Chapter 2
D ash waited until the dragon was centered, then he unleashed the spell she needed. Fire shot from his horn, toward the heavens, and it rained sparks over them.
The sparks turned to ash and, as they did so, her body began to transform. Her scales rippled and bubbled as they turned from their shimmering incandescent beauty to pale, opaque human skin.
She cried out from the pain.
He hated that for her, but birth was never an easy thing, and transformation was particularly nasty. It was to be expected.
What he didn’t expect was the exquisite form she’d take.
Vibrant red hair cascaded over the face of an elfish beauty that came complete with pointed ears. Perfect lips and luscious curves the likes of which most only saw in their dreams.
She held her dainty hand up so that she could examine it. “I don’t remember humans having claws.”
He laughed at her earnest words. “They’re fingernails, my lady. And they will break if you’re not careful.”
She didn’t comment as she tried to push herself to her feet , then fell back down.
He smiled at the consternation on her face. “It takes a moment to adjust to being on two legs when you’re used to four.”
Lying flat on her back, she let out an exasperated breath. “Two legs are just not steady. What a stupid evolutionary thing. No wonder humans are only good for food or torching. I hate this!”
Dash smirked at her mini rant. “Two legs are weak, but you’ll get used to them. I have all faith in you.”
And to help protect her, he gave her the knowledge to instantly balance and run fast. Especially the latter as she would definitely need it in the human world.
Then again...
He took in her beauty and slight form and added the ability to defend herself with the strength of a male. She’d definitely need that to deal with the vermin who might be tempted to overtake her. While unicorns and dragons were mortal enemies, he had no wish to see her preyed upon.
No one deserved that and it was the last thing he wanted for anyone, especially a dragon he’d made vulnerable by granting her strange desire.
“Try standing now.”
She let out a long, annoyed sigh, then rolled to her side so she could stand. Thankfully, she came easily to her feet and lifted her head with pride.
Until she tried to take a step. Then she wobbled and reached out to steady herself.
Dash shivered at the sensation of her dainty hand sinking into his dark coat. It’d been a while since he’d allowed anyone to touch him. Given his past, he wasn’t keen on contact of any kind, especially when it came to females who were normally scheming ways to tie him to them forever.
Females who would do anything to seduce him because of his station and titles. Everyone was conniving and out for themselves—a hard, bitter lesson he’d learned far too young in his life. They saw him as a mark to be manipulated and used. A friend only so long as he gave them what they wanted. And the moment he didn’t, he was an enemy to be eliminated. They flattered him to his face and lied about him the moment they were out of his earshot.
Or worse, they saw him as an enemy they wanted to assassinate.
And many had tried.
That was the sole thing he’d admired about his father. At least the old bastard had insulted and abused him in his presence.
But the dragon meant nothing by it. She knew nothing of him and that seemed to make it mean more than it should.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
Biting her lip, she slowly stepped away from him, then tripped on her skirt and fell back to the ground. “Ugh!” She slapped at the gathered material. “What is this thing?”
“It’s called a dress. Women wear them.”
“I don’t like it. Why is it so heavy?”
Then it probably wasn’t a good idea to leave her swathed in so much fabric. Even now, he could hear his sister complaining about wearing them for formal events. Renata much preferred hunting clothes for daily wear.
I don’t see you standing in line for restriction, brother. When was the last time you wore a counselor’s or king’s robe,
hmm? And I’d pay good, hard coin to lace you into a tight corset. Just once. Let’s see how you like it.
Shaking his head at the memory of his sister’s repetitive rant, he traded the gown for an outfit more akin to what Renata normally donned. A light green leather, loose corset covered by a short-sleeved brown jacket that was short in front but went to her ankles in back, and a matching pair of leather leggings and black boots.
Aye, that was vintage Renata. Right down to the ornate gold embroidery around the collar and sleeves. All that was missing was his sister’s statement jewelry and preferred small tiara that had shone almost as much as her mischievous smile.
“You wear that well.”
Tanis scowled at the unicorn’s comment. “How do you mean?”
“The garb of a female archer and huntress. It looks good on you.”
Her stomach wrenched at that word. “Huntress?”
