Kaleb sniffed the air playfully. “Funny thing is that you've got a trademark scent. Bet you never expected we'd find you that way, huh? Anyhow, seeing as how we found the one we were looking for, there's no sense in our hanging around here, is there?” announced Kaleb, sounding almost as though he planned to release Alla. Instead, he quickly pulled her close. “What say we have a little chat outside of the city, where your friends won't be able to find you?”
“Excuse me? What are you saying?” demanded Alla.
No sooner had she spat the words did Kaleb take on his dragon form.
The whole of the square was eclipsed by the night-black shadow of his wings, and his long, serpentine neck stretched high above the crumbling walls and neighboring buildings, so that his fire-yellow eyes met those of third and fourth story onlookers. He outstretched his tail, offering it to Minx and her Faelyr companion as a walkway, and wasted no time in scooping up the mystified Alla in his talons.
Mau backed away from the dragon immediately, ears drooping and whimpers rising in her throat. Minx wrapped an arm around her and dragged her up onto the shining red carapace all the same, stationing herself between Kaleb's powerful wings. “Relax, Mau. We can trust him.”
The Faelyr didn't seem so sure, and crouching down against the dragon's hide, she spread out her paws, managing to sink her sharp claws into the soft tissue between his glittering crimson scales.
Ouch! Are you serious? I'm going to have to fly around with this thing on my back? I'm not a pin cushion! Kaleb's tremendous wings spread out, the coal-colored membranes testing the wind. Then, with a great wingbeat that stirred up a dust storm in the square, he began to take flight.
“W-What're you doing?” demanded Alla, trapped firmly within his rock-hard talons. “Let go of me! You can't do this! How dare you—” Her voice retreated back into her throat as the dragon rose from the ground.
Another wingbeat, then another, brought them several feet into the air. With a massive effort, Kaleb lifted the lot of them over the tops of the buildings. This is a lot to carry, he thought, ascending higher still and trying to ignore the sharp pain of Mau's claws in his back. I'm going to get us outside the city limits. Then I'm done carrying these ingrates around. The dragon sailed through the air, sending onlookers in the city below into a frenzy. His long shadow blanketed the merchant's alley, then the residential sector where Vevne lived; a few wingbeats later, they passed the auction house and then soared beyond the city limits of Karn.
Chapter 13
Go on, then. Transform. Transform so that I can send an arrow through that heart of yours and take your hide. Minx glowered at the captive, watching her as she sat on the log opposite, head low.
Alla had said nothing since they'd touched down outside the city. Tired of hauling them around, Kaleb had found a decent clearing not far from the city walls and had let them down, returning to his human form. The prisoner hadn't attempted to make a break for it, surprisingly enough; perhaps she didn't like her odds. Unarmed and facing the fury of a Fae huntress, a dragon shifter and a Faelyr, there was nothing she could do but submit. Sitting in the shade of a tall tree and inspecting the tips of her reptilian claws, the pale-eyed Fae kept her lips pursed.
Impatient, Minx drew up her bow and toyed with one of the arrows in her quiver.
As though he could read her thoughts, Kaleb cleared his throat and nudged her in the arm. “Put that away, will you? She can't answer our questions if she's dead.”
Minx gripped the arrow tightly. “Maybe I don't want her to answer questions, Kaleb. Maybe I just want her hide. If she can shift into a dragon, my people could use her hide for the warding spell. Or have you forgotten about the army of darkness that's supposed to be on the way?”
The dragon shifter chose his words very carefully. “No, I haven't forgotten. But there's no reason to rob some poor dragon of their hide. Didn't I tell you we'd find another way?”
“You did,” shot back Minx, “but you conveniently left out this 'other way'. What do you have in mind? Because if we don't act—and fast—my people are going to suffer.” The relief she'd felt at being reunited with Mau had quickly faded. Now, only ice-cold dread filled her heart. The clock was ticking. Not only was her mother still being held by Valry and her army, but allegedly seers all throughout the realms had been receiving visions of some bigger, darker army soon to sweep across the land. This was a monumental threat, and the only way forward—that she could see, anyway—involved getting ahold of a dragon's hide and handing it over the the Fae elders.
