Ashe (Fuse Book 2)

by E. L. Todd

  Hawks flew along the coast, high in the sky and watching their prey from miles away. There was no breeze and no waves against the absent shores. It didn’t feel like another continent, but another world, a place that possessed more peace than man could absorb.

  No one said a word.

  Even Flare was speechless.

  Lilac turned the wheel and directed them along the shore, in search of a sandy beach to dock their boat.

  Can they feel you?

  I doubt it. My mind is insignificant compared to theirs.

  Rush lifted his gaze to the sky, expecting to see a fire-breathing dragon soaring up above. I wonder where they are.

  Dragons can’t hide. So we’ll find them soon enough.

  The galleon dropped anchor a few feet from the sandy beach.

  There were no waves anywhere around the island, so the ship just floated there, like it was on a lake rather than an ocean.

  Rush looked up the beach and the steep hillside, the only place he could find that wouldn’t require him to climb up a cliff face.

  It’s not just protected by the mist. But by the mountains. By sheer size.

  I’ve never seen anything like it.

  It’s beautiful. Feels like home.

  Rush could feel the peace all the way down to his bones, feel the pollution leave his lungs with every breath. When this is over, you can start over here.

  Flare didn’t respond, but his energy turned negative, pressing against Rush with deep sadness.

  “I didn’t bring any climbing gear,” Lilac said. “But I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

  “One wrong move and we roll down the mountain,” Liam said. “That doesn’t seem fine to me.”

  Perfect opportunity.

  What?

  I’ll fly Bridge up the mountain. That will force them to remain behind.

  Why can’t you just go back for them?

  Because we need to make sure it’s safe. I can’t get you all back to the boat at the same time if there’s an attack. Too much weight.

  You can’t carry three people?

  Of course I can. But they don’t need to know that.

  Good plan.

  Not only do I have beautiful scales, but I have a brilliant mind. When my scales hit the light after a dip in the lake—

  Enough of that. “This is what we’re going to do. Bridge, I’m going to fly you up the mountain. We’ll check the perimeter, and if it’s safe, we’ll return for the others.”

  “How long is that going to take?” Liam asked.

  “It’s a big place,” Rush said. “So maybe a few days.”

  “What?” Lilac asked incredulously. “And we’re just supposed to sit here and drink while we wait?”

  Bridge looked at his sister. “You love drinking.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Not the point. I didn’t come all the way here to stay on the boat.”

  “You see those cliffs?” Bridge pointed up at the immense mountains behind him. “This is not Anastille. This was the only beach we could find, and it’s like twenty feet wide. You guys can still scavenge for resources down here. There’s got to be some fresh fruit and wild game for you guys to catch.”

  Lilac crossed her arms over her chest, still pissed.

  Liam looked up to the mountains, squinting in the sun, as if he were looking for something.

  “Alright, let’s go.” Rush lowered the dinghy to the water, and they rowed to shore.

  “You’re really going to keep them in the dark?” Bridge sat across from Rush and watched him row.

  “For now.”

  The boat slid up the sand, and they got out and pulled it farther up the shore so it wouldn’t get washed away when the tide rose in the evening.

  Yes. I get to fly.

  “So, how’s this going to work?” Bridge asked. “I just climb on?”

  “Yes.”

  And it’s a great honor.

  Get over yourself. “Ready?”

  Bridge still looked uneasy. “I’m just afraid I’m going to fall off—”

  “And land in the ocean and drown?” Rush teased.

  “Hey, I’m a scholar, not an adventurer.”

  “Or a swimmer…”

  Bridge narrowed his eyes.

  “Don’t worry. Flare would never let you fall. Let’s do this.” Rush stepped back and let Flare take over, the change happening quickly, so fast that it was impossible to see the actual stages of transition.

  Bridge backed up farther and tripped over a mound of sand. “Shit…”

  Everyone at the boat stared, marveled at the glory of the dragon that appeared right before their eyes.

  Yes, I’m beautiful.

  I think they’re scared.

  Of my beauty.

  Flare lowered his snout and shoulder so Bridge could climb on.

  Bridge remained on the ground, looking over the immense body of the creature, breathing hard like he couldn’t believe it. He’d seen Flare before, but only for a glimpse before he flew away.

  Come on, move. He blew his snout loudly.

  Bridge tensed again.

  You’re just making it worse.

  Bridge finally got to his feet and approached the dragon. He took his time grabbing on to him, making sure not to cause injury, and then climbed on top. He leaned forward and latched his hands on to some scales. “Man, this is weird…”

  You haven’t seen nothing yet.

  Flare, be nice.

  I’m a dragon. We aren’t supposed to be nice.

  Flare—

  Flare jumped into the air and opened his wings, soaring with unrivaled power.

  Bridge hung on tighter and screamed. “Ahhhhh!”

  You asshole.

  Rush let Flare stretch his wings after being confined for months, but it couldn’t go on much longer. Okay, enough.

  No.

  Bridge is about to throw up.

  Not my problem.

  It will be when he gets vomit all over your scales.

  Flare tensed.

  Land. I don’t want their first impression of us to be flying everywhere like we own the place.

