Trial By Fire (Going Down in Flames)

by Chris Cannon

  Her body sagged with relief. “Thank you.”

  He lifted up the covers and climbed in next to her, so she could lay her head on his chest. Wrapped in his arms, she fell asleep.

  …

  “What in the hell do you think you’re doing?” A male voice shouted.

  Bryn swam through the fog of sleep, and was greeted with the image of Jaxon standing next to her bed scowling. Clint and Ivy stood by his side.

  “I believe it’s called spooning,” Clint said.

  Bryn realized she and Valmont had shifted positions while they slept. Her back was pressed against Valmont’s chest, and his arm was wrapped around her waist.

  “Medic’s orders,” Valmont said. Bryn could hear the smirk in his voice. She pushed upright to a seated position.

  “What’s going on?” Bryn asked.

  Ivy pointed at her. “That’s my line. You weren’t at breakfast, and Mr. Stanton refused to tell us why you weren’t in class, so we shanghaied Jaxon and made him bring us into your room.”

  How much should she tell them? What happened was too personal to share with Jaxon. “Thanks for letting them in, Jaxon. You can go back to whatever it was you were doing.”

  “Right. They dragged me here. I’m not leaving without an explanation.”

  “She woke up sick,” Valmont said. “Medic Williams ordered me to stay by her side and take care of her, which is what I’m doing.”

  “I doubt this is what she had in mind,” Jaxon said.

  “What made you sick?” Clint asked.

  So much for getting out of this situation without an explanation. “Valmont and I had a misunderstanding, and the bond made me sick,” Bryn said. “But now that we understand how this works, we won’t let it happen again, so it’s not a big deal.”

  Ivy moved in and hugged her. “I’m glad you’re okay. We’ll do girl talk later.”

  Clint and Ivy moved toward the door.

  “Wait,” Jaxon said. “We need to have our stories straight. People are going to ask questions.”

  Okay. What should they say?

  “Tell them I brought up going back to work at Fonzoli’s,” Valmont said, “Due to the bond, Bryn became sick because she thought I meant I didn’t want to be her knight anymore.”

  “How close to the truth is that?” Clint asked.

  “Close enough,” Valmont said. “There’s your story. Feel free to pass it along through the rumor mill. Now, go to class so we can sleep.”

  Sometime later, Bryn felt the mattress shift, and then cold air hit her back. She opened her eyes. “Valmont?”

  “I’ll be right back. Someone knocked on the door.”

  It was probably Medic Williams coming back to check on her. Hoping for the best, Bryn ran her fingers over her scalp. While her hair no longer had the texture of hay, it didn’t feel normal.

  Medic Williams entered the room carrying a bag of something, which smelled like French fries. Bryn smacked her hand over her nose as her stomach rolled. “That smells awful.”

  “Now I’m worried,” Medic Williams said. “How can you not want French fries?”

  “I don’t know.” Bryn inhaled and her insides squirmed. “Please get that out of here before I throw up.”

  Valmont took the bag and exited the room.

  “You have to eat,” Medic Williams said. “Does anything sound good?”

  Bryn ran through all her favorite foods in her mind. Nothing sounded good, which was so not her. Then she remembered eating the deer after the fire in Dragon’s Bluff, and saliva filled her mouth. “Gross. I want a deer.”

  “A deer, as in venison?” the medic asked.

  “No. As in a fur-covered animal. God, that’s disgusting. Bring the French fries back in. I’ll eat those.”

  “I think it’s your dragon nature that was most injured by this, so it makes some sense that you wish to eat as a dragon.”

  Valmont came back into the room. “What’s up?”

  “I want a deer,” Bryn said. “And it’s freaking me out.”

  Valmont didn’t look concerned about her feelings, but he did look perplexed. “Who can we call to have a deer delivered? It’s not like ordering pizza.”

  Pizza. She should just eat pizza. Her stomach rolled again. Deer, she thought and her stomach growled. “Crap.”

  “Let me make a few calls.” Medic Williams left the room.

