Dragonspawn — Mark Acres

Even as the invincible armies of the Black Prince plunder and slaughter, laying waste to all lands between Parona and the Elvan Preserve, the vile wizard, Valdaimon, guards the golden eggs that will one day enable him to call fire from the heavens.In a time of madness and blood, a mortal thief and a young elf-mage must join forces to combat the advancing evil—and to reforge, at the risk of the future, a glorious and terrible alliance between humankind and the great dragons.Look to the Horizon!The king's head snapped back as he gazed into the far sky. Then his mouth dropped open in shock.What he saw froze him with fear. Winging toward the palace-fortress, in numbers sufficient that they blotted out a good eighth of the sky, were hideous flying lizards. The ugly beasts were a good twenty feet long, though half that was tail. Mounted on each of the creatures was either a wizard of the Black Wing, or an armored man-at arms, complete with lance and great helm. Onward toward the palace the armada of airborne warriors flew, until they passed by within a few feet of the king's window.Power from the skies, Valdaimon said, to aid your conquering armies on the ground. At their mere appearance many foes will break and flee. The wizard smiled a hideous smile that revealed his few remaining yellowed teeth. What price would you consider fair, your Majesty, for the display of power you see?