Dragonvein (Book Two) (4 page)

“Can you stand?” asked Ganix.

Ethan tried to reply, but his tongue felt dry and swollen. As the king slipped his hand beneath his arm and lifted him up, his head began to spin. Ganix helped him over to his cot and eased him down.

“Is she alive?” Ethan managed to croak.

“I need help,” shouted Jonas, before there was time for a reply.

King Ganix hurried over to him and took one of Lylinora’s arms. A few seconds later the crystal was completely melted away. Lylinora’s body went totally limp.

Ethan tried to stand, but was still far too dizzy. Instead, he deliberately rolled off the cot and onto the cold stone floor. “Lay her down here,” he instructed.

Jonas and Ganix brought her over to the cot and placed her on her back as gently as possible. Once she was secure, Ganix helped Ethan into a seated position.

Jonas leaned in and placed his ear to her chest. “Her heart beats,” he announced with a deep sigh of relief. He covered her with a blanket, then knelt beside Ethan. “You’re a damn fool. You know that, don’t you? But a lucky fool.”

Ethan gazed at the unconscious form of Lylinora. His heart was a tempest of emotion. Although grateful that he had succeeded, the pain of his lost knowledge was tearing at his soul. Everything had been right there. He knew it all. But now it was as if it had never happened.

Ganix shouted for the guards and instructed them to bring a healer, as well as another cot for Ethan.

“I should have the guards take you back to your room,” the king said. He chuckled as Ethan flashed him a defiant glare. “But I know very well that you would refuse to go.”

“How did you do it?” asked Jonas. “How did you free her?”

Ethan gestured to a small flask in the corner before answering. Once Jonas had brought it over, he took a mouthful of water and swished it around, allowing it to sooth his dry tongue. He then recounted what had happened while casting the spell.

“I don’t know who she was,” he concluded. “But it was like she…she lent me all her knowledge of magic. I can’t explain it any better than that.”

Jonas looked at him thoughtfully for a long moment, then said: “Whoever she was, she has my gratitude.”

“And mine too,” added Ganix.

“I just wish I could have held on to all the things I learned,” Ethan said. A little of his strength was beginning to return. He looked over to the cot. Lylinora’s breathing was steady and her color was returning. “But it doesn’t matter right now. As long as she’s all right.”

Jonas returned to her side to briefly feel her forehead. “As far as I can tell, she’s fine,” he said. “Only sleeping.”

Ethan smiled and leaned back on his elbows.

The old king sat beside him. “You did it, lad. You actually did it.”

Ethan looked at him sideways. “You sound surprised.”

Ganix spread his hands. “I had my doubts. In truth, after the last time I was ready to move on without her.”

“Move on to where?” Ethan asked.

“To find the dragons, of course,” he replied. “But now that she is free, we should wait and see what develops.”

A short time later the healer arrived, along with a soldier bearing a cot. Ethan was still weak and did not object when Ganix helped him to lie down.

Once the healer had finished examining Lylinora, she took a small flask from the satchel slung over her shoulder. “As far as I can tell, she’s dehydrated and could use a hearty meal,” she told the king. “Other than that, she appears to be in good health. Not that I’m an expert on humans.”

After she and the soldier had departed, King Ganix turned to the others. “There is something we need to consider before she wakes. Lylinora is completely unaware of what has happened. As far as she knows, everything is as it was when she was first imprisoned.”

“Surely her father told her what was happening,” said Jonas.

“To my knowledge, her father imprisoned her against her will,” Ganix explained. “Or at least that is the way the story was passed on to me.”

Jonas reflected on this for a moment. “If that’s the case, then I should be the one to tell her what has happened. She knows me. Better that such news comes from a familiar face rather than a stranger.”

At that point, Markus came striding into the chamber. He stopped short and stared in utter disbelief the moment his eyes fell on Lylinora.

“You did it,” he said, turning to Ethan.

Ethan grinned. “It looks like
everyone
was doubting me.”

Markus gave him a lopsided smile. “Yeah. I guess it’s still hard to imagine you as a mage.”

“He’s not,” Jonas cut in. “Not yet. But now that she’s free, he might very well become one.”

“What news from King Halvar?” asked Ganix, briskly changing the subject.

