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  Jerrick brushed past him. Soren stood there for a few minutes watching his brother’s retreating back. Anger swelled within. He swung around. Emery stepped out of her hiding place. A streak of dirt marred her pale face. He pushed past her, barely hearing her question about what had happened. She fell into step with him but had to quicken her pace to stay beside him.

  Soren sighed. He should have known better than to ask his brother for help. In the back of his mind, he knew there was truth in what Jerrick had said. He had relied on him for too long.

  “It didn’t go well, did it?” Emery said. “You never mentioned your brother was your twin. Too bad you can’t switch places with him.”

  Soren stopped walking. Could he do that? Could he switch places with his brother? He knew some of the castle. He had been inside only a handful of times. Would it be enough for him to find the King without getting caught? Posing as his brother would at least give him a chance to do as Dex asked. The more he thought of the idea, the more he liked it. He glanced at Emery. If it hadn’t been for her comment, he would not have followed this line of thinking. Maybe Dex had been right in thinking she could help.

  “Do you know what the Nightshade flower looks like?” he asked, leaving the path, his eyes already scanning for the delicate but deadly blue flowers.

  “You’re going to kill your brother?!” Her mouth dropped open.

  “Of course not. If you mix Nightshade with a few other ingredients, it makes a powerful sleep aid. I’ll simply use it on my brother as he walks to the palace tomorrow and take his place as you suggested.”

  A relieved look washed over Emery. Then a soft blush touched her pale cheeks. She bowed her head, her auburn hair hiding her face. “Sorry,” she mumbled. “I shouldn’t have jumped to that horrible conclusion.”

  It took them nearly half an hour to find the flower and another twenty to reach the clearing where they had left Dex. The dragon slept, so deep in slumber he didn’t even move as Soren began making the potion.

  “You will need to shave,” Emery noted. “I could cut your hair.”

  His eye widened. “No thanks. I will just brush it back and hope no one notices it is a little longer.”

  “Make it shorter and you won't have to worry at all.”

  “No.”

  “What are you two arguing about?” Dex asked, with a yawn.

  As Soren told him the plan, he began to feel nervous. A mug of ale would calm him. But as soon as the thought entered his mind, he brushed it away. He would need a clear head tomorrow. He couldn’t risk going into the village for a drink. His eyes traveled to Emery, who was setting a trap in hopes of snaring a rabbit for their dinner. The need to release stress, to clear his head and calm his nerves, grew as his eyes traveled over her body, stopping on her hips.

  At that moment, she turned to him. A brief flash of panic crossed her face. Her eyes narrowed as he stood. She walked toward him with a determined expression on her petite face.

  “I’ve seen that look before,” she said, her voice low. She held up the knife in her hand. “Don’t even think about it.”

  Even though her words were tough, Soren noted her hand shook slightly. His mind went back to her brief panic. It wasn’t the first time he had felt she was unsure of herself around him. He had noticed her watching him when she thought he wouldn’t notice. And though she seemed relaxed around him, her body tensed slightly when he was near.

  She had been desperate to leave her village, and now he wondered if she had been running away from someone, someone who had hurt her. He glanced at her as she added more wood to the fire. Her mouth was pressed closed, and he could see the tension in her shoulders. Curiosity had him wondering more about her, but another part of him still resented that Dex had not insisted she leave as soon as they landed outside his village. He turned to the dragon, but Dex had gone back to sleep. With no one to talk to and no way to release his stress, Soren returned to his potion making with a sigh. It would be a long night.

  Chapter Six

  Emery sat on the rock, holding her ankle. From his vantage point, Soren could easily see her as well as the path his brother would be taking this morning. Jerrick should be here any moment or so Soren hoped. He desperately wanted this part to be over. Yesterday it seemed like a good idea. But in the evening, nerves had set in. He had kept his resolve about not going to the pub and since Emery hadn’t wanted to take a tumble, he had thrown his attention to the metal plate he had been begun carving. The image of the dragon was taking shape. And the repetitious work had taken his mind off this morning’s task.

