Dragon Down (14 page)

“I
’m almost afraid to ask.”

“If you carry me, in a…”

“Very funny.”

“I wasn
’t trying to be funny, because if I change into a bat you could carry me in a pack or pocket.”

I just stared at Corbin. I could never tell when he was being serious or attempting to be humorous. Before I could decide he spoke again.

“Remember the vampires aren’t the only ones looking for us. The fae are not limited by light or darkness. Whoever is after us is powerful. I’d say Mab or one of her royal lines.”

“I can
’t argue that point. It takes a lot of magic to summon the Hellhounds. Not to mention that they will track us until they find us or someone else does. What are you doing?”

“I should think that would be obvious. We still have several hours of dayli
ght and we need to get moving. We’ll continue following the setting sun and then we’ll find cover.”

Corbin
changed into a bat and landed lightly on my arm. I jumped despite myself. He fluttered his wings impatiently until I put him in my pack. Well at least he was quiet. I trudged on at a steady pace. The mountains were rocky and sparsely covered. There was little vegetation; so, I stayed off the main track and followed the ridgeline. When I started stumbling in the dark, I knew it was time to find shelter. I opened my pack and set Corbin free. He fluttered up and away and was gone for several minutes. When he returned he had changed back into human form, more or less.

“There is a small grotto worn into the rock about a mile from here. It looks like
the spring rains gouged it out of the rock along the river bank. I think it will provide the necessary protection. Shall we?”

I didn
’t have the energy to argue. I fell in behind Corbin and we walked in silence to the area he described. He was right as usual. The space was large enough for us to snuggle into yet, the opening was small enough to defend. We didn’t dare light a fire for fear of attracting our pursuers. I was grateful for the close quarters. Although, Corbin didn’t emit any heat, he did block the cold.

A feathery light brush on my cheek start
led me and I banged my head in the confined quarters. I squinted against the glare of the early morning sun. My favorite vampire bat impatiently paced on my shoulder. It seemed like Corbin’s leathery little wings had brushed my cheek until I woke with a ready curse on my lips. I think he was enjoying his baby bat persona. Unfortunately for him, I have a poor sense of humor and a long memory.

“All right all ready. I swear when we get to Dreuss I
’ll get even. Smile now if you dare, but I’ll have the last laugh my little Chiropteran friend.”

Stuffing Corbin into my pack, I
kept heading in the same westerly direction as yesterday. I walked for most of the morning without seeing or hearing a thing. My feet ached and my stomach grumbled until I stopped for lunch. We were higher up in the mountains now. There was even less vegetation. The only cover coming from the boulder and scree strewn mountainside. My muscles ached and I was thirsty. I rationed my water because I was unsure when I’d find more. I’d kill for some real food. Unfortunately, I only had a lump of hard tack. It was better than nothing and I mustered some enthusiasm as I chewed. My hunger and thirst momentarily sated I stretched out and let the sun’s warmth bathe me.

The wind gusted from time to time making a strange whirring noise as it
passed through the rocks. The sun on my face and my full stomach almost lulled me to sleep when Corbin started thrashing in my pack. What in the world? I sat up and started to open the pack when my senses shifted to high alert. Instinctively I threw myself to the ground. I whispered the spell that activated my bracelet. Shifting my staff to my right hand I listened. I groped for the pack and opened it to free Corbin. He could decide for himself how to act. I’d give him a fighting chance. We definitely weren’t alone. Someone or something was tracking us. Listening as intently as I could, I strained to hear. It was sometime after mid-day, but I couldn’t be sure. The day was overcast and the cloud cover had gotten lower the higher I climbed. Whatever it was it was getting close. I could feel the ground tremble beneath me. That must have been enough to make Corbin risk exposure. He sped from my pack and off into the air.

I hoped like heck he was checking on our pursuers. Unfortunately, I didn
’t know if he could or would survive in this light. I needed to find a better place to fight. This area was too open. I inched back and upwards. If I could get far enough ahead maybe I could trap whatever followed in an avalanche. It was worth a try. Once I was sure I’d moved far enough away to risk making a run for it, I did. I ran as fast as I could up the trail. There was no point in hiding my tracks. Whatever was following already knew I was in the area. The boulders got more plentiful the higher I went. There were signs of recent slide activity, twisted exposed roots, and flattened shrubs. Maybe there were still some boulders that were ready to rock and roll. I scanned the area for anything I could get to roll. Yes. There was a large talus field just above where I stood. I scrambled up and over it. On the far side there were two or three Volkswagen sized boulders. I moved over behind the furthest one. Listening as intently as I could, I waited. Where was Corbin? I sure hoped he was still alive. I needn’t have worried. A cold nose poked my neck. I gasped, rolled over and raised my bracelet. There stood a large gray wolf.