“You two bicker like an old married couple,” spat Alla, arms crossed in her lap.
She's got a point, chimed in Mau.
Minx looked to Kaleb, doing her best to fight back a blush. “Oh, so now you're in the talking mood, huh? Instead of getting smart with us, why don't you tell us what you were doing with Mau? Who are you, and where do you come from?”
Kaleb nodded diplomatically. “Yeah, I reckon that would be a good place to start, Alla.”
Perhaps she was just tired of listening to her captors argue, or else she thought she could curry favor by opening up a bit, but finally Alla spoke up. Toying with the ends of her silver locks, she trained her pale eyes on Minx. “I need to eat, just like everyone else.” She motioned to Mau, who reclined lazily in the grass. “I was passing through and thought this Faelyr could fetch an awesome price.”
“And these friends of yours—who are they?” asked Kaleb. “Buyers? Sellers? Who are you affiliated with?”
At this, something like pain entered into Alla's eyes. “I... I have a friend.” She frowned, correcting herself. “I had something like a friend, once.”
“So, you were bluffing back there?” continued Kaleb. “There weren't reinforcements on the way?”
Alla shook her head.
“Where do you come from, then? Where is your home?” demanded Minx.
“I don't have one,” said the girl simply.
Minx rolled her eyes. “Don't give me that. Everyone comes from somewhere. Where are you from?” She studied Alla's clawed hands, regarded her strange features with some curiosity. “I've never seen anyone like you around Pandling Grounds, that's for sure.”
“I'm half Dragon, half Fae. There's no place for someone like me in either realm. I... I was forced out of dragon country when I was sixteen because of my Fae lineage.” Alla shrugged, appearing deflated. “I'm used to being ignored, despised. Lately, I've been trying to get by and maintain a low profile. It's easier that way, just keeping to one's self.”
Like so many things she'd heard in recent days, Minx wasn't sure she could believe the strange half-breed's testimony. Even so, the pain in her transfixing eyes seemed genuine enough, and she couldn't help being a bit moved. “I see... Well,” she snapped back, “that doesn't give you an excuse to capture Mau. She wasn't for sale.” She channeled her thoughts to the Faelyr. Do you believe this? Is she just some loner looking for a stable life?
Mau yawned. To be honest, I didn't get a good read on her. She was never cruel to me—aside from the whole putting me in a cage thing. She does seem to keep to herself. Except for some of the other merchants in Karn, she hardly spoke to anyone.
“You were forced to leave our realm because you were part Fae?” asked Kaleb, resting his chin in the palm of his hand. “To be honest, I've never encountered anyone of mixed lineage like you before. I didn't know it was possible, frankly.”
“Amazing, the things you learn on the road,” interrupted Minx. “Anyway, I'm sorry to hear about all of these troubles, but the Fae are facing a serious crisis.” She picked up her bow. “I need a dragon's hide, and it sounds like you can provide one.”
“Hey, come on—” said Kaleb.
Minx sized him up angrily. “Who do you think you are? You keep ordering me around, keep pushing and pushing... Do you think you're in charge, Kaleb?” She pointed at the prisoner. “She's part dragon, so she's got a dragon's hide, right?”
And she's part Fae, too,
added Mau. Don't forget that.
Minx's resolve faltered at this, but she kept on, stamping her foot on the ground. “Listen, I don't care what she is! Our people need a dragon's hide! It isn't up for debate! With everything that's happening, I don't even know how much time we have. There's a hide for the taking right here, in front of us. She's our prisoner—I see no reason to spare her, Kaleb.”
The dragon shifter sighed. “And that's the problem. After all we've been through, you're still obsessed with butchering one of my kind for their hide. There has to be another way to help your people, Minx. But we're going to have to work hard to find it. If you want my help at all, that is.”