  The sky belongs to us all.

  Just shut up and land.

  “I’m gonna be sick…”

  And do it quickly.

  Flare glided to a grassy hillside between the mountains, in a meadow of yellow wild flowers. He landed with a thud, making the flowers sway from the vibration, and then lowered himself down so Bridge could slide off.

  Bridge made it to the ground and landed on all fours, weak and swaying on the spot. He crawled farther away then hurled right on the flowers.

  Gross.

  Could have been you. That’s why you should listen to me.

  Flared ignored him and looked over the landscape, the sloped meadow that led to more mountains.

  Let’s switch back.

  Why?

  Because you’re a lot more obvious than I am.

  I think it’s more obvious that they hate humans.

  They’re going to know you’re fused—so they’ll hate you too.

  Not necessarily.

  So, you’re a free dragon that’s been undetected in Anastille for thousands of years? They’ll never believe that. Besides, you can’t communicate with Bridge.

  He released a snort before he cooperated.

  Rush was back on the ground, his clothing and weapons with him. He moved to Bridge and patted him on the back as he continued to breathe through the nausea. “You okay, buddy?”

  “How do you do that?”

  “It’s a little different when I’m in the driver’s seat. Come on, let’s get you up.” He grabbed his arm and helped him to his feet so he could get the cool breeze on his sweaty face. “Better?”

  Bridge moved his hands to his hips and continued to breathe deeply. He gave a slight nod. “Now what?”

  Rush turned around and examined the meadow, the mountains, the beautiful place. “I guess we go look for some dragons.”

&n
bsp; “And if we find them, then what?”

  “Yeah…haven’t really thought this through.”

  “I can see that.” He wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his arm before he stepped closer to Rush. “They’re going to perceive the encounter as hostile, no matter how we approach this.”

  “Flare thinks he should approach them as a dragon even though they know he’s fused.”

  “That’s an idea.” With his hands on his hips, Bridge surveyed the meadow, a large gush of wind coming out of nowhere and blowing all the flowers flat on their sides. It came and went with a howl and then disappeared. “Where would the dragons live? Do they congregate like humans do? Are they antisocial?”

  “I thought you studied all this?” Rush asked incredulously.

  “Textbooks don’t always accurately capture history. And this isn’t Anastille anymore. As the surviving dragons that fled enslavement, they may have changed their norms. Trauma has that effect on people.”

  This is a big place. They could be anywhere. All we have to do is keep our eyes on the sky.

  “Flare said we should see them in the skies.”

  “Makes sense. Do they have a leader? Or is it a free-for-all?”

  Yes. They have a king.

  “Flare thinks they have a king.”

  Bridge moved forward now that he was better, crossing the meadow and heading to the top of the ridge. “King of Dragons…that’s not intimidating at all.”

  When they crossed the crags and got a view of the valley below, they paused to take it in. It was hard to grasp what they saw with their own eyes because the sight seemed to contradict the scale of nature. Everything was so big, so expansive. The ocean looked near, but it was actually miles away because they were so high.

  The sunlight faded further from the sky, the sun disappearing behind the wall of mist, so the sunset was invisible. Light disappeared at a quick rate, and if they didn’t take shelter, they’d be left open to the darkness.

  “We need to find a place to crash.” Bridge approached the mountainous outcroppings where a large cave was visible. “Reminds me of the hideaway. Let’s sleep here.”

  “What if something’s living in there?” Rush asked as he followed.

  “Dragons don’t like to be underground, so the worst it could be is a bear.”

  I’d love raw bear.

  Gross.

  Your fish was gross.

  It kept us alive, didn’t it?

  They entered the cave, which extended fifty feet deep. It was instantly dark because daylight had vanished, and they couldn’t make a fire because that was too risky.

  “I can’t see my hand in front of my face,” Bridge said in the darkness. “Let alone unroll my bed.”

  “Let me make a torch.” By touch, Rush felt in his pack then pulled out a branch and some matches. He scratched it on the rock floor and held it to the wood, where it slowly caught flame.

  The cave was illuminated with light and flickering shadows. It brought some heat as well because coolness immediately descended on Mist Isle when the sun was gone. Rush set it on the ground beside him where it continued to burn.

  “It’s nice to sleep on solid ground again.” Bridge unrolled his cot on the stone. “The sailor’s life ain’t for me, man.”

  “You don’t say?” Let’s try to contact her again. That morning there had been no answer, but perhaps there would be this time. He’d been focused on the events of Mist Isle, but Cora was always in the back of his mind.

  Silence.

  Flare?

  I feel them.

  Rush went still.

  “I could really go for a rabbit or something—”

  “Quiet,” Rush whispered.

  Bridge stilled as he watched him, focused on his eyes because he knew he spoke to Flare.

  What do you mean?

  I feel the faint presence of several dragons right against me.

  This just started?

  Yes. When we got into the cave.

  If they’re faint, they must be far away.

  Logically, yes. But that’s not what’s happening.

  When Bridge didn’t get anything from Rush, he immediately started to pack up his things again.

