Free The Dragon and the Dreamwalker (Elemental Series) by Elizabeth Rose Page A

gray hair was shaved in a tonsure just like a monk.
    “’Tis not the impression I received when I found her tied to the sacrificial post. For some reason, I got the distinct feeling she meant nothing to the people of Lornoon and that’s why you decided to sacrifice her.”
    “You don’t understand, my lord. ’Tis her fault we have no virgins to sacrifice to Dracus. She convinced them all to deflower themselves at the hands of the men of the village so they’d not meet the sacrificial requirements.”
    “Really.” Drake smiled and took another swig of ale. This conversation was getting more interesting by the moment. He couldn’t help but admire the feisty wench for her creative plan of action. Too bad she hadn’t been wise enough to deflower herself along with the villagers. If so, mayhap she’d never have been tied to the stake at all.
    He couldn’t wait to see how creative she’d be when they consummated their marriage. He liked the fact she was still a virgin. Just like any other nobleman, Drake wanted his bride to be untouched and untried. He wanted to claim her as his own, with no other man having had the experience of seeing her naked while lying between her legs.
    “I’m sorry, Hermod, but she’ll be of no use to you after today anyway. You see, we’re getting married this morning.”
    The two Elders with downcast eyes looked up at this comment. They looked first at Drake and then over to their leader as if waiting for a command.
    “So my messenger relayed,” said Hermod. “But I refused to believe it until I heard it for myself.”
    “Is it so hard to believe such a lovely girl could be getting married?” In his own mind he knew it was, considering Brynn’s attitude, not to mention her cunning and attacks with hot knives.
    “You should not marry her, my lord. No one should. ’Tis a warning handed down through generations. No man can couple with the woman of fire without being doomed. Doomed unless he, himself, can stop the dragon from coming.”
    “I fear not old wives tales. Nor am I afraid of a woman who can escape being burned by fire.”
    “She’s a witch!” Hermod spat. The other two men nodded their heads in agreement. “She needs to be stopped. This is the only way to do it.”
    “Stopped? Stopped from doing what? Catching bed linens on fire? I fail to see that she is a threat to anyone.”
    “She’ll be the cause of your demise, Lord Dunsbard, mark my words. Do not couple with her. Do not go anywhere near her if you value your life. Turn her over to us so we can dispose of her at the jaws of Dracus.”
    “That’s enough!” Drake waved over Walden, one of his soldiers, who was standing by the door. “Take these men away and give the sentries my order that they’re not to be admitted beyond the gates again.”
    Walden guided the Elders to the exit, and Hermod looked back over his shoulder.
    “You will regret this, Lord Dunsbard. You will regret ever saving the witch from Dracus. You are doomed! Doomed, I say.”
    Drake finished his ale and slammed the tankard down on the table. He had a feeling stirring deep within him that was only made worse by Hermod’s intentions of killing Brynn. He cared for her, and more than for his own needs. But damn, if Hermod’s words didn’t strike a note of concern within him. For some reason, he couldn’t help but believe his life would be challenged because of Brynn.
     
    It wasn’t long before Brynn heard the chambermaid enter the room. Through the open door she saw Asad leaving and a guard taking his place. Didn’t they know a guard couldn’t stop her? She’d been out and about the castle last night and no one was aware, since her body never left the chair.
    Drake seemed flustered this morning and she knew why. He was so alert even in his sleep, that he’d known when she’d dreamwalked and followed her in the same manner. He was an exceptional man to be able to do this at will on the first try. He intrigued her in his spirit