Page 11 of Dragon Unbound (Dragon Kings 3)
“As for the woman and child, there’s more to the story. Which Cullen would get to if you’d but listen,” Con added.
Once Con looked his way, Cullen forced his fingers to loosen and release the tension in his body. But it wasn’t easy. “The woman came out with a staff and held her own, but there were too many. I did enough to chase off the rest.”
“You mean killed,” Brandr added.
Vaughn crossed his arms over his chest and shot Brandr a dark look. Con kept his gaze on Cullen.
Cullen did his best to ignore Brandr and continued. “The woman then turned and ran. I thought she was headed to the barrier. Instead, she went down the canyon. I wanted to make sure the lad was safe, so I followed her through a hidden doorway. I found myself in underground ruins. I discovered the boy was safe, and she was the reason for it. She had risked her life to smuggle him out of Stonemore, where he was to be sacrificed.”
“Bloody hell,” Vaughn murmured as his arms dropped to his sides. “How did she find out about the sacrifice?”
Cullen hesitated. “It’s her ability. She’s a Banshee.”
“A what?” Brandr asked, shock causing his features to slacken.
That got everyone’s attention. Con’s brows snapped together. “Are you serious?”
Cullen nodded. “Her name is Tamlyn. She told me that she hears the screams before a child with magic is about to die. She sneaks into Stonemore and escapes with the children. I doona know how many she has saved. She’s no’ alone, though. There are two other women with her. One was dressed like a warrior and nearly our height. The other was petite and wore peculiar clothing.”
“What kind of clothing?” Brandr asked.
Cullen slid his gaze to him, noting the small frown. “Thick gloves up to her elbows.”
“And an apron to her hips?”
“Aye. You know what she is?”
Brandr briefly closed his eyes. “An Alchemist.”
“Shite,” Vaughn said.
Cullen glanced at Con, who had yet to say anything. Con’s gaze moved back to Brandr. “How do you know about the Alchemists?”
“They are highly prized among the humans. Some are treated very well so they will stay in the city and provide the wealthy with whatever needs they have,” Brandr explained.
Vaughn’s shoulders rose with his breath. “And the others?”
“There is talk that they’re kept as slaves. Hidden away from those in the city.”
Cullen squeezed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. “Tamlyn said that a Banshee rescued her the night she was to be sacrificed. She went on to explain that those with magic are hunted by those in the city. When the gifted took a stand, the humans lost. Mortal families take in the infants that arrive here. The instant they show any kind of magical ability, the leaders of the city are alerted, and the child is killed.”
“Kill them before they become strong,” Con said, disgust lacing his words.
Brandr shook his head. “We can no’ interfere. Everything Eurwen and I have put into place will be wiped away.”
“I can go in this form. No one has to know I’m a Dragon King,” Cullen suggested.
Vaughn nodded. “I’ll go with him.”
“And when you’re attacked? What then?” Brandr demanded. “You’ll use magic to fight them off?”
Cullen shrugged. “If it comes to that.”
“No. You should have never crossed the shield to help.” Brandr slashed his hand through the air. “All you’re to do is look for our adversary.”
Cullen stared at him for a moment. “And when all the humans with magic are killed? Who do you think the mortals will target next?”
“You really think they could take us on?” Brandr asked with a snort.
Con sighed softly. “They were no’ stronger than us on Earth.”
With a hiss of agitation, Brandr leapt off the mountain and shifted to fly back to Cairnkeep.
“Well, that went well,” Cullen said into the silence that followed.
Vaughn shrugged. “It’s bairns we’re talking about. How can we sit back and let this happen?”
“Because this isna our realm,” Con said. He held up a hand for quiet when Cullen tried to speak. “I agree with both of you, but you also need to understand where Brandr is coming from. If Eurwen had been here instead of taking care of other business, she would’ve agreed with her brother. They set up this system because of the failures we had on Earth. We sent our dragons away. Thankfully, they have this place, but I stand with my children when it comes to keeping Zora safe for the dragons.”
Cullen’s gaze moved to the canyon, Tamlyn’s face filling his mind’s eye. She was courageous and strong, but she had nearly been caught this time. How many more times would she succeed before she was caught? The thought left a sour taste in his mouth. He might not be from Zora, but he knew right from wrong. He wouldn’t give up. He’d figure a way to continue on with his mission while also helping her.
