Page 43 of Dragon Revealed (Dragon Kings 1)
His lips twisted ruefully. “Aye, lass. I doona like that I willna be there to free the dragons, but I will be close. That will allow me to change your appearance.”
“Even if we can’t use our magic, with Jeyra there, we might be able to figure a way to get to the dragons,” Cael said.
“Shall we?” Death asked, looking pointedly at Jeyra.
Jeyra nodded and watched as Varek return to her side and took her hand. Her gaze was drawn to Cael as he touched her arm at the same time Erith touched Varek. A second later, Jeyra blinked and found herself by a grove of trees not far from the entrance to Orgate.
“Easy,” Varek said as he pulled her against him.
She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths to center herself. Then she looked up at him and nodded. So, that was what teleporting felt like. A little dizzying at first, but it was nice to be able to use magic in such a way.
Jeyra stepped back and held out her arms. “All my life, I’ve been told how evil magic is. It’s frowned upon by my people. Those who are born with it either find themselves hunted down and killed, or they take their chances over the border with the dragons.”
“Hunted?” Erith asked in a steely voice.
Jeyra nodded slowly. “It has been many, many years since a hunt has taken place. Most keep their magic to themselves and attempt to hide it. Others leave before they’re discovered.”
Cael and Erith exchanged a long look. Jeyra couldn’t discern what it was about, but the couple seemed deeply troubled.
“When this is over, I’d like to speak with both of you,” Varek told the couple.
Cael bowed his head. “We’ll make sure of it.”
Jeyra squared her shoulders. “I’m ready whenever you need to do whatever it is you’re going to do to change me.”
“It’s already done,” Varek said with a grin.
She glanced down to see that her clothes were cream instead of brown. Her armbands were thin and had swirls. Her skin was golden brown. “My hair?”
“Dark brown,” he replied. “And your eyes are blue.”
Jeyra wished she had a mirror. She’d always thought blue eyes were beautiful. Maybe she’d get a chance to see herself before this was over. She looked at Cael and Erith. “I’m ready.”
Before she walked away, Varek cupped her face and gave her a soft kiss. “Be safe,” he told her.
She was still smiling when she fell in step with Cael and Erith.
“You have the friendship of a Dragon King,” Death told her. “That is no easy feat.”
Jeyra glanced at the woman. “And he has mine. Which is no easy feat.”
“I like her,” Cael said with a grin.
Erith didn’t respond to her mate. Instead, she asked Jeyra, “Why are you helping us against your people?”
“I tried to get answers about my past. When I started to dig, my life was threatened. Too much doesn’t make sense. Simple questions like when did the border go up, who did it, and why? I should be able to find out without fearing for my life.”
Cael grunted. “I’m in agreement.”
“Are you really Fae?” Jeyra blurted out.
“I was,” Cael replied. “I’m something…a little more now.”
Jeyra glanced at Erith. “And you?”
“I’m something much more than Fae.”
Their questions ceased as they approached the gate. Just as Jeyra said, no one stopped them. Once inside the city, she led the couple through the labyrinth of streets. She half expected more guards to be gathering, ready to set out to look for Varek, but there was nothing. Curious, she went by the training area where the warriors often gathered before setting out on missions, but nothing seemed amiss.
Either Rankin believed he could track her and Varek with the fifty warriors with him. Or the city wasn’t even aware of what had happened.
“What is it?” Cael said when she drew to a stop.
Jeyra moved closer and lowered her voice so no one could hear her and quickly filled them in on her thoughts. “In the past, when a dragon was on our side of the border, the city went into panic mode. They rushed home, guards were stationed around the city, and the warriors gathered to go out in tracking parties.”
“But none of that is happening,” Erith agreed. “I think you’re correct in believing that those in charge haven’t alerted the locals about you and Varek escaping.”
Cael’s lips twisted. “I’m not sure that’s such a good thing.”
“Me, either.” Jeyra motioned for them to follow her. “We’re going to the dungeons now. Varek is sure the dragons are there.”
“Are there many visitors to the dungeon?” Death asked.
Jeyra shook her head helplessly. “I couldn’t say. We could say we’re visiting a friend.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Erith replied. “Our magic works.”
