Join me on www.wattpad.com/user/DMYates

Laurence of Dragon Fame is entering its last edit. Yay!
Congratulations to Laura L Purvis Shoemaker and Gaye Pilgrim for winning bookmarks.
Here are five more excerpts from 'Laurence of Dragon Fame' to give you a little more on what the book is about:
“Punish him again,” said Arturo, standing with Jules in the doorway.
“I was pretending, father.”
“You made a deal. A deal is a promise and you broke it.” Arturo ripped up the contract and glared at his son. “You’ll learn your lesson. Jules, make sure he feels each strike. I’ll be listening. From morning until midnight this week he’ll work my ledgers and I won’t tolerate one mistake. He’ll get two short meal breaks a day. You and your wife will not sneak him more food or I’ll replace you both. I’ll still expect his services this Saturday.”
“As you wish.” Jules waited for Arturo to return to his study. He tugged the boy closer to the house where his father couldn’t see them and removed his belt.
Crack! The sound echoed through the yard into the open study window. With each blow Laurence cried out and tears ran down his face, but not because of any pain. He cried for Jules, who smacked his own booted leg. With each strike he nodded at the boy and Laurence faked his yelps.
When Jules finished, Laurence hugged him. “I’m sorry.”
“Will you behave like this again?”
“No. I don’t like you hurting yourself.”
“Then maybe I haven’t taught you correctly. True knights never give in to tyranny.”
“I hate him, Jules, I honestly hate him.”






Laurence approached the captured creature. Unconsciously, he patted its and the young dragon rubbed its head against Laurence. Somehow Laurence knew to stab it through the neck or the heart, and he prepared to do so. He placed his hand on the beast’s head and was overwhelmed with fear and an unbearable loneliness. Guilt riddled him. Is this what God wanted him to do? Slay the young? Doubt crept in, but he realized the Church, not his God, demanded this.
He stood off to the side. The young dragon turned its head towards him and yelped. It nudged Laurence, its eyes begging him to understand. He recognized the yelps from the previous night. His instincts told him that it pled for comfort, food, and its mother, and he had a strong desire to fulfill its needs, but he raised his sword in preparation. He had made his decision. Pierce its neck.
“You won’t harm it.” The voice resounded angrily in Laurence’s head. He drew back, shocked, and whirled around, his sword at the ready, and he turned his attention to the sky. The knights followed his gaze.
The large black dragon swooped down from the air. With one talon it cracked the chain. With the other, it snatched the infant and flew into the woods.






Zavat smirked then replied,
“Questions you may ask, of four.
These I’ll answer and no more.”
“I don’t care about your rhyme. We’re offering you two full mugs,” countered Pietro.
“You drank from yours. Besides, two mugs but four questions. That’s double the work for barely a swallow. Water doesn’t quench my needs.” Zavat licked his lips.
“You’re clever, aren’t―”
“Stop,” said Laurence. “Remember he’s much older than us and sneaky.”
Pietro scratched his head. “I forgot he’s a trickster.”
“Just wiser.” Zavat stared longingly at the tankards.
“Whom can’t we see?” asked Pietro.
“Elves,” said Zavat nonchalantly.
Pietro made the sign of the cross. “Don’t speak of such creatures. Someone might overhear. Laurence?”
“It’s true, Pietro. Elves are here this night,” replied Laurence.
“Your religion believes they’re demons, but they’re not. You asked. I explained,” said Zavat. “Next question.”
“Why do you call my cousin your son and he calls you his father?”




Finley leered at Laurence. “It appears I found more targets than I expected. I’ll get paid handsomely for her death. I’ll kill you just out of spite.” Finley spat on the ground. “Guess you forgot I’m smarter than you. I figured you’d entered the haunted woods and where you’d come out. What I didn’t expect was that you hung around with these demons.” Finley scanned the group. “What a haul; two portly dragons and some pointy eared devils. I’ll be rich.” Finley edged towards the group, but his fear of the dragons and elves was obvious and the dragons chuckled.
Szah turned to Zavat. “Who’s he calling fat?”
“He means us,” replied Zavat. They chuckled again. 