Hearing him speak that way, Minx suddenly wasn't sure whether she actually desired his help. What good is Kaleb, anyway? He helped me find Mau, and I appreciate it, but now he's just standing in my way. Since when does he get to call all of the shots? I never agreed to take his lead on anything... These are the only two dragons in the area that I know of... and I need two hides. She felt a pang of guilt at the thought of leaving Kaleb behind—or, worse, betraying him. No... Kaleb can keep his hide. But this girl, Alla... why shouldn't I just take her out? Why bother sparing her life?
“Whatever,” said Minx. She stood and paced away from the group, leaning against the trunk of a large tree and closing her eyes. “I guess she lives... for now.” It wasn't worth the fight—and it wasn't worth risking her only ally in this monumental struggle. For all his flaws, Kaleb had been a good partner. He'd risked his own safety to help her rescue Mau, and though she'd never thought it possible, he'd even managed to improve her opinion of dragons on the whole. A fierce disdain was reserved for Alla in particular, seeing as how she'd tried to sell off Mau in one of those nightmarish auctions, but killing her wasn't worth risking her partnership with Kaleb. For the time being, she dropped the issue.
“It's been awhile since we've gotten a read on the area. You think this dark army is drawing near?” chanced Kaleb.
Minx shrugged. “Beats me. If we're just going to hand them Pandling Grounds on a silver platter, what's it even matter?”
If this is all true, they won't stop at Pandling Grounds. They'll keep going till they reach Heilo Lake, added Mau.
“Minx, Mau, can you keep an eye on Alla? I'm going to go for a quick flight, scout the area. Sound good? If I see anything, I'll let you know.” Kaleb started through the woods, waving lazily. “And I do mean keep an eye on her. No fighting.”
“You've got an awful lot of faith in me, leaving me to watch over her,” she shouted back. Swiveling to look at Alla, who was still seated on the fallen log, Minx smirked cruelly. “Better not act up while he's gone. I'd hate for you to put me in a self-defense situation.”
Kaleb disappeared into the woods, the clanging of his plate mail dying out over the course of several seconds. Then, with a tree-rattling whoosh, a ruby-colored dragon shot out of the forest and barreled through the sky, soaring among the clouds and taking off westward. Kaleb would probably remain aloft for an hour or more, scoping out the surrounding cities and territories. If he discovered any hints of this “dark army” they'd heard about, he'd likely return in double-quick time.
Arms crossed, Minx returned to their temporary camp, planting herself across from Alla. Mau sidled up to her, stretching out in the cool grass. “So, it's just you and me, huh?” When Alla ignored her, Minx reached over and set her bow and quiver within easy reach—and rather theatrically—to get her point across. “Don't try anything funny, got it?”
The prisoner spared her a brief glance and then looked back down at the ground, arms tucked limply around her waist.
The air here was far sweeter than that of the crowded city they'd just departed from. It was warm out, though the breeze possessed a pleasing coolness that took the edge out of the harsh sun. Having fought and hiked so much in recent days, Minx felt wrung out, and with Mau snoozing contentedly beside her, she came to feel the pull of sleep.
She watched the prisoner with heavy eyes, basking in the stillness and quiet of this clearing near the forest's edge. Alla didn't make a move, didn't seem interested in going anywhere, no matter how much she disliked her captors. Maybe she was telling the truth, thought Minx, grappling with a yawn. Maybe she's always lonely and actually enjoys our company.
Minx closed her eyes, savoring the wind. Her tired muscles appreciated the break, and she leaned a little against Mau. The chirping of woodland insects and the constant calls of far-off birds reminded her of home—of Pan. How she wished to return there, to go back home and spend time with her parents. She would, soon, she told herself. When all of this was over, and she'd found some way to protect the realm, she'd return and lead a quiet life amidst the lovely old trees for awhile. She longed to sleep in her own bed, to see her neighbors, to spend time with wise Winterlimb...
Before she knew it, Minx was straddling that line between dreams and reality. Her head bobbed on her shoulders as sleep threatened to overcome her. She threw her eyes open wide and took in her surroundings. Nothing had changed. She settled back down and felt the heaviness in her head doubling, then tripling.
Somewhere in this grey area between sleep and waking life, she heard the voice.
The Silence needs you.
