Page 86 of Dragon Mine (Dragon Kings 2)
“Many of the dragons were already dead when we arrived,” Brandr continued as he ran a hand down his face dejectedly. “A few were still alive, but the instant they moved, another round of magic came at them.”
Vaughn caught his gaze. “From which direction?”
“Everywhere,” Con answered.
V blinked in surprise. “Everywhere? Like you were surrounded?”
“That’s what it seemed like,” Brandr said. “I kept telling my generals to move around more. When they started getting hit, I knew I had to find whoever was doing this and stop them before they killed more.”
Con briefly closed his eyes. “That’s when I saw Brandr get struck.”
Now Vaughn understood the bellow Con had let out. “Did you see your attacker?”
“I wish,” Brandr said with a snort.
Con raked a hand through his blond hair. “I got to Brandr before he fell unconscious. That might be the difference between him and Eurwen.”
“She still isna awake?” Brandr asked, concern clouding his eyes.
Vaughn shook his head. “No’ yet. There’s a lot we all need to catch up on.”
“First, we need to take care of these dragons,” V said.
For the next hour, the five of them returned the dragons to their families. It was a somber affair that left all of them drained as the worry of another attack festered. Brandr sent out a message to all dragons to be on the lookout for attacks and to remain in the heart of their territory until the assailants could be found and stopped.
With that finished, they returned to Cairnkeep and gathered together in Brandr’s cottage. They spent the evening meal catching everyone up on everything that had occurred.
“Do you think Sateen will come through for us?” Con asked.
Varek shrugged. “I trust her.”
“I do, as well,” Vaughn added.
Brandr glanced at the bed. “I’m a little more worried about Eurwen.”
Vaughn got up from the table and walked to the bed. “I’ve got an idea. I doona know if it’ll work, but it’s worth a try.”
“Do it,” Rhi said.
Brandr jumped to his feet. “Hold on. What are you talking about?”
“My power is dream manipulation. Ever since Eurwen and I first met, I searched for her everywhere. I never found her, but each night during sleep, we were together. I thought they were only dreams until I spoke with her after coming here. It was real. Somehow, the connection we forged so long ago allowed us to find each other in a different way.”
Brandr was silent for a moment. “You believe she’s your mate.”
“I know she is,” Vaughn replied.
Brandr looked at his sister and nodded. “Do it.”
“Let’s leave them to it,” Con said.
Everyone filed out of the cottage except for Brandr. Vaughn studied Eurwen’s brother. There had been a lot of changes for the twins. Most Eurwen had sought herself. Brandr was trying to keep things the way they were, but unfortunately, that couldn’t happen. You couldn’t stop change.
“I doona like you,” Brandr said.
Vaughn bowed his head. “I know.”
“It isna personal. I doona like any Kings.”
“You doona know us.”
Brandr drew in a breath, his nostrils flaring. “My sister saw something in you. I trust her with my life. She chose you, and while I may no’ like it, I’ll no’ stand in your way. I’m trusting you now.”
“I would die for her. I’ll no’ let anything happen to her.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“I would expect nothing less.”
Brandr’s shoulders dropped slightly. He bowed his head to Vaughn before leaving the cottage. Vaughn turned to the bed and looked at Eurwen. He could almost believe that she was sleeping. That all he needed to do was touch her, and she would wake, looking up at him with her beautiful silver eyes.
He walked to the bed and sat before stretching out beside her. Vaughn took her hand in his and turned his head toward her. “We’ve always found each other in dreams. Find me now.”
Vaughn closed his eyes. He didn’t wait for sleep. Instead, he released his power and searched for Eurwen’s dreams. He was shocked to discover that something was already there. He couldn’t tell if it was distorting Eurwen’s thoughts or if it was only watching. Regardless, the being was there.
Vaughn moved cautiously. He could manipulate dreams, not search someone’s mind. That was Tristan’s power, and it was too bad that he wasn’t here to help. All Vaughn could do was seek Eurwen’s dreams and attempt to talk to her. He wasn’t sure how successful he’d be since something had taken up residence in her mind. How, Vaughn didn’t know.
Before he went deeper, he wanted to let the others know what he’d found. He connected to Con, Brandr, V, and Varek. “Something is in Eurwen’s mind. I can no’ see if it has done anything. I doona know how long it’ll be before it notices me.”
“Doona test it, then,” V said. “End this now. We’ll wake Eurwen another way.”
Varek made a sound in the back of his throat. “How? Vaughn may be the only one who can reach her.”
“None of us can tell you what to do,”Con told him. “The decision is ultimately up to you. I doona want to lose my daughter or you.”
Brandr said, “Perhaps you shouldna be there alone.”