Markus was still finding it hard to drag his eyes away from the sleeping girl. “Guards are scouring the city,” he said. “They are searching for any other assassins who may have sneaked through. But I don’t think they’ll find anyone. Rakasa are usually lone killers.”

“Any idea how it got in?” asked Ethan.

Markus’ expression darkened. “Yes. That’s why I’m here. There was a traitor.”

King Ganix stiffened and his fists clenched. “Who was that?”

Markus hesitated.

“Who?” the king demanded.

“It was one of your escorts,” he told him reluctantly. “A dwarf named Ferier.”

Ganix’s face turned red with fury. “Are you certain of this?”

Markus nodded. “He confessed just a few minutes ago.”

“Where is he now?”

“He’s being held in a room close to your chambers. King Halvar is waiting for you in his study.”

Without another word to anyone, King Ganix stormed out of the room.

“I almost pity the dwarf who betrayed him,” remarked Markus.

Jonas sighed. “I suspected treachery. Though I wish I had been wrong.”

“I should join him,” Markus said. “I have experience in interrogation.” He turned to Ethan. “Will you be all right?”

Ethan waved his hand. “I’m fine. Just tired. You should go.”

His friend took another long look at Lylinora and gave a soft chuckle. “You must be the luckiest son-of-a-bitch I’ve ever met.” Still smiling, he then left the chamber.

Utterly fascinated, Ethan continued to watch as full color gradually returned to Lylinora’s face. A few times he noticed her stir and thought she might waken.

Kat arrived a short while after Markus had departed.

“Lady Thora tried to keep me inside,” she began as she walked over to where Ethan was lying. “She’s such a worry wart. But I managed to sneak…”

Like Markus before her, she stopped short when catching sight of Lylinora. For a moment she simply stood there, her lips quivering. After flashing a quick glance at Ethan, she then turned and ran full speed from the room.

“Poor girl,” said Jonas. “She really does care for you.”

Ethan was now strong enough to sit up on his own. He sighed heavily. “I know. And I wish I could do something. But I can’t.”

“A pity she’s not older,” said Jonas. “As a companion she would complement you quite well. She actually reminds me of your mother in some ways.”

Ethan knitted his brow. “Enough of that. There’s no point in talking about it right now.”

Jonas nodded. “Still, you should speak with her as soon as you are able. A kind word may go far to mend a broken heart.”

Ethan couldn’t help but smile at the almost fatherly role Jonas had taken on for himself in Kat’s life. It was a far cry from the way he’d treated her when they first met. He genuinely cared, and showed her no small measure of consideration – even going so far as to speak with Lady Thora privately about the girl’s future.

This thought was still passing through Ethan’s mind when Lylinora let out a soft moan, then turned onto her side. He immediately struggled to his feet and stumbled over to her cot.

“You should get back,” Jonas said. “There is no telling what will happen when she wakes.”

Reluctantly, Ethan backed off a short distance.

Lylinora continued to shift and moan for several more minutes. Jonas knelt beside her throughout, holding her hand close to his chest. Eventually, her eyelids fluttered and then cracked open. Ethan could see that her lips were moving, but there was no sound forthcoming.

“Blue,” whispered Ethan. When he saw Jonas look back at him questioningly, he said, “Her eyes. I’ve been wondering what color they were.”

Jonas shook his head then turned back to Lylinora. She was still attempting to speak. “What is it, my dear?” he asked in his most comforting tone. “What can I do?”

After several more attempts, she was able to whisper a single word. “Father.”

“Be still,” said Jonas. “Everything will be all right.”

“Father,” she repeated, this time a touch more loudly.

“He’s not here,” he explained.

She looked up at Jonas pleadingly. “W…W…W…Where?”

“Rest for now,” said Jonas. “I’ll explain everything later.”

Ethan could see the confusion and fear in her eyes. Desperately wanting to help, he took a pace forward, but a warning glance from Jonas halted him.

Lylinora reached up and touched the old man’s face. “J…Jonas? How…when?” Tears began streaming down her cheeks.

“Please, sleep. I promise all will be well.”

For several seconds Lylinora struggled to sit up, then collapsed into unconsciousness.

She remained still for another twenty minutes before stirring again. This time, Jonas had a cup of water at the ready. When she opened her eyes, he lifted her head gently and helped her to take a few small sips. After a brief cough and a sputter she took a much longer drink, this time clutching desperately at the cup until it was completely drained.

