He examined it and then swung the sword down and hit the pile behind him. The sword went right through the junk, slicing in half everything it came in contact with. Including a large crystal. Rowan knelt down and examined the crystal. It was bright white and now lay in two halves. The cut was smooth and left no mark behind.
Rowan stared at the sword for a few minutes, a little nervous at what the sword could do. With his luck, he’d slice his own arm off. He held the sword away from him as he carefully climbed over the pile.
A scream pierced the silence. Skye. Kingston. Rowan shouldn’t have trusted him. Dammit. Rowan ran, fully prepared to run Kingston through with his sword. He knew it would.
When he climbed out to the cavern, he saw Skye as far away from Kingston as she could, screaming incomprehensible words at him. Rowan put himself in between Skye and Kingston. Skye went silent.
Rowan held the sword out so it was pointing at Kingston. Without thinking he ran for him. But before he made contact, Kingston reached out and hit Rowan’s wrist, sending the sword flying.
Rowan lunged for it, but Kingston grabbed it and pointed it at Rowan. Once again, Rowan felt silly. He wanted to be strong and be able to protect Skye, but every time he tried, he failed.
“This isn’t a toy.” Kingston’s face was pinched and determined.
Rowan moved closer to Skye. He didn’t know how, but he had to protect her.
“What’d you do to her?” Rowan growled, not moving.
“Nothing. She just woke up, saw my face, and started yelling.”
“I don’t believe you. What did you do?”
“I swear that’s all.” Kingston lowered the sword. “I’ll give this to you if you promise not to kill me with it.”
“Why would I make a promise like that?”
Kingston sighed. “Because we’re on the same side.”
Skye pushed at Rowan’s shoulder, so she could see Kingston. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Kingston offered the sword to Rowan, who took it. Kingston moved around and addressed Skye. “I’m a spy for Obsidian.”
Then he told Skye everything he’d told Rowan earlier. This was the second time Kingston told the story, and Rowan still wasn’t sure if he bought it. Then again, what incentive did Kingston have to lie to them?
Rowan watched Skye for her reaction. He’d decided to trust Kingston, but if Skye didn’t, he’d side with her. She definitely had a better sense of whether Kingston was being honest or not.
After a few seconds of hesitation, she nodded her head.
“Okay, how do we get out of here?” She slid down to the ground and pried at her shackles. Rowan knelt down next to her. “That won’t work. We need to listen to Kingston. He has a plan.”
SKYE’S BODY ACHED, but otherwise, she felt fine. She worried about Rowan being in way over his head. Skye hadn’t banked on getting caught and wasn’t entirely sure she could trust Kingston, but if he wanted them dead, he would’ve killed them already. He had that dragon killer in his hand. He could’ve easily ran them both through without a second thought.
Skye took a second to gauge Kingston’s feelings, and she was positive he was doing the same to her. He was scared but hopeful. This was good. It was exactly what he should be feeling right now. If he felt anything else, she’d be more skeptical. Though he could be faking it to throw her off. But she doubted it.
If he wanted information from them, he’d be sorely disappointed. She hoped Rowan hadn’t told him anything. But she recognized that Kingston was probably their best way out of there. They could ditch him when they escaped, because his story had some serious holes in it, and she wasn’t buying that he was a spy for Obsidian.
Skye recognized the sword Rowan held as a weapon forged when wizards of old had lived on the earth. Those wizards didn’t like the dragons much and created a sword that would kill them. Most dragons destroyed them, but a few kept them in their horde. Personally, Skye thought that was a dumb idea. Because now they might be killed by those very swords. That was, if Rowan could pull it off.
“Be careful with that,” Kingston said. Most dragons wouldn’t touch a sword like that. Skye wondered how Rowan had found it.
Rowan nodded. “This thing is wicked sharp. Sliced through a rock back there. It should cut your shackles easily, and we can get out of here.”
Kingston laughed, and Rowan glared at him. She probably didn’t have to worry about Rowan telling Kingston anything secretive. He obviously didn’t like the guy.
