WREN Book Three Prince of Dragons

Passage to freedom

I watched the dancer, slightly touching Zia's mind to let her know what to look for. She danced over to me. Laughing she gazed into my eyes.

'This may fool these stall owners, but it isn't strong enough to fool a trained dragon. I see you Zyn.' She offered as she spun away.

There we had it. There was no way to sneak into the castle like this. So be it. We were only out for a few hours. The morning gave way to noon. We ate at various stalls, always keeping each other in sight. By mid afternoon, more performers came out. They shouted about various entertainments going on that evening.

It was growing dusky when I glanced towards Wics. Seeing tufts of green poking through the fake hair, I knew our time was up.

'Time to head back!' I called to everyone.

As a group, each person set aside what they were looking at. In pairs they began to make their way back to the small shop Bonnie ran. I was one of the first to make it back. I heard the growling voice from outside.

"I don't care what you think you know! I want to see my son now!" I had to snicker. Bonnie held her own.

"Well, I can't do that since I don't know who you are!" she yelled back.

"Shea, knock it off!" I scolded as I came inside.

The others moved down the alley to enter the back door that led up to the apartment. Shea turned. His mouth fell open upon seeing me. I shook the remnants of the disguise off. Shea arched an eyebrow.

"That was..." He began.

"This bafoon raise you? No wonder you are so clueless!" Bonnie huffed.

"Watch it, woman!" Shea snarled.

"Or what? You'll eat me! Big scary wolf!" She snarled right back.

Shea glared at her. It was a look I knew well. There were trained knight who quaked under that stare. Yet the courageous redhead just placed her hands on the counter looking smug.

"Who is she?" Shea growled turning to me.

"The twins' older sister, apparently." I offered.

Shea huffed. He walked to me, laying a hand on my shoulder he muttered. "Lets talk somewhere not near her!"

"Is the big bad wolf afraid of little red?" I couldn't help but to tease.

"More like I may cut her head off!" Shea growled.

I laughed. I knew my father wouldn't do anything to a member of our armies family. Well, unless you count my real father. I turned nodded to the girl who still watched with folded arms. Before I could take a step, the small dragon darted up my leg to land on my shoulder.

"Is that Mal!" Shea laughed at seeing the blue water dragon.

"Scary Shea!" She sang making herself bigger. Shea barked out a laugh.

"Still as feisty as ever. I see why you chose her!" He pointed a thumb over his shoulder.

"Bonnie is Malvent's friend. She takes good care of me." The little dragon glanced down.

"Mal, you let her ride you?" I asked.

"How can anyone ride something that small?" Bonnie demanded.

I looked at the woman shocked, as my mouth fell open.

"She never transformed before you?" I asked. Bonnie shuffled her feet. She glared back but said nothing.

"You have no idea the dragon that chose you! Malvent is a royal water dragon you idiot!" My voice lowered as I snarled this out.