“Damn
you, Corbin. You scared the bejesus out of me.”

I swear that wolf looked like it was laughing. Before I could pummel him
, he nudged my attention back down the trail. At last, my trackers had shown themselves. There were three fairies from the Winter Court tracking me. At least now I knew for sure that Mab and her minions were involved. She’d have ‘some splainin to do’ when I got my hands on her.

Corbin nudged me and I raised my bracelet. I needed to let them get a little closer before I brought the boulders down on them. Patience
was not one of my strong points. My palms were getting sweaty and I had to fight back the urge to over react. Yes, I do occasionally use restraint. Besides I knew I couldn’t kill them this way, only slow them down. When I was relatively sure I could put a ‘hitch in their get along’ I fired. They froze as soon as they felt the energy from my bracelet. They should have run and they might have had a chance to evade the river of rocks. Instead they were propelled by the wall of rock. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t take them long to dig their way out.

Corbin and I turned and raced further up the mountain. We had at least two more hours of daylight. I followed Corbin to the top of the mountain and then we turned and headed southeast. My heart beat a little faster with the realization that we must be getting closer to Dreuss. My mind
kept straying to random thoughts of Traygen. Would I finally find him? Was I too late? I couldn’t let my mind go there.

Chapter Fifteen

When it got
too dark to see, Corbin started looking for a place for us to hide. We’d moved down out of the mountains into tree covered hills. This made the going easier and gave us more places to hide. I hadn’t spoken with Corbin yet, but my guess is that we were within a day’s walk more or less from Dreuss. Corbin walked out of the trees in front of me. He’d obviously taken the opportunity to change forms.

“Lauren, I think I
’ve found a grove of trees that will provide adequate protection. There is a stream running just north of the woods. You will have sufficient water. I’ll let you set up your gear. I’m going to fly back and see if or how closely we’re still being followed. I won’t be long.”

I nodded and he turned and walked off into the woods. It seemed funny to
think he was embarrassed to change in front of me. I’d certainly seen worse. I guessed he was trying hard to put me at ease. Whatever, I turned my thoughts back to finding a defendable space. I moved through the trees until I found what I’d been looking for.

The stream eroded a deep path through the rocks. If we camped with our backs to the drop off we would be safe from encroachment below us. The area was populated by large, ancient cedars. The
ir fragrance filled the tiny space. I moved off further into the woods until I found some low hanging branches. It took me several trips but, I brought the large braches down and wove them into the bottom of the tree.

I made us a lean-to of sorts that would be hard to detect in the dark. Just to be on the sa
fe side, I decorated several nearby trees in the same manner. Then I did my best to erase my presence. I moved further into the forest and crossed and recrossed the stream in several places. Satisfied I’d made us as invisible as possible I moved back to the clearing. I settled in to wait for Corbin’s return. While I waited I pulled out the last of my food stores. All I had left was dried fruit and some jerky. At this rate I was going to look stunning in my wedding dress. I closed my eyes and pictured my dress. It would be an Anne Barge. I could see it in a buttery cream, strapless, with layers…

A noise that didn
’t belong snapped me from my reverie. That wasn’t any animal noise I recognized. Mumbling the spell to activate my bracelet I braced myself. My ears strained to hear. Nothing. Yet, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Something or someone was out there. I decided to try and move up into the branches of the tree. Swinging my legs up and over the nearest branch I climbed. The tree was immense and it didn’t make a sound as I moved. The branches were bigger than my thighs. That’s when I heard it again. Whatever it was it was closer. My guess was somewhere behind me. It appeared that my theory about nothing climbing up from the stream was wrong.

Now what? I guess I
’d have to wait and see what came for me. I couldn’t out run what I couldn’t see. Or could I? These cedars were so close together I might be able to move between them. The branch nearest me would certainly hold my weight. It could also backfire. I might literally get caught out on a limb. Before I could decide a noise from the opposite side of the tree sent a shiver down my spine. An unwelcome baying announced the Hellhounds were still pursuing us. Now would be a good time for Corbin to return. Until then, I’d keep moving in the branches overhead. Scrambling as quietly as I could, I moved to the next tree without giving myself away. Feeling empowered I made my way to another tree. I should have stopped while I was ahead. A twig snapped directly below me. I could hear a snuffling sound. Whatever was down there had sensed my presence. That is when I felt the tree shake. Oh boy, whatever was down there was coming up.