  His thoughts were interrupted as his brother came into view. Jerrick slowed when he saw Emery. A moment later, he rushed forward, obviously concerned as she grasped her ankle in feigned pain. Soren couldn’t hear what they said. He looked at the bottle in his hands. The plan was simple. Emery would distract Jerrick while Soren used the sleep potion to knock him out. Then he would pose as Jerrick and enter the palace. He would only have a short time to find and speak with the king.

  But what if he had made the potion wrong? Too weak and it wouldn’t knock Jerrick out for long enough. Too strong and he could kill his brother.

  Pushing aside his doubts, Soren worked the stopper off the bottle and poured some of the potion onto a rag. Taking a deep breath, he crept out of the forest. Moving slowly, he snuck up behind Jerrick. His brother turned slightly as Soren reached out to cover his mouth and nose with the cloth. Quickly, he wrapped his other arm around his brother, holding him close as Jerrick struggled. His brother jabbed his elbow into Soren’s stomach, bringing about memories of how they tussled around as children.

  Soren grunted, silently hoping the potion would take effect soon. Jerrick pulled at Soren’s hand and kicked his leg backwards, striking Soren in the shin. He almost let go. He hated this but there was no turning back now. Finally, Jerrick’s attempts weakened. He slumped forward in Soren’s arms. Soren laid his brother on the ground. He pressed his hand to Jerrick’s chest, relief washing over him as he felt his steady breathing.

  “I…I didn’t expect him to struggle,” Emery said. She glanced at Jerrick, her eyes lingering on his hair. “You should have let me cut your hair.”

  Soren ran his hand through his thick dark locks. “It is fine. Help me get off his shirt.”

  Together, they pulled Jerrick into a sitting position. Soren pulled off Jerrick’s shirt, replacing it with his own. He grabbed Jerrick’s bag, slinging it over his shoulder. Smoothing back to his hair, he turned to Emery.

  “Well?”

  “You will do.”

  Soren looked at his brother. If he had made the potion right, it should leave Jerrick out cold for an hour - more or less. He was glad he wouldn’t be there when he woke up. He imagined Jerrick would be furious. Emery might be able to delay him for a few more minutes while she explained what he had done, but Soren knew it wouldn’t be long before Jerrick rushed to the palace intent on stopping him.

  “You need to go,” Emery said.

  Soren nodded and headed off toward Ballinger at a jog. He slowed to a walk when the city gates came into sight. The wooden gates were propped open. A guard stood on either side. His stomach flipped as he approached. He reminded himself that he and his brother - though more regularly his brother - passed through here all the time.

  “Hello there, Jerrick,” one of the guards called.

  Soren nodded as he fought the desire to hurry past them. He sighed with relief once he was beyond the gates. He walked down the main road. The castle lay before him at the heart of the city. He stared at the dark grey walls as he approached. Guards patrolled the towers, and two guards flanked the gates. Again, he passed without a problem. He hurried across the courtyard and to a side door he remembered using once with Jerrick. His stomach tightened as he opened the door. No one gave him a second glance as he entered. He paused, letting his eyes adjust to the dimmer light of the hallway. He didn’t know where the King would be at this time of day.

  �
��Jerrick!”

  It took a moment for him to realize the man was calling to him. He turned. A portly older man hurried forward.

  “The meeting is in an hour. Kade announced you are to accompany him to the King’s private meeting chamber.” The man handed him a pile of paper. “You are to take these there now. Afterwards, meet Kade in his office.”

  Soren’s mind whirled. He had no clue which direction to go, but he couldn’t ask something that Jerrick would obviously know.

  “You had better hurry,” the man said, sweeping his hand toward the hall to the left.

  Soren took off in that direction. He tried to remember the few times he had been to the palace. If his memory served him, the King had a meeting chamber next to the throne room. It should be easy to find if only he knew where the throne room was located. No one paid any attention to him as he rushed down the hall. He turned a corner and saw two guards standing in front of a door. As he headed toward them, he walked by a set of open doors. He glanced in. The throne room. As he approached the next door, one of the guards turned toward him.

