Bane of the Dragon King Page 17

  “Wait. What is that in your hand?”

  Charlotte stood still and opened her hand. The amber obelisk lay safe in her palm.

  Mangus looked over her shoulder. “Dear heavens, you have a reisenstone.”

  “You say that like you’re surprised.”

  “I am. Only those who are purist of heart can obtain the very rare travel stone. The heavens must have been impressed. Your friends here will find it quite rewarding.”

  “Not if we don’t get back to the castle,” Charlotte huffed. “Come on, Pops. Take us home.”

  David

  David sat in his room nervously tapping the arm of his chair. Where was she? It wasn’t like Charlotte to be gone for so long. She’d gone to the pit. What happened to her? He’d searched out Mangus, too, but he was nowhere to be found, and a walk about the grounds produced nothing …

  Except for Prince Venniver slinking about, his neck on a swivel, his eyes sharp and seeking.

  David followed him down Crafters Row, thankful for alleys and dark doorways to dart into. When the prince snaked into the woods, David waited until he became a dark shadow before veering off after him, crouching low to the ground, and staying far enough away to not be seen. Several times the prince stopped, and David fell to his stomach waiting for the sound of Vinny’s rhythmic footsteps to pick up again before prowling on.

  A buck bounded in front of David and stopped, its brown eyes staring at him. David dropped to the ground and cowered behind a thick tree. His thoughts flashed to his room where his bow lay on his bed beside the stocked quiver. What he would give to have it in his hand.

  His heart pounded as he listened for footsteps. He found them, coming toward him. He pressed the back of his head to the tree and closed his eyes. No, no no, he thought. Go away. A memory flashed before him: a dragon hunting him in a bed of poison oak. He slid further down until his back lay on the moist ground.

  Another set of footsteps approached. A sibilant voice called out. “Lord Venniver. I am glad you could join me. Were you followed?”

  Silence.

  David knew that voice. He’d heard it once before, but where? The footsteps drew closer. He scrunched a handful of rocks and dirt in his hand and tossed it toward the buck. The giant animal sprinted away. A swoosh roiled through the air followed by a fiery light. A heavy thud hit the ground, and David didn’t need to see the buck to know it was dead.

  “No, I wasn’t,” Prince Venniver said. “You, however, Master Pusrig, have killed a prized buck in the king’s forest. What shall we do?”

  Pusrig, David thought. I know that name. His eyes flew open. The pyromancer who’d come to Hirth to arrest Trog. What was he doing meeting with Vinny?

  “Take it to Itas. Feed your precious Edryd with it. What do I care?”

  “I would never waste precious royal meat that way.”

  A crack flew through the air and exploded. A hoof fell beside David. He cupped a hand over his mouth and turned away.

  “There,” Prince Venniver said. “Problem solved.” His words slithered through the air and wriggled up David’s spine. “Now that is done, what brings us to this desolate place in the woods away from the delegation?”

  “I seek your help in a delicate matter. Three master mages sit as prisoners in Eisig. We need to retrieve them.”

  Prince Venniver laughed. “What do you take me for? I have no sway with Grand Mage Jared.”

  “You have something he wants, something all of Fallhollow wants. The Edryd. You are on excellent terms with King Tanyl, the Seelie king, are you not? King Gildore and Jared want the Edryd to fight for Fallhollow. Perhaps if you offered the Edryd in exchange for Masters Valdo, Fintish, and Camden … ”

  “I cannot offer something I do not have.”

  “Surely there is something you can do.” Master Pusrig’s voice oozed and melted.

  A brief silence hung between them.

  “Perhaps there is someone who can help—a young girl with intriguing magical gifts. If I could convince her to return to Itas with me and speak to the kings,” David’s heart leapt in his throat, “there may be a chance to achieve what you want. She does seem to have a curious relationship with Jared’s daughter. If I present it just right … ”

  David’s breath caught. Mortal fear spread throughout his body. No. He couldn’t allow it. He needed to warn Charlotte, tell Slavandria and Mangus what he’d heard, but a stifling power constricted his movement. Footsteps pounded the ground, getting closer and closer. David’s heart pounded in double time. His nerves split and tore.