  Let me look around. Rush grabbed the burning torch and rose to his feet, examining the cave behind him. He stepped closer and maneuvered to the rear. If there were a dragon in here, let alone several, I’d see them.

  Keep going.

  Rush continued to maneuver to the rear of the cave.

  Bridge was on his feet, his pack over his shoulders, ready to flee if Rush gave the call.

  Warmer.

  Is this a game of hot and cold now? Rush continued to move forward and didn’t unsheathe his sword, seeing no danger that required protection. Maybe you can feel it through the wall.

  Warmer.

  Rush raised the torch higher and squinted as he regarded the back wall of the cave. I think I see something.

  I do too.

  The closer he came, the more he recognized the outline of a nest, constructed of dead grass, leaves, and flowers.

  He stopped when he saw them.

  Three large eggs.

  Each was a different color. Red. Green. Dark blue.

  “Holy shit…”

  Dragon eggs. Soon to be hatchlings.

  “What is it?” Bridge called from the front.

  “We’ve gotta get out of here.”

  Quickly.

  Rush turned back around but stopped when he felt it.

  A thud. A very heavy thud.

  She’s here.

  Rush stilled and gripped the torch tighter. There was nowhere for him to run except forward—right into the dragon about to enter the cave. If he slayed the dragon, there would be no diplomacy. But he didn’t come all the way here to be dragon food. Some advice would be helpful right now…

  Put out the torch. Now.

  Rush gave it a hard wave and extinguished the flames, bringing them into total darkness.

  Press up against the wall.

  Maybe we should switch.

  No.

  All you ever want to do is switch, and now you don’t? Kidding me with this?

  She won’t see you.

  Isn’t she going to feel your presence?

  She’ll probably think it’s her hatchlings.

  Rush pressed his back against the wall and tried not to breathe.

  Bridge must have done the same because his silhouette wasn’t visible against the nighttime sky.

  Then a large mass moved in front of it.

  A dragon.

  Can’t dragons see in the dark?

  Yes. But she probably won’t notice you because all she wants is to get to her hatchlings.

  Probably? I’m probably going to get my face bitten off…

  Chill.

  Did you just tell me to chill?

  The dragon stepped into the cave and moved slowly, every footfall having a distinct vibration that echoed off the walls. Her breathing became audible from her snout, and little moans of fatigue came from her mouth. She moved deeper and deeper.

  She didn’t notice Bridge. She won’t notice you.

  Hope not. Because if I’m dead, so are you…in case you forgot that.

  Her movements became louder, pressing right up against him. He knew when she was there because her body was just inches from his face.

  Almost there.

  He turned his face, seeing that her tail was the only thing left, swaying back and forth.

  Rush watched the tail, timing the sway of it. It’s gonna hit me right in the face.

  Suck it up.

  Asshole, I don’t care about that. But she’s going to distinguish between rock and flesh— The tail smacked him in the face, the scales hard and cold, making him wince.

  Ha-ha-ha.

  This is not funny.

  You just got bitch-slapped.

  The dragon passed, and he inhaled a full breath.

  Slide agai
nst the wall and get out of here. Quickly.

  Rush sidestepped slowly, doing his best not to be visible against the night sky, not to make a sound.

  Bridge is probably already out of the cave.

  Hope so.

  Rush continued to sidestep while the sounds of the dragons got softer and softer.

  Stop.

  He halted. Oh no…

  She’s angry.

  Then we should change.

  Not in the cave. Run!

  “Shit.” Rush sprinted toward the exit of the cave.

  The dragon was fast, really fast for being confined to a cave.

  The cave suddenly lit up with light, and his back seared with heat. He reached the exit and immediately dodged out of the way, the flames exploding out of the entrance and into the night sky.

  Bridge was there, his eyes wide with horror.

  Flare immediately took hold and transformed.

  Without hesitation, Bridge grabbed on.

  Flare spread his wings and took flight.

  “I’m going to be sick again…”

  Better than being dead.

  Focus! She’s right behind you.

  Flare pushed himself as fast as he could, ascending high into the sky, beating his powerful wings to full capacity.

  A jet of fire passed right by his right wing.

  Damn, she’s fast.

  Because she’s pissed.

  Talk to her.

  Flare tried to press his mind to hers. Dragon, I mean no harm. Didn’t realize the cave was occupied.

  Another jet of flames burned through the sky.

  She won’t let me into her mind.

  Man, this is bad.

  The dragon released a loud cry into the night, a mighty roar that was so loud every occupant on the island would be able to hear it.

  Okay…now this is really bad.

  Other roars sounded.

  Bridge held on. “What are we going to do?”

  Flare continued to fly at full speed. I have no idea.

  Neither do I.

  Flare soared over the island, dodging the fire attacks that came for him. They’re coming.

  I figured that out on my own.

  The dragon behind them immediately veered away.

  What’s that about?

  A powerful mind infected his, so powerful that Flare halted in the sky, hovering in place.

  What are you doing?

  Quiet.

  His presence was felt before it was seen, but even in the darkness, the outline was distinct. A dragon larger than any other he’d seen, he had wings that flapped with the sound of drums. Fire burned gently from his snout, illuminating Flare’s face as well as his own.