Skye: The Dragon Kings Book 4 Page 13

  “Didn’t you hear her? If I do, they’ll all die?” He spoke louder than he intended to, but he couldn’t help himself. He couldn’t fathom how his actions could cause the deaths of thousands of dragons.

  Skye shook her head. “No, they won’t. Remember, we warned them. They aren’t going to die now. Please ask. We need to find him.” Her voice came out shaky and wrong. She wrung her hands. Rowan had never seen her so worked up.

  Rowan swallowed a couple of times. Skye was right. He was being dumb. It was possible that even if he didn’t ask for the answer, the dragons would still die. Then again, he might accidentally do something that would bring about the death of the woodlands anyway. Because you can’t mess with fate. Right?

  “Where can we find Everett?” He spoke the words quickly so he didn’t lose his nerve.

  He is in a cave on the Oregon coast, in the cliffs. It’s near Washington. It shouldn’t be too difficult for you to find him.

  “Thank you.”

  Saffron took off before either of them said anything more. It didn’t matter anyway. They had the information they needed from her. Rowan rounded on Skye.

  “What was she talking about that you are sick?”

  “Um, that I’m sick. It’s not a big deal.” She rolled up her sleeping bag and turned away from him.

  Rowan knelt down in front of her, but she wouldn’t look at him. She wouldn’t get away with this. She was hiding something, and he was determined to get to the bottom of it. “What do you mean sick?”

  “It’s a long story. But I’ll be fine.” She heaved on her backpack and met his eyes. The ice blue pierced him to the core. He grabbed her hands.

  “It doesn’t sound like you’ll be fine. The way that dragon spoke, it sounded serious.”

  She gave him a sad smile. “No really, I will be. But the woodlands can’t heal me. It’s not fatal or anything. There are just things I can’t do. It’s not a big deal. Let’s go wake up Kingston and find that cave.”

  Rowan wanted to keep her talking. To tell him what was wrong, but finding the cave and the prophecy was the most important thing now. But if she thought that was the end of their conversations, she was delusional.

  Skye snuck back to where Kingston slept and pushed against his flank. He cracked open one gold eye.

  What? His voice was irritable.

  “We talked to Saffron. She told us where to find the cave. Come on.”

  He opened his other eye and sat up on his haunches. How did you find Saffron?

  “She came to us, but she’s gone now. Let’s go. We need to stop by the general store again and get some breakfast. We’re out of energy bars, and I’m starving.”

  Rowan was glad Skye brought it up. He didn’t want to seem like a wuss asking about food. Their measly needs seemed so silly compared to death and prophecies.

  Okay. I’ll drop you off and pick you up in an hour.

  “That would be good. Let’s go.” Skye was grinning from ear to ear and bouncing on her toes. “I can’t believe we’re this close to getting what we want.”

  All Rowan felt was dread. They’d have answers, but those answers probably wouldn’t be good.

  Inside the general store, they skipped the goods this time and went straight for the restaurant.

  Once they had their food and settled in, Skye talked through her eggs. It was nice to see her excited.

  “I can’t believe we have a location. I thought this was going to take months. But now it looks like it will only be a day or two. By the time the week is out, we’ll be back in Montana.”

  Rowan swallowed before he answered. “And my parents will know I’m not dead.”

  “Do you worry about everyone looking for you?”

  “A little. I don’t like the fact that they’re stressing about me. But I’m mostly concerned about you.”

  “Why?” Skye reached across and cut a chunk out of his stack of pancakes and shoved them in her mouth. He stole a piece of her bacon, and she glared at him.

  “If Aspen thinks I’m dead, she’s going to kill you for taking me with you.” Rowan wanted to keep the mood light. It would be serious soon enough. Though a part of him did think Aspen would attempt to kill Skye if she had the chance.

  “I can totally take her,” Skye said through a mouthful of the pancakes.

  “I’m not so sure about that.”

  Skye dropped her fork on her plate and scoffed at him. “Oh, come on. I’m a dragon. She’s not.”

  Rowan reached down and patted the bag that held his swords. “I could totally take you, and Aspen’s a hell of lot stronger than me.”

