Daryk Warrior (15 page)

She hadn’t expected that and her stomach soured. “Why you?”

He shrugged as if he’d given it no particular thought. “I am
the leader here now. What is this man’s name?”

“Eryk Gauth.”

Rechard’s eyebrows went up. “Draconus! I know him. He’s an
honorable man.”

“There’s one other thing I’m requesting if you fight him and
he wins.”

“You’ve asked enough.” Rechard’s voice hardened. “But I
admire a woman of your courage. This is the reason why we need more Magonian
women to mix with our blood. Courage and strength.” He gestured with one hand.
“Too many Dragonian women are weak.

“Do not ask for more. I can’t allow it.” Rechard’s voice
filled with firm conviction.

“Asam must be protected.”

Rechard sighed and his mouth pursed. Had she pushed one time
too many?

“From what?” he asked.

“Everything. She’s a good woman.”

He nodded. “Of course. As I said before, women are protected
under my rule. No harm will come to her.”

“Thank you.” She believed this man had integrity of a sort,
no matter how twisted his plan was. She’d pushed as far as she could. She
turned to leave.

“Wait.”

She stopped, her heart in her throat, and turned to face
him.

“You have my utmost respect, Mia Griffi.” His face reflected
truth, eyes calm and voice low with sincerity. “Eryk Gauth is a lucky man.”

Without another word she turned and left. She took each
stair down with shaky legs, amazed and gratified at this little bit she’d
accomplished. Fear still trembled in her belly, still ruled every step. She
hated feeling this vulnerable but she would do whatever required to save Eryk,
Asam and the other Daryk Ones who fought for this castle. Once she left the
tower and crossed the courtyard she noticed how normally the castle operated.
People hurried this way and that, returning to their daily business as if
nothing untoward occurred two days ago.

She’d managed to secure some safety for Eryk and a
possibility he’d survive this mess somehow. With subtle feelings of relief and
hope, she returned to her lodgings. Once there she knew there was one more
thing she must do.

Chapter Twelve

Eryk and his contingent of one hundred Daryk Ones returned
to the outskirts near Bardannia Castle. They set up a camp in a depression that
couldn’t be seen from the castle. Clouds made the bright white snow and ice
less blinding.

“Incoming,” one man said toward the back.

Eryk spun around and instantly recognized friends he hadn’t
expected to see so soon. When he’d met with Dane Charger and Ketera Aldrancos
many days ago he’d known the Daryk One had plenty to do taking care of Ketera
and Grimnald Castle. Right behind him was Rayder Tyrus, a man he’d assumed had
gone rogue. What the hell was he doing here?

The Daryk Ones with Eryk and Garess greeted Dane with
enthusiasm, slaps on the back and smiles. Sneers and derision followed Rayder
as he walked along with Dane. One Daryk One approached Rayder and threatened
with an upraised fist.

Dane held his hand up and Eryk caught his words. “Leave him
be. He’s not a rogue. He has killed Aramus.”

“Aramus is dead?” Garess said as he stood near Eryk.

“How?” Another man’s question came over the rumble of other
voices.

“Long story,” Rayder’s deep voice answered. “I was never a
rogue. I was trying to avenge my sister’s death.” Rayder smiled. “And Aknada is
alive.”

In quick fashion Rayder and Dane explained everything that
had happened to them—their meetings with the shipwrecked women who’d become
their mates and the adventures that had befallen them shortly thereafter.

Dane and Rayder reached the area where Garess and Eryk
stood. Eryk smiled at his old friends then hugged each in turn. If Dane vouched
for Rayder’s integrity he’d willingly forgive Rayder for anything.

“You got my message,” Eryk said. “Didn’t think you could
make it with everything going on at Grimnald Castle.”

“We had to make sure our women were safe before we came to
help yours,” Rayder said.

It had been many days since Eryk and Garess had traveled to
a peaceful Grimnald Castle to obtain more assistance and gather more Daryk Ones
to their side to attack Bardannia and take it back. When Eryk had last seen
Dane all had been well there. Much had changed, obviously. Then a message had
come from Rayder, and in that message he’d explained why he’d pretended to go
rogue and how Aramus had met his demise.

“Mia will be glad to hear her friends are well,” Eryk said
with a growing sense of relief. “She’ll want to reunite with them soon.”

“We have a lot of work to do.” Garess made a waving motion.
“We need to form a plan.” He turned his attention to Eryk. “The two of us know
Bardannia Castle better than anyone. We have a plan everyone will have to
follow to the letter.”

“There’s someone coming across the ice,” a Daryk One said as
he pointed toward the snowy wasteland between their encampment and Bardannia.

One man peered across the landscape with a spyglass. “It’s a
woman.”

Eryk’s heart leaped, a wild idea bouncing into his head.
What if Mia had managed to escape? Not likely. He snatched the spyglass out of
the man’s hand.

“Draconus, it’s Asam,” Eryk said. “She’s the healer I took
Mia to see.”

“Could be a trap,” one of the other Daryk Ones said.

