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  “Why are we putting him in here?” Gypsy asked.

  Dragon’s shoulders relaxed. The burden of lifting Gavin with his newfound powers seemed to have exhausted him. “A civil war is brewing. If he gets damaged or destroyed, I may not be able to bring him back at all.”

  Gripping the upper corners of both metal doors, Desmond pushed them together to reseal the tomb. Before he could complete the task, Missy forced her way past him into the mausoleum. The little girl collapsed to her knees next to her father. She covered her face with her hands and her small body shook soundlessly.

  Desmond stared at the ground for a moment then turned back toward the others. His eyes were glassy. “Now what? I don't have enough left in me to pry her away.”

  Gypsy sat down on a cylindrical stone monument jutting up a few feet from the ground. She roughly rubbed her temples and let her head slump forward. “This is a fucking nightmare. Let her mourn. I'll go get her in a few minutes.”

  After they waited in silence for about five minutes, Gypsy pushed her palms against the rock and forced herself up. As she approached the mausoleum doors, Missy appeared, squeezing her body through the opening to the outside. Her face was dirty except for several clean trails of tears that streaked her cheeks. She was flushed but no longer crying. She walked up next to Dragon and slid her hand in his. She didn’t look up at any of them.

  Desmond closed the doors the rest of the way. Then he pushed some dirt, leaves and other ground debris near the bottom with the side of his black leather boot. The debris in front of the door seam hid all evidence of their intrusion. When he finished, he fixed his gaze on Dragon. The muscles in his face relaxed. He no longer seemed hostile toward their uncle.

  “Do you really think you can bring him back?” he asked.

  Dragon stared at the quiet tomb. “I’m pretty sure. But I might need to get into Titan’s library to get something.”

  Gypsy scowled and her heart sped up. “That would mean going back to his castle, which is too risky. There’s got to be another way.”

  Three riders entered the cemetery riding at a brisk trot. They fell silent. The middle hyperia was familiar to Gypsy. It was a dark cream-colored animal with some black streaks down its legs and tail. She tried to place the creature but couldn’t. The rider was a partially cloaked woman, accompanied by two large men dressed all in black.

  The two men rode big dark brown animals that were significantly bigger than the woman's and the creatures wore cage muzzles. These were battle mounts, which only increased Gypsy’s uneasiness.

  As the three drew closer, Gypsy finally recognized the woman as the Grand Duchess Tannyth von Goth. The two men with her were private bodyguards. Stopping their mounts, the Grand Duchess studied everyone with a perplexed look then dismounted, handing her reins to the man on the left.

  She pulled her hood back revealing herself fully. Then she walked right up to Gypsy. “Hello.”

  Gypsy bowed her head. “My lady.”

  “I’m so sorry about your father’s death. But I’m afraid I have more bad news. The Razorback Queen is furious with your mother for the surgery she performed on Colonel Caraculla. She demanded that Megolyth punish Harlan, but he’s such a spineless fool he offered to turn her over directly to the Razorbacks to deal with instead. She’s being escorted to the Queendom as we speak.”

  Gypsy looked at Desmond. “I’m going after her.”

  He shook his head. “It won’t do you any good. They have a head start of several hours. Even if you did catch up, what are you going to do to them? Hope they don’t spit venom on you?”

  Tannyth cleared her throat. “Your mother will be fine for now. There are more pressing matters. Many of the nobles have turned against Megolyth and a civil war has begun. The rest of your family isn’t safe here. Megolyth is extremely troubled by both you and Desmond. He fears the two of you might join with the rebels and de-throne him, especially after what Megolyth ordered done to your father.” Tannyth gave Desmond a cold hard stare then she continued. “He’s put enormous bounties on both of your heads. But he seems especially distressed by you, Desmond. Why is that?”

  “What would you suggest, my lady?” Desmond replied, ignoring the question.

