Dragon Down (17 page)

“He is tied up a few cells down. He
wanted me to tell you that he is getting help. He has asked me to seek his father with a message.”

“What message? His father had him exiled.”

“It is worth a try. Because trust me your prospects here are draining.”

“Funny. Tokem you be careful and hurry. Traygen
’s life line seems fainter. I don’t think he has much time.”

Tokem nodded and spun away in a blur. The only sound
that remained was a faint and continuous drip of water. Great, just my luck that the leaky plumbing would drive me insane before the solitude or the vamps could claim me. I sure hoped Tokem could find Corbin’s father and convince him to come and rescue his son. The odds were not in our favor since his father banished him. Unfortunately, it was all I had. I hadn’t come this far to die at Erol’s hands.

I must have dosed at some point which, surrounded by rats, vamps and who knew what else was not a good idea.
However, we had been in constant motion for weeks. Seldom eating, barely sleeping and always narrowly avoiding death. A wizard could only take so much. Before I could take my lofty musings further I heard the sounds of approaching boots. Oh great, company. I only prayed I wasn’t going to be the main course. No such luck. The voices were getting closer and I could make out the sounds of Erol’s voice.

A light blinded me as a grumpy vamp ordered me to stand for Erol. What did I have to lose?
I remained seated which only served to goad my captives into yanking me to my feet. I am sure he would have been happy to slap some sense into me but Erol entered the cell. I swear the room temperature dropped a few degrees. I’d have to ask Corbin how he did that if I lived. It would be a neat trick in the heat of a Southern California summer. The thought of home almost accomplished what the guard couldn’t. A tear threatened to slide down my cheek. I missed Traygen, Xena and our home. I was grateful that Jake was there to spoil her.

“Lauren, I
’ve waited for this moment since you killed Vicor.”

“It was a fair fight and I gave him the chance to yield and he attacked me.”

“Lies, you could never have bested him.”

“You are right. It was the Balefire.
”

“You lie. There is no B
alefire in your realm only the fae possess it.”

“You are right about the realm.”

Erol grabbed me by the throat. “I’ll make you wish it had been you died in the Coliseum before I’m through with you.”

“Erol, let her go until we find out if she killed Vicor honorable or not. If she killed him through deceit
, you can do with her as you wish.”

“Prince
Bralock, my lord.” Erol sputtered as he bowed.

“Erol, you may rise. I understand you have my son Corbin. I want to see him immediately.”

They floated out without giving me another look. I was safe for now. Even so, I didn’t like my odds with Erol.
Traygen, I have failed you my love.
I will likely die before I ever see you again. If we are lucky, I’ll meet you again on the other side. Sadly, we both know I’m likely to be going to hell. Before I could feel any sorrier for myself a frazzled Tokem sped in.

“Lauren, have you seen the Prince yet? He wants to see Corbin. I think he wants to forgive his son. Have you heard a word I
’ve said?”

“Yes and yes. They popped in long enough to keep Erol from strangling me and then left to find Corbin.”

“Lauren give a little love to your savior and for the record that would be me. I got to the Prince in record time. Okay, Corbin told me exactly what to say to get his father to come post haste.”

Before I could thank him the vamps popped back in. I mean literally popped back in. Thankfully I hadn
’t had anything to drink in hours or I would have wet my pants. Corbin winked when I gazed in his direction.

“My son tells me you killed Vicor after he refused to yield and Erol says you killed him after he yielded. Corbin has something to ask you that he feels will resolve this issue. If you allow him he will enthrall you and perform a mind scan. If you are innocent I will remove the bounty and set you free. If you lied I will give you to Erol who has agreed to accept the findings. What do you say?”

Part of me wanted to say no effing way. However, I also knew I was out of options if I wanted to save Traygen. I nodded at Corbin. He walked over and stood in front of me. I raised my eyes and stared into his. If he was telepathic at all he heard me loud and clear about what I would do to him if he messed this up. Then I gave my mind over to Corbin and he ensnared me. I felt my surroundings fade into the background. That was the last thing I remembered until Corbin slapped my face and I woke with a start. I felt oddly rejuvenated, like I had just awakened from a long nap.

“Well”, Erol snapped.

“Erol, give my son a chance to compose himself.”

“Lauren gave Vicor an offer to surrender and he refused. He again attempted to kill h
er and that is when she used the Balefire.”

“Erol you heard Corbin. Loren is to be freed and given safe passage. You will not raise a hand against her or I will sentence you to death. Am I clear?”

Erol nodded before he spun and stalked from the cell. Corbin assisted the guards in removing the shackles that bound me. He helped me from the cell and out of the prison. When we were outside the prison a carriage took us to Prince Bralock’s castle. When we arrived I was shown to a suite of rooms and attended while I was bathed. Once I had the Cinderella treatment I was escorted to the formal dining room. I am pleased to announce I was not the main course. 

“Lauren, thank you for saving my son
’s life. I owe you a great debt.”

“Prince Bralock
, I believe I owe you for my life. Corbin has saved mine countless times on this search.”