In the wee hours, he walked outside and along the shore. He remembered he’d been a dragon hunter, but much of his adventures were filled with holes. He rubbed his face and stared out at the ocean, lost in thought when Jules called him to breakfast.
Miriam was already eating when he sat down and she placed her hand on top of his. “Did you say hi to Eilwen? She left a bit ago,” said Mariam.
“Who’s Eilwen?” asked Laurence. “I didn’t see anyone. Jules, did we have a visitor?”
Jules shook his head no.
“I remember that egg in crystals,” she said.
“What egg?” asked Laurence.
“The baby dragon.”
“What baby dragon?” asked Laurence.
“Are you feeling alright?” she asked, worried.
“Are you?” he asked, equally anxious.
“Have you heard from Lord Zavat?” she asked.
“Who’s Lord Zavat?” asked Laurence.
Jules listened to the strange conversation, worried for both of them. Later, he wrote a letter to Pietro about his concerns.




Laurence of Dragon Fame, soon to be published.


Love, Honor, and Respect

Do you have a favorite character? Whether it's from a movie, TV Show, or book, we tend to favor one or more of the characters.
As writers, we also favor certain characters.


In 'Laurence of Dragon Fame' due out later this month, the Immortal hero Einarr travels to Europe in the 13th century, born as Laurence Di Draco. His mission is to help his dragon half-father Zavat save dragons. But neither of these turned out to be my favorite character in the book.
Pietro D'Onore is Laurence's cousin. He's 22-years-old when Laurence at 12-years-old moves in. Pietro is a Teutonic knight, well-respected by the local people. He's also the rock of the D'Onore family. Everyone respects his judgement and he's the only one who can make his 18-year-old brother Taddeo obey.
Here are some excerpts on Pietro:
An elderly gentleman sat in front of the fire. His white curly hair, styled in a bowl shape, framed his round peach colored face, wistful brown eyes, and bushy eyebrows. To his right a proud knight sat, tall and muscular in full regalia except for headgear and gloves. He leaned forward with his elbow placed on one leg, his hand against his mouth. His dark brown wavy hair had been tied neatly behind his head. His piercing green eyes took in every movement the guests made, calculating their next step. To that knight’s side was a younger man whose unruly black curls resembled Laurence’s hair, but shorter. His grey eyes were cheerful, his skin tanned, and his mannerism affable.
 Laurence turned to Jules again, but the stately knight walked to him and knelt on one leg. He lifted his young cousin’s chin and peered deep into his eyes before he spoke. “This is your home now. I’m to be your trainer. You will not rely on your servant. You’ll say what’s in your heart without concern.” The knight tapped Laurence’s chest. “Have I made myself clear?” With a nod to Laurence, he returned to his seat. “Again. What was your father like? Don’t look at the servant. I want your eyes on us.”
 “Your guardian has taught you well. Few have such perfect form at your age. Nephew, you’re welcome into our home and we embrace you. These are my two sons. Next to me is my first-born, Pietro, already renowned and esteemed although he’s just 22-years-old. He’s a respected member of our Teutonic Order. He’s taken time from his busy schedule today to meet with you."
 Dominic looked to Jules, but Pietro scrutinized his cousin.
“How do you know God has given you such a task?” Pietro’s brows furrowed.
“I feel it here.” Laurence tapped his heart. “And here.” He patted his stomach. “God calls to me.”
Pietro bowed his head to him. “Such is the way our God works. You’re devoted to God?”
“Yes, sire.”
Taddeo snorted. “But not obsessed like Pietro, I hope.”
 Pietro walked over to his cousin and crouched in front of him. He grasped his shoulders and turned him to face him. “A man of God is never afraid of his own destiny. We’ll share adventures and I’ll train you, and you’ll grow into manhood surrounded by the love of family. Who will watch over you? I will. I’ll be there when you need me. Who knows? Someday I might need you. Maybe that’s why you’re to live with us. I expect my squire to act appropriately and this is not proper. Jules is your servant, not your father. Tell your servant goodbye and begin your training with me as God has deemed.”
 Typical for knights at that time, Pietro is devoted to God, but moreso than anyone else. He is also celibate, which was common for knights in this century.
 Taddeo rolled his eyes. “You’ll soon learn that only God matters to Pietro.”
“Nothing matters to you at all,” retorted Pietro. “At least I follow my beliefs. What do you follow?”
Taddeo shrugged. “Women and gold. What else?” 


