“Of course! You’ll be helping me with it, after all. I’ll tell you how to renew the Sea Walls, too. I’m worried about the people lost on Lost Souls Bridge, though. That needs to be handled soon. We’ll need a full party to pull it off.”
“Ah, that’s true. Tell me how many mages you need. I can send messages out and start summoning the right help.”
They fell to discussing the logistics. Shunlei listened with keen interest, though Rone asked far more questions than he. Mei Li wasn’t sure if that was because Shunlei already knew the basics (past experience?), or if he was unwilling to interrupt them to satisfy his curiosity.
They perhaps lingered at the table longer than was necessary, and it was somewhat late by the time they retired. Mei Li stretched her arms over her head as she reached the room, getting the blood flowing after sitting so long. She was tired but mentally restless. Hopefully she’d be able to sleep tonight.
The room was wide enough for two low-sitting beds, a trunk for belongings, and a single chair near the closed window. It was not luxurious, but clean and without vermin. For a quick trip such as this, Mei Li did not need more. Rone apparently wasn’t the type to care and she thumped her bag down near the door before stretching. Her vertebrae audibly cracked with the movement.
“Switching forms back and forth can really do a number on the spine,” Rone grumbled, then stretched again with her head hanging. “Ahhhh, that’s better.”
“I’m quite glad we crossed paths with Dolan,” Mei Li said as she took the pins out of her hair, shaking it loose. The release of tension made her scalp tingle pleasantly and she shook it loose again just because. “He’s incredibly helpful.”
“I’m glad as well. Being able to summon help now will speed things along. Although I do wonder at your timing of this, Mei Li. Why not go to Lost Souls Bridge first, if you’re so worried about the people trapped there?”
Mei Li grimaced and sat on the edge of the bed with an unhappy thump. “I hate to say this, but it’s a matter of numbers. If the Sea Walls of Tanguay fail, it’ll wipe out half the city. It’s an artificial harbor to begin with. The land around it isn’t actually built for that much water. It’ll be devastating.”
Rone paused in removing her boots and gave her a sharp look. “I thought Tanguay had a natural cavity for a harbor and the Sea Walls only emphasized it.”
“Not so much. It’s a common belief, as I’ve heard the same. In truth, the Walls were created to give Tanguay an economic boost and a way to become a trade city.”
Rone’s deeply purple eyebrows arched in astonishment. “So they created magical Walls to give them that? Weren’t they afraid of what would happen if the Walls failed?”
“You’d think. But apparently not, as we have to renew the things every two hundred years or so.” Pitching her voice higher, Mei Li mocked sarcastically, “But magic solves all the problems, didn’t you know?”
Rone snorted, not entirely humorlessly. “I sense a sour attitude in that statement.”
“If humanity had any idea how many times magic created problems, they’d stop relying on it so heavily. I’ll say that much. Having read many, many records of history, I am in no doubt that magic destroyed as much as it protected.”
“Having lived through more of the world’s history than you, I quite agree.” Rone unpacked a brush and started at the end of her hair, working through the tangles.
Feeling like the woman was open to discussion, Mei Li tried her luck. “I was surprised to see Shunlei so impatient tonight. I thought he was patience itself.”
“For the most part, you’re right.” Rone shot her a look from the corner of her eye, weighing. “It’s true, he was acting oddly tonight….”
Mei Li bit her lip. So Rone thought so too? “I imagine he’s under a great deal of stress, though. Perhaps I shouldn’t be so quick to jump to conclusions.”
“He’s used to things going wrong, and he’s always been patient on sorting through troubles. Comes with age, I think. He was more hot-headed when he was younger. He’s learned to wait things out now. But he’s been very touchy on the issue of you and your master. It’s almost like he’s taken it as a personal affront.”
Yes, that was the sense Mei Li had gotten as well. And it still didn’t make any sense to her. Shunlei hadn’t spoken anymore with her on that topic since the second day she’d met him. “I think he has a right to, don’t you? He’s worked for thousands of years to make the world a peaceful place, and then me and my master disappear overnight and threaten to send the world spinning back into chaos. For that matter, I’m impatient on how things are going. I feel like I need to be stomping out fires all at once.”