  “Jerrick.”

  Soren nodded his head in greeting and held up the papers. “For the meeting,” he said as he reached for the door knob.

  He almost sighed with relief when the guard merely nodded. The room he entered was nearly half the size of the throne room next door. A long rectangular table with chairs filled the front half of the room. Beyond was a large desk and a series of bookcases. Soren barely took in anything as his eyes focused on the man seated at the desk. King Arden was a large man with red hair and beard. Though he was dressed in a white shirt and dark pants, they were made of a much nicer fabric than anything Soren had ever owned. And there was an added crispness to them. The King looked up.

  “For the meeting,” Soren said as he rushed to put the papers on the table. He took a deep breath. It was now or never. “Actually, your Majesty, I am not here for the meeting. I need to talk to you.” He moved to the end of the table. “I bring a warning. An army approaches from the South. They have dragons with them.”

  “What? What are you rambling about?” The King rose. He furrowed his brow as he gazed at Soren. “I’ve seen you before. You work for Kade.”

  “No, your Majesty,” Soren said. “I don’t work for Kade. My name is Soren Blackfist. I know this sounds crazy, but hear me out. I have seen the devastation this army has caused. I met this dragon, and he took me to Sholar to see a village they destroyed. They are aiming for Ballinger. You must be prepared.”

  King Arden frowned. “What? What’s this about meeting a dragon?”

  “I flew on a dragon named Dex, Reddex. He Blinked to Sholar. He is the one that told me of the approaching army. They come with dragons, Southern dragons.”

  “Is this meant to be funny?” the King asked, his face reddening. He walked around the table, until he towered over Soren. “King Edric will be here within the week for the summit. This is not the time for a joke. I will hear no more of this foolish talk of dragons. Guards!”

  The door behind Soren swung open. The two guards entered, their hands on the hilt of their swords. Soren barely heard the King’s order to seize him as he dashed for the closest door. He entered the throne room, hesitating for a moment. There was a door behind the throne, but Soren didn’t know where it went. He ran for the doors to the main hall. The sounds of his boots echoed through the room. He burst into the hall, not looking back as he heard one of the guards call out. Someone in the hall yelled for him to stop. More guards ran toward him with their swords drawn. His heart beating wildly, he ran in the opposite direction.

  “Soren? What is it?”

  “Dex?” Soren hadn’t expected to hear the dragon when they were so far apart. He turned a corner and then another before dashing into a room. He shut the door behind him and leaned against it. “The King sent guards after me. He thinks I am a lunatic raving about dragons. I told you this wouldn’t work.”

  “I’ll come get you. Where are you?”

  “I don’t know. I ran down too many corridors.”

  “Can you get to the turrets?”

  “I haven’t seen any stairs.”

  “What about the center courtyard?”

  Soren pressed his ear to the door. He heard nothing. Maybe he had lost the guards. “I’ll try.”

  “I’ll meet you there.”

  Footsteps outside the room caused Soren to pull away from the door. He quickly crossed the room to the door on the other side. Again, he pressed his ear to it. He didn’t hear any noise. He cautiously opened the door and slipped into the hall while trying to get his bearings. When he had been in the throne room, he knew where the courtyard was, but now he was confused. He needed a window. If he could only see outside, he would know at least which direction to go. He peered around the next corner. A guard stood before a window.

  “Hey you! Stop,” the guard yelled.

  Soren took off running. He ran down the hall, making turn after turn. Suddenly, guards were in front of him. He spun around. Guards were coming from that direction too. He pushed open the closest door and ran into the courtyard. He skidded to a stop.

  Several people with terrified expressions ran toward him. They glanced over their shoulders at the sky. Dex circled above the courtyard. His red hide was even more faded than this morning, and Soren realized he had Blinked the short distance to the castle.

  Two guards drew their bows, aiming their arrows at Dex.

  “No! Stop!” Soren ran toward them, but it was too late.