“He doesn’t live in our world; he lives in God’s. What’s to fear there?” said Taddeo.
“The women in the village we passed all ran to him,” replied Laurence.
“It’s a lost cause. He thinks women are delicate flowers admired from a distance. I don’t think he’s ever plucked one, if you know what I mean,” said Taddeo.
Pietro spoke up. “He does not and you won’t discuss that subject.”
Taddeo snickered. “See? He hears too well.”
 Taddeo was correct. Pietro admired women from a distance - that is, until he fell in love - with Taddeo's wife:
 Pietro and Laurence met the bride, Alcee who was a tiny girl with soft chestnut hair and a silky voice. She had a heart-shaped face, pouty lips, and her doe-like hazel eyes sparkled. Her cheek dimples stood out whenever she smiled. She was delicate, proper in every way, meticulous about her looks, her mannerisms were well-practiced, and she paid close attention to what others said. In other words, she was the perfect woman for Pietro and Pietro took notice.
When Pietro took her hand and their eyes met, she gasped and curtsied shyly. His formal demeanor melted. They had fallen in love with each other in that instant. Pietro, who maintained control in any situation, grasped his head as if he had developed a horrible headache.
Alcee swooned and Pietro bent down to catch her. He held her longer than necessary, their eyes locked on each other, his breaths loud and irregular. Alcee had trouble catching her breath. Her breasts heaved up and down in rhythm with her breaths. Pietro turned his attention to them. He looked her over yearningly from her bosom to her feet and up to her face. He turned vivid red, and his eyes opened wide, while his arm still clasped her around her waist.
The situation was awkward and Laurence whispered, “Release her.”
Pietro stood straight and guided her up then removed his arm. He spoke formally to Alcee, “As the eldest brother of the D’Onores, allow me to welcome you.”
“Thank you.” She nodded politely to both Pietro and Laurence, and they bowed in return. She moved on to other guests, still flustered.
Laurence glanced around the crowded chapel where people were busy socializing. No one noticed the strange interaction except for Taddeo, who scowled at his brother.
Pietro turned pale and shuddered.
“Do you need a rest?” suggested Laurence.
“It’s impolite to leave. A glass of wine will help.”
“Wine?” Taddeo had sauntered over. “It will relax your rather stiff and formal personality, the cold and indifferent saintly knight. Imagine my surprise when—”
“We didn’t rest much in order to get to your wedding,” interrupted Laurence defending Pietro.
Taddeo ignored him and asked his brother. “She’s lovely, don’t you agree?”
“Indeed. You’re a lucky man.”
Pietro and Laurence both raised their glasses to Taddeo.
“I intend to take full advantage of her loveliness and often.”
“Don’t be crass,” chided Pietro.
“Why do you care, or is it because you do care?”
Pietro glared at his brother. “I have taken a vow of celibacy. I’d never dishonor our name. She started to faint and I stopped her from collapsing.”
“Of course. Chivalry.”
 Pietro can't cope with being in love, so he leaves to fight in the Holy War. The family can't cope without Pietro, and Laurence is sent to fetch him. He does find Pietro, but Pietro's been wounded.
