Dragon Down (4 page)

“One question at a time, you know I don
’t like to be rushed.”

“Out with it now or I
’ll take back the TIVO.”

“All right, you don
’t need to get nasty. He is one of the vampires that General Wingo brought back from the Isle of Man. He claims to be a member of the Black Court. Would you like to meet him?”

“How do you know he is trying to kill me for a bounty?”

“I overheard him asking the other captives about you. This naturally caught my attention. He claims someone in the Lazarian Court has put a price on your head.”

I pushed back from my chair and started for the door. “I
’ll follow you, just lead the way.”

Tokem buzzed by me and down the corridor. I followed him through the castle and down into the dungeons below. The air was humid and smelled of mildew.
If I had to guess, I’d say we were at least a hundred feet underground. Torches lined the wall every ten feet or so. They sputtered and threatened to go out. They were being buffeted by some unseen breeze. Visibility was limited. The torches only offered flashes of broken light. They produced just enough light to keep me from losing sight of Tokem.

“Lauren, we are almost at the prisoner
’s cells. I’ll point out the vampire I heard talking about the bounty on you. Follow me.”

I trailed along behind Tokem and waited until he stopped
. He hovered in front of a nearby cell. Then he nodded and I stepped up and looked into the cell. The cell’s only illumination came from the small window in the door. It took several minutes for my eyes to adjust. Still I nearly missed the cell’s occupant. A shiver slid involuntarily down my spine and I drew in my breath. The vampire hung from the ceiling which clearly, identifying him as a member of the Black Court. His hideous features meant only one thing. This vampire hadn’t eaten in a while and it was near death. I thought for a minute that I might be too late, but then I heard a hiss.

“I
’d invite you in, but I have lost my key,” he said as he dropped, falling silently to the floor, before gliding toward the cell door. He moved silently and smoothly like a rain drop down a pane of glass. So, fluid was his movement that he appeared to have no bones, no joints, just liquid motion.

I gasped and stepped back from the door. The vampire leered through the bars at me. His black skin hung in lo
ose folds around his face. He grabbed the bars with filthy hands. The fingernails curving into claws, at the end of each finger, and drool dripped from the corner of his mouth. A horror right out of Bram Stokers fertile imagination, I trembled.

“Vampire, what court are you from?”

“Where are your manners? Am I not to know to whom I’m speaking?”

“My name is Lauren, and I
’m a…”

“
Say no more, I know who you are. It is unfortunate that I’m otherwise detained. You would make a nice meal and then provide me with a steady income.”

“Sorry, the only blood bank I donate to is the Red Cross. I
’ve answered your question. What court do you belong to?”

“I would think it rather obvious. One look at this beautiful face ought to answer your question.”

“The only thing your face tells me is that you’re butt ugly. What is a Black Court vampire doing working with the Vikings?”

“Why should I answer your questions? I
’ll never get out of here alive. I’m dead either way.”

“Thankfully
, you are smarter than you look. However, you can die quickly or very, very slowly. Answer my questions and I’ll make sure you don’t linger.”

“Well, when you put it that way what choice do I have? I
’m a member of the Black Court. Mavre is my mentor and I have sworn an oath to kill you.”

“Why do you want to kill me
or more accurately why does Mavre want me dead?”

“There is a bounty on your head. It seems you have offended someone in the hierarchy.”

“You’ll need to be more specific. I seem to have a knack for irritating people. This isn’t the first time, but is nice to be appreciated. Who wants me dead?”

“I honestly do not know, and even if I did
, I wouldn’t tell you. What I can say is that it is someone with considerable clout. The bounty is far too high. Unfortunately for you, they want you dead, not alive.”

“I can
’t release you. However, I can see to it that you are given a fair trial.”

