Page 39 of Dragon Eternal (Dragon Kings 4)
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
As he walked from Nia’s estate, Shaw looked up and caught a glimpse of the citadel. He could get up to the top level and confront the Divine, but that wasn’t his mission. That event would come, but it would likely be Brandr or Eurwen who faced Stonemore’s ruler.
Merrill had been trying to talk to him all morning, but Shaw hadn’t been able to hold a conversation with Nia and communicate with Merrill. Now that he was alone, he opened the mental link and said his friend’s name.
Merrill replied instantly. “About fucking time.”
The exasperation in his voice told Shaw that Merrill had something important to say. “What is it?”
“Are you still with Nia?”
“Nay. I’m returning to the lower levels. Though, I am tempted to have a chat with the Divine.”
“You and me both,” Merrill replied with a snort. “I updated those at Cairnkeep last night. As you can expect, their reactions ranged from shock to anger.”
“I’m no’ concerned for my safety.”
“Are you daft? Zora may look like Earth, but it isna anything like our realm. There are beings here we doona have. Need I remind you that there is an old woman here with enough power to pull a Dragon King from our world?”
The hairs on the back of Shaw’s neck stood on end. Someone was watching him. “Varek got out of that situation just fine.”
“He was lucky. We both know that. A lot was because of Jeyra. We had no idea where he had gone.”
Shaw slowed his steps until he stopped. He pretended he was looking at the horizon while trying to determine where the person was.
“Then there is this invisible antagonist that can kill dragons,” Merrill continued.
“It’s always possibile that we’ll encounter a being more powerful than us. That doesna stop me from doing what I do.”
There was a pause, then Merrill asked, “What’s happening?”
“Someone is watching me.”
“Can you locate them?”
“Aye.”
Merrill released a long sigh. “It’s from the citadel.”
“It is. Do you think whoever can sense magic knows when we’re communicating?”
“Anything is possible, but I doubt it.”
Shaw fought the need to turn toward the imposing structure where the Divine hid. The bastard wanted to play dirty, then Shaw was willing. “I need to know what the Divine wants with us.”
“What does anyone want with a Dragon King? They either want our help or to kill us. I think the Divine arse is leaning towards killing. Sorry bugger has no idea he can no’ do it.”
Shaw started walking again before he did something he’d later regret. “Everyone on this realm fears us, but no one knows anything about us. How can people hold such dread and contempt without knowing the cause?”
“It’s all they’ve been told, Shaw. They’ve never had a reason to learn.”
“Then perhaps we should show them.”
Merrill issued a long-suffering sigh. “That isna why we’re here.”
“Maybe no’, but I’m no’ letting my guard down. Did you find out what I asked about Nia?”
“I did,” Merrill answered hesitantly.
Shaw didn’t like that tone because it meant he wouldn’t like the news Merrill had. “Where are you?”
“I’m no’ sure we should meet.”
“Bloody hell. They already know we’re here. They know who we are. Why no’ meet?”
“Well, when you put it like that…”
Shaw glanced at the sky and fought the prick of anger. He shouldn’t take it out on Merrill since Shaw’s fury was directed at himself, Nia, and the Divine. “Where are you?”
“I’ll meet you at The Full Fiddler.” Merrill severed the link before Shaw could respond.
Shaw’s strides were long and purposeful as he made his way down to the gate that led to the lower levels. He didn’t look back again. By the time he reached the gate, he no longer felt that someone was watching him.
Shaw took in every detail around him. And every face. It irritated him that he had fallen so easily into Nia’s trap. When he found her, he’d believed her to be afraid of the priests. Now, he realized that it had just been a ploy to get his attention. Everything she had said and done had been to get him to fall in love.
It was a good thing that he didn’t allow himself such emotions.
When he entered the pub, he paused and looked to the bar area. Jane was pouring ale and gave him a nod. He returned it before looking around the establishment and spotting Merrill in the back. Shaw made his way to him.
“You look like you’re about to take someone’s head off,” Merrill stated as Shaw sat.
“I’m fine.”
Merrill snorted. “You’re a terrible liar.”
