The Dragon Vet's Apprentice by Scott Dean

Author:Scott, Dean
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Built into and atop a freestanding rock formation in the middle of a protected, roughly horseshoe-shaped bay, Tanith Castle came into view. A bridge spanned the bay to connect the island to a flat outcropping on the rock upon which stood an expansive square outer bailey behind a fortified gateway. Past this first structure of defense, a narrow path flanked by square towers led upward to a walled inner bailey around the castle proper, a round, five-story structure made of light brown and cream-colored local rock. It caught the sunset’s light, standing bright against the darkening eastern sky behind it. Open curved balconies projected out at each level. The wall around the castle sported three taller spires, two to the left and one to the right, capped with purple tiles, where flags with the Lady’s symbol snapped in the wind. Short trees and sturdy bushes sprouted from the natural rock that remained between the man-made structures.

The driver pulled the carriage to a stop at an angle on the mainland’s sparsely vegetated plateau to give them the best view. The cliffside fell steeply to the roaring bay, sprays of white flinging against the bridge’s square foundations and the base of the formidable rocky edifice. After allowing them a few moments to take it in, Shiani rapped on the ceiling and the carriage moved forward.

“The autair helped build the castle,” the seneschal explained as they reached the bridge, the clopping of the horses’ hooves louder on the irregular stone construction. “They are amazing engineers.” She looked at Dr. Wright. “Am I to understand you already had an encounter with them?”

Even though he was used to the way a story could spread through his experiences in Elleshandra, he was surprised she’d already been apprised of their dragon confrontation. He simply nodded at the rhetorical question.

As their destination loomed larger, he and Edith looked at each other. She had been quiet throughout the trip, tense, shoulders tight. Stephen wrapped his fingers in hers and could feel her smile through her veil. They passed stables and buildings used for storage and housing in the outer bailey. Since they faced backward, the following incline had them bracing their feet so as not to land in Dr. Wright and the seneschal’s laps. It leveled out with a slight bump, and the carriage circled the inner bailey to deliver them to the ten-foot oaken doors of the main keep. Two women in light, flowing garb and headdresses stepped quickly to open the carriage door. Shiani waved her hand for her guests to proceed her.

Though unused to formality, Dr. Wright found holding the attendant’s hands to each side of him helped not jar his leg on the descent of the small set of carriage steps. Gronking and honking preceded Griffa’s high-stepping bouncing arrival, blinking quickly and flapping her stubby wings, trying to look past the veterinarian. Edith alighted with help and rushed forward to soothe the stricken austrick. Stephen joined her. Griffa’s anxious noises decreased under their hands and apologies.

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