Page 37 of Dragon Unbound (Dragon Kings 3)
Chapter Fifteen
What did she want to know? Everything, of course.
Tamlyn decided not to say that. However, if he offered, she wouldn’t let the chance pass her by. “The place you live is Dreagan?”
“That’s the home of the Dragon Kings, aye,” he answered, walking casually.
She tried to mimic his relaxed attitude, but her gaze darted around, looking for any of the dangerous animals that could show up during the day. They preferred the night, but that wouldn’t stop them if they were hungry. “Is it big?”
“Sixty thousand acres.”
Tamlyn laughed. “I’d definitely say that’s big.”
“The country where Dreagan is located is called Scotland. It’s an island. We share it with another country, England.”
She smiled wistfully. “I’ve only ever seen a lake. I know Zora has oceans, but I’ve never seen one.”
“Is it that you’re too afraid to venture from here?”
“That’s partly it. Sian doesn’t want to go too far from her twin.”
“How far is Mair?”
“Three days south.”
“It’s been a long time since Sian escaped. Is she sure her sister is still alive?”
Tamlyn shrugged. “We don’t know.”
“How long are you going to wait to free her?”
She glanced at him. “We’ve come up with different plans, but they won’t work.”
“Why no’?”
“The moment anyone sees Jenefer, they’ll know exactly what she is.”
“Is there no’ other tall women?”
Tamlyn shook her head. “Everyone knows Sian’s face since her sister is an identical twin, so she can’t go.”
“And you doona have defensive magic to use.”
“Precisely.”
He was silent for a few moments. “What’s the other reason you’ve no’ left?”
“Fear of what we might encounter.”
“Better the enemy you know,” he mumbled.
She frowned at him. “What?”
“Nothing,” he said with a shake of his head. “I’m no’ promising anything, but I might be able to help with Sian’s sister.”
Tamlyn had known he would offer. She didn’t know Cullen well, but she had learned quickly enough that he wanted to help those he deemed in need. There was no doubt that she and her friends were desperately in need. “That’s kind of you, but it isn’t necessary.”
“Do you no’ want my help?”
She looked at him when she heard the hurt in his voice. He refused to look at her, leaving her no choice but to be blunt. “Aiding me in rescuing children about to be sacrificed is far different than freeing Sian’s twin.”
“How so?”
“Mair is a slave. They watched her and Sian constantly before Sian escaped. Things will have only gotten worse. Getting to the home of the couple holding Mair will be impossible. They fear anyone taking their Alchemist. But all of that is a moot point because we’d never get out of the city if we managed to get Mair.”
Cullen cut his gaze to her. “We could fly out.”
A laugh burst from Tamlyn. “So much for not alerting anyone to our presence.”
“Too much, huh?” he asked.
She nodded, chuckling at his fake seriousness. “You could say that.”
“Let’s concentrate on our current mission, but I’m no’ finished asking about Mair.”
“Just don’t say anything in front of Sian. She gets very low every time she’s reminded that her sister is still being held.”
“Understood.”
She glanced at him. “What does Scotland look like?”
“Heaven,” he replied immediately, a smile curving his lips. He got a faraway look in his eyes. “The weather is as unpredictable and wild as the terrain. Craggy mountains rise to the sky with glens of vibrant green between. The lochs are numerous, as are the waterfalls. Some might call it inhospitable, but I love the stark beauty.”
He painted a beautiful picture, but she wasn’t sure of some words. “Glens?”
“Valleys,” he explained.
“Lochs?”
“Lakes.”
“Ah,” she said as that made sense. “I’d like to see your Scotland.”
A hint of sadness touched his face. “You should’ve seen it before most of the forests were cut down. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places, but Scotland will always hold my heart.”
“I’ve never felt that about any place. I’ve always just wanted to hide and feel safe.”
His blond head swiveled to her. “We’ll find you a place.”
It was wishful thinking, but right now she needed some of that.
When she looked forward, she spotted a group of soldiers ahead.
“Easy,” Cullen whispered. “Let me handle it.”
The sight of the soldiers reminded her of the previous night and how close she had come to being captured. She was thankful that Cullen wanted to speak because she wasn’t sure she would be able to. Her entire body shook. And she was sure that everyone could see it.