 Pietro ran his hand nervously through his hair. “It wasn’t glorious at all. We were outnumbered at every conflict. I grew tired of the butchery and the slaughter of so many lives. Every night I was covered in blood. Our armor was heavy and too hot to wear. Many died from the heat alone. Cursed land. Why didn’t you leave me? Look at me. I’m no longer a man.”
 The war changed Pietro and so his beliefs change too. Pietro guesses Laurence's secret and accepts it.
 They arrived at the glade near dusk and Laurence had finished explaining about Taddeo’s last couple of days. Pietro remained thoughtful. After several minutes he spoke. “There’s much to be done and not just on the estate. Tomorrow I’ll have letters for you to deliver. Now tell me how you got that unusual horse of yours.”
“It’s not important.”
“It is to me. Talk.”
Laurence told him about the horse wandering through the trees.
“Do you remember when we threw you into the lake and the black dragon appeared?” asked Pietro.
Laurence sat perfectly still, looking ahead at nothing in particular.
“I think you do. Call to your horse, but not out loud.”
“Pietro…” Laurence faltered.
“Now, or I’ll never trust you again and I will banish you from my property forever. You shouldn’t have lied to me.”
“Mi patér?”
“I’m already in the air.”
“I heard buzzing. Is he coming?”
Zavat landed in front of the cart, his wings spread out and his face within an inch from Pietro’s.
“Mio Dio, I was right. Your steed is the black dragon.” He made the sign of the cross.
“It’s not what you think.” Zavat grinned then sauntered away and settled on the ground.
“Are you blind, Laurence? Is there not a huge dragon in front of me? Slay it, great dragon hunter,” said Pietro sarcastically.
“Caught us in the act.” Zavat calmly crossed his forepaws.
Pietro tried to stand. “Help me out of the cart. I want to touch it.”
“Him,” corrected Zavat.
“What do you mean?” asked Pietro.
“I’m insulted to be called ‘it.’ I’m a male.”
“I beg your pardon, talking dragon. I want to touch him.” Pietro pointed at Zavat.
Laurence helped Pietro out of the cart and they walked to Zavat. Pietro reached towards him, but paused.
“I suppose you’re intelligent, so I must ask your permission.”
“Be my guest,” replied Zavat.
Pietro felt along Zavat’s scales and snout.
“Do you ride him?” Pietro asked.
“Yes.” Laurence patted hisis patér’s side and Zavat nudged him with his snout.
“You’re familiar with each other, aren’t you?” asked Pietro.
“More like a dearly beloved long lost relative.” Zavat snorted in amusement.
Laurence rolled his eyes.
“You killed my enemies and those strange birds and sprayed me with water?”
“Not me, but another.”
“He was remarkably like you.”
“Of course he was. All dragons look alike just like all humans do.”
At this Pietro chuckled. “Pardon my ignorance.”
“He isn’t as handsome as I am,” said Zavat. “You should have noticed that, plus he has a nasty temper and he wears his scars like they’re medals of Honor.”
“Well he should. So he’s fought many battles?”
“No more than I and I remain better looking.”
“You two will tell me the truth. Obviously you don’t kill your dearly beloved relatives, Laurence.”