Tokem and I left the dungeons and returned to the library. I needed to finish a few things before I met again with Zane. It was hard to concentrate. The vampire had given me one bit of valuable information. I just didn
’t know what to make of it. There was no use wondering whom or why. I’d offended too many people or vampires or whatever to count. I needed to focus all my energy on saving Traygen. Yeah and I’d need to watch my back, because many vampires would be. Lucky me.

Chapter Four

I read for another hour before Zane returned from who knew where. He walked over and stood in front of my desk. “Find anything of interest?”
I asked.

“Lauren, I
’ve arranged with General Wingo to fly us to the coast at first light. The general has given us one of the Viking vessels and supplies enough to get us to the Paradise Islands. Have you learned anything that might help?”

“Honestly, I don
’t know. My knowledge of vampires has always been more about how to kill them. I never took the time to find out much about them. However, from what I’ve read I think it is unlikely that either the White or Jade Courts are involved. Something this big is out of their league.”

“My thoughts exactly. The White Court vampires are into prostitution and white-collar crime. The Jade Court sticks to smuggling of drugs and precious gems. This could only be a grudge of some sort. Do you know if Traygen or his family has stepped on any toes lately? Any group with an ax to grind?”

“It is possible and a good question to ask Trevor. But from what I know he hasn’t had any run-ins with the Red or Black Courts? I’ve had more issues with vampires than Traygen. I have offended them again and again.”

Zane
’s head snapped up, and he looked at Lauren. “What do you mean?”

“Tokem overheard one of the captive vampires telling someone there is a price on my head.”

“And?”

“
He didn’t know much. The vampire just said it was someone in the hierarchy, and that it was a large bounty. He may just be trying to buy his freedom and besides, there are several people that want me dead.”

“Good to know, and you
’re probably correct. I’ll chat with him later if I have the time before we leave. If there are not any more questions I need to prepare to leave.”

“Nothing that can
’t wait. I’ll finish here and get my things ready for our departure. It’ll be light before we know it.”

Zane left the library
and I sat in silence for some time reflecting on his earlier question about Traygen. I decided to find Trevor and ask him if Traygen or the kingdom had any feuds with the vampires. Pushing myself up from the table I went in search of Trevor. Fortunately it only took me a moment. We nearly collided as I left the library.

“Lauren, I
’m so sorry. Are you all right?”

“Trevor, I
’m fine. I was just looking for you. Do you know if Traygen or the kingdom had any ongoing feuds with the vampires? Any reason that they might take him?”

“I
’ve asked myself that same question, since he disappeared. The kingdom has had skirmishes with the vampires throughout our history. They were usually turf disputes of one type or another. However, I’m not aware that Traygen had any personal disagreements with a vampire. That doesn’t mean he didn’t, but it never came up.”

“What courts have you had the most interaction with?”

“The Jade Court. They try to use our lands to shorten their trade routes. I’m not sure what court the vampires that helped the Vikings were from. Do you?”

“They were primarily Red Court, mercenaries for hire. I don
’t think they have any loyalty other than greed. It doesn’t mean I’m right but, I would think they would have put Traygen up for ransom by now. Since we haven’t heard anything, I believe we can rule them out.”

“I
’m sorry. I can’t be more helpful. General Wingo tells me that you are leaving at first light. I wish I could go, but my father hasn’t fully regained his strength. Please be careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you and Tokem.”

“We
’ll be careful and we’ll bring Traygen home. After all, we have a wedding to plan.”

We finished our goodbyes
and I returned to my room. I would be traveling light. No designer clothes needed for this trip. Basic black fatigues, soft soled leather combat boots and no makeup. I shuddered to think. I felt my bracelet vibrating softly on my wrist, and I carried my staff. There were numerous concealed weapons and I carried several knives. I had my Smith and Wesson securely strapped to my thigh and I wore an ammo belt full of vials. I was as armed and as dangerous as I could make myself. God only knew what we would face and I didn’t want to be unprepared. Knowing I’d have to make do with whatever I could carry. Satisfied that I had everything I could possibly need, I stretched out on the bed.

