Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
“Search the house and grounds for Skye and Tierney. Be thorough and methodical. Light the signal fire if you find them,” Oldrik ordered.
“Yes, sir,” echoed through the crowd.
Oldrik ran to an open area where he could change. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Garrett dividing the group into two search parties. His staff wouldn’t leave any stone or pillow unturned. Oldrik turned his attention to the dragons who had forged ahead and shifted rapidly.
We’re searching for a wagon that’s heavy enough to struggle in the storm. It left my territory while we were chasing down the dust threat. Scan for deep tracks. I’m following the trail from here.
Staying as low to the ground as possible, Oldrik trailed the ruts in the ground. It was easy until he hit a place where several fresh grooves connected. One set cut into the earth the most and appeared to have stopped. Perhaps to allow the other wagon to cross first?
Landing, he tried to pick up a hint of his mate. Yes! Even through the rain, a tantalizing whiff gave him hope. Skye had been here. It was stronger in that direction. The wagon had headed that way. He turned to face down those tracks to prepare to launch back into the air when another trace grabbed his attention. How could she be on two wagons simultaneously?
Broadcasting his findings to Ardon, Keres, and Rogan, Oldrik cursed whoever had thought of using her scent to distract him. He lost valuable time, waiting for the others to arrive at his location. Frustration built up inside him. He could only hope the abductors’ focus would be solely on escaping, rather than harming Skye. Oldrik breathed a snort of relief in pinpointing Ardon on the horizon.
We’ll need to split up, Oldrik, to make sure one of us can care for our mate. Keres, will you come with me? Ardon requested as he came in for a landing.
That leaves us, Rogan, Oldrik told the red dragon. We’ll take these tracks.
Speeding off in different directions, Oldrik could feel Ardon’s concern. A movement ahead caught his attention. A wagon rattled along at its maximum speed. Two men sat in the front.
Oldrik bellowed his find to Ardon, signaling the bronze dragon that he’d tracked down one of their targets. The loud noise startled the men and the horses, causing the wagon to careen wildly. The driver slowed the wagon to get it under control.
As soon as he could, the driver pulled back further on the reins to stop the wagon completely. He held his arms up. The passenger followed his lead.
He’s got something in his hand. Rogan had spotted the small white bag as they landed.
From a distance, Oldrik used his blue-dragon ability to speak to creatures of all kinds. Remaining wary of the two men, he focused on the spooked horses and sent them calming thoughts. When they had settled down, he sent them a simple mental message. Are you well-tended?
The large roan stallion with a star on his head nodded and stomped one foot into the mud. Pictures and sensations formed in Oldrik’s mind: oats, hay, fresh water, the feel of a blanket in the warmth of a stable. These animals were glad to help their owners because, in return, they were treated well and loved.
Oldrik sent his thanks and received tosses of the horses’ manes in response.
The horses vouch for the goodness of their owners. Stay in dragon form until we’re sure they don’t have Skye, Oldrik ordered before shifting and stalking forward.
Oldrik could smell the faintest of scents from Skye. That aroma tested his ability to control his rage. He was a hair’s breadth away from rampaging. “You have my mate.”
The men shook their heads desperately as if they could sense how close the dragon shifter was to ending them. The driver rushed to assure him, “There’s no one on the wagon except for me and my brother-in-law. We’re heading home with some supplies to make life easier for the refugees who have joined us. Pillows, clothes, heck, there’s even some chocolate back there.”
“Something smells like my mate. She was taken this afternoon,” Oldrik told them coldly.
“You are welcome to search us, Sir Dragon. I have this to give you as a tribute.” The man extended the suspicious package Rogan had spotted.
“Where did you get that?” For some reason, he knew this man had no clue what he offered.
“This is our tribute to you. Toll to pay dragons. We were told you would let us safely by if we handed this to you,” the driver said, holding it out once again to Oldrik.
Debating whether to tell him the truth, Oldrik spoke bluntly. “That is a poison which will kill you if it comes into contact with your skin.”
“Poison?” The man hesitated for a split second before tossing it away. He wiped his fingers on his clothing as if trying to make sure he had gotten nothing on him.