“More,” she said, heaving her breath.

“You are dehydrated,” Jonas told her. “Too much too soon is not good for you.”

With a sudden and surprising display of strength, she gave Jonas a hard shove. “More!”

Jonas fell back, landing ungainly on his backside. He immediately scrambled to his feet but kept his distance. “Please, My Lady. Be calm.”

The fire in her eyes was very evident. Ethan was impressed by how quickly she was recovering. She leaned up onto her elbows. “Where is my father?” she demanded. “Where is King Vidar?”

“What do you remember?” asked Jonas.

“I asked you a question, servant.” Her voice, though not loud, had become steel. “Lord Dragonvein may tolerate your insolence, but
I
won’t.” By now she had managed to fully sit up. Her eyes turned to Ethan for a split second, then fixed back on Jonas.

The old man hesitated for a painfully long moment and then lowered his eyes. “Both your father and King Vidar are dead, My Lady.”

Her eyes shot wide and her mouth fell agape. For a full minute she did not utter a word.

“I’m sorry,” Jonas said in a half-whisper. “I truly am.”

She eventually spoke. “That can’t be true. I just saw them. You must be…you must…”

Her words began to stumble as she finally began to take in her surroundings. Panic rose and her hands trembled. “How did I…where…?”

Jonas drew a deep breath. “I don’t know how to say this gently, My Lady,” he began. “The truth is, a very long time has passed since last you saw your father.”

He took a cautious small step toward her. “Much has changed.”

“How long?” Tears were now flowing freely down her face.

Jonas sucked in another, even deeper breath. “Five-hundred years.”

The effect of this revelation was instantaneous. Lylinora scrambled from the cot and backed away until she was hard up against the wall. “Liar!” she screamed. “That cannot be.”

“I wish it was not so,” said Jonas. “But it is. Your father sealed you away and left you in the care of the dwarves.” He took another wary step closer.

Her face was by now completely stricken with terror. “No! That’s not true. You lie! You’d be dead too.”

A flash of yellow light erupted just in front of Jonas. Before he could move he was encircled by a ring of fire that blazed up to his waist.

“Tell me the truth,” Lylinora demanded. “Or I’ll roast you alive.”

“Please, My Lady!” he begged. “If you will just calm down and listen to me.”

His pleading drew no response. The fire began to intensify and the stench of singed hair was soon filling the chamber.

“Stop!” cried Ethan. “He’s telling the truth.” He started toward Jonas, but another ring of fire sprang to life around him.

“And who are you?” hissed Lylinora. “Another snake here to deceive me?”

“No,” he insisted. “My name is Ethan Dragonvein. I am the son of Praxis.”

Lylinora glared. “You think I’m a fool? The son of Praxis is an infant…and his name is not Ethan. It’s Weslyn.” Both circles grew taller and hotter. “One more chance…then you both die.”

Ethan was becoming desperate. “I swear to you. I’m not lying. I was the one who released you from the crystal.”

But his words only filled her with renewed rage. “
And
you claim to be a mage. If that is so, then save yourself. That is, if you really are the son of Praxis Dragonvein.”

The circle of fire continued to grow taller still until it was well above his head. After reaching this height, it gradually began to close in. Ethan could feel the flesh on his arms and cheeks beginning to burn. Crying out, he covered his face with his hands and fell to his knees. But this offered no protection at all. The pain only intensified. Very soon, he would be roasted alive.

Then, with a loud sucking huff, the flames vanished.

Ethan removed his hands. The cool air of the cavern felt like a healing spring. He looked over to where Lylinora had been standing. She was now flat on her back, unconscious. Looming over her with a thick book gripped in both hands was Kat. She was scowling down at the helpless woman as if debating whether or not to strike her again.

“Are you two all right?” she asked.

Jonas’ face was bright red and his clothes were smoldering in several places. Even so, he gave a sharp nod.

“I’m fine too,” replied Ethan. “Thanks.”

“I knew she’d be a bitch,” said Kat. “But no one ever listens to me.”

Ethan struggled to his feet. The stinging of his skin was fairly mild at the moment, but he knew that it would get much worse later on. “She was just scared,” he told Kat. “It’s not her fault.”