Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
THORNE
“Where the hell is Serafina?” Drazen asked, leading his horse to the mounting block in the cavernous stable. “As much as this Speck fellow means to her, I can’t believe she’d be late to our noble death march.”
I adjusted the supplies in my saddlebags, avoiding his eyes. “Maybe she came to her senses and changed her mind.” Or maybe I changed it for her. “You know women.”
“Ah, yes, I know them well,” Kronk said beside me, tightening the cinch around his bula’s thick stomach.
Athos preferred the large oxen-type beasts to horses since they were some of the few domesticated mounts capable of carrying their weight.
“Females are fickle creatures, prone to bouts of emotion. It makes them unpredictable.”
I arched a brow at my obtuse friend. “And your sister, Runa? Do you consider her one of these emotional creatures?” I’d pay gold to see him explain the way of women to the firebrand who’d recently become Carcerem’s queen.
Kronk snorted. “Runa is no ordinary woman. She is my sister.”
“Who is also female.”
“Poor Thorne.” He shook his blocky head. “This is why you argue so much with your mate. You don’t understand.”
Mate. My inner flame flickered at the word. The horse I readied uttered an anxious whinny, spooked at my beast’s presence.
In the paddock, one of the horned lumox the trogg used to pull carts hung his head over his stall.
The animal likely had better knowledge of the opposite sex than Kronk.
Several of the beasts filled the paddocks.
Flies buzzed, and the sweet scent of hay mixed with the nauseating smell of manure tainted my dragon senses.
“We should get moving, quickly,” I urged, swinging into the saddle.
Drazen chuckled. “You locked her in, didn’t you?”
“It’s an old castle.” I shrugged. “Doors have been known to stick.”
“It was unwise to deceive her. Your mate will not bump stones with you if she is displeased.” Kronk slung his thick leg over his saddle, the bula he sat on letting out a strained groan.
My partners led while I brought up the rear. We exited the stable, heading single file down a narrow mountain trail.
“Kronk and I tried to leave Runa behind once,” Drazen called over his shoulder, his voice bouncing off the steep rock cliff.
“We’d planned to break into one of the local brothels and lighten the customer’s pockets once their trousers were off.
It didn’t seem like a wholesome place for a young lady.
Being responsible thieves that we were, we tied her to a tree so she couldn’t follow. ”
“How did that work out for you?” I asked, though I already knew.
Kronk shuddered in his saddle. “I prefer not to speak of it.”
“Let’s just say, after that, one of us would stay awake so the other could sleep.”
I imagined Serafina’s anger would be equally impressive. At least she’d be alive.
“And why didn’t that scaly brother of yours see us off?” Drazen asked. “You lock him in as well?”
If only it were that easy.
“His nest was empty at breakfast,” Kronk added.
“Don’t know.” Last night, he’d seemed off, subdued even, though Sera had gone to great lengths to heal him. Upon waking, I hadn’t sensed his presence in the mountain. Only now that his wounds were healed, there was no reason for him to visit the healing waters.
I really didn’t like leaving Serafina unprotected, but what choice did I have? She certainly wasn’t coming with us.
“Again, he misplaced his dragon brother. Just as he did back in the Fallen Trials.” Kronk said, face drawn with disgust. “No wonder his mate finds him unworthy.”
I clenched my jaw, barely resisting the urge to blast fire at the empty space between Kronk’s ears.
Thankfully, we all fell silent for a time, focused on minding the steep mountain trail until we hit level ground.
The path to Nefarr was sparsely wooded, the vegetation struggling to take hold this close to the mountain.
Dust kicked up beneath the hooves of our mounts, the ground thirsty for rain.
Dark clouds obscured the sun, casting the landscape in shades of grizzled gloom.
As we approached the outskirts, the greenery thickened, bedraggled trees obscuring our line of sight. The lingering stench of scorched homes and smoldering flesh wafted on the breeze, and Gravestone Manor loomed atop the next rise.
