Bound by a Dragon by Linda K Hopkins

Author:Linda K Hopkins
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: fantasy, shapeshifter, dragon, romance historical, medieval fantasy romance

Chapter 24

Keira leaned against Aaron as they rode astride the horse along the dark road. The trees cast eerie shadows around them, making Keira shiver, but Aaron’s strong arms around her lent her courage. Thomas rode his own horse a few paces behind them, giving them a chance for private conversation.

“Is Thomas human?” Keira asked once they were clear of the village.

“Yes,” Aaron replied.

“But he knows what you are?”

“Yes, he is one of few who do.”

“But what about your servants at Storbrook? Do they know?”

“Thomas is the only one in my confidence.”

“But how is that possible?”

“The servants all know that the dragon is free to come and go as he pleases,” he said, “but the dragon only enters or leaves Storbrook through the large outer windows. The man they know as their master comes and goes through the more conventional entries.”

“But still,” Keira asked in confusion, “don’t they see the chambers the dragon enters?”

“The rear wall of the donjon forms part of the outer castle wall,” explained Aaron. “It is not possible for someone to see which window the dragon is flying into unless they are directly outside the wall. Since that side of the mountain is sheer rock face, it is impossible for someone to be there.”

“But surely the servants must wonder why the dragon is given free rein of the castle!”

“If they do, they keep their conjectures to themselves. Fear of a dragon is quite a motivation to keep quiet! Not,” he added quickly as she tensed in his arms, “that I would ever do anything to harm any of my servants – but they don’t know that. Besides, my staff only numbers thirteen, and there is little need for them to venture away from the castle. Thomas takes a cart into the closest village every fortnight, and whoever wants to go with him is free to do so.”

Keira was silent for a moment as she considered this. “So,” she said, “Thomas is the only one who knows.”

“And the priest.”

“The priest?” she repeated in astonishment. Aaron chuckled at her surprise.

“Yes, the priest!” he said. “He is a confessor for the prisoners and also reads them their last rites.”

“Oh! Of course!” In fact, Keira had forgotten about the prisoners, but she was glad Aaron attended to their spiritual needs.

“So, Thomas and the priest,” she repeated. “That’s not very many people.” Keira felt Aaron shrug behind her.

“The fewer people who know, the easier it is to keep my secret.” He reined in his horse as he spoke the last words, slipping down off its back and holding his hand up for Keira.

“This is as far as we go on horseback, my sweet,” he explained. “Thomas will take the horses the rest of the way while we fly back.”

“But won’t the servants be surprised to find you at Storbrook in the morning? And with a wife, as well?”

“I’m sure Thomas will come up with a suitable explanation, won’t you, Thomas?” Aaron asked with a grin as the man pulled up next to them.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.