Ghosts of Culloden Moor 26 - Patrick (Cathy MacRae) by L.L. Muir

Author:L.L. Muir [Muir, L.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Short Dog Press
Published: 2016-12-28T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

Wonderment and awe vanished beneath the harsh reality of Patrick’s mission. Muscles tensed across his shoulders and he ignored the twitterings from the pixies as he focused on Laila’s shocked face. Her beautiful eyes stared at him, wide and fathomless as the ocean.

“Why? Why did they send ye?”

“I am the only one they know who has been in the caverns and returned,” Patrick answered steadily. “I came so others wouldnae.”

“Ye can kill me?” Laila’s brows slanted mockingly, her voice dropping with skepticism. “Are ye certain?”

Patrick startled. “Och, no! I am here to help ye escape.” He canted his head toward the door. “They think I will kill the dragon and bring ye back so justice may be done,” he replied, repeating Harald’s words of reassurance rob the distastefulness from the job he required of Patrick.

“Justice?” Her voice slid scathingly through the air. “Who sold ye that pack of lies? My guess is ’twas Harald—he is the leader of the group. His idea of justice is to kill what he fears.” Her eyes flashed. “He fears me.”

Patrick cast a look about the cavern, beyond the twinkling treasure, seeking a glimpse of the dragon. “Where is he?”

“Here.”

Patrick’s head snapped around at the very human-sounding voice to his right. A man who could have been mid-aged or ancient—and obviously injured, his arm tucked close to his side and his stance none too steady—leaned against a stalagmite that stretched upward into the darkness.

“Do I surprise ye?” the man drawled, his voice amused. But there was no humor in the hard, glittering eyes or the thin-pressed lips.

Realizing he stared open-mouthed, Patrick shut his jaw with a click and squared his shoulders, marshalling his wits. “Ye dinnae look much like a dragon.”

“Nevertheless, I assure ye, I am Ormarr the dragon.” He shrugged lightly. “Or Ormarr the Terrible. It would depend upon who ye have heard tell of me.”

Patrick’s gaze swept to Laila. She gave a solemn nod. “Aye. He is the dragon the people fear.”

“But I saw him—the dragon—it had wings—huge … .” Patrick’s voice trailed off, terribly confused.

“I am a shifter, lad,” Ormarr told him. “I am a dragon who can take human form.”

“He isnae as terrible as Harald has told ye.” Laila placed a palm gently on Patrick’s arm.

Patrick blinked. This was beyond his imagination. A dragon that was also human?

“Everything will be fine, Patrick. The lads are over-eager to place blame for the winter shortages ahead and follow Harald’s ravings. I will return home in a day or two, and all will be as before.”

Laila’s soft eyes encouraged him to believe her, trust her. Such a lovely lass. Her da … . His eyes widened with dismay as he recalled the man cutting his daughter loose to her fate. Her terrible fate.

Patrick stepped closer, drawing their attention, sorrow filling his heart for his next words. “I asked yer da if he wouldnae speak on behalf of his own daughter. He told me ye must live with yer decisions. Ye cannae go home.” He shifted his gaze to Ormarr.

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