Page 83 of Dragon Eternal (Dragon Kings 4)
The pride in his voice grated on Shaw’s nerves. “How do you know if you’ve no’ sent out more explorers? The fact that you want me here proves you can no’ be sure whether that is fact or no’.”
“You’re very perceptive,” Amsden said with a chuckle as he glanced over his shoulder at Shaw. “If any cities or villages were left, I’d suggest you ask them who the greater city is. But only we remain.”
Shaw lengthened his strides to come even with the steward. “Is that because the other cities died out or because you attacked them?”
“I would suggest you curb your words in front of the Divine. They won’t be tolerated.”
He’d hit a nerve. Shaw bit back a smile. “I doona like being threatened.”
“That wasn’t a threat. It was a fact.”
Shaw glanced at the steward to see a bead of sweat falling from his receding hairline. Amsden didn’t like being alone with him. Good. Shaw wanted the wanker frightened. Everyone in the citadel should be quaking in their boots. They were at his and Merrill’s mercy, but they acted as if the roles were reversed.
If they harmed a single hair on Nia’s head, they would find out exactly how violent a Dragon King could be.
Amsden turned right and went up a flight of stairs. He moved quickly as if to get ahead of Shaw. Amused, Shaw caught up with him.
“You almost seem as if you’re running from me,” Shaw said.
The steward laughed, though the sound came out nervously. “Why would I do that?”
“I’m wondering the same thing.”
Amsden flashed him a forced smile and continued down another hallway with a deep blue runner along the length, leading to another set of doors. Two soldiers stood guard. Shaw flexed his fingers. Was he finally going to come face-to-face with the Divine? He couldn’t sense any magic around him, but that meant nothing.
They had traveled far from windows and natural light. Torches were spaced to shed their beams, the orange light dancing upon the floor in a wild, riotous display.
“You get to discover what few know,” Amsden suddenly said as he slowed.
Shaw quirked a brow. “What’s that?”
“Parts of the citadel are carved within the mountain.”
“What parts?”
“All kinds.”
Shaw narrowed his eyes on the steward, causing Amsden to look away anxiously.
Amsden pointed to the doors as he came to a stop. “Go through there. The Divine is waiting.”
“You willna be joining us?”
“It’s a private conversation.”
Shaw could well imagine what private meant. Well, if they wanted to trap him, they could give it a shot. If he destroyed half the citadel and city while breaking free, it was no one’s fault but theirs.
He turned to see Amsden hurrying away. “If any harm comes to Nia, I’ll be looking for you.”
The steward quickened his steps.
