Page 59

“You are such a fool,” Dame Zera says derisively. “Why could you not have done that yesterday?”

“No more arguing,” Wodred says. “Let us act like warriors and work together. You can bicker all you want when the demon is dead.”

Dame Zera looks chastened by Wodred’s words, but Gunag, as always, appears unrepentant.

“What next then, general?” Gunag asks. “What is the plan?”

“We climb to the peak on our warbeasts and trap Grazrath inside the cave. But we will leave Lady Melelea here.”

“What?” I ask, not sure I heard him right. “But you need me to find the dragon’s cave.”

“No, I have been there before,” Wodred says. “When we slayed Wyrmin after his rampage five years ago. I’m sure I can find my way back without your help. We must keep you out of Grazrath’s clutches at all costs.”

His words have merit. I sigh. “You are right,” I say. “I’ll hide back in the mine until you come to get me.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Wodred says. Then he steps forward and, in front of Gunag and Dame Zera, kisses me breathless. I hear Dame Zera make a strangled, startled sound, but can’t bring myself to care with Wodred’s lips on mine.

The orc pulls back, his eyes full of a wealth of feeling. “I will return to you. I remember my Oath.”

His Oath that we will live through this. My face warms at the thought. I smile and say, “Then I will wait—”

My words break off as cruel talons suddenly grasp my shoulders and lift me off the ground. I hear Wodred’s shout from beneath me, but it is getting farther away. I look up to see an imp flying above me, holding me tight in its claws. It must have found us and waited to strike when we were distracted.

Then I hear Gunag shout, “Don’t throw your javelin, you could hit Lady Melelea!”

There is no rescue for me. The imp flies up into the sky, keening out an aberrant, triumphant cry, carrying me away from Wodred and towards my doom.

Grazrath awaits.