Her mind was filled with images of Heilo Lake; crystal blue waters lapping the sandy shore, verdant growths springing up along its banks, beautiful fish with shimmering scales darting through its depths in large schools. Minx meditated on this gorgeous scene for a long while. The voice returned before too long, seeming to rise up from the depths of the lake. She listened to it closely, though the cloud of fatigue drifting around her head made it difficult to comprehend what was being said.
You must protect...
The Silence...
Needs you to...
Protect the lake...
This was not the first time she had been visited by Heilo Lake in her dreams. The previous time, while camping with Kaleb, the waters had reached out to her with a similar message. Earlier, in Karn, Vevne the seer had asked them if they had ever had visions of their own. Giving it further thought, these messages from Heilo Lake certainly seemed to fit the bill. Her body was flooded by a great warmth as she listened to the voice; she found herself nodding, agreeing with what was being said even as she bounded deeper into sleep.
In an instant, her view of the calm waters passed away. Silence prevailed.
And then, something intruded upon that fresh silence.
Minx startled awake at the sound of leaves rustling. She looked to the log across from her, finding it empty. Alla had crept several steps away, and was on the verge of slipping into the woods. “Hey!” she barked, grabbing up her bow and nocking an arrow before she'd even cleared the sleep from her eyes. “Stop right there!”
The prisoner had been caught red-handed trying to escape. She'd been smart to wait until Minx had drifted off, but now that she'd been spotted she stiffened at the treeline and put her hands up. She knew she couldn't outrun an arrow to the back and returned silently to the log.
“You're lucky I promised not to kill you,” spat Minx, setting down her weapon.
At this, Alla smirked. “You're not going to kill me, and I've told you everything you want to know. Why keep me here? Why not release me? I don't want any trouble, and I'll be happy to disappear if you'll let me. I don't think your friend will mind, either.”
“My friend doesn't get to make the final call,” was Minx's rejoinder. “Your fate is an open question; I may yet convince him to let me take your hide.”
Now, now, offered Mau. Don't antagonize the prisoner. You don't want to do something you'll regret, do you?
Minx chuckled. Regret? What, you think I care about Kaleb's feelings on the matter? About disappointing him? Nothing could be further from the truth.
Sure could have fooled me, replied the dozy Faelyr. The Minx I know doesn't take no for an answer—least of all from a dragon.
It stung her pride to hear Mau speak s
o candidly. Yeah, well, I owe him one. He helped me find you. He's actually very strong.
How did things go that day, when we were separated? Did you take him on? Decide to spare him? Finally earn the title of Dragon Hunter?
Minx blanched at the remembrance. No, not exactly... Memories of her being bested by Kaleb came roaring back to the surface of her mind. The dragon had resisted her every volley, had knocked her arrows out of the air and nearly crushed her with his stony tail. The fight, she hated to admit, had been anything but close.
Mau got the picture easily enough. Ah, so he's not just handsome—he's a force to be reckoned with, too, huh? That transformation of his isn't just some cheap parlor trick, I take it?
From the edge of the woods came Kaleb, running a hand through his hair and dusting off his armor. “Nothing to report, I'm afraid. If this dark army is on its way, I must have missed it.”
This news should have gladdened her heart. It meant they had a bit of time. Instead, her reflections on losing to Kaleb and her having to deal with the mouthy prisoner left her in a poor mood. “I need to rest,” she said, motioning to Alla. “You keep an eye on her. She tried to run while you were gone.”
With Mau in tow, Minx strode a few dozen yards into the woods and found a fine tree to climb. Tucked against its gnarled old branches, she drank in the breeze and did her best to calm down.
We're going to find a way through this. Some way... somehow... we'll deal with what's coming.
Chapter 14
The night proved tense.
Minx, Mau and Kaleb were forced to take turns throughout the small hours to ensure their captive wouldn't attempt another escape.
Alla, to their surprise, stayed put, managing to sleep in the simple woodland camp they'd hastened to construct as night had reared its head. They'd enjoyed a simple fire, whatever food Minx had been able to catch during a quick twilit trip through the forest, and had each managed a few hours of shuteye.
How to Kill a Dragon (Heir of Dragons Book 1) Page 9
