Dragonfae & The Soul Catcher (27 page)

“Set me free or the dragons will kill you all.”

“What do you say, Bunt?” Rutta turned his horse and stared into the distance.

“I have never seen such beasts before but, if this is true, they will pay well for the return of their mate. Or a dark Magus will pay triple for a dragon’s mate.” Bunt kicked his horse towards a thick crop of trees. “Take cover. They cannot see us from the air if we travel under the branches.”

Thalia narrowed her eyes. “Then you will all die.” She met Bunt’s gaze. “Remove the silver and leave me here or I swear by the goddess the Nightdragon will tear you to pieces.”

“I very much doubt what you say.” Bunt frowned. “If we are challenged, I’ll say we are merely escorting you to a safer place. I mean, dear lady, how intelligent can a dragon be?”

With a snort, Thalia tossed her head. “You are a fool.” She stared into the distance. The sight of the Nightdragon, glistening in the sun, warmed her heart. “They have the wisdom of the ancients.”

“We should let her go.” Rom rubbed his chin. “You can do what you like, I’m returning home. I’ve no intention of fighting a dragon over this wench.”

“I agree.” Yulac moved his horse beside Rom. “Look at the size of the beasts. If I have to face one, I’ll no doubt fill my boots with piss.”

“Have you no brains? The witch conjured these beasts. What if they are no more than smoke in the wind?” Bunt waved his arms around. “We’ll lose a great deal of gold.”

“She had no time to conjure anything.” Yulac rolled his eyes. “Think, brother, if she had such magyck, we would be all shrivelled in her fire by now. Let her go, Rutta, it is for the best.”

“Then run away, piglets. I’ll share the gold with Rutta.” Bunt spat on the ground.

Thalia watched the two Boars ride into the distance. The noise from the raging dragons echoed through the valley. The ground beneath her feet shook. Birds took to the air in great screeching flocks and wildlife fled in all directions. Throwing caution to the wind, she lifted her head, and began to sing the Dragonsong.

The Nightdragon dropped the blacksmith to the floor. The man had told an interesting tale and the dragon had decided to spare his life. He lifted his head and flared his wide nostrils to seek the sweet scent of Thalia above the stink of fear. Inside, Lumos pushed hard against the dragon, trying to gain control. His request fell on deaf ears—the only sound his dragon heard came from Thalia. The sweet melody carried on the air above the terrified screams of the townsfolk. The dragon turned his head, his inquisitive ears moving back and forth.

Lumos heard the call.
“Thalia.”

“Aye, close by. I will take you there.”

“I am the master, dragon. I will fight for our mate.”
Lumos forced his will on the Nightdragon.
“We must have trust in each other’s abilities, you and I.”

“We are one, Lumos.”

As they approached the small group of trees beside the wide, chalk road, through the dragon’s sight, Lumos picked out the red glow of heat images beneath the spreading boughs. The Nightdragon dropped to the ground, morphing into Lumos. With wings outstretched, Lumos turned to Pyro. The Fae’s face betrayed the anger within. “I would ask that you let me deal with these pigs.”

“Then remain in wing, should the bastards take flight. I’ve no intention of hurling magyck at them and putting your mate at risk.” Pyro unsheathed his sword.

Lumos plunged into the trees. His gaze went to Thalia, sitting astride a horse with a Boar’s arm around her waist. His mate’s face was ashen. He bit back a howl of fury, at the sight of a black bruise on Thalia’s cheek. She clung to the horse’s mane with bloody hands, but she sat straight, not cowering in the saddle. He regarded her determined expression. Love blazed for him in her dark orbs. He caught the slight upward curl of her lips at his arrival.
Stay strong, butterfly.

Every muscle in Lumos’ body tensed, ready to fight for his mate. Anger came in an uncontrollable lust for blood. He slowly moved his head to take in the men who had dared to touch Thalia. Inside, the Nightdragon fought to be free, sending a white cloud of steam flowing from Lumos’ nostrils. He folded his wings, strode towards the horses, and raised his chin.

“You have something that belongs to me.”

“Let us negotiate. I’m Bunt and this is my brother, Rutta.” Bunt smiled. “A dead witch is of no use to anyone.” He indicated the knife that Rutta now held against Thalia’s throat. “What do you offer for the life of this female?”

Lumos revealed his fangs and growled a warning. “I’ll offer you a quick death, although my dragon would prefer to tear your head off.”

“Ah, but I have the upper hand. My brother has a knife to your woman’s throat.” Bunt chuckled. “How much gold do you offer for her life?”