“Perhaps, but I might never have had the chance to tell my son I am sorry for my actions. I am forever in your debt.”

Tokem who had been perched on my shoulder during dinner quipped, “Get me a hanky.” I glared at him and he flew up to the chandelier. There was an uncomfortable silence and then Corbin spoke.

“Lauren, I
’ve told my father I will be continuing on with you until you find Traygen and return safely out of the vampire courts. I will carry a letter from my father affirming your innocence and guaranteeing your safe passage.”

I swear my mouth fell open and tears slid down my cheeks. All I could manage was a nod of approval. Dinner, drinks and small talk continued until I was escorted to my rooms. I was too tired and thankful to think. I fe
ll on my bed and immediately slept. It seemed like I’d only just closed my eyes when Tokem buzzed me.

“Wake up sleepy head. We will be on our way by first light. Corbin is organizing our
supplies.”

I glared at Tokem before I shooed him toward the door. A few minutes later I was dressed
and on my way to meet Corbin and Tokem.

“Corbin, you don
’t have to do this. Tokem and I can find our way off the islands.”

“I know and you know that I can
’t stay.” He held up his hand for me to let him finish. “It is enough to know my father loves me. I will not put him at risk because there are others who will never accept me.”

“I do and you will have a home with...”

“Oh come on. It is almost enough to bring a tear to my eye,” Tokem offered.

I chuckled and we fell in line behind Corbin as he headed us to the causeway and off the islands. It wouldn
’t be soon enough for me. Traygen, my love we are coming for you.

Chapter Nineteen

“The patient is quickly regaining his strength and asking more questions every day
,” the nurse said as she handed the doctor a chart of the stranger’s vitals.

“He seems to be making a full recovery. Does he remember anything about who he is and where he is from? Has he shown any interest in us as a people? What we do and why we live underwater?”

“No, doctor. The day he wandered off he realized we were underwater. He still has no clue about who he is and how he got here.”

“Well, for now keep him in his room. The White Court vampires
’ delegation will be here for meetings to discuss our new trade agreement. I don’t want him disrupting anything. We need this trade agreement signed without the Irish dragon kingdom finding out. They would not allow it if they knew which is why we can’t risk him getting out and telling his father. Or I assume he is the missing heir to the Irish kingdoms.”

“
You mean the one the emissary requested the Nargon’s help in finding? I will make sure he stays in his room.”

“
Yes, see that you do or we may have to put him in the dungeons. He is out of danger now. Until we can confirm who he really is, we need to keep an eye on him. Maybe we can trade the vamps for him.”

The nurse nodded to the doctor and went back to her patien
t. When she checked on the stranger he was awake. “How are you feeling today?” She asked as she checked his vitals.

“Much better thank you.
I am getting my strength back.”

“Have you had any new revelations about who you are or how you came to be in the middle of the ocean?”

“No. You said your men found me near death as I sank beneath the waves. Was I by myself? Were there any boats in the area?”

“You were alone and there did not appear to be any vessels in the area.
Unfortunately, we don’t know how long you had been in the water. If there were any, they could have left the area by the time you were found. Are you hungry?”

“Yes, I could eat a horse.”

“Okay, you stay put and I’ll get you some food. No wandering off or they will lock you up.”

“Got it. I
’ll stay right here and wait for my room service.”

I wonder how I got here and why they are restricting my movements. From what I could see we are surrounded by water and there isn
’t anywhere I could go if I wanted to. Sadly, I have a feeling there is definitely some place I should be. Damn it, I need answers.

“Here you go. This should fill you up. When you are finished leave your tray by the door. I
’ll get it when I’m through with my rounds.”

“Thank you.”

“You are welcome.”

The nurse came back and picked up his tray, checked on him one more time and left. Once she
left he tried to sleep. However, he was too restless and sleep wouldn’t come. The nurse came in for her last check, satisfied he was a sleep. He knew he shouldn’t but, he wanted a better look at the dock areas that they were so interested in keeping him away from. He slipped out of his covers and dressed in the clothes he had been found in. They had been cleaned and they still didn’t give him any clues about who he was. He had been a fighter that much was evident from his clothes. Unfortunately, there were no other indications about who he was. He smoothed the covers over his pillows. So, if any one glanced in they would assume he was asleep.

He moved to the door and listened. Satisfied there was no one around he opened the door and looked up and down the h
all. Not seeing anyone he moved off down the hall toward the dock area. There was no one around as he moved undetected through the halls. When he got to the docks there was one guard asleep near the entrance. He moved further from the man before turning to creep toward the boats.

The man didn
’t stir as he stepped onto the docks and moved into the shadow of the vessel. What was this thing? I have never seen anything like it. How does it move underwater? The boat was big, at least as long as this hall. Whatever powered this vessel had to be enormous. Before he could check out anything else he heard a splash on the other side of the boat. He froze for a second and strained his ears for a hint of any sound. Not hearing anything he crept to the other side of the boat. Staying in the shadows and listening for any further noise. Silence. He moved around to the other side of the boat. What the heck? There was a dragon floating in the lagoon. Had that been what he saw earlier? What was it doing here? Before he could ponder it further, the dragon moved toward the dock. It appeared to glide silently through the water. Just before it reached the shore, the dragon appeared to ripple or shimmer and then it was gone. Standing in the water where the dragon had been stood a man.