  Valmont wore a neutral expression on his face, which wasn’t normal.

  “You think I’m disgusting. Don’t you?”

  “No.” He sat and put his arm around her shoulders. “It’s kind of funny.”

  After several phone calls, Bryn was led to the terrace patio where the carcass of a deer had been left. This was so wrong. She drooled and shifted to dragon form. Sick and wrong. She grabbed the carcass in her teeth and bit down trying not to think about it. In two bites, it was gone. And she wanted more.

  After she’d eaten the deer, Medic Williams treated her with Quintessence again. “That should do it. I’ll be by tomorrow morning to check on you. Don’t even think about leaving your room.”

  “Can I take a shower?” Between the deer and her illness, she felt disgusting.

  “Shower, but be careful not to run the water too hot. Your hair and skin are still recovering. You don’t want to dry them out.”

  A lukewarm shower. Fabulous.

  Valmont escorted the medic from the room and then came back to sit by Bryn on the bed. “You have no idea the self-control I’m exerting not to make a joke about helping you in the shower.”

  “I appreciate that.” She patted him on the arm and headed for the bathroom. Twenty minutes later, she felt refreshed, but not exactly revived. All she wanted to do was crawl back in bed. And not just because Valmont lay there reading a book.

  He smiled as she came toward him with wet hair and no makeup. That right there was a true test of love. “My hair still feels a little stiff.”

  “You probably need more rest.” He patted the bed beside him.

  “Aren’t you hungry?”

  “I’m good. I ate the burger and fries while you ate the deer.”

  “I’m praying that was a one-time craving. I know it’s natural, and I tell myself that, but I grew up watching Bambi, so the guilt is built-in.”

  “The next time you feel hungry, we can call Clint or Ivy to bring whatever you want. That way they can visit and you can eat.”

  She crawled into bed and cuddled against him. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For staying with me, letting me use you as a pillow, and for wanting to be my knight.”

  …

  When the alarm went off the next morning, Bryn startled awake and tried to climb out of bed. “I’ve got it,” Valmont said. He smacked the button on top of the alarm, went to his room across the hall to do the same, and then climbed back in bed with her. “Until Medic Williams gives you the all clear, I think we should sleep in.”

  Great idea, but she didn’t think it would happen. “Sorry, I feel twitchy.”

  “What does that mean?”

  She scratched her head. Her hair felt like she’d forgotten to use conditioner for a month. That was better than the straw hair yesterday. “I feel like I’ve been cooped up, and I need to fly.”

  “That is not happening without medical consent.” Valmont grabbed both her hands. “You have to take it easy.”

  The idea of heading out to the terrace, shifting, and taking flight consumed her. “I can’t just sit here. I need to do something.”

  Valmont walked over to the dresser and picked up a legal-size envelope. “This is a copy of the photo Medic Williams took of you. She dropped if off last night while we slept.” He held the envelope out so she could read the writing on the front.

  Bryn read it aloud. “If Bryn tries to do anything stupid, show her this.” That was a bit harsh.

  Valmont opened the envelope and upended it so the picture slid out into his palm, and then he handed it to Bry
n. Her heart jumped around in her chest. That couldn’t be her. Straw-like hair stuck out from her head, her skin was scaly and pale, and veins showed beneath the surface. Bryn backed up to the bed and sat down. “I was that bad?”

  “Yes.” Valmont took the picture and set it on the nightstand. “You scared the hell out of all of us.”

  “I would like to point out, again, that I did not get sick on purpose.”

  Valmont scratched the back of his neck. “It’s not like the bond came with directions. Maybe we should try to find some information in the library so we don’t mess up again.”

  Bryn’s stomach growled loud enough for Valmont to hear, breaking the tension between them.

  “That’s a sure sign you’re feeling better. Should I call out for another deer?”

  Bacon, she thought, and her stomach growled. Good. I am back on people food. “This morning, I’ll take whatever the cafe downstairs is serving.”

