Page 127 of The Dragonrider and the Void
“Don’t let your foolish pride blind you,” Lark said. “Turn back and no Nordraven lives will be lost today.”
For a heartbeat, doubt flickered in the young King’s eyes. Then the twisted influence of the Archmagus reasserted itself where once Barrik’s had. His hand tightened on Greggor’s shoulder again.
“Prepare the troops,” Greggor said. “We’re going to war.” He signaled to the riders flying overhead and the dragons began their attack.
29
KING AND QUEEN
Chaos erupted as fire rained from above. Nordraven dragonriders launched a heavy magical assault against the wards shielding the city. As Lark, and the others rushed back through the gate, flaming projectiles from the ballistas showered down against the magical barrier. Lark looked up, at the flickering wards as they strained under Nordraven’s offensive. Under the roar shaking the protective dome, Cheyanne’s voice rang out, giving the troops to brace for battle.
“Hardin,” Lark called, angling for their dragons.
Hardin came to her side.
“If the wards begin to fail, can you and Quin reenforce them?” she asked. Lark knew she couldn’t under this much pressure, with so little time.
Hardin paused for a moment, checking with Quin. His face soured. “That’s not how my abilities work. I can shift them, make gaps, but I can’t build them up quickly without knowing more of the details about the protective spells were used to create the wards.”
“And if we send the dragonriders out to engage the Nordraven flight, they’ll be too overwhelmed to protect the city,” Lark said.
“I wish I we had more riders,” Hardin said.
Venrick came to Lark’s side, saying, “I may not be a rider, but let me know what I can do to help. I’ll do whatever it takes Lark, just give the word,” Venrick said.
“We’ll do whatever it takes,” Hardin added, giving an affirming nod.
Lark looked from him to Hardin, then out at the faces of the rebels in the street. They’d been through so much fighting already. They’d survived the rimeshade, the Void Drinker, and the Flashover. “These people have been through enough war,” she said.
“What are you thinking Lark?” Venrick asked.
“Hardin, I’m going to need you to get me and White Eye through the wards one last time.”
“Lark, don’t do this alone. We can help you,” Venrick said.
“I won’t stop you from doing what you think is right, but this isn’t either of your fights. This is between me and Greggor now. I’m going to put an end to this before it drags this entire city into a full-scale war.”
“I’m coming with you,” Venrick said.
“And I can get us through the wards, but once we leave, we’ll be completely exposed,” Hardin said.
Lark looked at Venrick, meeting his emerald eyes, seeing the determination he held. “Ven?—”
“Lark,” he cut her off. “I won’t leave you behind again. I’ll be there to watch your back.”
“As will I,” Hardin said.
Lark nodded. “But I don’t want anyone without a dragon to help defend them coming beyond the wards. Is that clear?”
“We’re with you,” Venrick said firmly.
“Right,” she said. “Hardin, create us a gap in the wards.”
Hardin raised his hands, focusing as he created an opening in the energy shielding the city. White Eye and Ingamar launched into flight. Lark gripped the saddle tightly, her brismil armor protecting her body against the arrows as the came hurtling at them. She heard the crackling as Venrick and Hardin cleared the ward boundary and Hardin let the shield pop back into place.
Arrows scraped off them as they flew in a spiraling descent over the King of Skol. Lark summoned her energy through her bond. She glanced at the Nordraven dragonriders as their leader set his sights on the three of them.
Take us lower,she directed White Eye.