I just hate it when peopl
e or things drop in unannounced and I was running out of options. I needed a diversion. I raised my bracelet and aimed it at a tree across the ravine. I sent a small jolt of energy into it. The tree rocked back and forth dropping pinecones like grenades. Yes, I know pinecones aren’t lethal. I was pretty sure whoever was down there didn’t know they were pinecones.

The rustling below me stopped and then I heard the sound of footsteps moving back
toward the ravine. I scurried down the tree and darted over to the edge of the chasm. I needed to know what I was up against. What I saw almost made me laugh out loud. A large brown bear was sniffing the area around the tree. Well I’ll be damned if I’m sharing what little food I had left. I sent a flash of energy at the bear. It hit him in the rump and I’m fairly sure he wouldn’t stop running until he was miles from here. Chuckling softly to myself, I jumped when I heard Corbin speak.

“PETA won
’t be happy with you.”

“Damn you Corbin. Quit sneaking up on me. Where have you been anyway?”

I couldn’t be sure, but I think I saw the glimmer of a smile cross his face.

“Did you miss me?”

I glared at him before moving back under the cedar tree.

“I
’ll take that as a no. I’ve been leading the Hellhounds in circles. They were tracking us. Fortunately the fae are waiting until daylight. We didn’t kill any of them, but we banged them up pretty good.”

He waited for me to get over my snit. Vampires are very good at turning to stone and ignoring the obvious. Finally my curiosity got the better of me.

“How much further do you think before we reach Dreuss?”

Corbin looked around before he let his eyes settle on me.

“Are you speaking to me?”

I picked up a stick and threw it
at him. It was a silly gesture. Since he moved so fast I couldn’t catch him with a speeding bullet.

“I think we are about half a
day’s walk. I’ll check later tonight once I’m sure the Hellhounds aren’t coming back. Try and get some sleep. I’ll keep watch.”

I didn
’t argue. Vampires don’t need much sleep. I curled up and fell asleep faster than I thought was possible. Who knows how long I’d have slept if Corbin hadn’t woke me up.

“We had no visitors last night, so I went to see how much further we have before Dreuss. It will take you most of the day. I
’ll check the place to see if Traygen is there once the light fades.”

It sounded funny to hear Traygen
’s name. Obviously he was always on my mind, but it hurt too much for me to say his name aloud. I nodded to Corbin and then let my mind drift back to Traygen. I woke this morning, as I did most, knowing that I’d dreamt about him. My dreams were eerily similar. I see Traygen and he knows I’m there yet, we can’t communicate. It is like I’m watching an old silent movie. Only in this movie the hero doesn’t survive. Traygen struggles to free himself. He is being held in a dream like trance. I feel the probes from his mind searching for me. Still, no matter how hard I try I can’t hear him or understand him. I feel like he is at the bottom of a pool of water. I can see his mouth move yet, I can’t hear him.

Corbin leaned over me and shook my shoulder. Concern etched his face. Yet, I was incapable of speech.

“Lauren, can you hear me? Are you all right? Speak to me please.”

Now I knew my appearance must have scared him
. He’d never asked me to speak. Normally he couldn’t shut me up. I tried to shake off the effects of my dream. When my head cleared and I was finally able to break free from the dream, tears streamed down my face. Corbin sat back on his heels and stared at me before he wrapped his arms around me.

I collapsed against his stone cold chest and let the t
ears flow unrestrained. When I was certain I couldn’t shed another tear, I pulled myself from his embrace. He gently pushed the hair from my eyes and wiped my face with his sleeve. Then he sat down beside me and waited for me to pull myself together. It is amazing that vampires don’t have a physical heart because Corbin definitely had a loving one. Aside from Traygen he was the kindest man or vampire I knew. He sat silently until I pulled myself together. In fact it was hard to know he was alive…no heartbeat, no breathing.

“It is a good thing we
’re alone. People might talk.” I quipped. When he didn’t respond I turned to face him. He was sphinxlike, talk about a poker face. “I could make a mint with you in Vegas.”

His eyes crinkled and he chuckled softly to himself.

When he still didn’t speak, I did. “What’s so funny?”

“You. Vegas. I think you humans have an expression about Vegas.
‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.’ That is so dead-on it’s funny.”

