With a determined look on her face, Lainey marched up to the side of the cave and grabbed a root. And just stood there. Renick came to stand next to her. He lifted one of her feet and placed it on a protrusion, then helped her shift her weight. It was slow going. As soon as Lainey was halfway around the side of the cave, Grahm took over the task of guiding her. Once Lainey was out of harm's way, Renick followed her same path and started climbing.
Renick reached for a root, but it pulled loose from the ground. A spray of dirt and rocks fell over him and onto the dragon. Folgyn's massive body started to move. Renick did not wait to see if the dragon would wake up. He threw himself the rest of the way and rolled down the hill. Grahm's strong arms helped him to his feet. They started running just as an aggravated growl came from behind them.
Chapter 29: Flee for Your Lives
Renick held his arms over his head to protect it from the branches whipping past as he crashed through the forest. He could just barely make out Grahm and Lainey up ahead. Behind him Folgyn roared, and Renick looked over his shoulder to see the yellow-orange glow of fire.
"Flee, little humans, flee for your lives!" Folgyn blew another jet of flame. This one warmed Renick's back and encouraged him to run even faster.
Lainey cried out as her foot caught on something. She threw her hands in front of her as she stumbled to the ground, sending up a cloud of fallen leaves. Renick reached her first. Skidding to a halt, he bent down and helped her get back to her feet. He tried to pull her along after him, but she was limping.
"I hurt my ankle," Lainey said, her voice sounding almost panicked.
"Grahm, help!" Renick called as he wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders. Without breaking his stride, Grahm doubled back and scooped Lainey up into his arms. She crossed her wrists behind his neck and looked back at Renick.
"It'll be okay," Renick said softly, and Lainey smiled in return.
They took a winding route through the trees, heading parallel to the forest's edge. Renick tried to follow Grahm's instructions to keep to areas dense with trees. It gave them twofold protection. Every tree Folgyn had to crash through slowed him down, and if the dragon became frustrated and took to the air, the trees would provide cover.
"Keep an eye out for the marker," Grahm said over his shoulder.
Renick kept scanning the trees for the marker that showed where they needed to exit the forest. They had strung a long, red cord around several trees as far into the woods as they could. It created a red line leading to safety. But the cord was small and thin, and at the speed they were travelling it would be easy to miss.
Behind him a chorus of cracking, splitting trees echoed through the forest. Birds took to the air and ground animals dove for cover. Folgyn's roar sent a chill down Renick's spine. The dragon was airborne. He looked up but could not see anything through the thick canopy. He reminded himself that it was a good thing because Folgyn could not see them either.
But I can smell your fear.
Renick shivered and mentally pushed against Folgyn's presence in his mind and heard another, more startled-sounding roar.
Up ahead, Grahm had come to a stop next to a small stream. "I don't remember passing this on the way in, do you?"
"No. Did we miss the marker?" Renick bent over and put his hands on his knees and took deep breaths.
Grahm's brow scrunched together in worry. "Perhaps …"
Lainey, still resting in his arms with a death grip around his neck, looked concerned. Renick reached out and patted her knee, hoping to reassure her. She gave him a half smile.
"Yes, I think we must have," Grahm decided. "Let's head west toward the tree line a little way and then double back."
"Double back?" Renick rubbed his suddenly sweaty hands on his brown pants. "You mean you want to head toward the angry dragon?"
Grahm nodded gravely. "The plan hinges on our exiting the forest at precisely the right location. We have to find the marker."
Renick nodded slowly and then squared his shoulders. "Right, find the marker."
They started moving again, Grahm still holding Lainey. Renick noticed her ankle seemed to be glowing a little bit.
"I think I can walk now," Lainey insisted.
"Walk, maybe. But, Lainey, my dear, we're going to be running." With that, Grahm sprinted forward. Renick followed after him, pushing hard to catch up.
After just a short while, Grahm turned south again and Renick followed. The trees were thicker here, and so they had to trudge more slowly through the forest. The only sounds were their quick footsteps and the rustling of bushes and branches as they passed. Renick could not hear or feel Folgyn. It made him uneasy.