  “David?” He jerked his head to the side as Trog called his name. The footsteps froze for a moment then returned the way they’d come. The power paralyzing him released. Still, he refused to move or answer. He listened to the footsteps as they moved away toward Crafters Row, one set moving further to the south, the other toward Trog.

  “Good evening,” Prince Venniver said. “Lovely night for a stroll, don’t you think, Sir Trogsdill?”

  “I suppose, though it seems rather out of place for His Lordship to be rambling around the forest alone, especially at night. You should consider an escort in the future.”

  “I will keep that in mind. Good luck in finding your liaison. Does he also frequent the woods alone in the moonlight?”

  “I believe he came looking for me. He knows I come here often.”

  “I see. Well, should I see him, I will let him know you are looking for him.”

  “No need. I’ll escort you back to the castle. He’s probably waiting for me in the dining hall.”

  Their footsteps faded. David collapsed, shivering. What was he going to do? He had to get to Charlotte. He had to keep her from going to the dinner, that is if she returned from the pit with Mangus. But what if she didn’t? What if the astral traveling didn’t go as planned? What if she was trapped somewhere else? He exhaled a heavy breath. At least she wouldn’t be where Prince Venniver could get to her. He rose to his feet, using the tree to keep his balance. He had to find out. He had to find her.

  Gathering his wits, he ran toward the castle. Time was of the essence.

  David

  With the announcement of dinner, the guests moved from the library into an adjoining room, where a long table gleamed with silvery cutlery, crystal goblets, and glass plates. King Gildore sat at the head of the table, and David sat in the first seat to his father’s right. The knights sat to the king’s left, the immediate seat beside him left empty for Trog. At the foot of the table sat Queen Mysterie with Slavandria. The chairs beside her set for Mangus and Charlotte remained empty.

  David’s nerves wound tight, wondering where they could be, yet a part of him rejoiced. Stay away, Char. Please stay away. He glanced around the table at the assemblage of princes and dukes, few of which he’d spoken to, and if asked, he would have no clue of where they were from.

  The chair to his right pulled out, and David suppressed the urge to vomit as Prince Venniver took a seat, smelling far too much of spiced cologne and appearing more dragon-like than anything in his scaly, skin-tight black leathers. Did this teen prince really think he was heaven’s gift to the world? He smiled at David with barbed delight as he scooted in his chair.

  “Good evening,” he said. “How apropos that this is the only available seat in the room. I suppose we are destined to be chums after all.”

  “Don’t get your hopes up,” David said through gritted teeth.

  Trog sat down opposite David. He shook his head and issued a warning with his eyes. David growled beneath his breath. He’d sought out Trog as soon as he returned to the castle, but he was engaged with King Gildore, Gowran, Farnsworth, and Crohn, the remaining knights of the order. He wanted to reach out to Slavandria, but there was no time after he changed into his clothes. However, looking at her, she didn’t seem concerned or worried about her husband or her daughter. A wave of relief washed through him. If either of them had fallen upon danger, she would not be relaxe
d and sitting in the luxury of the royal court.

  The double doors to the hall opened and the guests were announced: Sir Mangus Grythorn and Miss Charlotte Stine.

  David nearly choked on his wine.

  She was stunning, dressed in a gown of teal velvet, the neckline low and wide, revealing her soft, rounded shoulders. Clipped in her hair was a miniature plume of peacock feathers. She moved with the grace and poise of a gazelle, her arm wrapped around Mangus who wore an amazing black uniform trimmed in an exquisite pattern of pewter blue damask. They arrived at the table where Charlotte curtsied toward the king and queen.

  “My apologies, Your Majesties. Our trip took longer than expected.”

  King Gildore stood and raised his goblet. Silence echoed around the room.

  “You are forgiven, my lady. Please, take a seat.”

  Charlotte acknowledged Slavandria and sat down. Mangus pushed in her chair and sat beside her.

