Mystic Dragon by Jason Denzel

Author:Jason Denzel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

FIFTEEN

THE OUTCAST

Pomella descended the spiral stairs to find Vivianna still sitting in the foyer. Vivianna must’ve noticed her distracted look because she quirked an eyebrow.

“Was it really that bad?” Vivianna asked.

“I’ll dance a jolly when Crow Tallin’s over,” Pomella said, “But right now, we need to find Vlenar. The High Mystics need us to leave immediately for a laghart velten in the northern Ironlow Mountains.”

Vivianna nodded as she stifled a yawn. “I stayed up late organizing the apprentices and servants to prepare rations. You’ll find them handing out travel packs on the north side of the tower, by the willow.” She glanced at the glowing runes on her forearm.

“You’re coming with us,” Pomella said.

Vivianna froze before slowly turning her head toward her. “What?”

“Mistress Yarina agreed to let you come with me. There’s something big happening with the fay at the velten. I’ll need your help.”

“What’s happening there?” Vivianna asked.

“I don’t know,” Pomella said. “The fay are hurting the lagharts, somehow. But…”

“But what?”

Pomella bit her lip. It was Shevia who occupied her thoughts, along with all the other unanswered questions from the past few days. The unusual fay, the name Lagnaraste, and the moth in the glass orb.

“I’ll explain on the road,” Pomella said. “Go pack while I find Vlenar. I’ll meet you past the wall, on the north road an hour after midday.”

Outside the tower, the merciless sun burned overhead as it ascended toward its peak in the sky. A cloud of fay butterflies danced around Pomella as she stepped out. She took a moment to inhale and collect herself.

Across the lawn, Oxillian assisted servants with the disassembly of tents. To her opposite side, a group of Mystics sat in a circle having a discussion. Multiple rings of fay birds flew high above them, looping around like a waterwheel. At any other time, Pomella would’ve walked over to join the sitting Mystics, but the sense of urgency from Shevia’s vision and her other concerns weighed on her. She wondered whether those Mystics would sit as easily once they were assigned a task by the High Mystics.

Pomella’s gaze drifted in the direction of Lal’s cabin. She couldn’t see it from where she stood, but she knew she should probably go see him again. She needed answers.

“I sssee quessstionsss behind your eyesss,” hissed a voice.

Pomella turned. Hizrith stood behind her, near the tower entrance. His Mystic staff was curved, similar to a hunting bow, but twice the thickness. He rested both hands on it as he studied her.

“Yah,” Pomella admitted. “Have you met with the High Mystics yet?”

“Sssoon,” Hizrith said. “I am hhhere to asssisst Massster Ehzeeth. He isss vvvery old.”

“He is very fortunate to have you. Seems like we could all use some assistance during Crow Tallin.”

“And whattt asssistancce do you reqqquire?”

Pomella gazed at the tower’s upper chamber window. “I need answers to those questions behind my eyes. But I don’t think they can be found here.”

Hizrith followed her gaze. His tongue flicked out as he thought. “The Hhhigh Myssstics havvve greattt concccerns that afffect usss all.

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