I don
’t know how long I dozed, but a persistent rap on my door woke me. “I’m coming.” I mumbled as I staggered to unlock my door.

Zane was standing there. “We are ready to go if you are.”

“I’ll be right down,” I said without preamble and shut the door in his face.

By the time
I’d finished dressing and got downstairs, the general and four dragons were waiting.

“Nice of you to join us
,” Tokem teased as he darted just out of my reach.

We got underway without comment or fanfare. The sun wasn
’t up yet and the only hint of the coming dawn was a few smudges of orange in the eastern sky. I hauled myself up on the nearest dragon, settling in for the ride. My teeth were already chattering and my hands were numb. I pulled my chin further down inside my jacket and leaned down close to my dragon. I was trying to make myself as small as possible. We flew for what seemed like an eternity. By the time we landed, I had all I could do to slide down off my dragon. My legs were so cold they dropped me unceremoniously on my ass. Very ladylike, my mom would have been so proud. I struggled to regain my footing and pride. I managed to regain my footing. Pride, as everyone knows, goes before the fall and in my case literally true.

Having made an impressive landing I helped Zane unload our supplies. It didn
’t take us long to stow our things on the boat. We chatted with General Wingo about our planned route. He gave us a few words of caution about the reefs and currents in the area before leaving. After the general and his men departed, I hugged my coat tightly around me. Finally, we were going after Traygen.
I’m coming my love, hang in there. Don’t give up my love, not now
. Tokem landed lightly on my shoulder.

“Don
’t worry Lauren, we’ll bring him home.”

“If you two would lend a hand
, we can get under sail.”

Tokem and I exchanged glances and then got to work. It took us about an hour to
carry all the supplies below decks and secure them. Then we sat down and studied the maps. Our course was set and so were our sails. The boat tacked efficiently out to sea. Zane appeared to be a seasoned sailor, which is a good thing. My experience sailing was limited to cocktail cruises. Even I questioned my sea worthiness.

We fe
ll into an easy silence. There wasn’t any need for conversation. Chores were assigned and duties accomplished. Sometime around midday, we ate our lunch. This was not a gourmet cruise. Lunch consisted of dried meat, stale bread and water. A weight watcher’s dream, I wouldn’t have any trouble fitting into my wedding gown when we returned.

“How long do you think it will be before we reach one of the Paradise Islands?”

Zane finished tying off the cleat before he answered. “Depending on the tides, I’d say a day or two. The islands are not ease to find. They are enchanted to protect their occupants.”

“What enchantments?”

“Lauren, they use the mists to try to disguise their presence. More often than not, they are successful. It took Jason and me nearly a week the last time we tried to find these islands.”

“Then you
’ve been there before. Hopefully, that should improve our chances. What are the islands like?”

“I haven
’t been to all of them, just the island of the Red Court vampires. I am guessing it is the closest of the islands but, I’ve never been to the others. It is shrouded in mist and shadow. The enchantments give all the islands features a fluid quality. They shimmer almost like an oasis. It is hard to know what is real and what is enchanted. The Mists make everything look like an illusion.”

“It sounds like a dangerous place and an excellent place to hide someone. I
s there anything in particular you want me to keep a look out for?”

“Just keep your senses open. I hope we will see the island in time to avoid any traps that have been set. You may as well rest. We can send Tokem out at intervals to scout. Given his stature he might go unnoticed.”

“Hey, now. I’m little, but I’m deadly and don’t you forget it.” Tokem sputtered.

“Tokem, Zane meant no offense. He merely meant that you might fly undetected through their defenses.”

“Well, if that is what he meant, he should have said so. I’ll try not to let the team down.”

“Tokem, I meant no offense. It would be helpful to the team if you would fly reconnaissance for us.” Zane offered as he tacked hard a lee.