“Not of dragons. Most female hunters seek smaller game such as birds or deer... or other men.”
Ah. She could live with that. And honestly, she was grateful her breasts weren’t hanging out of this outfit.
Nor was her rear. She actually liked it. If she couldn’t have her scales, this was a nice alternative. “I suppose I am hunting, aren’t I?”
He inclined his head. “Indeed. One stupid, cowardly dragon slayer.”
She straightened the hooded jacket with a quick jerk. Unexpectedly, a sack appeared at her feet.
Along with a sword.
With a frown, she toed the sack. “What’s this?”
“Supplies. The sack, you drape over your shoulders. The sword?—”
“I know what the sword is for.” She’d seen enough of them used on her brethren , and had been stabbed too many times herself by overzealous morons.
Damn them all.
The last thing she wanted was to ever touch one. But given the fact that she no longer had talons or fire, she’d need some way to protect herself.
While his kind and humans often thought of dragons as mindless animals, dragons were no such thing. They were a peaceful race who preferred to live in herds, in their own mountainous kingdom, far away from everyone else.
That was why she wanted the heart of the man who’d invaded their kingdom and snuck up on her gentle brother. She still had no idea how the dragon slayer had managed it. How he’d been able to traverse into their lands, never mind her brother’s home unseen, kill him, and then leave their island kingdom without anyone else knowing it.
Indara was isolated from the other kingdoms by intention. While gryphons, hippocampi and wyverns were welcome to settle and visit there, her father didn’t tolerate other species or races. Visitors were required to register and only allowed to stay briefly. Their activities in Indara were heavily monitored, and she had no idea how anyone could breach their border without one of their visguard seeing it.
Because of their past grievances with dragon slayers and trophy hunters, a human would have stood out in Indara, and wouldn’t have been allowed freedom in their realm.
Davin’s death made no sense. No human should have been able to get near her brother.
And yet, that rat bastard had absolutely butchered him while Davin’s hatchlings had hidden in horror. They would never be the same.
Even when her sister-in-law had returned to find them while they were hiding, they had refused to come out or speak a word of what they’d seen. It’d taken Marla more than a day before her little ones would leave their hiding spots.
Indeed, they’d screamed in terror the moment Tanis tried to see them and help her.
All because they were terrified their father’s killer would return and kill them, too. Their fear was so bad, that Marla had taken them to her father’s lands in the north of Indara, hoping to soothe them and let them know they were safe.
Tanis swallowed hard against the tears that misted her eyes. No hatchling should ever know such horror that it drove them from their home.
Why had she not been there that day?
Any other time, she’d have at least stopped by to chat with Davin for a little while. Instead, she’d spent that fateful day by the lake, reading.
If it’s the last thing I do, I will avenge you, brother. I swear I’ll see your enemy in pieces.
The unicorn is your enemy, too.
No. The unicorn race was an enemy to hers. As was the bastard unicorn who’d kidnapped her as a girl.
This particular unicorn had given her a chance to right a wrong. Granted his payment was harsh, but she had made the choice. Unlike Baracus, he hadn’t kidnapped her and forced her to serve him against her will.
She’d sold her freedom for her brother’s dignity. And she was grateful for the unicorn’s assistance. Without him, she wouldn’t have this chance.
“Thank you for helping me.”
Dash was astonished by her sincerity. Honestly, he’d hoped his bargain would have awakened her common sense and kept her from her foolish quest.
Sadly, she was too similar to him. He would have made the same deal to get back at the mongrel who’d killed Renata.
I should have chosen something else for payment other than her freedom. He regretted it already. No one should ever be bound to another.
Having been forced into captivity himself, he couldn’t bear the thought of it for anyone. It was why he’d vowed to never marry. End of the day, he couldn’t stand the idea of anyone having any kind of sway over him, no matter how innocuous.
But the deal was cast. He’d forgotten that others weren’t as fiercely protective of their freedom as he was. There was nothing they could do now except see it through. “I just hope you don’t hold this against me. Remember, you wanted to be human, lady dragon.”
She actually laughed. “Indeed. And, since you now own me, might I ask your name?”
“Dash.”
