Page 48 of Dragon Unbound (Dragon Kings 3)
Chapter Twenty
Tamlyn’s stomach churned with uneasiness. Cullen was rattled, and that worried her. Her gaze didn’t leave him as he stood with his back to her. She couldn’t imagine communicating with anyone via her mind, but she’d like to try it. It would certainly make things easier. There was a lot she would like to tell Sian and Jenefer on the off chance she didn’t make it back to the ruins.
The day had been filled with the highest of highs, and she suspected the lowest of the lows was coming. She wanted to say it was just her imagination, but she knew it wasn’t. Something had been watching Cullen. She hadn’t seen anything, but he had significantly more magic than she did. And she trusted him.
She’d put up a fuss about him when they first met, but now couldn’t remember why. Jenefer’s aversion to Cullen made it easy for Tamlyn to keep him at arm’s length. How silly she had been. Though, no doubt Jenefer would tell her she was being idiotic now. Just because Cullen was a Dragon King didn’t automatically make him an ally.
Jenefer was right. But Cullen had proven time and again that he could be trusted. Tamlyn, Jenefer, and Sian had become so accustomed to relying solely on their trio that they had forgotten what it was like to trust and welcome a helping hand. They’d had to be vigilant and careful for so long, they had forgotten how to recognize a possible friend.
Tamlyn wanted to go to Cullen and wrap her arms around him. Instead, she remained on the bed, waiting until he finished. When he finally did turn around, his smile was tight.
“Did you speak to them?” she asked.
He nodded and walked to the bed. “I’ve filled them in on everything.”
“Everything?” she asked with a raise of her brows.
Cullen chuckled. “No’ everything.”
“What now?”
“Can you draw the upper levels?”
She wrinkled her nose as she scooted off the bed. “I’ve never been past the fourth level. I’ve always assumed it’s the same as the bottom four, but I have no knowledge to support that.”
“Do you remember the places I showed you that would be hiding spots?”
Tamlyn nodded.
“Good.” He walked to the table. Before he reached it, a white, three-dimensional replica of the city appeared.
She hurried to stare in wonder. “This makes the city look so inconsequential.”
“Stonemore was designed and built well. Their defenses are impressive. The way the wall encloses the city in the mountains ensures that enemies have to attack from the front only since the range is so steep. The builders wouldn’t have trapped everyone within the city. There’s at least one other way out.”
Tamlyn looked at him. “I’ve never found it. I was lucky to find the drain. I still can’t believe they’ve not realized that’s how I’ve been getting in and out.”
“They’ll discover it soon enough.”
“Which means I need to find another way in.”
His brows snapped together. “Meaning, they’ll prevent you from getting in. You’ll either be caught or you’ll have to forgo helping the children here.”
“That isn’t an option.” She stated the words clearly so he would understand how important it was for her.
Cullen dropped his chin to his chest and sighed before looking at her. “I understand. More than you realize, but if you continue, they will capture you. Jenefer and Sian will come for you, and then they’ll be seized. Who will help the children then?”
“You just want me to walk away?” she asked in disbelief.
“Stonemore can no’ be the only city doing this. There are other kids who need help. Leave this city alone for a wee bit and help others. Eventually, you can return.”
She turned and walked away a few steps. Tamlyn whirled around and put her hands on her hips. “I don’t know if I can. It’s not just about rescuing the kids. It’s about stopping the people doing these atrocious acts.”
“I understand. I really do.” He motioned to the model with his head and began to point out where he’d noticed soldiers. “Did you see others?”
“I didn’t see half of those,” she confessed.
“Do the priests stay mainly in the temple?”
She shrugged and shook her head. “I can’t answer for certain.”
Cullen crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a flat look. “You came into this city without information and climbed up a sheer wall to rescue kids without knowing what you could be facing?”
“When you say it like that, it sounds reckless.”
“Because it is. You’ve been lucky.”
She blew out a breath. “I know.”
“Partly because they were no’ aware of what was going on. They’re starting to smarten up if last night was any indication.”
Tamlyn didn’t need to be told that her time was running out here. She’d known that, but to hear it said so simply made it more of a reality. Sian and Jenefer didn’t know what she did, they hadn’t seen it. Cullen had.
The thought of leaving any child behind sickened her. But Cullen was right. Other children needed help. How could she get them out of a horrible situation if she was imprisoned? Or worse, dead. Her shoulders slumped as reality became clear.
“My thought is they’ll try to lure you out again tonight,” he said. “They’ll keep their focus on the forest. That gives us valuable time to get the child free.”
“And out of the city, right?” she asked when he didn’t finish.
His jaw worked as if he were trying to find the words.
“If we stay, they’ll find us. The only way the child has a chance is if we get them out of Stonemore.”
Cullen ran his hand down his face. “It’ll be tricky to get out, but I can do it.”
“We can do it,” she reminded him.