There's much more to Pietro and through the years, he takes care of his family, but what about his love for his brother's wife? Well, I guess you'll have to wait for the book.
 Favorite characters make the movie or the book so much more interesting, don't they?
 Love, Honor, and Respect to all.
 

Follow me on www.wattpad.com/DMYates

Hello everyone. It's a beautiful fall day here in Utah. I hope it's pleasant where you live.
In 'The Lone Hero', Einarr marries and raises a family of four boys, but his wife is called back to her kingdom because her father needs her.
In 'Laurence of Dragon Fame' centuries later on Earth, they have a chance to meet again. Here's today's short excerpt:

Laurence got up frustrated. “I have no idea what this Void is that you speak of, but I’ll fulfill my obligations. I’ll go now and say my good-bye to my wife.” He started to walk away, but faced Zavat and pointed at him. “I won’t allow you to take these memories from me. They’re mine.”
Zavat turned away from Laurence. “Nothing I’d want to chance.” However, Laurence had the impression that someone might.
He stormed away to the cave, but took a moment to control his temper before entering. His wife was arranging flowers in a vase at a table. Her silken hair fluttered in the soft breezes. She wore a sheer green silk sleeveless surcoat that reached to her ankles and laced up the front. She stopped what she was doing when he entered and stared at the table. “So we say goodbye again? Our time together was too short.” She looked at him and her eyes betrayed her sorrow.
As he walked to her, he undressed. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and kissed her neck, fiddling with the silk and its laces enjoying the feel of the material and her against him. He pulled her towards the bed. “Nice surcoat,” he murmured. “All women should be required to wear this.” He sat her on his lap and ran his finger down her neck to her thighs.
“I thought you’d like it.”
“Mm, very much.” He undid the rest of the laces, relishing every moment of it. “Tonight, my wife, I obey your every desire. Tell me what’s on your mind and if it’s within my ability, I’ll grant it.”
Taelta placed her lips near his ears and turning bright pink she whispered her needs.
“So it shall be.”



Laurence of Dragon Fame will be out before the end of the year. You can purchase 'The Lone Hero' at most ebook stores for $1.99. Click on my home page for your store's button. https://dmyates.weebly.com



Want to review 'Laurence of Dragon Fame'? Let me know and I'll get you a copy.


Mini Pumpkin Pies with Cinnamon Roll Pie CrustThese delightful treats are simple and quick to make, and my family loved them. You use Pillsbury Pie Crusts, pumpkin puree, and spices then bake them in mini muffin pans. They take 12 to 18 minutes to bake.
I got the recipe from tablespoon
Unfortunately, I can't redirect you. Their system seems to be down right now, so basically here's the recipe:

• Prep Time 15 min
• Total Time 35 min
• Servings 24

Turn a simple pie crust into a cinnamon roll pie crust, top it with pumpkin pie filling, and discover how delicious life is in miniature.
Ingredients
1box Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crust (they come 2 to a box)
2tablespoons butter, melted
1teaspoon cinnamon
10tablespoons sugar
1 1/4cup pumpkin puree
1large egg
1/2tablespoon cinnamon
Whipped cream for garnish, if desired
Directions

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Unroll the Pillsbury™ pie crusts, use a basting brush to coat one side with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar per pie crust.
• Roll pie crust back into a log. Cut each pie crust into 12 even pieces.
• Spray two 12-count mini muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. Press the cut pieces of pie into the bottom of each cup, pressing with your thumb to move the cinnamon swirl all the way up the sides of the muffin cup, and making a well in the center of the muffin cup.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and egg until smooth and well combined. Spoon mixture into the center of each cinnamon-roll crust.
• Bake in oven for 12-18 minutes, or just until the edges of the crust have turned a light golden brown.
• Allow to cool slightly before removing mini pies from the muffin tins. Top with whipped cream, if desired. 


• Please visit tablespoon when you get a chance. They have the best recipes.

 May we all live our lives with Love, Honor, and Respect for each other.

In 'The Lone Hero' Einarr spends most of his life in battle to end the great dragon war. During that time, he grows close to his half-father the Dragon Zavat.


My son and his wife bought me the larger black dragon in this photo because of Zavat and I treasure it.


In 'Laurence of Dragon Fame,' Einarr comes once again to the aid of Zavat. The immortal is born on Earth and christened Laurence. From early on, Zavat tries to get him to realize his true mission, but the thirteenth century is a time of superstitious people, and that includes Laurence.
Excerpt from Laurence's 12th birthday:


The short brown female lizard-like dragon spent the night with him sniffling on his chest, clutching him tightly, not speaking, as if she knew he were leaving her.
The vision was clear and he wanted to comfort the poor creature. The scene dissolved into another. Laurence saw himself above the clouds, looking down on a fortress below him. The open doors were draped in fresh white flowers. He peered past the long line through the doors to see dragons and elves crowded in the main room. The hero’s meager possessions hung along the walls. A body shrouded in light lavender lay in the center on a raised stone slab, and he felt severe anguish, for he was the one who had died.
Then a deep voice boomed in his mind. “A dragon and his companion link by a strong tie built upon the companion’s absolute obedience, but ours was a familial relationship at its core.” An enormous black dragon with citrine eyes wailed thunderously in the fortress. His cries echoed around the jungle, answered by many who felt his pain and knew their hero had left them for good.
Laurence stirred restlessly in his sleep. “Who are you?”
“I was once tu patér - your father.”
“Leave me alone.”
“Di Draco has hidden away an important piece of paper regarding you. Retrieve it. Obey.” The eye centered on him.
“Help. Help.” Laurence screamed. “Don’t look at me.”
“Master Laurence, quiet,” whispered Jules. “I’m right here.”
“Let me guess. Another nightmare?” Arturo stood in the doorway, irritated.
“It told me I’m supposed to submit to it.” Laurence trembled.
“You dreamed.” Jules sat on Laurence’s bed. “Dragons don’t speak. They roar.”
“I don’t want to be its slave.”
His father strode to his bed and squeezed his son’s shoulders. “What’s the matter with you, boy? Do you want to be burned to death? Do you want to watch us burn? Don’t mention these demons again, do you understand?” He flung him down on the bed. “Tomorrow morning, Jules will punish you for your sacrilegious thoughts. You like prayer so much, you’ll pray the entire day for forgiveness. You get no food until evening.” He pointed his finger at his son. “You act like an oaf again, you’ll sleep in the stable.” Arturo stormed back to his room.
Laurence gaped at Jules.
“I’ll stay here until you fall asleep,” said Jules. “We’ll worry tomorrow about what must come.”
“You were once a knight who protected our King. How did you overcome your fears and nightmares?”
“I wasn’t a knight once; I will always be so. We all have fears, my young Master. You must face them.”
“Someday, I’ll make that dragon sorry it taunted me all these years.”
“I have no doubt that you will.”
In the wee hours Laurence crept into his father’s room while his father slumbered away. What the beast had explained about some paper nagged at Laurence and he had to know for certain. Carefully he searched through drawers and chests and discovered an ancient box in a trunk, but it needed a key. He sliced through the bottom with his poniard and removed the document, then put the box back, re-covered it, secured the lid on the trunk, and hurried to his room.
In the early morning light, what he read terrified him. The dragon hadn’t lied. What was worse was that he belonged to it. More worrisome was the section inscribed in a mysterious language that he somehow understood. Written to him personally it read, ‘Laurence, mi silius, don’t be afraid or stubborn. You are meant to work with me to save our kind. Long ago, my blood ran through your veins, for you were our Lone Hero and will always be so.’ Laurence read the document then tossed it in his fireplace and watched it burn until not one piece was left.


'The Lone Hero' is available where-ever ebooks are sold for only $1.99. ' 'Laurence of Dragon Fame' will be available soon.
Want a free copy of 'The Lone Hero?' Just leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you.
Christmas Craft

I found this delightful pattern at Altogether Christmas
Supplies

• Round top wooden clothespins
• Red and blue craft paint
• Red pipe cleaners
• Red and blue pom poms
• Gold craft braid
• Gold string or thread
• Thin black marker
• Craft glue gun

The supplies won't cost much, so head over there for the instructions.
Love, honor, and respect to all.

'Laurence of Dragon Fame' brings Einarr together again with his dragon half-father, Zavat. When humans lived on the planet Aberforth, some were hand-picked to be companions to certain dragons and Einarr's family line were companions of the great Zavat, a large black dragon called a Guerrverre.
On the companions' shoulders were the marks of those particular dragons. From 'The Lone Hero':
Einarr removed his tunic and soothed his shoulder with numbing ointment.
“Let me see.”
“It’s just an old ache from years ago. The salve numbs it.”
Harulis turned his arm and inhaled sharply, surprised.
“What’s wrong? Am I growing a claw or some such ridiculous thing? Maybe my ancestor’s face?”
Harulis sat back down and gawked at Einarr, awe-struck.
Einarr grimaced at her and pulled on his shirt. “Tell me more.”
“All companions are born with a birth mark on their shoulder that resembles the shape and color with whom they’re bound. From birth on, the tattoo grows. Yours is well-defined and raised. It’s a Guerrverre and he will track you soon. That’s why it hurts so much. The throbbing will stop when you meet him.”