She pressed her lips together with a determination he was sure would get her into even more trouble. “Regardless of what happens, I will always be grateful to you, Dash.”
A part of him wanted her name as well, but names held power. They made the bearer real. Personable.
And since he had no doubt that they would become enemies once she killed the human she was after and came to regret this bargain, he had no intention of learning hers.
He was certain he would be her next target for execution. And he couldn’t blame her. He wouldn’t want anyone to have any authority over him, either.
When she eventually came for him, he needed to have no reservation in taking whatever steps required to protect himself.
He who hesitates dies. It was the one lesson he’d learned most in life.
Dash wanted nothing to put that hesitation in his attack. And he wondered if that had been what had killed Renata.
Had she hesitated when she should have struck?
Flinching, he wanted to bury that memory so deep inside that he never saw it again.
If only he could.
Every time he closed his eyes, he imagined her death. Her panic and pain when they’d driven her aground and then cut her horn from her forehead. The guilt that he hadn’t been there to protect his sister was overwhelming. How could he have let this happen?
Just how much had she suffered? It was said that having a horn removed before death was the most excruciating pain a unicorn could endure.
No one survived it.
While he’d failed to protect her, he wouldn’t fail to avenge her.
With that thought in mind, he fully intended to leave this dragon to complete her quest.
Until he noticed she was walking in circles.
“What are you doing?”
She paused at his question and gave him an adorable smirk. “How do humans and unicorns know which direction they’re going?” She looked up at the sky, then around at the trees. “Everything looks the same from down here. Is there some special means you use to get your bearings? A magick homing beacon? Some inner compass? Is that what you have your horn for?”
He bit back a laugh at the frustration in her voice. In this form, she was as helpless as a child. “Where are you heading?”
“Auderley.”
Odd... that was his destination as well.
Leave her to her vengeance. She’s no concern of yours. You have a lot more to deal with and a lot more to worry about.
Dragons had declared war on unicorns to such an extent that they had once been virtually extinct. It was only now that his people were regaining their numbers.
And that was only thanks to him and the treaties he’d put in place.
Granted, but you swore you’d protect all your people. Including dragons.
His horn itched, reminding him again of Renata and what he owed to his sister and people.
True. The dragon was nothing to him. Yet his mind merged her current human form with that of his sister and he couldn’t stand the thought of anything happening to the dragon because he’d made a bargain with her and left her without her innate abilities and powers.
You swore you would protect all your people...
It always came back to that, didn’t it? He couldn’t forsake his oath. No matter what, the dragons were one of the Thirteen Kingdoms.
Fuck me .
He would respect her quest and help her with it as that was his duty, too. Not to mention, it was ultimately his responsibility to find the culprit who’d taken her brother’s head and make sure he didn’t do that to anyone else.
You could assign someone else to help her run the bastard down.
It was why he had stewards and others. Ryper came to mind. Be a good use of his talents, for once. That ruthless little bastard might even enjoy it.
But his quest was personal, and he knew hers was, too. Since they were headed the same way...
What would it really cost him other than some time?
Using his powers, he created a saddle for her. “Climb on my back, and I’ll take you there.”
By her expression, he could tell his offer surprised her as much as it irritated him. “Why are you being nice to me after our bargain?”
“I have no idea.” And he didn’t. It really wasn’t in his nature to be kind.
He was more likely to rip someone’s throat out than he was to speak with them. Even Renata had called him ‘jackass’ more than ‘brother.’
In truth, he prided himself on his surly nature. It tended to keep users and courtiers at bay.
Still, the dragon didn’t move to accept his offer. Rather, she stood by his side with a frown. “Can you not just wish me there?”
He let out an irritated sigh. “My powers don’t work that way. Again, all magick has a cost. Your clothes, the saddle and small such things are easy for me to pay. Magick is a hungry beast that always wants more and more to feed her. To teleport you that distance would require a much greater sacrifice. I can’t afford to weaken myself, and you have nothing else to give to make it worth my while.”
“Oh... then, thank you.”
Yeah... thank you, he mocked her silently, hiding just how truly aggravated he was. He didn’t need this distraction. He had so many other things to deal with.