“You think this is funny?”
Kingston shook his head. “No, it’s just that the shackles are enchanted. No sword is going to cut through them.”
Rowan scowled. “Yeah, watch me.”
He picked up the sword and swung it down hard onto the chain that held Skye to the wall. It bounced off and fell out of Rowan’s hand. He cursed and jumped back. Then his face fell. The look of disappointment killed her. She knew he wanted to be her hero. She also wished he had been right, because now he had to use that sword for a much darker purpose.
“It was worth a shot,” she said to him with an encouraging smile.
“But it didn’t work.” He glowered at the sword.
Kingston spoke up. “Yeah, now let’s focus on what can work. You weren’t bad at swinging that thing. All you need to do is connect with the dragon’s neck, and he’s a goner. I can teach you some form though to make it easier.”
Skye tried to stand up, but her head spun. “Rowan can’t kill a dragon.” If he tried, the dragon would kill him, and she would be devastated. Right now he was her whole world, and she would miss him desperately. Not to mention that she wouldn’t have his death on her head. As if the agony of missing him wouldn’t be enough. She’d feel guilty too.
Rowan frowned at her. “Why not?”
“It’s too dangerous.”
“Whatever,” Rowan mumbled and sat down next to Skye. He set the sword down. Skye took his hand in her own and intertwined their fingers. He’d make more of it than she wanted him to, but right now she didn’t care. She wanted him to know that she was okay.
“I’m sorry I got into this mess,” Skye said. “I didn’t want you to get involved. You can still go home. You’re free. You can walk away.” She didn’t mean it. Not really, but she wanted to make sure he knew she wasn’t keeping him here.
Rowan squeezed her hand. “I’m not leaving you. You’re stuck with me.”
She nudged his shoulder. “There isn’t anyone else I’d rather be stuck with.”
“I hate to break up this little lovefest, but a dragon could be back at any moment. We need to get this show on the road.”
“Why don’t you wield the sword, Kingston. You’ll have a better chance of success.”
Kingston shook his head. “I’m limited in my movement. I doubt I’d even get close.”
Rowan stood up. “Kingston’s right. I have to do this.”
They hadn’t even started swinging swords, and she was already nervous for him.
Kingston stood over Rowan. He was taller than him by a good six inches. Rowan was probably super intimidated by him, or maybe he didn’t even notice. “You need to go find another sword. It doesn’t need to be enchanted, but it will be easier to teach you if I have one too.”
Skye worried a little about Kingston’s motives. He’d had an opportunity to kill Rowan and hadn’t taken it, but if he killed Rowan while they were practicing, he could make it look like an accident. Even if he didn’t have an enchanted sword. Though what reason would he have to kill Rowan by accident? None. Her maybe, but not Rowan.
Rowan stalked off toward the back of the cave again, and Kingston rounded on her.
“What the hell were you thinking bringing him? He’s human and just a kid.”
Skye raised her eyebrows. This was not the reaction she was expecting. “That kid is going to be the one who gets us out of here.” She didn’t appreciate Kingston’s implication that she’d knowingly put him in danger. Which she had,
sort of. But that was none of Kingston’s business. Plus, he completely underestimated Rowan.
“He’s madly in love with you, you know.”
She rolled her eyes. Everyone noticed that. “I know.” She knew Kingston but not well. He’d been around occasionally, but they’d never really talked. Though, he’d always seemed like a good guy. Most of the potential kings ignored her because Sid wasn’t supposed to have a girlfriend. Theo was the only one who ever paid her attention.
“Do you feel the same way?” he asked.
She shook her head. “No. But he’s my best friend. It was incredibly difficult going back to Obsidian and watching him with his girlfriend. Rowan made it bearable.”
Kingston rubbed his nose. “How is he connected to Sid?”