 “What do you like? I think not much.” Zavat cocked his head to the right, and studied Einarr curiously.
Einarr sat straight up and glared. “It’s true.” He shoved a finger at Zavat’s snout. “Our eyes—they’re the same. Same color, same shape. You made me into this monster that I am, the reason my own mother hated me. My hair is shiny black like your scales, and this—you disfigured me. Why?” Einarr pulled up his sleeve and pointed at the blackened and perfectly raised image of a Guerrverre.
“Excellent likeness of me. One of the best I’ve seen,” said Zavat, appraising Einarr’s shoulder.
Furiously, Einarr stared at Zavat, breathing in and out in short bursts.
“My, my. If you weren’t human, you’d be puffing out venom. I’m so proud.” Zavat imitated wiping tears from his face. He closed his lids again. “Back to work.”


In 'Laurence of Dragon Fame,' the mark appears again:
 Apollo continued. “If you select not to fulfill your destiny, Lord Zavat has asked approval to insert a limited amount of prior memories into you in the future. Understand the significance. Although rarely allowed, we’re considering his request. When you realize who you were, Lord Zavat’s mark will take shape on your shoulder as it did on Aberforth. This will help convince the dragons to follow you. Lord Zavat will meet you later at the gates.”


Now on Earth as Laurence, Einarr doesn't remember his past life, but he's aware that a large black dragon is following him:
He got dressed and glanced out his window, rubbing his hand across his face. Dawn was on the horizon and a large winged creature glided above. Laurence wasn’t afraid. This is what he’d been trained for and he was determined to make his first dragon kill today. This fiend deserved death for taunting him his entire life. He grasped his left shoulder and rubbed his birthmark, which throbbed in pain.


Zavat must perform the ancient magic to help Einarr remember:


 It huffed impatiently and ripped Laurence’s left sleeve. “I always liked that portrait of me.”
Laurence, curious, turned his arm and looked. Where his birthmark once was, a pronounced image of a dragon now showed, the same dragon sitting in front of him. And the throbbing was gone. He tried to rub it off.


As he and Zavat guide dragons to portals, he shows his mark so dragons will know he was once 'The Lone Hero:'


 Zavat whipped around towards the dragon and spread his wings wide. “No. You’ll not harm mi silius, Chiazzz. Show him my likeness on your arm, Lone Hero.”
Laurence jumped up. Fear gripped him again. He pulled up his sleeve with a shudder and Chiazzz studied the mark then bowed.


Laurence's cousin hears about the mark and demands to see it:
  Pietro smirked. “She thought she was mothering me? They are strange, aren’t they? Show me your arm.”
Laurence held out his right arm with the sleeve down.
“Very nice, but I want to see the left arm, sleeve up.” Pietro pointed at Laurence’s left shoulder.
He bared his arm. “I should just cut off this sleeve.”
Pietro studied the mark. “It’s quite defined. What magic it took to develop such a symbol. This is a highly evolved and intelligent race, not like ours.” Pietro sighed. “My beliefs have changed dramatically.”


'The Lone Hero is available at $1.99 where-ever ebooks are sold. Go to my homepage at https://dmyates.weebly.com and click on your store's button.
 'Laurence of Dragon Fame' will be available soon.
 Want to win a copy of both books? Just let me know in a comment.
Holiday CraftI've had comments that readers have enjoyed the recipes and crafts for Halloween, so I'll continue through the holidays.
 Glowing Angel Ornament
 

 I found this darling and simple pattern at One Artsy Mama
Click the link above to find out how to make her. You won't believe what makes her glow.
 Love, Honor, and Respect to all.