Why did this have to happen when he needed to find his sister’s horn? Not like time was of the essence or anything.
Every second he was gone was precious and dangerous.
He needed to get this done and return home as quickly as possible. Last thing he needed was a bit of chatty baggage that wouldn’t cooperate. He had other irritants he was dodging for that.
Grinding his teeth, Dash lowered himself so that she could easily reach the saddle. “By all means, take your time.”
She let out a deep growl at him as she took a few more seconds to try and figure out how to mount him.
Then again, he instantly regretted this decision, given the way she wiggled all over his back as she slowly situated herself. Grimacing, he tried not to think about what she was doing. But it was hard while she slid her long, slender legs over his body. Then, wrapped them around his rib cage and straddled him.
Oh dear God.
Now he was grinding his teeth for an entirely different reason and cursing his rash decision to help her.
This was going to be a long, hard ride.
Emphasis on both.
My father was right. I am an idiot, and he should have gelded me at birth...
Tanis bit her lip as Dash stood up under her. She grabbed at the saddle horn and held on as tightly as she could. Every muscle in his body flexed between her thighs as he righted himself.
With a frown, she realized he didn’t have reins for her to hold on to. Well, that’s annoying. How was she supposed to ride like this? “Where are the reins?”
Without thinking, she sank her hands into his thick, silken mane.
“Saddle!” he snapped instantly. “Hold on to the saddle! Not my hair.”
Well, that was certainly a rude tone. Offended, she moved her hands to the ivory horn and stuck her tongue out at him. ’Course had he seen her, he would have probably bucked her off his back. But he deserved it for being so testy when all she’d been trying to do was not fall off.
After all, it was a long way to the ground. He was an extremely tall beast from this perspective, and she had no wish to break her neck before she had a chance to kill the human she was after.
And as she adjusted herself, Tanis realized why he was so put out by her grabbing his mane. “You don’t like anyone having control over you, do you?”
“Do you?” There was definite challenge in that tone.
“You know I don’t. Is that not why you chose the price you did for my conversion?”
He didn’t respond.
Which suited her well enough. She didn’t want to speak to him, either. Contrary beast.
Fine then, she’d complete this journey in silence. Complete and utter silence.
“My God, Halla. What have you done?”
Halla jumped at the sharp bark that came from the shadows behind her. Trembling and afraid, she turned to see a tall, dark assassin that made everyone quake in fear... or wet their pants.
Everyone except King Dash.
Mostly because this was the only creature alive Dash trusted. If he trusted at all. The two of them had been friends since they’d been boys, trapped together in a hostile court that had done its best to break them both.
“Keep your voice down, Ryper.”
He slammed the door behind him shut with powers that were terrifying in magnitude. Lifting his hand, he used those same powers to pull her to him. “What did you do?”
“Not me!” She choked and coughed. “Not me! Not me! Let me go!”
He released her so suddenly that had she not been winged, she’d have fallen against the floor.
Without speaking to her, he walked slowly toward the body on the floor that she’d been weeping over on his arrival. A beautiful blue roan with a star that had once highlighted a bright golden horn.
Only now that beautiful spiral horn was gone.
And so was her life.
It’d taken almost all of Halla’s powers to get Renata here on her own, without being seen by anyone. Now, she was so tired that all she could do was weep for the loss.
Reverently, Ryper sank to his knees and put his hand on the princess’s lifeless body. “What happened?”
“Someone killed her for her horn. She ran away last night, and His Majesty went after her. By the time he found her…” She choked on another sob as she gestured toward the body. “I promised him that I’d bring her home while he went after the one who killed her.”
Ryper cursed under his breath. “This is bad, Halla.”
“I know.”
“No, you don’t.” Balling his hand in Renata’s mane, he sucked his breath in as if something shocked him. There was only one reason to take a horn… someone knew it could be used as a magick wand. And no wand would be more powerful than Renata’s. “Does anyone else know that she’s dead?”
“No. King Dash told Kronnel at dawn that he was going to fetch his sister home and to let no one know that he’d left the palace. After we found her, he told me to bring her body here and make sure no one knew until his return.”
“Thank God he still has half a brain.”