  “There’s one problem with this scenario. Your snooty cafe doesn’t deliver. I can’t leave your side, and you aren’t allowed out of bed.” He squinted his eyes and stared off into space, and then he laughed. “What’s Jaxon’s number?”

  “Are you serious?” He’d never bring her food. “You realize that’s like poking a bear with a stick.”

  “That’s what makes it fun. Besides, he’ll do it to keep me from hanging out with you at Rhianna’s room every day for a week.”

  “Blackmail…that might work.”

  Valmont called Jaxon. Bryn could tell from his end of the conversation it wasn’t going well. When he hung up, his eyes narrowed. “That didn’t work how I expected.”

  “What happened?”

  “He outmaneuvered me, said he’d bring Rhianna here to your room and hang out every evening for a month. I wanted to call his bluff, but if he didn’t back down that would have meant putting up with him for an entire month.”

  “And that would end in bloodshed.” Bryn’s stomach growled. “I’ll call Ivy. I bet she’d fly over some carryout from the dining hall before she goes to class.”

  Ivy showed up half an hour later on the terrace with two Styrofoam cartons and passed them to Bryn. “Sorry, I can’t stay to talk.”

  Ivy took off. The longing to fly increased as she watched her friend glide through the air.

  “Don’t even think about it.” Valmont grabbed her hand and pulled her back inside.

  Chapter Ten

  Medic Williams came by at noon and examined Bryn head to toe. “Besides being a bit dehydrated and fatigued, you’re doing well.”

  “She wants to fly,” Valmont said.

  Bryn stuck her tongue out at him for ratting her out.

  “Sorry, but I know you,” he said. “Once something is in your head, you don’t give up.”

  “Flying has to wait until tomorrow. Today you need to eat and sleep.” Medic Williams pointed at Valmont. “While I’m here with Bryn, why don’t you go down to the cafe and pick up some food. Make that a lot of food. The more calories, the better.”

  “All right. Any special requests?”

  “Dessert.” Bryn’s mouth watered at the thought of chocolate.

  “What kind?”

  “Anything but cake.” It might be stupid that she refused to eat cake, but once a food is a vehicle for poison, it loses its appeal.

  Valmont took off, and Medic Williams’s demeanor changed. “Bryn, we need to talk.” She headed for the couch and sat.

  Oh, crap. She was using that I’m-going-to-say-something-which-will-tick-you-off voice. Bryn sat on the couch and waited to see what new tragedy was about to befall her life.

  “What’s happening between you and Valmont is dangerous. You need to control your emotions. Getting as sick as you did, as quickly as you did, well, it’s unprecedented.”

  Wait a minute. “I didn’t do it on purpose. What do you have to compare it to, old medical records? How do you know it wasn’t normal?”

  “Whether it’s normal or not isn’t the point. I’ve never seen a case like this, and when we treated you, we were guessing. You can’t let this happen again.”

  How had this turned into a game of blame the victim? “I didn’t do it on purpose. And there won’t be a next time.”

  “I hope that’s true. Valmont cares about you, but he’s human and human behavior can be erratic.”

  Where was this coming from?

  “I appreciate your concern, but it’s unnecessary. I care about Valmont, and he cares about me. Everything will be okay.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  They sat in uncomfortable silence waiting for Valmont to return. When he did, the tower of takeout boxes he carried was stacked higher than his head.

  “What did you buy?” Bryn asked.

  “A little of everything.”

  Medic Williams stood. “I’ll let you eat. Bryn, I’m glad you’re feeling better. Let’s keep it that way.” And with that, she left.

  Valmont set the stack of containers on the library table and popped the nearest lid. The savory scent of steak drifted across the room. “What’s the verdict? Do we need to send out for another deer?”

  “No.” She inhaled, and her stomach growled. Bryn worked her way through a steak, two potatoes, a hamburger and half a pizza.

  “Are you even chewing?” Valmont asked.

  “Yes.” Mostly. “Now I’m ready for dessert.” She reached for the chocolate pie and then stopped. “If you want a piece, call dibs now, or I’m eating the whole thing.”

  “I planned ahead.” He opened a small Styrofoam container to reveal a single piece of chocolate pie.