  The arrows flew toward the dragon who easily evaded them by flying higher.

  “Soren, I will try to land.”

  He didn’t see how the dragon would be able to do that with so many guards in the courtyard. Dex swooped, blasting a stream of flame. The guards scattered. Soren ran forward. Two guards blocked his path. He swung around to find the guards who had chased him closing in. He glanced around. There was nowhere to go.

  His attention was drawn to a large device off to one side of the courtyard. It was a mass of wood, taller than the three guards who spun it on its wooden base until it was pointed at Dex. One of them pulled a long wooden lever. A loud clang sounded as something shot toward the dragon.

  “Watch out!” he cried.

  A large net expanded as it sailed through the air. The material glistened in the sunlight, almost as if it was made of metal. Trailing behind it was a metal chain. Dex swerved to avoid the net but not in time. The net surrounded him. The ends were wrapped with weighted balls that tangled around each other, securing the net around him. The dragon struggled to fly higher.

  The guards attached the metal chain to a winch and began pulling the net and dragon toward the courtyard. Soren ran forward only to be grabbed from behind. He watched as Dex hit the ground, swinging his head to glare at the men who surrounded him with their swords drawn. He spewed fire at them, causing them to dash out of the way. Two guards crept up behind the dragon, staking the net to the ground. Dex blasted fire at them. Another man jabbed the dragon with a staff.

  “Dex!” Soren screamed as the guard behind him twisted his arm behind his back.

  Another guard grabbed his other arm. Together the two men turned him away from the action and toward the door. Soren struggled, twisting his head as he tried to see Dex. The dragon bellowed as he struggled under the net. The guards pushed Soren through the open door. He caught sight of the penned dragon once last time before the door closed, and he could no longer see him. But he did hear Dex roar again and again.

  Chapter Seven

  The metal cuffs chaffed against his wrists. Soren paced as far as the chains would allow. The place was rank with the smell of urine and waste. He couldn’t determine how long he had been in the dungeon. It felt like over an hour since the guards had thrown him in here and left him alone. But he knew it probably hadn’t been that long.

  Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his side as if he had been stabbed. He crumbled to the floor. A second one on the oppos
ite side ripped through his body as a roar reverberated within his skull. He lay gasping on the floor.

  “Dex? Dex, what is it?"

  “They jabbed me. They wanted me to move. They have bound me with another chain. It is of the same metal as the net. It does not melt in my fire. But fire will work on them.”

  Soren envisioned the dragon using his fire on the guards. He cringed at the image of men burning.

  “Don’t burn them!”

  “Of course not,” Dex responded with reproach in his voice. “It would not do to burn and kill those you want to form an alliance with. I want them to stop jabbing me. A little fear can be useful.”

  Soren sighed. “Can you Blink?”

  “No,” Dex said in a weak voice. “When I knew you were in trouble I Blinked here. I was not fully recovered from the last jump. I am too weak.”

  “We’re doomed.”

  “Maybe not. After you left, another dragon, Agnot, came to check on my progress. Perhaps he and Emery can do something. Or perhaps you can speak to the King again and persuade him to release us.”

  “The King wasn’t too receptive the first time. I doubt I will get an audience with him again.”

  The door to the hallway outside his cell opened. Soren scrambled to his feet. His brother and a tall man with graying hair entered, stopping before his cell. Jerrick no longer wore Soren’s shirt. He had changed back to a shirt identical to the one Soren now wore making the similarities between the two obvious.

  “Yes, that is my brother,” Jerrick said, his voice dejected. His eyes met Soren’s. “I can’t believe you drugged me.” Shaking his head, he turned to the man beside him. “I…I don’t know what to say, Kade. He has never done anything like this before. I don’t know what is wrong with him, but I am sure he didn’t mean the King any harm.”

  Kade cleared his throat. “I understand from Master Smith Ferin that he was recently fired from his job at the smithy. He seems to think this could be retaliation for being dismissed.” The man cast a glance at Soren. “Seeing as you two look alike, I am confident the King will order him branded to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”