She didn’t comment on something that only Ryper could get away with saying.
He looked up and pinned her with that scalding blue-eyed stare. “We need that horn, Halla. It must be found.”
“That’s what King Dash said, and it’s what he’s off doing.”
Ryper shook his head. “I know him. He’s not thinking clearly while he’s grieving her. Where’s he headed?”
“The brownie said that her killer was going to Auderley.”
He scowled. “What brownie?”
Halla scratched at her neck as she remembered the tiny creature sitting beside the princess’s body. “She was with Princess Renata when we found her. Said she saw the human man what killed the princess for her horn.”
Ryper’s eyes began to glow in the dim light. “Are you sure it was a brownie?”
Oh no! She widened her eyes as she realized what she might have done. “It looked like a brownie.”
He gave her an agitated stare. “Of all beings, you should know that things aren’t always what they appear.”
Halla cursed the fact he was right. As a shape-shifter herself, she was more than aware of how many forms she could take. Hobgoblins seldom appeared in their natural bodies to others. “Well, it wasn’t a hobgoblin. That I would have known.”
Ryper counted to ten in his head. He wouldn’t fault Halla for not being more suspicious. Unlike them, she’d been lucky enough to have a life that afforded her that luxury. She didn’t have to doubt everyone who came near her.
To her, a brownie was a brownie.
To them, a brownie might be a brownie, a traitor or an assassin, or anything else they hadn’t thought of. While none of them liked living the way they did, life had taught them to be on high alert at all times for the most unexpected catastrophe.
Too bad Renata hadn’t been more cautious as well. It would have saved them all endless grief.
And regrets.
Rising, he let out a tired breath. “Get to Dash as fast as you can.”
“And?”
“Watch his back.”
Halla nodded. “Where are you going?”
“Where I’m needed.”
Arms akimbo, she stared at him in a pique. “You don’t really expect me to tell him that, do you?”
“You’re his court jester. Make it humorous.”
“Humorous? He’s likely to spear me for it.”
Ryper winked at her. “Better you than me.”
She mocked him under her breath as she skittered toward the nearest window.
Ryper waited for Halla to leave then used his powers to preserve Renata’s body and seal the room closed so that no one could enter it and find out what had happened to the princess.
Damn me . He’d known something was wrong. Had felt it the moment he woke up, which was why he’d been searching the palace when he happened upon Halla.
Ever since he’d first met Dash when they were boys in Meara’s court, they’d had an unholy, natural connection. He always knew whenever Dash was in trouble or needed him. It was a connection that had concerned some and pissed off others.
Not that it mattered. As a bastard halfling, Ryper had done his best to avoid being around others. The last thing he wanted was Dash’s throne and the headache that came with it. Watching out for those who wanted to kill you for your crown. The ones scheming against you at every moment.
Life was too short for that kind of drama. Ryper preferred keeping his head low. Killing whatever annoyed him and having no responsibilities for vassals or others.
His father had never wanted him, and he was fine with that. His mother had only wanted to stifle and suffocate him. If she had her way, she’d still be breast feeding him her venom.
While he appreciated her love, Dash was all the family he needed. It was why he’d kill or die for his High King, and why he’d mostly killed for him.
No one else held his loyalty, and never would.
No one else was worth it.
Clutching at his baldric that held the two swords he was famous for wielding, Ryper headed for the crow’s nest in the upper west wing of the palace. He hated to wake Chrysis this early in the morning.
As much as she despised the daylight, she should have been an owl instead of a crow.
Set on the farthest western tower of the palace, her elaborate nest was designed to stay shaded throughout the daytime hours. A courtesy Dash had afforded his longtime friend who often carried messages for him to other kingdoms and their representatives and monarchs.
And just as expected, Ryper found Chrysis curled up, asleep, with her beak tucked beneath an ebony wing.
“Chrys?”
She didn’t so much as flinch. “Go away.”
He poked at her head. “Can’t do that.”
“Hate you, Ryper. Go away.”
“C’mon, Chrys. I need you.”
She opened one black eye to glare at him. “I need you to go away.”
Snorting, he jostled her nest.