  David swallowed, but the lump in his throat remained. He needed to get them alone. He had to tell them what was going on. He took a deep breath, then another. Count, David. Breathe.

  One.

  Two.

  Three.

  That’s it. Focus. She’s okay. She’s surrounded by knights and her badass father and mother. She’s going to be fine. Relax.

  “I want to start by thanking every one of you for attending the services for our fallen knights and soldiers,” Gildore said. “Many of you have traveled long distances to pay your respects, even though you face your own losses at home. I have made arrangements for our own delegates to travel to your homes when the time comes to honor your dead.

  “I also want to give a special thanks to our northern allies from Doursmouth, Trent, and Downing for joining us in our fight against Einar. I promise you, this creature will rue the day he tried to destroy Hirth and all lands beyond its borders.”

  Fifty fists pounded the table in unison. A chill traveled up David’s spine.

  “He will repent or die when the Heavens come for him, and they will come, of this I’m certain.”

  Cheers went into the air followed by more war hammering.

  King Gildore held up a hand. “I know I have asked much of you already, and you have paid a deep and heavy cost to protect a land that is not yours. I ask you now to bond with Hirth one last time, in honor of our dead and of the living, to fight against the tyranny that seeks to destroy us, and to bring justice and peace to a world overflowing with violence, anger, vitriol, and pain.” More cheers and shouts of unity. “Together, we can make our world whole again, a world where greed and hunger, gluttony and contempt have no place. Join me, one last time, to bring honor and glory and all that is good in heaven back to our lives.”

  The room filled with cheers and applause. King Gildore held up his hands for silence.

  “It is time to resurrect old friends,” he continued, “as well as time to make new ones. I have met with several advisor generals today, and together we have devised a plan of action as to how we can win this war. The heads of your military as well as your leaders have been advised of this plan, and we all stand in agreement. Together, we shall defeat the greatest enemy known to our world. Together, we shall stand united. Together, we will win.”

  Everyone applauded and cheered, everyone except Trog and Prince Venniver who sat still as stone, absently turning his goblet on the tablecloth. Once the commotion calmed, Prince Vinny lifted his glass in a toast to David. “What strange bedfellows we make in a time of war.”

  David raised an eyebrow. “I’m not following.” Trog cleared his throat. A warning perhaps? David ignored it and sipped his wine. “Please, Prince Venniver. Do share what you know.”

  Prince Venniver laughed lightly. “Why, I’m surprised you haven’t heard the news. Lady Charlotte has requested an audience with the King of Itas. I am to accompany her to the Floating Isles in the morn.”

  Venniver’s eyes pinned David in place. His half-cocked smile ignited David’s bones. No. It wasn’t possible. How had he reached her so quickly? He was just in the forest plotting. He glanced across the table at her, wishing, hoping to catch her attention, but she continued to smile and engage with one of the elite sitting across from her, a military man of great acclaim judging by the medals on his uniform.

  “She is an amazing girl,” Prince Venniver said. “How exquisite she looks in that gown. I picked it out for her, you know.” He glanced in Charlotte’s direction. “Hand delivered it last night.” He turned his eyes to David. “Have you ever watched her sleep? It’s like watching an angel nestle on a cloud.”

  David flew to his feet, his chair flying out behind him and toppling over. He grabbed the prince by the collar, lifted him from his seat, and punched him in the face. “How dare you, you sick monster! Stay away from her!” Rage. Such rage rushing through him. It thrummed in his jaw, in his fist, in every ounce of him.

  Strong arms locked around his. Trog’s voice rumbled in his ear. “Come with me. Now.”

  David struggled and kicked. “He’s a creep! He went into her room while she slept! Damn it, Trog, let go of me! Let me pummel him!”

  A door opened, and Trog dragged him into a side room lined in wood panels and threw him into an overstuffed chair. He tried to scramble out, but Trog pushed him back.

  “Stay put,” he said.

  “Trog, you don’t understand.” Sweat poured from David’s brow. His hands and arms trembled. “He went into her room, uninvited. He watched her sleep. He was in her room watching her sleep.” He couldn’t think. He couldn’t breathe.