“Pace yourself,” Rone advised. “Nothing good comes from rushing.”
“It’s very easy in theory, much harder in practice.” Mei Li sighed and felt the weight of the world on her shoulders once again. She could never seem to put it down for any real length of time.
“And don’t stress, young Tomes. You’ll have the full support of the dragons, and whatever mages Horvath is paying for. You’re not doing this alone.”
Mei Li managed a smile. True, she wasn’t alone. This wasn’t solely her responsibility. Maybe if she repeated that enough, she’d believe it.
It was tight quarters inside the traveling compartment, but Mei Li honestly didn’t mind. Having magical help on hand was worth the inconvenience, especially considering Dolan was far, far more up-to-date on matters than she was. They were barely in the air and settled before Mei Li started pestering him with queries. “I’ve been updated about Odom, the demon couple in Horvath, Lost Souls Bridge, and Ghost General’s Sword, but what about Kovel Below?”
Dolan lay on his side, facing her, and she had full view of the way his expression twisted into a grimace. “It’s…not good. It’s bleeding into Kovel Above.”
She didn’t curse, although she thought a few words strongly enough they nearly escaped her mouth.
“I’m of the firm belief Below cities should stay below,” Dolan added. “Especially after seeing extinct breeds of monsters and demons trying to pop back into existence. Although Prince Cavanaugh is having a grand time hunting them all down again.”
Mei Li had only ever heard of the Warrior-Prince of Horvath, and not in the most flattering of terms. Abe was of the opinion the man had only wool for brains and if he wasn’t wielding a sword, he was useless. But then, Abe preferred intellectual company.
“What’s he like, really? I’ve never met him.”
“If it doesn’t involve hunting or drinking, he’s generally not interested. That said, he’s smart. And generous, almost to a fault. He likes his country stable and he’ll support the necessary people to make that happen. And he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. I think you’ll like him.”
That was the most glowing recommendation she’d ever heard for the man. But Mei Li also suspected Dolan was similar in temperament, which made him warm to the prince. “I look forward to it, then. But is that where he is now? Kovel?”
“Yes, last I heard, which was about two days ago. He volunteered to go in, despite it not being his country, and Liasa of Kovel thankfully agreed. Not really her scene, going about in the dead of night killing things.”
Mei Li snorted. That was an understatement. When it came to law and wielding her political power, no one was more astute than the aged ruler. But Liasa wasn’t one to join the fight herself. Anything that might get a smudge of dirt on her pristine white robes wasn’t to be borne.
“Things aren’t good, but we’re managing,” Dolan assured her. “I sent out word last night that you’re found and heading to Tanguay, and I received more than a few jubilant responses. You might get hugged by random strangers.”
Mei Li laughed outright and could feel her cheeks heat. “Well, I won’t mind that. I was in a very…cold place for the past two years. I’m relieved to be back in proper civilization.”
There was a studied manner
in how Dolan watched her. “Forgive me for saying so, but you took Master Shunlei’s high-handedness in stride. He really has no call to commandeer you the way he has. I know he’s highly respected, and we wouldn’t have this order in the world without him, but—”
Holding a staying hand, Mei Li tried to put into words what she felt instinctively. “It’s not that. Truly. He might have given you that impression last night, but I think he’s already feeling defensive about this. He was worried sick about what might happen if neither I nor Master was found. He understands better than we do the repercussions—he’s lived through it, after all. Shunlei asked me in all sincerity to stay with him, to allow him to be my protector, and I couldn’t think of a single reason to refuse. All I feel from him is sincerity and affection. There’s nothing to be dissatisfied about.”
“So you really, truly don’t mind?”
“No. Part of it is self-preservation, I do admit. Under his protection, I won’t be lost again. He won’t allow such a thing to happen. But he’s such a lovely person, too. I look forward to really knowing him.” And maybe, once they knew each other better, Shunlei would finally get around to explaining why he was so protective of her.