“No.” Eryk’s voice was firm. “She can be trusted.”

Eryk’s stomach twisted as he worried about Mia. By the god,
if anything had happened to her because he hadn’t been there to protect her he
would never forgive himself. His need to see her, to hold her in his arms,
became stronger every moment. It was killing him inch by inch to not be near
Mia.

The woman took quite a time to cross the distance. When she
arrived at the ridge Eryk reached up and grabbed her so quickly she didn’t have
time to scream or react. Her eyes went wide with fright until she saw him. He
released her quickly and she scanned the large group of men nearby, all of them
watching her closely.

Asam held one hand to her throat. “The seven or more hells,
Eryk Gauth. You scared me half to death.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to scream and alert anyone.”

She shook her head. “Quite all right.” A warm smile
encompassed her face. “I’m so glad you’re finally here. Mia is worried to death
about you, even though she is trying to hide it.”

“Is she all right?” Eryk had to know.

“She’s very well.”

Eryk’s relief flooded him with happiness.

Asam filled in Eryk and the other men on all that had
happened and Eryk felt his gut clench and a burning desire to kill at the idea
of Rechard being interested in Mia. From what Asam said the man wanted Mia but
wouldn’t act on it.

“Why were you out here alone?” Garess asked, suspicion high
in his voice. “Why did they let you out here?”

Asam winked at him. “You underestimate a healer’s charm on a
vulnerable man. I asked one of the rogues to allow me outside to hunt for snow
cave herbs for the injured. I have plenty but he didn’t know that. Mia said
that she sensed you might be out here. It was the only way we could think of to
let you know how we’re doing. And to give you intelligence on what’s happening
at the castle.”

Eryk smiled. “Rechard’s going to regret the day he attacked
Bardannia and underestimated you and Mia.”

He meant every word of it.

Asam put her hand on his arm, reining in his anger for the
moment. “First you have to hear what Mia has planned. It’s important.”

* * * * *

“I’m surprised Eryk agreed to my plan.” Mia took a deep
breath and let her concern have a voice. “Perhaps it won’t work.”

“Don’t worry yourself, my dear,” Asam said. “It will work.
Few men, even those as intelligent as Rechard, would guess that a woman’s
gentle suggestion would be their downfall.”

A huge rumbling sound echoed from the front of the castle.

“What is that sound?” Asam asked as Mia placed soup bowls on
the table.

“Thunder,” Mia replied without thinking.

“We don’t get thunder snow very often but I suppose it’s
possible.” Asam shrugged as if she didn’t care.

Another rumble echoed through the castle again as Mia sat
down and picked up her soup spoon. Both of them stopped and listened.

“Gods, it isn’t those dragons again, I hope,” Asam said.

It hardly seemed as if more than a week had passed since
Bardannia Castle succumbed to the rogue attack. Life had settled into a gentle
routine at odds with what Mia expected. After all, a battle had destroyed part
of this beautiful castle and changed the lives of so many. When Asam had made
her way out of the castle in hopes of making contact with Eryk, Mia had wished
with everything inside her that he was out there, plotting a way to get back to
her. When Asam had returned safely and with a story of successfully meeting
with Eryk and his followers, Mia had never felt more excited, more relieved to
hear anything.

Tension returned to her spine as she sat up straight.

“Perhaps your man is coming for you.” Asam sipped at her
soup, spoon dipping into the bowl with a steady movement. “You know he will.”

Mia knew just as certainly as her friend spoke the words. In
Magonia few men had ever shown her respect but Eryk had given her every
kindness, had shown her what love could be like. Yes, love. And when she saw
him again, he’d know it.

“I wish I’d been able to see him. But I know there are spies
watching. Rechard is suspicious.”

“I think he’s more than suspicious, my dear. I’m not sure I
trust his assurances to you.” Asam smiled. “But it matters not. Eryk will be
with you soon.”

Mia sighed but the sound signified hope, not worry. “That would
be wonderful.”

Mia had tried day after day to calm her fears for Eryk with
meditations Asam had taught her. They’d worked amazingly well, allowing her to
tap into reserves of strength and contentment Mia hadn’t realized she
possessed. Even with Eryk away from her Mia stayed healthy. Perhaps Asam’s
predictions she’d need Eryk’s strength would fall short. Maybe her heath would
stay firm, remain intact even without his hands touching her, his mouth on hers
and his cock inside her. She almost groaned at the thought as a hot, desperate
need reawakened in her body. Late at night in her bed she’d felt a need almost
too hot to ignore. Had almost given in to a desire to touch herself and imagine
what his hands would feel like drifting over her. No, when ecstasy came to her
again it would find her because Eryk brought it forth.

Asam coughed and caught Mia’s glance. Mia’s cheeks heated.

“Don’t worry, dear.” Asam grinned, her gaze conveying
amusement. “I have an inkling of what you’re thinking but it goes no further
than that.”

Mia took a sip of water. “Thank Magon.”

