Page 77 of Consort's Dragon
After Titus proclaimed his intent to breed Avera, the viziers disappeared to their rooms.Not Titus.He sat in the common area, drinking.Heavily.
Avera feared what would come when night fell.The volcano had calmed since its initial eruption.The clouds overhead thinned.The heat remained.
You are out of time, Avera,Calixte remarked.
“I’m aware.”
I didn’t think you someone to submit.
“As if I have a choice.”The drug impairing her free will had long vacated her system.Klothi had offered to dose her again, but Titus had vetoed that idea, claiming he’drather she fought as it would make her capitulation all the sweeter.
There is still time to flee.
Flee into the danger of the plains or allow that despot to defile her?
Only one option gave her a chance.It also would most likely lead to her death.
There is a way to cross the chasm.Head toward where the three lava streams converge before going over the edge,Gunther stated.
She glanced at the dragon.“Cross how?There is no bridge.”
The ravine isn’t as deep there and the magma that fell already begins to harden.While it was malleable, we shaped it to form a path across to the other side.You will have to climb though.We clawed spots for you to use as handholds.
Avera gaped.“You did that for me?”
We all did when we went hunting.
“But why?”
Because you are not like the others, Avera Voxspira.We would aid you.
Especially since it would vex our betrayers.Lance added, practically grinning.
Avera eyed the sky.“It’s almost dark, though.”
It will be dangerous.However, that area has had its nests of crunchies cleared.That said, you will still have to move quickly.
Hope began to beat in her chest.“Do you really think I can succeed?”
You won’t know unless you try.
Avera hugged all three, whispering, “If I do manage to escape, I will find a way to rescue you.”
We know you will,Calixte replied.
We have our diversion prepared.Lance didn’t state what kind, only added,Be ready.
Avera slipped back into the tower only to encounter Titus drunk and smirking.“It’s almost time.Won’t my people rejoice when they hear I’ve impregnated my consort?”
Avera didn’t reply but fled to her room and paced.Could she really do this?Could she afford not to?
The promised distraction started as thumps overhead.
Titus bellowed, “What the fuck are those lizards doing?”
It was Klothi who hollered, “They’re fighting.Kachezi, Karoki, come with me.We have to stop them.”
“Not so quick,” a drunk Titus yelled in reply.“I want to see this first.”