  Turning, she walked back to her hyperia and retrieved her reins from the bodyguard. “I suggest you go into hiding and make your way to the Queendom. Not only will your wife and child be safe there, but Gypsy can work to secure Harlan’s release.” She climbed onto her mount and addressed Gypsy. “Reputation and rumors have made the Queen very curious about you. I imagine she would like to meet you. Good luck. I'll send word of what’s happening here.”

  Tannyth rode off flanked by her escort. Gypsy was sorry to see her go. Her head was full of questions. Who was leading the rebellion? Which side was Falken on? Or Makkai? Which flag officers were still loyal to the Emperor? Before she could call out to the Grand Duchess, someone moved up behind her.

  It was Desmond. He looked like he’d aged ten years in only a few minutes. “I've got to get back to the hospital,” he mumbled as he started toward the cemetery gates at a fast pace.

  “You heard what she said. You can't go there,” Gypsy called after him. “That's the first place Megolyth is going to send guards to look for us. It's the same way he got Gavin!”

  “I don't give a fuck!” he spat back at her. “I'm not leaving my wife and son!”

  Gypsy broke into a jog after him. Catching up with him just before the stone columns, she grabbed his arm. He spun on her so fast and forcefully she thought he was going to attack her. Instead he inhaled a quick choppy breath and took a step back, breaking her grip. He turned back toward the gates.

  “Desmond, I know you're worried, but if you go back there you are putting them in more danger. Megolyth will kill them to get at you. We need to think this through.”

  The strain was too much. Desmond stopped. He dropped into a crouch, leaned forward cradling his head, and began to shake. Gypsy's already fragile self-control almost broke. He had been under so much pressure this past month worrying about Scarlet that she was afraid he had finally hit his breaking point. Tentatively she moved around in front of him. Kneeling down on the ground she gently wrapped her arms around him and squeezed.

  “I don't know what to do,” he said in a voice fractured with grief.

  Gypsy peered over his shoulders. Dragon remained by the mausoleum with Missy still grasping his hand. She leaned in closer and whispered, “I have an idea. We can send Dragon back for them.”

  Desmond jerked back, but Gypsy held onto his shoulders. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

  “Listen to me. Dragon has to go back to the clinic to meet Bethara for his medication. No one will screw with him because he terrifies everyone. While he's there he can help Krull evacuate Scarlet and your son. We may be able to meet up with them enroute to the Queendom. Tannyth made it pretty clear that Megolyth is particularly interested in your whereabouts. If you march into that clinic you are just going to get yourself and your family killed.”

  Desmond hung his head in silence. He nodded without looking up.

  Gypsy stood first, pulling her brother up with her. “Dragon can do this. You and I need to get some supplies. Have you ever been to the Queendom?”

  “No, never had any desire to be bossed around by a bunch of venom spitting women. What about you?”

  “No. So we'll need a map. We must stay off the main roads if we are going keep our heads intact.”

  Desmond scratched the back of his neck. “We should be able to retrieve our mounts from the livery, but what about supplies? Showing up at either of our homes or the military compound would be as bad as going to the hospital.”

  “What about my mom’s house, Fossix by the Sea? It's not too far from here. Everything we need we can find there. Gavin is sure to have all kinds of weapons and food.”

  “Good idea.” Desmond glanced over at their sad little sister. “What about Missy?”

  “Well, I never th
ought I would say this, but I think she is safer with Dragon.”

  Desmond nodded grimly. “Funny, I never thought I’d agree with that, but under the present circumstances, I do.”

  Chapter 14

  Dragon reached the hospital close to midnight. Bethara and Dr. Krull were in the long hallway on the first floor, sleeping in chairs they had set up outside Scarlet’s room. There were three Royal Guards milling about, probably waiting to arrest any member of the Theron family. Well, any member but him.

  Strolling calmly down the crisp white hallway towards Scarlet’s room, the guards all turned to face him. Dragon pulled Missy behind him and bared his teeth in a smile. Only his was no ordinary smile—it was the grimace of a madman. A familiar surge of maniacal fury filled him. He could smell their terror as he approached. It comforted him.

