ZDEANAK

No, I didn't just swipe my fingers across the keys. Yes, Zdeanak is a character in one of my books. I was having a very hard time coming up with what to do for "Z" and then I was reminded that I have a character whose name begins with "Z" and decided to share an excerpt about him.

Zdeanak - pronounced zih-DAY-eh-nak - is a character from BOOK FOUR of The Minstrel's Song series. He is a dragon, and one of the main villains. In this teaser scene near the beginning of the book Zdeanak has just been captured and brought before Brant to receive sentencing for his numerous crimes. (please keep in mind that this story is still in the extremely ROUGH draft stages)

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The great door of the prison opened and the four dragons set to watch Zdeanak stepped out followed by the prisoner. Zdeanak was a great emerald colored dragon with ebony-colored wings and eyes. He was easily as large as Alynayak There was a collective intake of breath from the people in the crowd as the rogue dragon emerged from the cell in which he had been held. Zdeanak was much larger and more composed than anyone had imagined he would be. He strode out of his cell at a stately pace; nothing about the dragon seemed hurried or concerned. His every move was calculated and powerful. 

Oraeyn shivered as he looked at the rogue dragon striding calmly towards his doom. To Oraeyn’s understanding, the four dragons had placed some sort of magical bonds on Zdeanak that would prevent him from escaping or using magic. Even so, the sight of the rogue dragon striding placidly behind his guards without any sign of visible chains was more than a little unnerving.

The four dragons guarding Zdeanak approached the platform where Brant stood and then fanned out so that Zdeanak was forced to stand directly before his Great King. Even the wind and the rain seemed to abate somewhat as the Great King stared directly into the dark eyes of the rogue dragon. The crowd fell silent, shivering, waiting for the Great King to speak.

“Zdeanak of the Kallayohm Mountains, you have been charged with the murders of four dragon wards and an innocent human girl. Is there anything that you would like to say for yourself, any explanation or plea before this trial commences?” Brant’s voice rang out, steady and clear.

Zdeanak remained calm and said nothing, merely inclined his head slightly. Kamarie was impressed by the composure that the rogue dragon was maintaining. He must know he faced his own death here, but he seemed as serene as a stone.

Brant seemed a little surprised as well, but he did not show it as he spoke out his judgment slowly, “Very well, Zdeanak of the Kallayohm Mountains. I have thought long and hard about your punishment, for you have not only been charged, but found guilty as well. I hereby sentence you to the Trial of Darkness.”

The crowd shifted and mumbled confused whispers to one another. Ina touched Dylanna’s arm, “What is the Trial of Darkness?”

Dylanna looked as confused as everyone else, “I don’t know,” she replied.

The dragons who held Zdeanak prisoner looked startled. The wards standing near Kamarie turned and smiled quietly at each other, their faces triumphant. Zdeanak alone seemed unruffled by the proclamation. Brant raised a hand and the crowd quieted.

“The Trial of Darkness dates back to a time before there was a need for Great Kings, it goes back to a punishment created by King Mensharaugh, the first Dragon King. It means that the fate of the accused rests in the hands of the ones he harmed.”

Ina flinched, “This is indeed a strong, and perhaps cruel, punishment,” she whispered to Kamarie.

Kamarie whispered back, “I don’t understand.”

Ina grimaced, “This particular law allows the ones who were hurt or wronged to exact whatever revenge they think appropriate on the perpetrator. Historically, it turned into a very ugly sort of punishment, which was why the human kings abolished its practice.”

Kamarie nodded her understanding, then she asked, “Then why doesn’t Zdeanak look more worried?”

Ina turned towards Kamarie, a puzzled expression flitting across her face, “What do you mean?”

“Zdeanak is a dragon, he knows what awful fate is before him, yet he seems unconcerned.”

Ina frowned, “That doesn’t sound good.”

They turned their attention back to the trial, for Zdeanak had begun to speak.

“Is this where I should beg for mercy, little king?” The great rogue dragon’s voice was low and mocking as he stepped towards the platform.

“Should he be able to do that?” Oraeyn asked.

Glaredd smiled reassuringly, “Don’t worry, the dragons have him tightly chained with dragon magic. There is no way he could break out of their collective strength.”

“Is this where I writhe before you and beg you to grant me what you know I despise?” Zdeanak took another step towards Brant; his voice had turned cold, “Is this the part where I am supposed to show them that I am merely a weak dragon who has been sentenced to torture and death for my crimes? Is this where I prove to them that you are truly the strong one?” He took another step forward and now he was standing a mere hand’s breadth from the platform and looking directly into Brant’s eyes.

Brant did not flinch, “So I have spoken, so let it be done.”

Zdeanak scoffed, “Did you think you would see me surprised? Afraid? I am a dragon!” His voice rose in a roar that made the ground tremble.

“Take him away,” Brant gestured slightly.

The four dragons made as though to fly off with their prisoner, but they barely left the ground before they fell back to the paving stones. With confused looks, the guarding dragons stepped towards their prisoner and then froze in place as though they had run up against an invisible wall. The six sentries around the crowd moved forward and also found themselves unable to approach the rogue dragon. The people in the crowd began to shift nervously as they realized that something was awry.

“You see, little king,” Zdeanak said quietly, “I am in control here. I allowed myself to be captured to lure you here, I knew you would come.” He smiled cruelly, “I am disappointed in you. I expected better.”

Ina tugged on Kamarie’s sleeve, “What is happening?” Her voice was distressed.

Kamarie’s eyes were wide, “Zdeanak is loose,” she whispered, “he seems to have managed to imprison all the other dragons so they cannot get near him.”

“What is Brant doing?”

Kamarie turned to look at the Great King, “I think he’s going to speak.”

“You dare challenge me openly?” Brant’s voice was deadly. “Have you forgotten who I am?”

Zdeanak breathed a blast of short flame that did not quite touch Brant, “Were I to truly challenge you, little king, you would surely lose.”