Tokem puffed out his chest and cracked his knuckles. He nodded to Zane and flew up and landed in the rigging. I turned and headed below decks. I needed to rest before it was my turn to take the helm. Thankfully, all I’d need to do was follow the compass reading. I threw myself onto the nearest bunk and tried to sleep. Unfortunately, ten minutes below decks and I was ready to lose my lunch. I grabbed a blanket and pillow and staggered above deck. The wind in my face saved my lunch. I found an area out of the wind and threw myself down on the deck. I sure hoped we found Traygen sooner rather than later. My sea worthiness was limited.

Zane roused me some time after dark and handed me the wheel. He pointed out our bearings and went below deck. Tokem was nowhere to be seen. The ocean was calm with a steady breeze. We could have been the only human beings for a hundred miles
and for all I could tell we were. The quarter moon provided some light, but visibility was limited. Waves slapped against the hull as the boat cut its way through the water. Rising and falling rhythmically, we slogged on through the night. Zane took my place just after dawn. The sky was turning pink and orange as the sun announced its arrival. I went below decks and grabbed some food. I brought my dried fruits and nuts up on deck to eat. There was no need to tempt fate. Coffee would have been nice but, I couldn’t stay below deck long enough to brew it. Tokem streaked down from the rigging and landed lightly on my shoulder.

“What did you bring me for breakfast? Pancakes, toast, eggs, and bacon.”

“No such luck my friend, I have dry cereal and fruit.”

“This is a new low. No take out, no Price Is Right, and no TIVO. I
’m going to give Traygen a piece of my mind when we find him.”

“I hope not
too big a piece.” I ducked to evade his dive. Tokem flew past my head and landed on the mast in front of me.

“You got lucky this time, but watch your back. I
’ll get even.”

“If I could interrupt you two, we need to do some surveillance. Tokem, could you please scan the area and let me know if you spot any islands.”

“Aye, aye Captain Zane, I’ll get right on it.” He saluted and flew out of sight.

I chuckled and kept my attention on my breakfast. When I finished
eating, I asked Zane if I could get him anything. That is, anything that needed thirty seconds or less below deck. Smiling slightly he offered to make coffee, if I took the helm. I nearly ran him down in my eagerness for a cup of hot coffee. He was back in ten minutes or so with two steaming cups of heavenly smelling coffee. He had just handed me my cup when Tokem streaked by and landed on my shoulder. He startled me and I spilled hot coffee on my hand.

“Tokem, what in the devil are you doing. You nearly got me scalded.”

“Sorry, but I thought you’d want to know that I’ve spotted land. And it is inhabited.”

“And? Out with it or I
’ll make finger food out of you.”

“Touchy, touchy. I spotted smoke when I flew over the treetops. I thought I
’d better come and let you know before, I risked giving our approach away.”

“Good thinking. How far is it to the island?”

Zane pointed to the west, and I squinted to see what he was pointing at. I could just make out an island in the distance. He swung the boat around and started tacking toward the island.

“Do you know what island that is?”

“No and it doesn’t seem likely that vampires would be that obvious. Who knows, perhaps it is a trick? It will take us a couple of hours to reach the island. I suggest you arm yourself and then I’ll give you the helm while I do the same. Tokem, if it isn’t too much to ask would you fly around the island and see if you can find a safe place for us to drop anchor.”

“I
’m on it.”

I went below deck and
put on my bracelet, picked up my staff, and strapped on my ammo belt along with my Smith and Wesson. I wanted to make sure I was prepared for all eventualities. These islands could only be harboring traders, pirates or vampires. Better to be over prepared than to get caught unprepared. Satisfied I had everything I’d need I went up on deck to relieve Zane.

Zane nodded his approval and headed below deck. I scanned the horizon and couldn
’t see anything except the island. There weren’t any boats that I could find on this side of the island. Worried I might need to do something besides hold the wheel I yelled for Zane. He popped up a moment later and took control of the boat. We sailed on in silence until Tokem sped back into view. He landed lightly on the spar.