The forest behind them exploded. Trees, leaves, and other debris flew through the air past Renick's head. The force threw him forward and he landed face down in the dirt. A blast of heat singed the hairs on the back of his neck. Renick rolled over and looked toward the source of the attack. Folgyn was sitting in the center of the devastation, flames leaping from his jaws, his massive tail sweeping away trees and underbrush.
"You cannot escape me," Folgyn said, his voice rumbling like thunder.
Renick scrambled to his feet and started running again. Grahm was far ahead of him, and Renick was relieved that he and Lainey were safe for the moment. If he could keep Folgyn busy they would have a chance to get away.
Folgyn came barreling toward Renick. He could hear the sound of the dragon passing through the trees and feel the ground shake with each of the creature's steps. When he felt Folgyn's hot breath on his neck, Renick threw himself to the side, scrambled to his feet and started heading back the way he had come. Folgyn screamed in outrage.
Come back here, flea. The currents of air disturbed by Folgyn's beating wings tugged at Renick's shirt and hair. Renick plunged down the path made by Folgyn. He was completely exposed, and he knew it. He had to give Grahm more of a lead. A dark shadow passed over him. Folgyn flipped in the air and hovered over the circle of flattened trees where he had landed before.
Reaching out a hand, Renick caught a narrow tree trunk and spun himself around it. He was once again facing south. Dodging back into the cover of the trees, Renick ran at full speed. He could not see Grahm anywhere—he must have found the marker. He located the place where he had last seen Grahm and headed for it, keeping a sharp eye out for anything red or out of place.
Just as Folgyn's last roar of protest waned to silence, he spotted it. A thin line of red cutting across his path. Renick turned, following the line through the trees and out into the open fields. Grahm was already half way to the Trevinni gates. The plan was working. Excitement surged through Renick and he pushed harder, ran faster. He kept his eyes on Grahm's back and Lainey's streaming golden hair. With a slight turn to the right, Grahm disappeared. Renick's eyes stayed glued to the spot. That was where the dragon knights were waiting.
He almost passed the hideaway the knights had dug in the ground, but his feet responded just in time to turn him toward it. Then he threw himself to the ground next to where Grahm and Lainey were crouching. The hideaway was a long trench with support beams along it. The beams were covered with dirt and grass to make it look just like any other hill.
"How far behind you is he?" Horrin asked, his single eye gleaming in the darkness of the hole.
"Not … far," Renick wheezed.
As if to confirm his words, Folgyn roared. It sounded like he was right on top of them. The half-dozen dragon knights that were waiting in the trench fidgeted nervously. Horrin raised a hand to still them. Gunther, who must have been somewhere behind Horrin because Renick could not see him, laughed.
"Now!" Horrin yelled, and the dragon knights stood, knocking away the dirt and grass. They brought three giant crossbows up and trained them on the dragon, who was charging through the air toward them.
"Fire!"
Three bolts with a net stretched between them released from the crossbows and soared through the air. The knights aimed true. The net wrapped a
round Folgyn's body, trapping one of his wings.
The black dragon's massive form plummeted to the ground.
Chapter 30: It is Over
Renick drew his knife out from his boot and stood. Grahm reached out a hand to stop him.
"I have to be there," Renick said. "I have to make sure Horrin doesn't—"
"I know," Grahm had a determined look on his face. "Just stay safe."
"Stay safe," Lainey echoed.
Renick nodded and then followed behind the line of dragon knights rushing toward the fallen dragon. Horrin and Gunther were in the lead, which meant they would be the first to reach Folgyn.
Renick pushed his tired legs to move faster, to keep up with the longer strides of the men. He gained a little ground, but the fight was already under way when Renick arrived.
The knights, Horrin, and Gunther had the dragon surrounded. They each held a gleaming sword at the ready. Renick stayed back. His little knife would not be much help right now. Besides, he could not assist them for many other reasons. Instead he watched the fight, hovering close and keeping tabs on Horrin and Gunther.
