Dragon's Treasure (Book 1)

Chapter 13 - Trapped

Magnus and his men were hiding a safe distance away and downwind from the entrance to the cave. An evil grin was stretched across his face as he eyed Olivia hungrily, watching her play-chasing with the cub.

He was wondering where the dragon was, while he watched her running around, dark curls dancing around her innocent face that was adorned with a wide happy smile, her eyes bright blue and sparkling. The sun was shining through the trees, worshiping her features as the fresh air painted her cheeks a rosy color.

A black wolf cub was chasing her around, jumping over some boulders, chasing her around the trees and nipping at the ends of her dress playfully. The cub suddenly managed to get a good grip of her dress in its mouth and Olivia went toppling over. The little wolf then jumped on her and started showering her face with his wolfish kisses as she tried to push him away, laughing the whole time. Her laugher echoed throughout the forest and the sound of it reached Magnus’ ears and pulled at his lips, a different kind of smile making its appearance. He was enchanted. Her innocent laugh gave him peace, even if just for a second, before he shook his head to dispel her enchantment as he scowled in her direction. He saw her lips moving as she was talking to the cub, a squeal escaping her as the cub licked her cheek again before she managed to push him off.

He looked back at his men, scanned their faces and gave them a nod of his head, conveying he was ready. They were going to leave Charlie here. She was already gagged and bound to a tree, leaning against it as she was sitting down on the forest ground. Her face was pointed upwards. She was staring at the sun and wind dancing in the braches, ignoring everybody. This was not the first time he had done it because Magnus didn’t want to take any chances with her taking the opportunity to run away from him.

Again.

Turning back, he put his hand on his sword hilt, ready to pull it out when he saw Olivia stop and turn around, towards the cave, smiling warmly at someone, speaking back and she nodded her head excitedly.

Then, he saw it.

The dragon.

It peeked out of the cave and gave something to the woman.

Magnus pulled out his sword.

***

Olivia, on the other hand, had spent the day before mostly resting and catching up on sleep. She had been feeling a bit under the weather and Kaden had kept a close eye on her, hovering worriedly.

She did love Kaden but he had been overbearing and overprotective so some time after midday, she had asked him to go out and fetch them some food.

He had been reluctant to leave her alone but she had assured him that she would be fine and that the Pup, as Kaden had named the wolf cub, would keep her company and from being bored and mischievous.

When Kaden had returned not long after with yet more fish, Olivia had figured out her problem.

“Urgh…” she had whined. “More fish. Yay!” she had exclaimed sarcastically and her face had gained a slightly green tinge. “If I have to eat one more fish after today, I will seriously rather starve myself to death.” She had reluctantly started preparing the fish, eyeing it with disdain.

Pup had already been in his corner, devouring yet another rabbit, when Kaden had come up with an idea.

“Tomorrow, I’m taking you shopping.” Olivia eyes had snapped up at him hopefully as she had waited for him to continue. “We have more than enough things to trade with. I can take you close to a village where you can buy the food you want. Or anything else you might want or need.”