Page 46 of Dragon Unbound (Dragon Kings 3)
Chapter Nineteen
The last thing Cullen wanted to do was leave the room. There were those who wanted to capture Tamlyn. Which meant they would likely set another trap for her by murdering another child. He needed to be prepared for anything, and unfortunately, that meant seeing more of the city.
After such heavy talk and filling their stomachs, he and Tamlyn walked from the tavern onto the crowded street. He immediately wanted to return to their room. They could be themselves there. He didn’t have to hide his accent, and she didn’t have to worry about being discovered. Cullen couldn’t remember the last time he had wanted to retreat from anything.
It had nothing to do with fear and everything to do with protecting Tamlyn, her friends, and his friends and family.
He did a double-take, his gaze narrowed as he looked through the crowd. He saw something out of the corner of his eye. This was the second time he’d caught a glimpse of it, and the second time he’d let it out of his sight.
“What is it?” Tamlyn asked.
He turned his head to her. “Nothing.”
“I can handle the truth. It’s lies that mess things up.”
Cullen sighed at being called out. “I saw something.”
“What?”
“I’m no’ sure. It was out of the corner of my eye. A flicker or something.” He fisted his hands in frustration. “I saw it right when we entered the city, but I didna pay it much heed. This time, I did. It’s there, but when I look at it, it’s gone.”
Tamlyn took one of his fists between her hands and moved closer. “A person?”
“That’s just it. I can no’ tell.”
“Things can’t just disappear.”
But they could. He didn’t want to frighten her. Besides, if this were the enemy he searched for, it was only after dragons. Tamlyn and those in Stonemore should be safe. Yet…why hadn’t it come after him?
Unease settled awkwardly in his belly.
“Tell me,” Tamlyn demanded.
He glanced around. “Show me the rest of the city. I need to see important places, areas we could hide, spots that others might lie in wait, and form exit strategies.”
“I’ll try.”
Cullen linked his fingers with hers, and they set out. There was a concert of sounds with the voices, animals, and the clink of the soldiers’ armor. They walked along the third level while Tamlyn pointed out different places. Cullen paused to take a closer look at a few. The buildings were such that there was no room wasted for alleys. Though there were two places that would be good hiding spots for them. He pointed them out to Tamlyn.
He took special interest on the fourth level where the temple was located. They took their time walking past the priests’ living quarters. Tamlyn shook so violently, he worried she wouldn’t make it, but he should’ve known better. She was strong. She’d proven it by continuing on when she could’ve turned back.
“We won’t be able to get to the other levels,” she warned when they stopped in front of the temple.
Cullen walked to the alcove before the temple that showed the impressive view of the city and the forest below. They were higher than the treetops. He could see the canyon from this vantage point, but humans would have a difficult time.
“Show me how you get the children,” he whispered.
She turned him to face the temple and plastered on a fake smile while nodding to the left side of the building. “There’s a narrow walkway for the priests to get to the back of the temple. I use that to get to the wall.”
His gaze moved up the nearly flat stonework. It was only because he looked for the places for climbing that he found them. There were three windows near the top.
“Which window?” he asked.
She turned her back to the temple. “Middle.”
Of course, it would be the highest one. She must have climbed nearly three stories to reach it. Not only had she scaled up the structure, but she’d descended with kids in her arms or on her back. Cullen could hardly believe it. He was both impressed by her courage and angered at her lack of concern for her safety.
“Don’t say it,” she warned.
He glanced at her before turning his attention back to the temple. His gaze moved over faces, looking for anyone or anything that stood out. “What?”
“That you think I’m crazy for doing this. I can’t help it. I have to.”
“Aye, lass, I know. I witnessed it last night.”
She sighed. “Thank you.”
His attention was caught when the crowd began to part and quiet. That’s when he caught sight of some men in red robes. “What do the priests wear?”
Tamlyn stiffened beside him. He reached down and took her clammy hand in his. She squeezed his fingers.
“They willna harm you,” he promised her. “I willna let them.”
That vow seemed to allow her to take a deep breath. It took her three tries before she was able to articulate her thoughts. “They wear red robes. The more trimmings on them, the higher their rank.”
“What about the ones in armor?”
“Chosen by the Divine to become priests. Until then, they will protect the priests and temple above all else.”
Cullen watched as the progression of priests and soldiers filed into the temple. A few moments later, the door shut with a loud boom. The crowd found their voices again and went about their day.
He squeezed Tamlyn’s hand to let her know that he was there. Suddenly, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. Someone was watching him. He looked over the temple, but he couldn’t see anyone in the windows or elsewhere. That’s when he realized it was someone behind him. He turned and let his gaze slowly move over those below him and the buildings, but he still couldn’t find anyone.
“How do you get out?” Cullen whispered.
Tamlyn hurried away, tugging him with her. She didn’t say anything until they were on the main level, and she’d paused beside a drainage ditch. They exchanged a look.
He smiled at her. “Brave, lass.”
“Or crazy,” she said with a grin.