A knight lunged forward, stabbing the soft skin of Folgyn's underbelly, and then jumped back. With a growl of pain, Folgyn spun around to try and catch the knight between his jaws, but before he could get a chance, another knight at a different point in the circle moved forward and landed his own blow. This pattern continued, until Folgyn stopped and let out a jet of flame. He turned in a quick circle, forcing his attackers to draw back.
Horrin saw his opening and took it. Renick wanted to cry out and warn Folgyn, but he could not. This was part of the plan. He only hoped he could prevent Horrin from getting Folgyn's heart stone. Renick tried to silence his battling loyalties and just watch as a once-proud member of the Dragon Kind, now Stricken, was taken down.
The one-eyed dragon hunter leapt to Folgyn's back and, using both hands, raised his sword above his head. But Folgyn was too quick. He lunged forward, straight into a line of knights holding their swords at the ready. The movement threw Horrin off balance and he fell to the ground.
Bleeding from several fresh wounds, Folgyn turned and dove for Horrin, who tried to scramble out of the way. A sword came down on Folgyn's head. The dragon reared, howling and thrashing his head back and forth. The knight, who still clung to the sword embedded in the dragon's hide, was tossed to and fro like a rag doll.
With a thud Folgyn's front legs came back down to the ground. The knight's grip finally failed, and he tumbled through the trampled grass and mud. Folgyn was panting. With each short breath a small flicker of flames flooded the air. The dragon's long neck sank down into the torn up dirt. He struggled to rise, his trapped wing pushing against the net. The barbed threads tore into the membranes, leaving long, nasty gashes.
Renick could not help the tightening he felt in his chest. Folgyn was mad, driven into a murderous frenzy by the loss of his beloved mate. But he was still one of the Dragon Kind. He reminded himself that they had given the dragon a chance, that he was now beyond hope. And that this was the only way to keep Folgyn from hurting anyone else. It did not make the scene any easier to witness.
Gunther and three of the dragon knights climbed onto Folgyn's back. The black dragon squirmed and tried to throw the men off. He even attempted to roll over, but his wounds made him weak and he could not move.
Help me.
The words should have been a plea, but they sounded more like a threat. Renick stepped back, unsure what to think. Folgyn did not really want to be saved by a human. However, Renick guessed he did not want to die either.
I've already tried. Renick told him in dragon speak. But you wouldn't listen.
The sickening sound of swords slicing through scales filled the air. Renick looked away and breathed through his mouth in an attempt to avoid the strong smell of blood. He turned back again when the sounds stopped.
Folgyn was thrashing around on the ground; the dragon knights stepped clear. Horrin watched with a satisfied look on his face that disgusted Renick. After a few moments, Folgyn lay still. The knights started to close in again.
"Wait." Horrin held up a hand. "He may still have some fight left in him."
Folgyn's head rolled so that Renick could see one of his bloodshot eyes.
Renick. The name hissed through his mind. Trusted. Take it.
He shook his head, not understanding. Take what?
The dragon seemed to gather the rest of his strength. Renick-Trusted, Trusted of the Dragon Kind. Take my heart stone before the hunters do.
I will, Renick promised. And then quickly he asked, How do I destroy it? Suddenly his mind was full of an image. Small hands held the heart stone cupped in them. It pulsed with a bright green light. Then another light flooded into the stone. This second light was yellow, and it swallowed up the green light and filled the stone. Then the stone shattered into a thousand pieces and the image was gone.
I don't understand. But it was too late. With a sigh, Folgyn breathed his last breath. His head flopped to the side and his body went eerily still. Renick started moving before his mind had caught up. Almost without noticing it, he was kneeling next to Folgyn's body with his knife ready.
With a glance Renick noticed that he was the only one on this side of the dragon. For the moment, no one could see him. With a quick stroke that held more confidence then he actually felt, Renick sliced open Folgyn's chest, just above where his heart was. He plunged his hand into the opening. His fingers searched the unfamiliar anatomy until they found a lump that vibrated with energy. He grabbed it and pulled until his hand was free of the dragon flesh.