  He’d bought her a whole pie. “You are the best knight ever.”

  She polished off every last crumb and then leaned back in her seat and yawned.

  “Why don’t you lie down while I clean this up?” Valmont stacked the empty boxes.

  “I can help.”

  “No need.” Once the containers were in the trash, Valmont led her to the couch. “Nap time.”

  He stretched out on the couch. She joined him. Medic Williams’s words kept spinning through her head. Bryn pushed them aside. So she and Valmont had a hiccup in their relationship. Not a big deal.

  A knock sounded from the terrace window startling her. That was odd.

  They both sat up. Grabbing his sword, Valmont headed down the hall. While she doubted attackers would be polite enough to knock, she didn’t bother to point that out.

  Miss Enid waved at Bryn from the terrace while Valmont unlocked the window, allowing the librarian to enter.

  “Sorry to bother you, but I thought you might want some reading material while you recuperated.”

  Bryn took the small black nylon duffel bag Miss Enid offered. “Thank you. Are these more legends books?”

  “If anyone asks, that’s the answer you should give,” Miss Enid said in a conspiratorial tone.

  The bag contained several faded black leather books with silver bindings and Days of Knights stamped on the cover along with volume numbers.

  Valmont grabbed volume three. “This was my favorite. Talia’s grandmother must have read these stories to me dozens of times.” He flipped through the pages, which were covered in calligraphy.

  “Are these hand written?” Bryn flipped open Volume One.

  “The originals were.” Miss Enid ran her fingers over a page reverently. “These are replicas made on a printing press, but they are still old and fragile, so treat them with care.”

  Bryn felt like she’d been entrusted with a secret treasure. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Miss Enid checked her watch. “I believe I’ll exit through your dorm rather than flying back.”

  “Why would you want to do that?” Valmont asked. “You’ll have to deal with all the Blues staring at you.”

  “When I was a student, that might have bothered me, but as a member of the faculty, I enjoy throwing the Blues off-balance a bit.”

  “You sound like Mr. Stanton.” B
ryn suspected Miss Enid and Mr. Stanton were involved even though their marriage petition had been denied. After all, they’d both refused any other alternative. It was kind of romantic to think about them sneaking around having a love affair.

  Miss Enid grinned. “After all this time, maybe he’s a bad influence on me.”

  Was that a confirmation? Bryn couldn’t tell. After showing Miss Enid out the front door, she joined Valmont on the couch. “What was your favorite story?”

  He thumbed through the pages. “I’ll read it to you.”

  Once upon a time, there was a young man named Gray Everscale who lived in a small fishing village. He dreamt of running away to seek adventure and glory. One day, while he sat fishing in his boat in the middle of the lake, he noticed something bright in the water. Curious, he dove in, barely making a splash. No matter how far he swam, the sparkling lights seemed just out of reach. When he finally stopped to look at his surroundings, he could no longer see his boat floating above him. His air was running low, so he swam toward the underground caverns the villagers hid in whenever the village was under attack.

  As soon as he surfaced, he saw a beautiful maiden swathed in an iridescent white robe. Parts of the robe darkened, turning reddish brown.

  “Have you come to steal more of my treasure?” the young woman spoke in a calm voice, pulling a dagger from her robe.

  “I have no use for treasure.” As he spoke, the stains on her robe grew larger. “Are you injured?” He moved toward her but didn’t presume to touch.

  She tossed a few sparkling stones at his feet. “Go. Leave me in peace.”

  He kicked the jewels aside. “You’re bleeding.” Pulling off his shirt, he said. “Let me bandage your wounds. Then I’ll bring back a healer.”

  She laughed. “And why would you go to such trouble for me, human?”

  Freezing for a second, he tilted his head and stared. “You’re a dragon?”

  In the small village, he’d met a few of the dragons who claimed the forest the villagers lived in as their territory, but they’d always been male.

  “Aye.” The woman drew herself up to her full height, even though doing so must have caused her pain. “Do you still wish to help me?”