  “You underestimate yourself. Are you going to eat the rest of those? They were good.”

  “If you give me another piece of your bacon.”

  Skye deliberated for a few seconds.

  “Fine. All yours.”

  He loved it when they acted like life was totally normal. This was what he wanted with her. The ease which was their friendship. He wanted a little more, but he’d take this if it meant they didn’t have to deal with all their current problems.

  “So where on the coast do you think it is?” he asked, trying to distract himself.

  “It can’t be that hard to find. If we follow the cliffs, we’ll find the cave easily.”

  “What cave?” asked the general store worker cleaning the table behind Rowan.

  Skye looked up. “Just one on the coast.”

  “Are you heading there now?”

  Skye nodded.

  It seemed odd for that guy to be asking all these questions. Then again, maybe he was just friendly. The restaurant was fairly empty at the moment. Some people liked to talk.

  “Yeah,” Skye replied and dug into her food.

  “I love sea caves. Maybe it’s one I’ve been to.”

  What was he playing at?

  “Doubt it,” Rowan said. “It’s not public. Hard to get to as well.”

  The man opened his mouth like he wanted to say something else, but then he took his rag to the counter and picked up his phone.

  “Did he seem weird?” Rowan asked.

  “No, just friendly.”

  Rowan nodded and looked at the clock. “We’ve got to go. Kingston will be back in a few minutes.”

  Skye took one last bite of his pancakes and stood. Then she grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the shop. He supposed she was ready to finally get some answers. Truthfully, he was glad he would get to go home soon. He wanted to reassure his parents, sleep in his own bed, and show off his new skills to his sister. Once she saw what he could do with a sword, she’d never give him crap again. Then again, maybe he was being overly optimistic.

  SKYE WAS CERTAIN the prophecy would hold answers. Especially about how a girl could become a king. Because she hoped it was a mistake. That somehow fate got it wrong. Everett got rid of her mark, so maybe he could get rid of her black scales as well. She shivered. Then again maybe the price would be too great.

  Skye smelled the salt air before she saw the ocean, and her heart warmed. Most of the time she didn’t miss the sea, but the smell got to her every time. She heaved a great sigh. She’d probably never call the sea home again.

  It didn’t take long once they were out on the water to spot the cave that reeked of dragon. Kingston flew into the wide opening, and Skye knew at once it was the right cave. It felt like Everett. Kingston dropped down in the middle, and Skye looked around in awe. Books covered the whole space from the floor to the ceiling. It must’ve taken him ages to move them. It wasn’t that long ago they were all in his cabin. Skye shook her head at the impossibility of it.

  One of those books had to contain the prophecy, but they didn’t have time to search them all. Skye thought for a second about how they could best tackle this. They needed Everett.

  “Kingston, can you find an eagle and have them fetch Everett. If you tell them we’re in his home, I’m sure they’ll help you.”

  Sure. No problem. I’ll be back in a half hour. />
  Skye walked up to one of the bookshelves. The books were all written in the ancient dragon language. She had never learned it. A few of the royals studied it, but it was largely a lost language. Everett taught her a few words, but not enough to read whole books.

  “Can you read this?” Rowan asked.

  “No. We’ll have to wait for Everett. But we’re here. I feel so relieved.” For the first time since her scales turned black, she felt like she was about to find her answers. She sank down on the floor and rested against one of the bookshelves.

  “This is a lot of books. Do you think he read them all?” Rowan asked.

  Skye laughed. “I think he wrote them all.”

  Rowan raised his eyebrows. “Really?”

  “Everett’s been alive for thousands of years. I expect he was quite bored at times. He knows everything there is to know about dragons and their magic. And he wrote it all down. Some dragons would give their left eye to learn even a little bit of this.”

  Rowan shook his head. “Take it from someone who was nearly blind. You don’t want to give up your left eye.”

  An eagle fluttered down in front of them. He bowed low to Skye. Her heart raced. She remembered this little guy.

  “Ezrah!” Skye reached down and brushed the eagle’s neck with her fingers. She turned to Rowan. “This is Everett’s library eagle. He knows where all of the books are. Why did he move them here?”