Folgyn's hot blood ate away at his skin, but he barely noticed. The only thing he seemed to be aware of in that moment was the color of the stone nestled in his fingers. Folgyn's dragon stone was green. Something about that struck a chord with him.
To have magic … Renick dismissed the thought. Folgyn's heart stone was tainted and he would not take it for his own.
Footsteps sounded behind him and Renick plunged his hand, stone and all, into his pocket.
"What are you doing?" Horrin demanded.
"I wanted to make sure he was dead," Renick answered, trying to sound naive and innocent. "It's what my father does with rogue dragons on the ranch." Horrin took a step toward him and opened his mouth to speak. Just then the dragon knights came into view. One of them inspected the dragon to make sure he was dead.
"We got him!" the knight yelled.
Renick used the noise and distraction caused by the group of knights celebrating victory to slip away from Horrin's sight. He found Grahm and Lainey in the remains of the hideaway.
"What happened?" Lainey asked.
"Folgyn's dead."
"And his heart stone?" Grahm asked. Lainey turned to him in surprise.
"I had to tell him, Lainey."
Her eyes widened at first, but then she nodded in understanding.
Renick turned to Grahm. "I got the heart stone." He pulled his burned and bloody hand out of his pocket with a whine and forced his aching fingers open. The stone's light illuminated his friends' faces. "He gifted it to me."
Lainey's eyes flashed up to his and then back to his hand. She clicked her tongue in disapproval. "Here." She took the stone and tucked it safely into a pocket in her dress. Then she wrapped her hands around his. A warm, tingling sensation spread over his injuries and then vanished. When Lainey revealed his hand again, it was completely healed.
"Astonishing," Grahm said, examining Lainey's work.
Lainey dipped her head to hide a blush. "What do you want to do with this?" She pulled the stone out of her pocket.
"Destroy it," Renick said without a moment's hesitation.
"Are you sure?" Lainey held it out to him. "Folgyn gifted it to you."
For half a heartbeat Renick again considered keeping it. To have magic would be amazing. But the thought of accepting Folgyn's desperate gift made him sick. He met Lainey's eyes. "I'm sure."
&nb
sp; "How do you destroy it?" Grahm asked.
"Folgyn showed me, but I'm not sure I understand. We'll have to talk to Wrytha."
"Yes, but first take me to Thane," Lainey said urgently.
Chapter 31: Healed Wounds
Renick tried to help Lainey as they walked down the street toward her aunt's house. He kept offering his hand to her, or reaching out when he thought she would stumble. Lainey very kindly brushed his efforts away.
"Really, Renick, it feels good to walk," she said with a reassuring smile.
"If you're sure—"
The door to Lainey's house flew open and Melatheen's silhouette filled the frame. "Lainey," her voice was broken with relief. She ran to meet them and threw her arms around her niece. Looking up at Grahm and Renick with tears in her eyes, she whispered, "Thank you," and then buried her head into Lainey's neck with a sob.
Renick shrugged. Lainey was crying too, and that made him feel a little uncomfortable. He did not know what to do with crying girls, despite the practice he had from growing up with so many sisters. Grahm cleared his throat and waved off her thanks. At least one of them was prepared to deal with the situation.
After a few moments, Lainey pulled away from her aunt. "Aunt Melatheen," she said, "where's Thane?"
"This way." She took Lainey's hand and led her into the house.
Thane was in the back room where it was quiet.
"He's sleeping," Melatheen explained in a whisper, "I gave him a draft of herbs to ease the pain and keep him asleep during the healing process."
Thane's chest, arms, and most of his face were all bandaged. Lainey sat next to the bed and placed her hand on Thane's. Her eyes scanned quickly across his collection of injuries. With sad eyes she turned to her aunt.
The healer patted her niece's knee. "How about I fetch you something to drink. Grahm, could you help me?"
"It would be my pleasure," Grahm bowed his head toward Melatheen and offered her his arm. She placed her hand on his forearm and allowed him to guide her out of the room.
Burned: Dragons' Trust Book 2 Page 13