Skye thought fast. “He was a friend of Aspen’s. When she and Sid started dating, he tagged along.” It was a lie, but she had to lie. She’d have to make sure she told Rowan. If Kingston wasn’t on their side and he learned that Rowan was Aspen’s brother, he would have a lot to gain by keeping him hostage. As it was, she was pretty sure that’s why she was still alive. They would use her to try to draw out Obsidian. That would only work if Sid knew they had her. Which was unlikely.
Kingston frowned. “He’s going to have to rescue us. Imagine that. Being rescued by a puny human.”
“Train him well.” She feared that no matter how much training Kingston gave him, Rowan would never be prepared to slay a dragon, but she didn’t voice that worry out loud. She didn’t want him thinking she didn’t believe in him.
“I’m not sure I’m the best teacher, but we’ll see.” Kingston bounced up on the balls of his feet.
“Found one,” Rowan yelled.
He handed Kingston a sword. “This one is enchanted as well. Found four or five of them back there.” Rowan stared at the sword in his own hand. “If I miss while we’re practicing, this is going to go straight through you.”
“Yep. Don’t miss.” Kingston looked at Skye and winked.
Quite frankly, Skye wasn’t sure Rowan could kill a dragon. And she feared a little for Kingston’s life. But she watched with awe as he walked Rowan through the motions.
Rowan picked up sword fighting quickly. Within an hour he and Kingston were swinging the swords at one another. They wouldn’t risk killing each other. At least she knew Rowan wouldn’t. It looked like Kingston was being cautious too. Maybe she was wrong about him. She wanted to be. It would be nice to have someone else on their side. Someone to solve problems with.
Skye leaned against the rock. Her neck hurt. She still felt bad for dragging Rowan into this. Her eyes pricked. The chances of him surviving were slim to none. Hell, at this point her chances of survival were low. But if she did survive and Rowan died, she wasn’t looking forward to telling Aspen.
After a half hour more, both boys hunched over, their breath coming in rapid bursts. Rowan handed his sword to Kingston and came and sat next to her.
“You did good,” Skye said.
He gave her a tight smile. “Yeah, right. I don’t know how I’m going to make it out of here alive. Good while sparring with Kingston is one thing. But against a dragon, I don’t know. If I can surprise him, I might have a chance, but if he sees me, I’m a dead man. And you two will still be locked up. Do you know why they are keeping you alive?”
“Because they want information on Sid. They can’t get in my head, which is good. But there are other ways of getting someone to talk.”
He grimaced. “That doesn’t sound good.” They all sat in silence for a few minutes, not sure what to say. Skye wondered how long they’d have. Maybe they could rest for a little bit.
Or not.
Kingston jumped up.
“I hear a dragon, Rowan, hide.”
Kingston gave Rowan both swords, and Rowan secured them so they crisscrossed across his back. Then he slipped into a crevice in the rocks. Kingston sat next to Skye.
“I’d tell you to pretend you were still out, but he’ll know you’d woken up because my mind is now shielded.”
Skye nodded. She wasn’t sure what to expect. This was the moment of truth. She’d find out what Kingston already knew. Chances were the news of her being a king was still on the down low. But she wasn’t sure what they were looking for on Obsidian. If Victor tortured her for information, Rowan would freak out. “Good point. You don’t think Rowan will try anything yet?”
“He might. If Victor doesn’t hurt you, I doubt he’ll go for it. But if Rowan thinks you’re in danger, all bets are off. But he’s as prepared as he can be under the circumstances.”
Skye took a deep breath. She didn’t think so. Or maybe he was ready, and she was nervous about the dragon killing Rowan. This was the only way, but she wished they’d find another one.
Victor appeared in the cavern. He seemed huge because she was so small, but it was hard to tell if he was really big for his race or not. He towered over her.
You’re awake. He kept his head high. She knew that was a matter of pride, but she couldn’t get a feel for what he was thinking without seeing his eyes.
“Let me go. You have no reason to keep me here.” She spoke aloud for Kingston and Rowan’s benefit.
Oh, I have a lot of reasons to keep you here. Skye.
“That’s not my name. Obviously you’ve confused me with another dragon. Now let me go.” It was a worth a shot. Not likely to work, but still she had to try.