  The eagle shook his head. “He didn’t. I did. I’m sorry to tell you that Master Everett is dead.”

  “Dead?” Skye felt all the blood drain from her face as she tried to comprehend the news. Everett could not be dead.

  “Yes. He died shortly after Obsidian was crowned. He will not return.”

  Skye collapsed into Rowan’s arms and tried to keep ahold of herself. Everett was the one who fixed her. He was her friend, and she cared for him a great deal. He’d also broken her. He’d even tried to talk her out of removing the seal. How could he be dead? He was the one person who would have answers. Not just answers about the prophecy, but about herself. She was hoping he’d be able to take away her sickness. She’d never thought of it that way until Saffron called it that. It was a problem for sure, but it being an illness had never occurred to her.

  She pulled out of Rowan’s arms, but he kept one arm wrapped tight around her waist.

  “No. That can’t be true.” She refused to believe it. Everett was immortal. He’d been alive since the old dragons had reigned. No one, not even the arctic dragons lived that long. Everett couldn’t die.

  “It is. I’m sorry, Your Majesty. Perhaps I can help you.” Ezrah stood in front of her with his head held high. Whoa. Your Majesty. Those were words she never thought she’d hear. She squeezed her eyes shut for a second. This couldn’t be happening. She took a couple of deep breaths. She couldn’t afford to lose focus. If Everett was dead, she’d need to grieve later. There was no time for that now.

  “I need the prophecy of the three dragon kings.”

  Ezrah nodded his head. “Oh, yes. Give me a moment.”

  The eagle flew up to the top of one of the towering bookshelves. He plucked a book out and brought it to Skye.

  “Is there anything else, Your Majesty?”

  Skye shook her head, still trying not to think about her problems. “Thank you for helping me.”

  The eagle took off, and Skye turned to Rowan with a sad smile. “I have what I want, but I also lost a friend. Everett was dear to me.” She didn’t know how to express to him her extreme hurt. There were only a few dragons she counted among her friends, and Everett was one of them. And even though she’d only spent a short time with him, his death left another hole in her chest.

  Rowan pulled her in for a hug, immediately warming her. “I’m so sorry.” His comfort meant a lot.

  She sniffed and pulled away. “I’ll be okay. We need to address the bigger problem.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Neither of us knows how to read this.” She finally had the copy of the prophecy. Answers were right around the corner. Except it was in the wrong language. Sid should be able to read it though.

  “But didn’t you say some of the royal dragons do? Maybe Kingston does, and if he doesn’t, then perhaps Sid will. Let’s find Kingston and go home.”

  She nodded. “But I’m still not revealing my secret until I read it. Even if that means not until after Sid has read it.”

  What secret would that be dear?

  Skye’s heart froze. She spun around. Standing in the middle of the cavern was a large white dragon. This couldn’t be good. Arctic dragons were the enemy. This much she knew.

  “Who are you?” Rowan asked. Poor, sweet, brave Rowan. He needed to learn when to keep his mouth shut, because now he’d drawn attention to himself.

  I’m Candide. Kingston invited me.

  “Why would Kingston do a thing like that?” Rowan pushed Skye aside.

  Skye stomach spun in circles. She never should’ve trusted him. Her instincts had been right.

  Oh, you silly thing. You didn’t think you could actually trust him, did you? He’s been working for me for a long time. Now hand over the prophecy. I think I would like to know what it says more than you do.

  “I doubt that.” Skye hugged the book to her chest. She’d waited too long to get her hands on this. She wasn’t letting it go now.

  Do you not know? I’m the White Witch of the North. Now, how to best kill you both while sending a message to Obsidian. Candide paced in front of them as if she were debating. Skye couldn’t believe she was actually grateful for the hag’s desire to send a message to Obsidian, because then she wouldn’t be incinerated. Skye felt the triumph coming off Candide. She’d won, and she knew it.

  Skye looked around. She’d have to reveal herself. To the one dragon who she probably shouldn’t even consider revealing herself to. But she didn’t know what else to do. They’d never survive as humans.

