stood there, although as you can see it’s completely in ruins now. It stood somewhere around 1360. The fire dragons lived there first, when they came to this area. They moved out only when a fire damaged most of the structure, deeming it impossible to repair.”
Cameron regarded him with a quizzical air. “The dragons are very real to you, huh.”
That wasn’t at all the reaction Alric was going for. He faced Cameron squarely, trying to read the man past his pleasant expression. “Do you not think of them as real?”
“I suppose they were. But I think of them in the same sense as dinosaurs, or Atlantis, or anything else that existed more than two hundred years ago. It was something of the past, not something to be considered in the future. But when I listen to you, I think of them as if they were here yesterday. It’s strange, but kinda nice. Makes me wish they were still around.”
Alric bit back a groan and his knees went a little weak as the enormity of the situation slammed down on him. Any mage worth his salt would know he was speaking with a dragon. If he didn’t know Alric was a dragon, didn’t know that dragons still existed, then there was an equally good chance he had no idea he was a mage.
Or perhaps he didn’t know the name of the fire dragons? Perhaps the name Burkhard meant nothing to him? Alric wasn’t sure what the situation was here. But if Cameron knew so little of his magical heritage, it did pose an issue. It left him with the very interesting question of how to convince someone of their own magic.
He’d love for someone to supply him the answer. Alric hadn’t a clue. “To me, they are very real. Perhaps as we tour the area, I can convince you of it.”
Cameron’s face lit up, a half-laugh in his mouth. “I’m ready to be convinced!”
“Well, I say that, but I’m not sure where to start with you. If you’re interested enough to climb up to the castle and see it, the trail isn’t that steep.”
“I take it that there’s no cars or trains going up that direction?”
“I’m afraid not. Just a hiking trail.”
“Maybe on a day when I haven’t had three beers.” Cameron patted his flat stomach. “I feel like I’m already making sloshing noises.”
“Shall we drink some water? We can discuss what might be the best move. There’s several interesting landmarks in the area.”
“Sure. Water’s a good idea at this point for me. And maybe some cheese. I’m told this area is famous for its cheese, but I haven’t tried it yet. I haven’t eaten much, just snacked.”
“In that case, let’s find lunch. Food and water would be wise, and it will get us away from the crowd for a while.”
“Yeah, okay.”
Alric looked about, getting both his bearings and seeing the options. “Are you interested in German food?”
“It’s been really good so far. Why, do you know a hole-in-the wall?”
Alric turned a mild frown at him, confused. “I’m sorry, a what?”
“Small restaurant that looks iffy on the outside but has all the yumminess on the inside,” Cameron clarified.
“Oh. Yes, I know a few. The Holzar-Schlemmer-Alm is nearby, and it’s quite good.”
Cameron gave him a wave. “Lead on, fearless leader! And don’t lose me in the crowd; I seriously doubt I can find you again.”
Alric might have been a touch too serious as he replied, “I won’t lose you.”
If Alric Burkhard was fate’s way of giving him a hell of a send-off before entering a lifetime of boredom and monotony, Cameron would take it.
The man was simply stunning. While not tall, he had lovely broad shoulders and what looked to be a very fit body under all those expertly tailored clothes. He had the classic hard jaw, strong nose, and chiseled features of a European fairy tale prince. His thick hair had a perfect wave, and the dark locks were lightly sprinkled with grey. Cameron had to fist his hands at his sides to keep his fingers from running through it. That hair demanded to be touched.
But really it all came down to his eyes. Deep, piercing blue. The kind of blue he could just fall into and never find his way out of again. His eyes even had this strange gold ring around the iris that seemed to shimmer, but that had to be a trick of the light. The summer sun was beating down on them and even Cameron felt warm at last.