  One, two, three, four.

  One, two, three, four.

  Breathe. Breathe.

  He put his elbows on his knees and pressed his forehead to his palms. Breathe deep.

  The door opened, and Charlotte hurried inside, followed by Slavandria, Mangus, Gildore, and Mysterie. She stood before him, her expression stunned.

  “What was that all about? What were you thinking? You attacked a prince.”

  David leapt to his feet. “He snuck into your room, Char. He-he dropped off that dress. He said he watched you sleep.” He grasped her shoulders. “Please. Tell me you’re not going to Itas with him. Charlotte, please.” He turned to Slavandria. “You can’t let her go. He was in the forest earlier with Master Pusrig. They were planning it all out. They want your father to release three mages from Eisig. They want to use Charlotte to make him do it.”

  “Pusrig?” Slavandria queried. “That’s impossible. He was forbidden from the grounds. I placed a trace on him so I would know if he ever reappeared here.”

  “Oh, yeah?” David said, every inch of him an earthquake of emotion. “Well, he’s back, and he’s conniving with that miscreant out there.” He paced around the room, his palms to his head. “He watched her sleep!” He rushed to Charlotte and held her arms. “You can’t go with him, Char. I have a bad feeling. Please don’t go. Please, I beg you.”

  She swept his hands from her. “I have to, David. I have discussed this at length with Slavandria. Prince Venniver, as much as I dislike him, is right. I am the only one with the ability to convince the kings to come together and join as one to fight for Hirth. Only then will I be able to meet with Drac, the chieftain of the Edryds. We need them to fight for us, but they won’t join us if Drac refuses to join us.

  “No, no, no, no,” David said, wrapping his fingers around hers, kissing her hands. “Bad idea. Please, Charlotte. Don’t go. I beg you. I’ll do anything.” He looked at Slavandria. At Mangus. “Please. You can’t let her go.” A tear fell. He was losing the battle. He saw it in Charlotte’s eyes.

  She took his hands. “I have to do this, David. I can’t stand around and do nothing. I saw things today that made me realize how important all this is. I must make a difference, or at the very least, try. I know he’s a creep, but I’m not the scared little girl I was a few days ago. I also know this plan is not ideal, but I believe I can get the kings to agree
.”

  “But why with him, Char? Why?” He had to make her stay.

  “Prince Venniver is the only individual who can get me an audience with the king. I know you’re jealous, though I don’t know why. I can’t stand him, but nonetheless. Don’t let your jealousy mess this up. We’ve only got one chance.”

  David paced circles around the room. “You think I’m pleading with you to not go with him because I’m jealous?” He pressed his fingertips to the sides of his head. “That doesn’t even make sense. He’s manipulative. He’s a psycho.”

  Gildore stepped in, both hands up, palms facing both David and Charlotte. “This bickering is not going to solve anything, so I will put an end to it. David, Charlotte will be going to Itas with Prince Venniver. I am not ignoring your feelings, but she is of divine light, and she is the only one who has the slightest chance of binding a deal. I would like to say I would send a guard with her, but they are not allowed without any of the kings’ express permission, which I do not have.

  “While Charlotte is in Itas, you will leave for the Southern Forest with the shime, Mangus, and Trog to awaken the Grid. Slavandria will—”

  David craned his head in the king’s direction. “Did you say, ‘awaken the Grid’? Those humongous rock warriors?”

  King Gildore ignored the interruption. “Slavandria will activate the mage tunnels then travel to the coast with three battalions of our army. Hopefully, by the time Einar detects movement within the tunnels, we’ll already be in position around Fallhollow, waiting and ready.”

  “But what about the creatures Einar will bring through? What about the ifrit and drow that are already here? You can’t do that!”

  “Do not worry yourself with that,” Slavandria said. “Right now, we need to fix the mess you created out there. You cannot attack a prince and not expect a consequence for your action. Under Itas law, Prince Venniver has the right to set punishment upon you for what you’ve done to him.”