Ruffling her feathers, she squawked and rose up, then spread her wings wide. “You are aware that crows hold grudges better than anyone, are you not?”
“Very much so. But you hate me already. Nothing to lose.”
She actually growled at him. “Why are you here?”
“I need you to summon the Outlaws.”
Chrys lifted her rather large black head to pin him with an eerie stare. Outlaw was a slur that unicorns used for those who were unmanageable, vicious or bastards. Or someone who’d survived a traumatic event.
In this case, it was a specific group of friends who’d come through hell together and barely survived. They were vicious, unmanageable and bastards…
The name they’d embraced was more than apropos.
“Are you out of your mind? Dash will kill you after what happened the last time they were all together.” Again, they were a vicious lot who didn’t bend to the will of anyone else.
“Dash will thank me.”
She scoffed. “Don’t know about that. I seem to recall a whole lot of damage. Angry villagers. Missing livestock. Fire. Lots of fire and swearing. I’m not sure if Mischief ever learned to walk straight again.”
Ryper stifled a smile. She wasn’t wrong. Mischief was more than aptly named, too. That woman was forever getting herself into all kinds of trouble.
Chrys tucked her wings down. “May I ask why you wish to anger your High King?”
He wanted to tell her about Renata but couldn’t risk it. “Safer this way. We need to protect Dash and I need backup. There’s something really wrong here.”
She made an odd choking sound. “You’re an assassin. You always think something’s wrong.”
That was true.
However…
“This time I’m right.” He pulled a handful of seeds from his pocket and piled them on the post beside her nest. “Brought you breakfast.”
“And a problem. Food doesn’t make that better.”
“Not what you told me last time.”
She pecked at the seed. “Last time I was an idiot and don’t think that handsome smile gets you out of trouble.”
It normally did, especially with women. “Get flapping, crow. I need you. Dash needs you more.”
She made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a raspberry. “You want all of the Outlaws or just a few?”
That was a loaded question. Especially if he was wrong. They’d probably hang him with his entrails for dragging them here if they weren’t needed.
But if he was right…
I’m always right. Which meant Dash needed his only friends at his back. No one else could be trusted.
“All of them.” It might cause an interkingdom war to bring them all together, but it could also avert one.
Speaking of problems… “On second thought, let’s leave Xaydin out of this, for now. And I’ll go after Dove.” As a half-elfin bastard, Dove was a handful. No tolerance for much of anything, especially being summoned from the home Dove loathed.
Yeah, that was an errand Ryper wouldn’t ask anyone else to undertake. He’d grab Dove himself.
Chrys nodded. “Good. I’m not in the mood to dodge any arrows or daggers.”
Dove did have a bit of a temper, but that wasn’t why Ryper wanted to seek him out. Dove was the only one Ryper knew who had access to a higher magick that might be able to find Renata’s horn, and if he was lucky, that was where Dash was heading.
He turned his attention back to Chrys. “Have them meet me here at the lodge. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
She took one last bite of food before she flew off.
Ryper watched after her as he considered everything that had happened.
Someone had taken Renata’s horn. There were only two reasons for that.
Trophy hunting. Though it’d been popular at one time, it’d been outlawed ever since Dash took the throne. Cutting off a unicorn horn from a living target had always carried a severe risk as unicorn magick was some of the most powerful in the world. But a gold horn was priceless.
Especially given the one power it held above all others.
It could assassinate Dash.
Then the one who held it could seize power and rule. Or throw the Thirteen Kingdoms back into chaos and war.
Ryper winced at memories he’d give anything not to have. All too well, he remembered the wars. That unending vying for power.
Peace came at a cost and was a fragile flower that needed to be nourished.
Whoever had done this…
They wanted war. He could feel it with every part of himself.
And if they wanted war, they were about to meet the Outlaws. The deadliest bastards ever spawned by the Thirteen Kingdoms that had begrudged them all every breath they’d ever taken, and that had done its best to break them and bring them to their knees.
Yet they still stood in spite of every degradation and blow.
Determined. Steadfast.
And ready to kill to protect each other.
“You want war. Saddle up.” The Outlaws had been through hell, and they were more than willing to go there again to protect each other.