I raised my eyebrows and stared. Had my stoic vampire just made a joke? When he didn
’t speak I finally asked. “What is so funny?”

He could tell whatever amused
him went right over my head. It took him a minute to compose himself before he spoke. “Lauren, you asked me once why the vampires left me to die.”

“Yes, you said because you let Traygen get away. So?”

“Well, that wasn’t the entire truth. I certainly would have been punished or killed for letting my prisoner escape. Still, I wouldn’t have been left to die, at least not the way you found me.”

He didn
’t continue for a few minutes and I decide to wait him out. I couldn’t be sure, but I sensed he was uncomfortable or flustered. Finally, my curiosity got the better of me.

“Corbin, out with it
already. We haven’t got all day.”

“Lauren, they left me to starve to death or be eaten by rats because I
’m gay.” He waited to let his news sink in before he continued. “Vampires have as little use for homosexuals as Anita Bryant.”

Did he just say what I thought he did? I
couldn’t help myself and I burst out laughing. He raised an eyebrow and stared at me until I regained my control.

“You might have told me sooner. I
’d have slept a lot better if I’d known I didn’t need to protect my honor. Traygen will definitely be happy to hear the man I’ve spent all this time alone with, doesn’t like women.”

I wondered for a minute if my humor offended him, not everyone appreciates my flippant nature.

“I wanted to, but I wasn’t sure how you would react. I’ve been dying to know who does your hair.”

That
’s when I knew he wasn’t offended. “Steve Earhart and before you ask he’s no relation to Amelia.”

“I may be over a hundred years old honey, but I
’m not a Neanderthal. We can talk style and fashion later. We should get moving before the fae catch up with us. Keep heading toward the sun and avoid the main trails.”

“Yes, sir,” I retorted.
Unfortunately, he’d already changed into a bat and snuggled into my pocket. “It must be nice to let me do all the work while, you catch up on your beauty sleep,” I muttered, but my guess is Corbin was already fast asleep.

I trudged steadily along for much of the morning
, feeling relatively certain I wasn’t being followed. Just to be sure I crisscrossed the river in several places. The icy cold water felt good on my tired aching muscles. Around mid-day I decided to stop and eat something. The sun hung high in the sky and my skin glistened. Leaning against a large boulder I stretched out and relaxed, a slight breeze chilled my skin. I closed my eyes and let my thoughts drift to Traygen. His presence felt no closer than it had when we arrived at the Red Court’s island. My spirits plummeted. I didn’t know what we would find at Dreuss, but I knew it wouldn’t be Traygen.

I was tempted to head directly to the Black Court. Yet, my intuition told me there was something I needed to find at Dreuss.
I trusted my intuition and it never let me down, except of course when I ignored it. This technically meant it never did.
You’re stalling. You need to get moving, times a wasting. Yeah, Yeah.
Groaning I pulled myself to my feet and stretched my tired limbs. Satisfied, I moved off down the trail. I’d gone less than a mile when I heard something. Stopping still in my tracks I listened. Nothing. Yet, I was certain I heard something. My senses were on high alert. Nevertheless, I still didn’t detect any movement. I decided to keep going when Corbin nipped my leg.

“Ouch, damn you
, have you lost your mind?” I whispered just loud enough for Corbin’s sensitive ears to hear.

“Lauren, go back the way you came. There are Red Court vampires below us. Move now. Take to the water and move around them.”

That was all I needed to know. I carefully retraced my steps. It took longer, but I was sure I’d left only one set of tracks. Then I took off in the opposite direction. I made sure I left tracks that could be followed. When I’d gone over a mile I climbed up into a tree and jumped from tree to tree. Tarzan didn’t have anything on me. Maybe when they got around to making the sequel to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, I could be the new heroine. After all Crouching Wizard Missing Dragon or Crouching Wizard Swishing Vampire…I knew then I’d lost it. I’d been out in the middle of nowhere far too long.

My ears heard them before I spotted them. There were three vampires following my trail. They didn
’t seem to be worrying about me hearing them. They had their eyes and noses trained on the ground, which was lucky for me. Had one of then sniffed the air around them they might have detected my presence. I waited for them to get out of sight before I swung down and ran like hell. When I reached the river I waded in. Stopping only long enough to let Corbin move into my pack, I swung it over a log. I pushed the log ahead of me and let the current take us down river. We were moving at a leisurely pace until we reached a point where another river merged into the one we were already in.