Oh, you are most certainly Skye. No other royal dragon can shield their thoughts, and only one sea dragon was given permission to become human. Be glad you are Skye though because otherwise you’d be dead.
“Why would I be dead?” She tried to gauge his feelings. She’d know better how to handle him if she could read his emotions. He wasn’t scared. He had the upper hand and was feeling very sure of himself. That lead to cockiness, and cocky individuals made mistakes.
Because we are killing all those who have pledged loyalty to Obsidian. Surely, you’ve figured that out by now. Which was why if you were any of the other pledged, you’d be dead. But, Skye, you are special, so we decided to keep you alive. Just for a little bit.
“What on earth could I possibly offer you?” Skye’s pulse raced. They knew who she was and what she did. But they were keeping her alive for other reasons. They couldn’t know she was a king. The good news was he was talking. She’d be able to get information out of him too.
We have some questions for you. Of course they did. She had no intention of answering. But she could use that time.
“Like I’m going to answer them. You just told me that I would be dead if my name wasn’t Skye. That means that as long as I refuse to answer your questions, the longer you’ll keep me alive. You might as well go back to wherever you roost because I’m not answering any of your questions.” She waved her hand toward the front of the cavern.
He brought his head down so he was looking her in the eyes. She needed to see them. Even though she wanted to, she didn’t take a step back. His big orange eye blinked at her with a wide pupil. He was nervous too. Good.
There are worse things than death. Ask Kingston over there. He’s been wishing that he could be dead. Now tell me what Obsidian has planned.
“What are you talking about?” At least he started with a question she had no answer to. This was looking up. It made her wonder what she didn’t know though. Obsidian could be planning something she wasn’t aware of.
Obsidian, the king. He took a queen a few days ago. Caused all sorts of trouble with the council. He’s planning something. Tell me what it is.
Skye almost laughed out loud. So Aspen managed to become queen after all. Good for her. Skye thought for a moment. The best lies usually contained a portion of the truth. And in this case, the truth wouldn’t actually get her into any trouble. But she doubted the dragon would believe her.
“As far as I know, all Obsidian wants to do is keep himself and Aspen alive. Beyond that, he has no plans.”
The dragon
shoved his head against her body, the rough scales of his nose scratching her face. She fell, and her legs scraped on the rocks. Her heart raced; she could barely breathe. His head was a large as her entire body. Maybe she wasn’t as in control of this situation as she wanted to believe.
Liar. Tell me the truth. He backed up, and she took a deep breath. He held his snout above her. If he wanted to, he could reach down and snap her up. If she’d been capable, she would’ve turned into a dragon by now. She felt so helpless. Never again would she let herself get in this position.
She shoved out from underneath him and scrambled as far away as she could. “I am telling you the truth. I know nothing of his plans.”
Unfortunately, by running away, she’d trapped herself between Victor and the wall. He pressed his snout against her body and shoved her into the cave wall. If he wasn’t careful, he’d crush her. As it was, she could barely breathe. She pushed against his snout, but it wouldn’t move. She took shallow gasping breaths.
Sources tell me that you are the closest dragon to him. He tells you everything.
Skye felt herself going lightheaded. A few more seconds and she’d faint. Out of the corner of her eye, Skye saw Rowan running for the dragon. A sword held high over his head. Victor’s eye caught sight of Rowan, and he jerked his head up before Rowan swung the sword. Skye hunched over, taking deep breaths. Victor flung his tail around, sending Rowan and his sword flying. Rowan fell limp onto the ground.
“No,” Skye cried out, running for him. Her chains stopped her, the metal digging into her heels. “Rowan, Rowan, are you okay?”
He didn’t move. Tears formed in Skye’s eyes. She sunk to the wet ground. Even if Rowan was still alive, his body was twisted in unnatural ways. Surely he had broken bones, and she doubted the dragon would let him live. Skye felt like her soul was being ripped in two. She needed Rowan.
Skye: The Dragon Kings Book 4 Page 7