Asam’s laugh burst out, hearty and unrestrained. The
contagious sound made Mia snort with laughter then join in on a full-blown wail
of amusement. They gasped and wiped their eyes as the hard laugh finally wore
out.

“Why was that so funny?” Mia asked.

Asam laughed again, softly and restrained. “Maybe because we
needed it. Laughter is good for the body as well as the mind.”

Mia’s mood had lifted enormously when she’d learned from
Asam that her friends Ketera and Xandra had survived the shipwreck. Asam had
learned this from Rayder Tyrus, who protected Xandra Shorenus. Ketera Aldrancos
had found love with Dane Charger, the ruler of Grimnald Castle.

“I have a feeling Eryk and his men will work their way into this
castle bit by bit.” Asam lifted her mug in a sort of salute.

“Rechard’s men are many.” Mia finished her soup and pushed
the bowl aside. She stuffed her fingers into her hair and leaned her elbows on
the table. “How can anyone fight against that?”

“You did, Mia.” Asam leaned on the table, her attention
pinpointing Mia. “Your healing and power to calm the dragons brought this peace
to fruition. Without you it wouldn’t be possible.”

“But you can calm dragons.”

Asam waved a hand in dismissal. “I didn’t know I could until
I ventured outside the walls with you. Whether you know it or not you have a
lot to teach Dragonia. A lot to teach many.”

Mia went silent, uncertain how to respond for a whole
minute. “I’m not used to such praise. I don’t know what to do with it. I don’t
know how to believe it.”

“Don’t worry. Give yourself time. Few people are restored to
their full purpose in life over a short time. It takes time to know who you
are.”

Asam’s words brought Mia’s full attention to the forefront.
“You are an amazing woman, Asam. I’ve learned so much from you. I have a
feeling there’s even more to know and understand.”

Asam’s eyes held kindness and understanding, as they always
did. “It isn’t a mistake that you’re here in this time and place learning who
you are and your purpose. And Eryk will help you understand that purpose too.”

It was overwhelming. Amazing to think that she, Mia Griffi,
had a purpose other than just following orders and hiding the truth from
others. Yet she’d left Magon for that purpose. Perhaps it took a little time to
believe it.

“You’re not nervous now, are you?” Asam asked.

“No. Not at all.”

Mia knew her friend tried to lower her anxiety and she
appreciated the attempt. Meditation had given Mia the ability to suspend her
fear far more than she could have before and her gratitude to Asam would remain
everlasting.

A knock on the door made Mia start and Asam instantly rose
to her feet to answer the summons. She unlocked and opened the door wide. A man
wearing a thick winter cloak with the hood pulled up stepped up.

His face was obscured until he drew the hood off his head
and the covering from his features.

Eryk.

Mia gasped in amazement and excitement and leapt to her
feet. She rushed toward Eryk just as Asam closed the door. Eryk’s strong arms
went around Mia, embracing her with heat and power.

“Draconus.” He buried his face in her hair, his voice gruff
with emotion, rusty with need. “Mia.”

She rested her head on his shoulder and moaned in relief.
“Eryk. What are you doing here?”

His fingers caressed her hair, his voice a low rumble that
tingled along her skin like a touch. “I came for you, of course.”

Immediately she drew back. “Wait. You’re in danger. Don’t
you intend to charge the castle with many men? There are far too many rogues
here for you to take on by yourself.”

Asam cleared her throat. “I’ll be back later after you two
get reacquainted. Much later.” She smiled and left the lodgings.

Eryk released Mia long enough to bolt the door then returned
to gather her against his powerful body. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, I’m wonderful, but worried about you. You did not
answer my question. You can’t take on all those men.”

“I came earlier than I told Asam I would. I didn’t want
anyone other than Garess, Dane and Rayder to know my plans.” He cupped her
face. “When I saw Asam and she told me your plan I simply told her I’d come to
you soon.”

Panic rushed through her. “Wait. Do you suspect her? She
would never betray you.”

“I know she wouldn’t. But I couldn’t allow your plan to go
through and had to come as soon as possible.”

She sighed and brushed a palm over the bristle on his
jawline. His hair was tousled, lying along his shoulders. Thick. Glossy. As
beautiful and powerful as the man himself. His eyes shone with happiness to see
her.

“My plan? But—”

He kissed her, effectively stifling her protest. Yet it was
a sweet, gentle kiss. As if he feared frightening her. Before he could pull
back she threw her arms around his neck and held on to the sensation of his
mouth on hers. She tasted his mouth with her tongue. Boldness overtook her as a
feral yearning burst to life and a need to fulfill it became imperative. With a
low growl he tightened his hold, his tongue thrusting into her mouth with
enthusiasm and setting her blood alight. The continual thrust and retreat of
his tongue reminded her of the pleasure she’d feel when his cock plunged in and
out of her pussy. She shifted, moved as their bodies relearned each other. Soft
moans left her throat as he traced and touched with an urgency she gladly
accepted. Her own explorations learned the textures, tastes and masculine heat.