Page 45 of The Shadow Path
The Kingsguard?
Carys scrambled up the cobblestone-covered slope that led to the bridge, keeping her eyes on Cadell, massive and bellowing fire from his ruby-red throat.
Nêrys.
The moment he saw her, he spread his wings and lifted into the sky.
“I’m here!” She held out her arms, and Cadell swooped down and grabbed her in his massive claws.
Nêrys.His voice was like a sigh once she was back in his grasp.Belen’s protection was on you.
Cadell took to the sky, Dafydd’s dragon Mared at his left wing, when Carys shouted into his mind.
You have to grab Dru! He was injured protecting me.
Cadell flew high, turning in circles over the river, likely communicating with Mared.
The fae has earned a favor for protecting you,he finally said.I can see him near the bridge.
Cadell turned in the sky and arrowed back toward the troll market, roaring with a mighty bellow before he dipped down, hovering over the wreckage of the market as he enclosed Dru inthe talons of his right foot, lifted away from the smoking stalls, and flew into the air.
Carys restedin Cadell’s claws, looking to the right to see Dru similarly gripped.
Dragon claws were not the most comfortable perch for riding through the air, but Dru’s eyes were closed, and she saw his face peaceful in the red glow of Cadell’s body. He leaned back, his long legs dangling from the cage of dragon claws.
Carys reached up, running a hand along Cadell’s iridescent skin. Beneath her hand, the fire glowed from his belly, warming her and setting her mind at ease.
In Cadell’s claws, she was safe.
The cross human and the prince were at the market.Her dragon spoke in her mind.The Kingsguard had just arrived moments before you found me.
A flood of dread in her belly.Are they safe? Do we need to go back?
They were in the company of the Kingsguard, mounted with weapons and archers at their back. I would not worry about your suitors, Nêrys.
Carys tried not to worry, but it was impossible. She was also worried about Dru, who was still as the dead as he rode in Cadell’s claws.Dru is injured.
I smell his blood. He will need healing.
Can you heal him?
Cadell let out a great huff of air.My magic will not be effective on him. He’s an old creature; he needs healing from his own kind.
Carys was wondering where she might find a fae healer when she felt Cadell start to descend.
She turned to look at Dru, whose eyes were open and watching her. “You need a fae healer,” she shouted. “Where do you want to go?”
He shook his head, but Carys could see the wound on his jaw was still weeping.
“Was that troll axe poisoned?”
“Probably.” He closed his eyes. “They like poison.”
“Don’t be noble.” She pointed at Cadell’s claws. “You’re bleeding on my dragon.”
“Don’t worry about me.” He put a hand on Cadell’s foot. “I appreciate the quick escape, but I’ll be quite well with some sleep.”
There was no moon and no stars in the Shadowlands, and the fog was thick and endless until they broke through the clouds and Carys saw the light of a bonfire in Dafydd’s courtyard.