That eased Dolan’s concerns. He visibly relaxed in the somewhat dim interior. “Thank you for explaining.”
“Were you going to go to battle for me if I said anything different?” Mei Li teased lightly.
“It would be my honor to do so,” he answered mock-seriously. Then he shuddered from head to toe. “Although I’m just as glad to skip that experience. He’d flatten me in one blow.”
She charitably refrained from agreeing. Out loud.
“Mei Li,” Shunlei called in Long-go, the words somewhat muted as he tried to lower the volume and spare her eardrums. “We might have trouble ahead. I smell dark magic.”
Mei Li popped the top of the carrier and craned her neck around to look ahead. The wind immediately took advantage and filled the carrier with an icy blast, sending a hard shiver dancing over her skin. She strove to ignore it, looking down below, straining to see what he’d sensed. Mei Li didn’t doubt his nose—dark magic had a strong ozone, a somewhat acrid scent that didn’t resemble anything else in the world. It was impossible to mistake, especially for a dragon’s nose.
Nothing along the ground seemed out of the ordinary, but it was also hard to tell at this distance. The people were nothing more than ants, houses larger dots. They were flying more or less along the highway heading east, and quickly coming up on one of the smaller towns that cropped up along this route. But nothing seemed wrong inside of its area, either. “Where?”
“Can’t quite tell,” Shunlei answered, sounding both puzzled and troubled, his head turning delicately from side to side as he scented the air. “But it’s coming on stronger.”
“Towards the town,” Rone directed, flapping hard to pull ahead and take lead. “I’ve caught the scent.”
“Following,” Shunlei responded. He maneuvered to the right of her wing and at her tail, staying close.
Mei Li, knowing they’d land soon, popped her head back in and closed the flap securely. As she tied it off, she demanded of Dolan, “That’s Barnhouse down there, isn’t it?”
“I think so, yes.” Dolan looked just as baffled. “I don’t know of anything that should be in this area. Do you?”
“Not a thing.” Which irked her. It must be something serious, however, to create a strong enough scent to be caught even this high up in the air. What else was broken out of its seals and moved to where it shouldn’t be? “But we best deal with it. I have basic materials to use magic with, but no talismans made up. They’re all in my bag somewhere. You?”
“I’ve got an assortment of talismans for barriers and wardings, but that’s about it. Most of my magic is Evocation.” Dolan wriggled and contorted, trying to reach the pack at his feet, and nearly banged their skulls together in the process. “Tsu, sorry, I can’t reach. I’ll give them to you when we land.”
“It’s fine. We’ll be on the ground in a few minutes anyway. I just wish I knew what it was.”
“If some fool has undone a seal, I’ll tear their heads off,” Dolan promised darkly. “We’ve got quite enough trouble as it is without people adding to it.”
“I’ll help,” she promised just as darkly.
From below, there was a rush of magical outburst, so strong even Mei Li’s human nose could pick it up. She gagged on the scent, so unexpected and sour it was, her eyes watering. “What was that?!”
Rone lamented, “Oh no. Is that a baby?”
Mei Li’s heart froze. She demanded sharply, “Baby?”
“Dragon egg,” Shunlei answered. Rage pitched and rolled in his tones. Mother storms sounded like that right before they sent people into a watery grave. “We smell it. Egg is cracked.”
Mei Li met Dolan’s gaze and she saw her own horror reflected in his eyes. A dragon egg shouldn’t be anywhere this far east. All the nests were at Dragon’s Peak. If an egg was here, it was stolen, and likely on its way to a black market.
Dolan voiced what she herself thought. “You don’t suppose they stole a dragon egg and then were stupid enough to put it next to an unsealed magical artifact?”
It was like putting oil and fire next to each other, and that was probably exactly what those idiots had done. The uninitiated to magic wouldn’t know better. But magical artifacts were imbued with magic at their very core and were constantly seeking a living host. An unborn child, of any race, would be a siren’s song to such artifacts. They were in a constant state of living growth, after all.