Kronk rubbed the back of his thick neck, casting a cautious glance over his shoulder. “We are not alone.”
“I feel it too,” Drazen said, scanning the shadows. “Something is following us.”
Kronk punched his powerful fist into his palm. “I will circle back and deal with them.”
“That won’t be necessary.” I exhaled an irritated puff of smoke, kicking my horse into a faster pace. I knew exactly who was trailing us.
It wasn’t long before we passed through the broken gates of Rottbarry Manor.
Drazen gave a low whistle. “This place has seen better days.”
“Even the false king took better care of Carcerem before we reclaimed his throne,” Kronk said.
We rounded a pile of rubble, and the sight before me set my flame roaring. I hauled back on my reins, too hard, given my mount’s indignant whinny.
“Hello, boys. Took you long enough.”
Serafina perched on the tailgate of a broken wagon, fiery mane twisting in the breeze. The clothing I purchased fit like a second skin.
“Serafina,” Drazen called out, his face alight with far too much appreciation. “You’re looking lovely today. How were your travels?”
“Quiet. Peaceful even, without the blathering of fools in my ears.”
“Ach.” The infernus clutched his hand to his heart. “Don’t be like that now. It wasn’t my idea to leave you behind.”
“I’m certain a man of your fine character wouldn’t dream of doing something so underhanded.” Her green eyes pierced straight through me.
Kronk sent me a sympathetic glance, shaking his head.
How the hell did she break out? I’d even blocked the secret passage. I was a fool for underestimating her. Again.
Before I could retort, the earth trembled. Kronk closed his eyes, thick lines of concentration etching his brow. “There is much destruction to the land here. Creatures tunneled through the earth with no regard for collapse. The entire area is unstable.”
Drazen’s ruddy completion paled. “Best we’re quick about our business and get out of here before the whole place caves in.”
Once we secured our mounts, we found a patch of ground that Kronk deemed relatively safe.
Serafina set her fists on her hips, determination in the hard lines of her face. “Time to lure them out. Any suggestions?”
From what I’d seen, her blood, tears, and magic called to the bastards. The latter seemed safest. “Try your magic. Start small. See what happens.”
Serafina rubbed her hands, glancing at the ground around her. “I’ll give it a try. Hopefully, this works better than it did in the training arena.”
What did happen in that training session? I wouldn’t put it past Alaric to do something desperate, even harming Serafina to get his cure. At the thought, my inner fire crackled.
Serafina knelt in the barren soil, setting her palms into the earth, then closed her eyes. “I feel…” She burrowed deeper into the dirt. “There’s something here. Life under the soil, reaching for me. Maybe if I can reach back…”
Warm golden light surrounded her hands. Green sprouts poked through the dirt, forming a carpeted circle.
“Holy flames. She’s doing it.” Drazen barked a laugh.
The sprouts surged higher, thickening into stems, shiny leaves unfurling.
Serafina’s forehead furrowed, sweat slicking her brow.
Her hands glowed brighter as the buds formed bright red flowers.
Their delicate scent mixed with Serafina’s essence, filling the air with a delectable fragrance that had my dragon stirring.
Finally, she slumped back on her heels, panting. She opened her eyes then grinned, pride evident. “Do you think anyone heard me?”
She had every reason to be proud. It was the first time I’d seen her wield her gift with purpose. I smiled in return. “Guess we’ll find out soon e—”
Serafina’s scream pierced my heart. From the soil, grizzled hands erupted, seizing her arms and legs. The flowers blackened, shriveling as the stench of rot and decay drowned out their sweetness.
“Flark. They look like ghouls!” She thrashed against their grip, knees sinking into the soil.
“That’s good, easier to control. Don’t let them bite you.” I dropped beside her, locking my arms around her torso and heaving back. “Drazen, Kronk, get a hold of those bastards and yank them out.”