Drawing his magyck around him, Lumos concentrated on Rutta. A Dragonfae of his power could stop a heart with a look—a dangerous spell, and, to some, the coward’s way to win a fight. Lumos cared less—to hold a knife to the throat of a female was the ultimate in cowardice. The spell took him inside the man’s chest, through skin and bone to the beating heart within. Lumos wrapped the spell around the throbbing muscle and squeezed. He watched Rutta’s face turn blue, the tremble of the Boar’s hand, the ragged gasps as the man fought for life. Lumos ground his teeth, fighting the desire to kill and end this farce. He glared at the Boar.

“Release—my—mate.”

“You are dying, Rutta.” Pyro moved closer. “Drop the knife.” He turned to Bunt. “There is no escape. Your horse will not obey you.”

Lumos squeezed harder. The man’s heart strained under his spell. Rutta swayed, his eyes rolled back in his head, and the knife slipped to the ground. Lumos ran forwards and dragged Thalia from the horse. With gentle care, he placed her on the ground, and ran his hands over her, searching for injuries. He poured glamour over her, giving her the comfort she needed.

“Apart from your hands, are you hurt?”

Relief flooded over him at the shake of her head. Lumos pulled her into his arms and buried his face in her hair. Thalia’s small body trembled against his chest. Her heart-rending sobs cut deeper than any wound. He pressed kisses on her tear-soaked cheeks and gently rocked her.

“You are safe now… Hush, sweet butterfly.” He pushed the damp strands of hair from her face.

“I knew you’d come.” Thalia clung to Lumos. “When they took me from the blacksmith’s cellar, I sang to you, but Bunt hit me. They planned to sell me to a dark Magus.”

“The Nightdragon heard your song. You’re so brave. I shouldn’t have left you alone. I’m a fool to have done such a thing. This is my fault.”

“No one is to blame.” Thalia sniffed. “The Nightdragon said you were injured fighting the Shadow Walkers. I was worried about your safety, too.” She looked up at him. “Are you badly injured?”

Lumos cupped Thalia’s face and gazed into her eyes. “Aye, I was injured, but my dragon has healed me now. The beasts were stronger than I could’ve ever imagined.” He glanced at the two Boars and anger rose again in his blood. He met Thalia’s soft brown eyes. “I’ll tend to your hands at once.” He searched her face. “I must ask, sweetness, did these pigs rape you?”

“No, not rape. Bunt slapped me and tied a silver belt around my wrists until it cut deep into my flesh.” Thalia drew a ragged breath. “Rutta wanted to rape me but Bunt stopped him, but only because they could ask a bigger price for me if I remained a virgin. The pig Rutta constantly fondled me—
he
is disgusting.”

“Then he shall die.” Lumos held Thalia close and rubbed her back. The witch shivered beneath his hands. “They will both die.”

“May I decide their fate? First, I beg you to remove the silver shackles from my wrists. I now understand how you felt, Lumos. The silver blocks out nature’s gift of magyck, the hum we feel from every living thing. Gods, without the connection it is as if I’m without thought—as if someone has stolen my mind.”

“Of course, I’ll remove the silver at once.” Lumos touched the metal and it vanished. He poured white magyck over Thalia’s wounds to heal them. He looked into her eyes, and at that instant understood his mate’s personal need for revenge. Would the dark magyck flowing in her veins compel her to kill these men or would she show compassion? Could he allow her to let these pigs go unpunished if that was her wish? He drew a deep breath and opened his arms, turning his hands palms up. “I am yours to command. What would you have me do to the Boars, sweetness?”

“I would have a punishment worse than death for these pigs.” Thalia turned towards the Boars. “They live to rape with no thought of the pain they inflict. I want to make them impotent, so they may never again lay with a female.” Thalia rubbed her wrists. “Strip them naked, take their belongings, and leave them here. I don’t want their deaths on our hands.”

“Oh please, allow me the pleasure.” Pyro flashed a grin at Lumos.

“Castration?” Bunt’s eyes rolled. “You can’t possibly take direction from a female. In truth, all would ask the same thing. Take my life but not my balls.” He slipped off his horse and fell to his knees at Pyro’s feet.

“Oh, you may keep your balls.” Pyro chuckled. “I wouldn’t bloody my knife on you.” He flicked his fingers, bathing both men with a flow of crackling magyck. “Although I would have relished inflicting pain on the both of you for what you have done to Thalia, my spell is quite humane. Now, my dear fellows, you are both as flaccid as eunuchs for the rest of your sorry lives.”