He rubbed his hands over his eyes.
The man was still there and he was walking out of the water. He seemed to spot the sleeping guard and moved swiftly toward the slumbering man. He kicked the man’s chair out from under him sending the startled guard over on his back.

“I should write you up, you worthless excuse for a guard. Get up and do your job. I will be reporting this to the commander.”

“Yes, sir. Sorry sir.”

“You will be,” the man said as he turned and stomped from the area.

No wonder they didn’t want me down here.
Waiting until he thought the guard was occupied checking the boats he crept back to his room. No one had noticed his absence. He changed and got back into bed. Whatever is going on they don’t want me to know about it
. I need to get out of here. How I don’t know, but I have a bad feeling about this place.
At some point he fell asleep.

Corbi
n set his usual brisk pace and we were at the causeway shortly before sunrise.

“Lauren, I am afraid you will need
to swim out until you reach the boat. You will pass through each successive realm until you reach the sail boat. Tokem and I will be waiting. Do not stop or try to turn back. There are one way charms on the causeway to alert the guards. They will not have gotten the directive to let you go.”

“Come on
Lauren jump in, times a wasting.”

“Tokem, I will not forget this ugly side of you. And I will get even. I swear.”

“Touchy, touchy.”

Before I could respond they were
both gone? Damn, I hated swimming in the ocean when I couldn’t see the bottom. The theme song from Jaws always plays on a continuous loop in my head. I waded in until I couldn’t stand and then I started swimming. I wasn’t worried about noise because vamps don’t like the water. If they heard me they wouldn’t bother to investigate. Traygen my love you owe me. Big time. Where are you my love? I concentrated and sent my mind out to see if I could still feel him. I didn’t feel anything for a few seconds and then I got a steady thrum. What in the heck? I stopped and treaded water to make sure I hadn’t been wrong. Then I sprinted. I kept pushing one arm in front of the next, until I nearly collided with the boat.

“Wow girl, what
’s the hurry? Is Jaws after you?” Tokem quipped as Corbin hauled me up and into the boat.

“No, I sent out my mind...”

“Stop right there. You don’t have a lot to lose.”

“Tokem, it was Traygen. For the first time since we started this search I got a stead reply.”

“Well why didn’t you say so. Are you sure? Try again.”

I sat and tried to compose myself enough for another search. Centered and breathing deeply I sent out my mind in search of Traygen. “Yes, it is there. Steadier then it has been since we started the search. He is alive.”

I let the tears fall and no one said anything. They pretended to busy themselves getting the boat ready to sail. I went below to change and when I returned we were headed out to open water.

“Lauren, where do you suggest we start our search?”

“Corbin, I don’t know. My senses don’t work exactly like a GPS.”

“Lauren, why don
’t we sail back toward where he was last seen and start trying to track him from there?” Tokem suggested.

“He was my prison
er when he escaped. Whoever took him likely sailed him off the island. I’ll sail us in the direction of the prison. With the shifting glamour around the islands it won’t be exact. Still, we may be able to triangulate his current position.”

“Corbin
, that is a great idea and as good as any we’ve had so far. You sail and I’ll keep checking for him every hour or so.”

“I
’ll keep our air surveillance up to date. We may have been pardoned but, there are some who won’t care.”

“Thank you Tokem.”

We all silently set about our tasks. The day went by without incidence. Traygen’s signal remained constant but, largely unchanged. I didn’t care. For the first time since he left, I felt we were close to getting him back. I swear I will never letting him out of my sight again. We ate with little conversation. I think we were all preoccupied and lost in our own thoughts.

“Lauren, I
’ll take the first watch. You get some sleep?”

“Yeah, I
’ll keep my air surveillance current.”

Without another
word I went below decks and got my bedding. Returning to the deck I found a spot out of the wind and made a nest. I was asleep almost before I closed my eyes. Exhausted, I don’t know how long I slept but, at some point Corbin shook me.

“Your turn. The sun is almost up and I need to get some rest.”

“Corbin, you should have woken me sooner.”

He
stumbled below decks to find a bunk. I swear I heard snores before I got back up on deck.

“Lauren, nice of you to join us.”

“Anything change since I fell asleep?”

“No. Have you checked to see if we are any closer to finding Traygen?”

“I’ll try as soon as I check to make sure the boat is all set.”

I checked out the boat, satisfied I tuned out my surroundings. It took me a few minutes to calm my mind enough to search. I wasn
’t disappointed. Traygen came through loud and clear. I had a stronger signal today then yesterday. We were apparently headed in the right direction. If only I dared to believe I would actually find Traygen.

“Well?”

“The signal is stronger than yesterday. I think we are headed closer to him.”

“Yes, it is about time. I
’ll go check and make sure we don’t have any visitors.”

With that Tokem was gone and I was alone with my thoughts. Dare I hope after all this time we would find Traygen alive and well.