“They love it,” Brianna said.
Zollin smiled, then transformed his fire into molten energy. The dragons could feel the heat and power of the blast. Then Zollin changed it to electrical power, which snapped and popped like a sustained bolt of lightning, twitching and cracking through the air so brightly that it was hard to look straight at.
The dragons recoiled instantly, instinctively knowing that electrical energy could harm them. Their growls of approval turned menacing and they lowered their heads while lifting their wings, which made them appear even larger, and also made them ready to take flight. They had all moved back quickly, but then, before Zollin realized his display of power was having an adverse effect on the beasts, Ferno charged forward, trying to get between Zollin and Brianna.
The sudden movement caught Zollin’s eye and he saw the thick, green tail swinging toward him. He brought up a shield just before the tail struck. Zollin was knocked backwards, flying through the air for several yards before crashing onto his back. The shield kept him from being crushed by the massive blow, but it stunned him. He lay on his back, blinking slowly as Brianna and Mansel rushed to him.
“No, Ferno,” she screamed. “Zollin!”
“What the bloody hell?!” Mansel shouted back.
The dragons held their ground, all but Ferno looking frightened, which would have been humorous in other circumstances.
“Zollin, are you okay?” Brianna said, as she dropped to her knees beside him.
“That beast could have killed him,” Mansel said angrily. “They’re dangerous.”
“Of course they are,” Brianna said angrily. “They’re not puppies.”
“I’m okay,” Zollin said. He was shocked by the blow, but not physically harmed. He was also drained from his magical display. Performing magic was similar to lifting a heavy object, draining the user’s strength the longer it was sustained.
“Ferno was just trying to protect me,” Brianna explained. “The lightning scared them.”
“I should have known,” Zollin said. “I used lightning to drive the black dragon away from Orrock.”
“I don’t think spending time with these creatures is a good idea,” Mansel said.
“They aren’t creatures, they’re dragons. Young dragons at that,” Brianna said. “They may have a lot to learn, but don’t speak of them as if they are vile or evil by nature.”
“Well aren’t they?” Mansel said. “I’ve seen one kill hundreds of men.”
“That was one dragon. You’ve seen people kill each other, but you don’t judge them all by the actions of one person.”
“That’s a bit different,” Mansel said, helping Zollin sit up.
“How? Dragons are intelligent beings. They make choices just like you and me. Some make bad choices, but that doesn’t mean all of them are bad.”
“Well, they’re dangerous,” Mansel said. “That’s all I’m saying. It’s not safe to be around them, you should know that.”
“I’ve been around them for weeks. I’ve never been hurt. They were just trying to protect me. They’re fiercely loyal and I love that about them.”
“Well, I’m just trying to protect Zollin and Nycoll.”
“Don’t fight,” Zollin said. “I’m okay. It’s my fault really. I wasn’t thinking about how the dragons might react to the magic.”
Brianna returned to her pride, calming the nervous dragons down. Mansel returned to Nycoll, who had watched the entire episode with awe. She was amazed at Zollin’s power and more than a little afraid of him. The dragons simply terrified her; they were beautiful and terrible at the same time.
Zollin found some food and settled down to rest. He knew that if the dragons decided to help him he would need a plan. They were both an asset and a liability. They brought a great amount of strength to Zollin’s efforts, but there was no way he could coordinate with the dragons and stay hidden. He had planned to make his way to the Grand City quietly and map out his options for facing Offendorl once he was there. Now, if the dragons joined him, he would have to change his plans.
It was only a few minutes before Brianna approached Zollin, the dragons following behind her. She sat down and took Zollin’s hand.
“We want to help,” she said. “Do you have a plan?”
“I was just thinking about that,” Zollin said. “I really don’t know what to expect.”
“Well, we can help with that,” Brianna said. “We can travel fast and scope out the situation.”
“You mean split up?”
“For a short while. I don’t think it would be too dangerous for you to ride on Ferno or Selix, since you can levitate, but they couldn’t carry you all the way. It would exhaust them and then they wouldn’t be able to help you.”
“I understand,” Zollin said. “But if we split up, how will you find me again?”
“The dragons can sense your magic. I can’t,” she explained, “but they are almost drawn to you. I guess that’s how Bartoom found your ship at sea.”
“Yes, that would explain a lot, although I’ve got my defenses up. They shouldn’t be able to sense me at all.”
“What can I say,” she teased, “they’re amazing.”
“Well, okay, I accept your help, gratefully,” he said, looking up at the dragons. “I take it you’ve been flying by night to avoid detection?”
“For the most part,” Brianna said. “We flew in the daytime only when we were following Bartoom, but we were so high that I doubt anyone spotted us-or if they did, they probably just thought we were big birds.”
“Okay, so we wait until nightfall, then you scout ahead. We’re still a long way from Osla and there’s no way for us to get around the army. I had just planned to follow along behind and see how that shakes out. Wouldn’t it be great if they all just kill each other and we can go home?”
“We should be so lucky,” Brianna said.
“I know. With my luck, we’ll be fortunate to get home at all.”
Chapter 18
Offendorl let his anger propel him. He had left the main road several days back and ridden to a small village called Castlebury-although there was no castle anymore. The village was nestled next to the ruins of an ancient fortress, which had built on a small hill overlooking the Euradies River, one of three major rivers in an otherwise arid part of the kingdom. The huge stone towers had fallen centuries ago, but thick walls still stood, outlining where the castle had been.
Offendorl entered the town at dusk. His carriage rumbled to a stop and he climbed slowly out, stretching his aching muscles. There were children playing in the street, and the small inn, which served mainly as a tavern and cafe for the residents, was bright and noisy. Offendorl stepped inside and made no attempt at civility.
“Do you know who I am?” he asked.
The townsfolk-farmers mostly, who had rarely if ever left the village-stared blankly back at him.
“I am the Master of the Torr,” he said softly. Then he flicked his hand the way one might shoo a fly, and an empty table went crashing into the empty fireplace, the wood breaking apart and piling up on the cold stone hearth.
“I require unwavering obedience,” he said as fire roared to life in the fireplace.
The townsfolk, who had been frozen since Offendorl entered, flinched at the fire. They huddled together, not speaking as he stared at them. Finally one man found the courage to speak.
“We don’t want any trouble,” he said. “We’re a peaceful village.”
“You are now a subservient village,” Offendorl said. “I require food and your best wine. Everyone else must return to their homes immediately. No one is to leave the village. Do as you’re told and you shall live. You have no other choice.”