Lumos waved a hand and both men stood naked, their piggy eyes flashing from one Dragonfae to the other. He grinned. “On your way, both of you, before I change my mind and take out your eyes as souvenirs.”

Without uttering a word, the Boars took off at a run and disappeared into the undergrowth. Lumos turned to Thalia. “Perhaps they will learn not to treat females as chattels from now on.”

“I believe the Boars are set in their ways.” Thalia sighed. She glanced up at Lumos. “I know you wanted to kill them for touching me, but, in truth, their crime didn’t warrant death.” She looked up at Lumos. “I’ll not stop you from seeking vengeance on Erik and his cohorts. Although I believe the dark Magus had something to do with their lust towards me, it is common knowledge King Garro’s militia rape and pillage. They are vermin.”

“My anger burns to destroy them.” Lumos rubbed the back of his neck. “I will seek justice for you, my love. You have my word.”

“When we’re safely in Farrell, will you allow me to fetch these men?” Pyro met Lumos’ frown. “I owe you both so much and for Thalia to return to Broclarre would only bring back unwanted sadness.”

“Do you want to face Erik?” Lumos gazed into Thalia’s eyes. “In truth, I would prefer you allow me to pass judgement on these beasts.”

Thalia shivered. Her stomach clenched at the thought of being close to those disgusting animals. “To kill them would send them to the Underworld and, as disciples of the dark Magus, I’d imagine they would obtain status for raping me. Killing is too good for them.”

“Then I’ll seek the goddess’s guidance.” Lumos smiled at Pyro. “I’d be glad of your assistance, but I believe it will be better if you escorted them to Draconia.”

“Then I will make it so.” Pyro collected the reins of the Boars’ horses and led them forwards. He turned to Thalia. “Where did you leave Brew and Albert? Your cat will be out of his mind with worry.”

“I left them in a barn outside the village of Hartly—where the Boars captured me.” Thalia frowned. “I hope Brew hasn’t wandered off searching for me.”

Lumos lifted Thalia onto a horse. “Then we shall ride back to Hartly and find them. We can leave these horses there and use a circle of light to return to where Argos and Conker wait for us. They are in a place not far from Longbrook.” He turned to Pyro. “I think it’s best if we leave this realm as soon as possible.”

“Then we’ll make our way at once to the Gate, and enter”—Pyro inclined his head towards Thalia, and raised an eyebrow—“you know where. You’ve only two days before you meet Kird for the challenge in Drakka.” Pyro swung up into the saddle. “You must take the time to rest. Look at your mate, Lumos, she is exhausted, and soon to face moonfire. She needs your comfort.”

“Good advice.” Lumos leapt up behind Thalia and gathered her in his arms. “I’ll make you sleep now, little one. When you awake, we’ll be safe.” He kissed the top of Thalia’s head and cast the sleeping spell. As Thalia fell into a deep sleep, he turned to Pyro. “I thank you for not mentioning the Shadow Walkers to Thalia. I’d rather she not know of the possible danger ahead.”

“I thought as much. The sun drops towards the mountains. We don’t have much time before nightfall.” Pyro kicked his horse into a canter. “After last night’s battle, they may attack at sunset. We must reach the Gate to Farrell tonight. The Magus will stop at nothing to prevent you from entering Drakka.”

“Have no fear, I know the Gate to Farrell well.” Lumos followed Pyro along the dusty trail. “As soon as we have Brew and the horses, we can make the distance to the Gate by a circle of light. We will make Farrell before dusk.”

“As soon as we reach Farrell, I’ll go to Broclarre and collect the men who raped Thalia. There will be Shifters in Farrell who know Broclarre. With their knowledge, I’ll be able to travel there and back with a circle of light.” He glanced at Lumos. “I understand you went from Drakka through the Gates to get to the Singing Forest. That way takes too much time.”

“The Shifters, gods, I never thought to ask them for help. My mind was in turmoil.” Lumos shook his head. “I did consider a circle of light but I could find no one who knew the Singing Forest well enough to form one for me. So I found the closest Gate and flew from there.”

“Well then, gods willing, I’ll find a guide and begin my journey to Broclarre first thing in the morning.” Pyro smiled. “I’ll have the rogues in Draconia before you finish your challenge.”

Lumos shook his head. “No… I can’t expect you to do that for me. Your mate waits for you in Drakka.”

“Ah, Lumos my friend, the next time I see my mate, I’ll not leave her—not for any reason.” Pyro smiled. “After so long away, one more day makes little difference.” He gave Lumos a baleful look. “To be honest, the time alone will give me pause to think of a reasonable excuse for pretending to be dead.”