“I don’t think I like today. Can I go to bed and try again tomorrow?”
Dolan snorted in black humor. “As tempting as that sounds, no. We’ve got a baby dragon to rescue.”
“Setting down,” Shunlei warned.
They braced, and not fifteen seconds later she felt the jarring impact as Shunlei settled. He’d not been as gentle this landing as others previous, but then this situation called for speed.
She wasted no time in undoing the latch and contorting out of it. Her landing was less than graceful, and her knees touched the snow-covered ground before she managed to right herself. Turning, she offered Dolan a hand, which he took, and made it out more smoothly than she had.
“Shunlei, should I take off the pack?” she asked, hand resting on one of the straps.
“Unbuckle the legs and stomach,” he requested. “I can shrug out of the neck loop. Rone, can you smell where it is?”
Rone stood on her back legs, lifting up like a cat with her nostrils flaring as she scented the air. “Somewhere ahead. Close.”
Mei Li worked at the buckles frantically, got them loose, then stepped back to give Shunlei room to shrug it off. Rone wasted no time in unstrapping her own luggage and throwing it on the pile. Dolan fished out the talismans, thrusting them at her, and she used one promptly to put a barrier around their belongings. They didn’t have time to hold them and hunt down the problem. This seemed the best solution. The rest, she tucked into her belt for easy access.
They hurried into Barnhouse, eyes peeled for trouble. Of course, the pedestrians on the half-frozen streets were startled to see two elder dragons barreling through, and they quickly ducked to the sides to give them room to pass. Some of them jumped into doorways, others onto porches, a few hopping onto low stone walls to make way. Mei Li flat out ran to keep ahead of them. The dragons moved so much faster on their four legs than she could on her two. Ice on the cobbled roads made the situation slick and she slid as much as she ran, cursing the lack of salt on the roads as she did so.
“Right,” Rone directed sharply.
The street divided into a Y, a building’s courtyard wall creating the split. Mei Li took the right branch, her shoes sliding on the icy patches. She kept her feet, huffing, the breath icy and painful in her lungs. She’d not run like this in years, and she felt the lack of stamina as her legs protested. Stupi
d, stupid villagers who had kept her so caged in.
The businesses and shops changed in nature from trades to livestock. The pens were more prevalent here, as was the scent of dung, urine, and fur. Still, she could barely detect it all under the scent of dark magic ozone that burned the hair in her nostrils. Tears streamed down her cheeks now unchecked, freezing as they hit her chin. The stench was overpowering. It reeked of desperation and black magic.
“There!” Shunlei’s nose pointed to a particular pen that had little in it but a few pack mules, all with blankets on them, and a crudely-built shed attached to the side of it.
Dolan didn’t bother with pleasantries. He lifted a boot up and kicked the door in before promptly ducking to the side. Just as well he did, as someone lunged forward, a dagger in hand. Dolan neatly kicked it out of the man’s grasp, grabbed him by the nape of the neck, and threw him into the muddy, icy yard.
Two confederates were quick on the man’s heels, cries of outrage on their lips that faltered when they saw who’d come calling. All three men comically froze as they stared up and up at Shunlei. The black dragon glared down at them, steam pouring from his nostrils in open threat.
“You dare,” he snarled, the words rumbling like a mountain before an avalanche.
All three went prostrate immediately, crying for mercy. Mei Li ignored them, diving into the little shed and searching frantically for the source of the problem.
They hadn’t been in here long, that was clear. Most of their wares were still packed, stacked along the walls. A half-eaten meal of chicken and ale lay on the single table in the room. Mei Li found what she needed in the far corner, sitting in a crate of straw. The egg sat there with not even a blanket around it, barely the size of a watermelon. It was dingy, dust marks and fingerprints marring what should be a white, marbled texture. Tucked in next to it were two other objects wrapped in crude black cloth. Magic poured off one of them.
“Dolan!”
The mage was right on her heels, peering over her shoulder. “See it,” he assured her with a grunt. “Can you extract the baby?”
Tomes Apprentice Page 9