“Got it.” Kronk seized one of the hands gripping her limbs, pried its fingers open, and yanked.
Bone cracked, skin split, and the decayed appendage tore free. Minus its owner. Black goo oozed from the ragged stump. A high-pitched screech rattled the earth. The soil rippled, one of Serafina’s attackers sinking back into the ground.
“Kronk,” Drazen barked at his brother. “You damn fool. We need the whole thing. How do you expect a single hand to lead us through the tunnels?”
“It could still crawl on its fingertips,” Kronk grunted.
“Somebody better do something before I’m the one dismembered,” Serafina shouted.
Wrapped around Serafina’s forearm were a pair of hands. Grimy rings glittered on the ghoul’s fingers.
“Grab the one in front,” I barked.
“On it.” Drazen crouched, grabbing the creature’s wrists.
“Its grip is tightening,” Serafina cried.
“Hold on.” Flames flickered at Drazen’s fingertips, and another high-pitched screech rang out. Sera tumbled on top of me, and I scrambled back, dragging her to safety.
“Don’t pull,” Kronk ordered his brother, setting his palms against the ground. “I’ll push it out.”
The earth around the bejeweled creature vibrated. Inch at a time, more of the creature’s body emerged, Kronk using his control over stone and earth to bring it to the surface. At last, a filthy figure in a ruffled dress sprawled on the dirt.
Drazen wrestled with its grasping hands. Lank hair hung in clumps around its face. Dirt clung to its pale skin, its once fine clothing ragged.
“You,” the creature snarled.
“Quick, get the rope,” Drazen shouted.
Serafina and I rushed to our feet. From my pack, I extracted a coil of rope, bound its legs and torso, then yanked tight, leaving the end in my fist like a leash.
The ghoul peered at us, face screwed up against the light of the sun. “Burns,” it hissed.
“No. It can’t be.” Serafina gasped, covering her mouth. “It’s Lady Penelope.”
“Who?” Drazen squinted at our captive.
“The high ruler’s daughter. Before the attack, I was her servant.”
Drazen winced. “Not much of a lady anymore.”
“I thought they’d escaped.” Serafina’s gaze snapped to me, sharp with accusation.
I held up my hands, the picture of innocence. For once, it was true. All I’d done was lighten their load, stealing their weighty treasures. Which, in theory, would have allowed them to travel faster.
“I had nothing to do with the fact that they were captured after they served you up to the wendigos to save their own asses.”
“Right.” Sera frowned at my not-so-subtle reminder and then smoothed her expression. “Now what?”
“Now we locate their tunnels and let the ghoul lead us inside like a hound chasing a fox.” I turned to Kronk. “Think you can find one of their entrances?”
“Already have.” He jutted his chin toward the ruins. “Follow me.”
Dragging our captive, we trailed Kronk through the shattered manor, down into the servants’ corridors, descending into a root cellar.
As we entered the chilly earthen room, the moldy scent of spoiled food hit my nostrils.
One whole wall was destroyed, the shelves splintered, stores trampled.
The wendigos had burrowed through the wall, smashing anything in their path.
“No wonder they overpowered us so easily,” Serafina said, her words heavy. “They bypassed the manor’s defenses, tunneling directly inside.”
Just as they had at Pyrrhus. The memory tightened my gut.
Drazen untied the bag we’d placed over the ghoul’s head, whipping it off the creature. “Apologies, love, but we’ve no time for melancholy.”
The moment the monster was free, it lunged at Serafina, shrieking, “You.”
I jerked it back by the rope, bringing it up short.
“Yes. Yes. I’m me,” Serafina said coolly. “I’ve grown quite famous since you saw me last. Even though you insisted that I’d never make anything of myself.”
Drazen snickered, but Kronk only gazed at her, lines of confusion crinkling his forehead. “I did not know you were famous.”
She waved away the comment. “What’s next?”
“Next…” I stared at the yawning tunnel, unease prickling my spine. “We get your friend back.”