  Skye? Rowan’s voice entered her mind.

  Yeah?

  There’s a breeze coming from that crevice there. That means it leads to the outside. She won’t be able to follow us. Should we make a run for it?

  Skye let out a deep breath. She wasn’t sure she’d win a fight with the witch. Maybe someday, but not yet.

  Rowan slid across the wall, and Skye followed, trying to be subtle. It didn’t work.

  Where do you lovelies think you are going?

  Rowan gripped Skye’s hand and pulled her hard into the crevice. Her body barely fit, but she managed to squeeze through. The rocks shredded her shirt and scratched at her arms, but she moved forward anyway. Skye felt a wave of heat on her back. She heard the scraping of stone. As long as she and Rowan kept moving, they’d escape.

  They wound their way out of the cave and found themselves blinking in the sunlight.

  ROWAN COULDN’T BELIEVE they escaped. Since they’d started this adventure, they’d had several situations where he thought he might die. He didn’t see how they’d survive. The white witch was supposed to have magic, and yet they’d still managed to run away. Completely unscathed.

  Skye changed, and Rowan scrambled on her back. He shoved the book into his backpack, and she took flight. The wind was his hair, and Rowan felt freer than he had in a long time.

  A dark shadow overcame them. Rowan looked up. He should’ve known it was too good to be true.

  SKYE! Kingston is right above us.

  She veered left and turned around to face him.

  I can’t outfly him. He’s too close. I have to fight. I’m going to try to get low enough to the ground that you can jump without hurting yourself.

  Don’t be silly. I have my swords. Let me fight with you.

  Rowan figured she would’ve kept arguing with them, but Kingston came at them, his jaws snapping. Skye veered to the right, and her tail swept out. Kingston caught the end of her tail. She jerked it out of his mouth, and blood spattered on Rowan’s cheek.

  How could you betray us
? Skye asked as Rowan unsheathed both swords.

  It’s only betrayal if I ever meant to be on your side. I never was. Everything I did, I did for Candide.

  Kingston hovered in front of them, wings flapping. Blood rushed in Rowan’s ears, and all he heard was the sound of Kingston and Skye’s wings. He didn’t make any moves, and neither did Skye. Rowan lifted his swords, prepared for anything.

  Why? Skye asked. Rowan wondered if she genuinely wanted to know, or if she was buying time to figure out what to do.

  Because I love her. She loved that wretched arctic dragon Rowan killed. Now I’m her only lover. She’ll be even more grateful when I tell her that not only did I recover the prophecy, but I also killed the third dragon king. This was a surprise, Skye, I have to admit.

  Rowan felt Skye’s voice enter his head. I’m going to head underneath him while he’s distracted. I’ll act like I’m going for his flank. You cut off his head.

  Whenever you’re ready. Rowan lowered his swords, so he didn’t tip off Kingston.

  Skye moved fast. Rowan almost didn’t have time to react. But as soon as he was close enough, he brought both swords up and sliced at Kingston’s neck. Unfortunately, he was too far away, and only one sword made contact. It left a wide gash, but it wasn’t deep.

  Kingston swiveled around and snapped at Skye behind Rowan. Rowan turned and saw a chunk of her flesh missing. The stench of blood pricked his nostrils. Skye roared and let out a jet of black flames.

  Rowan reached around with his swords, but Kingston was out of reach.

  Skye, are you okay.

  No. But I’ll survive. We’re going for his neck again. You ready?

  Yes.

  Before Skye moved, another shadow appeared above them. Rowan looked up to see a huge cloud of hawks. They descended, and Rowan barely had time to react. He swung he swords wildly, making sure he kept them above his head. He scarcely felt the connections as he sliced through the birds. One got through and tore open his cheek with its beak.

  Skye plummeted and landed hard on the ground. Rowan slid off her back, still swinging at the birds. Blood ran down his cheek, but otherwise, they’d not gotten him. He withdrew from Skye, and the birds didn’t follow him. Skye swung her neck around and beat her wings. She roared again, and flames engulfed a few dozen birds. The ground shook behind him, and Rowan spun. Kingston stood in front of him, his chest heaving.