  He could say he had frightened them on purpose, but that wasn’t the case. The madness was fogging his mind. It came on like a favorite whore sneaking into the bedroom of his thoughts; quiet, seductive and diseased. Disjointed images had begun invading his sanity about thirty minutes ago. In the past he would have let it loose without a care, but he hadn't wanted to scare his niece. For the first time in his life he had fought with every ounce of resolve he could muster, holding the psychosis in check as best he could all the way here.

  Now he let it go. It bubbled up from inside like a heated cauldron of toxic potion. A cruel, demented laugh escaped his chest. It echoed through the hospital halls and reverberated off the polished floors. Krull and Bethara started awake. Scarlet’s baby woke as well and began to wail.

  Bethara scrambled to get to her feet. Frantically she dug for the injection kit in her leather bag. She whipped it out so fast she lost her grip and dropped it to the floor. Cursing, she retrieved it, pulling out a preloaded syringe. She moved to intercept Dragon when Krull placed a hand on her arm.

  “Wait,” he said.

  “What?”

  “Wait and watch,” he said as though everything would be fine.

  One of the guards remained frozen behind the others, wrestling with the indecision of fear versus duty. The two closer guards pulled their swords in unison making a scraping metallic hiss. Advancing slowly, their confidence was waning. Dragon increased his pace toward them, vaguely aware that Missy held onto his shirt from behind. It didn’t matter that she was here, he could protect her. His continued laughter took on a wicked savagery that resounded through his barely coherent thoughts.

  The odor of urine enveloped the air filling his nostrils. The third guard who hung back lost control of his bladder and was bolting down the hall to escape. A surreal moment of flashing lights confused him but he knew they were not real. The medication Harlan provided helped him differentiate between his mental illness and reality. But he was losing control quickly. The world around him was becoming more strange and confused.

  The other two guards suddenly stopped. Without warning, their feet had turned to white marble. Though he had not consciously caused it, Dragon knew he had done it. He stared for a moment, drawn to the marble’s flawless form and smooth shine. The guards followed his gaze downward in surprise. Pain distorted their faces as they screamed in horrified agony. Then, just as quickly as it had happened, the stone feet anchoring them to the floor mercifully transformed back to flesh. The second the men were free, they bolted down the hallway to escape in the same direction as their companion.

  Exhaustion overcame Dragon and he had to release the last bit of control. Blackness fell on his surroundings. Time passed leaving him with no recollection of how much had gone on without his awareness. The next lucid association came when he heard Missy softly whispering his name into his ear. She was sitting on the armrest of his chair, hugging him tightly with her faced buried in his neck. Tears escaped her eyes, dropping onto the back of his hand. His mind cleared slowly, like a morning hangover. Bethara was sitting on a rolling stool in front of him. Bethara always gave him comfort, no matter how she felt about him. He loved the way she smelled, like spring flowers and winter spices.

  Dragon looked around, swallowed, and licked his dry lips. “Are the guards gone?”

  Bethara watched him with a fragile smile. “Yes.”

  “Are they okay?”

  Bethara studied him with squinted eyes. He knew she was surprised at his concern for the guards. Dragon wasn’t a brutal man. He didn't want to hurt anyone if he didn't have to.

  Putting the kit back in her satchel she nodded. “As far as I could tell. They ran out of here unhindered, so I'm sure they are fine.”

  Dragon pulled Missy off of the armrest and onto his lap, squeezing her tightly. “Don't cry, little one. I’m okay.”

  He hugged her for a long time, resting his chin on the soft blonde hair atop her head. She was relaxed, not exhibiting any of the usual apprehension he was used to. It was both exhilarating and alien to have someone so happy to be with him. This was a new form of contentment and he took a few moments to revel in its innocent simplicity.

  Dragon stroked her hair. “You don't have to be afraid. I won’t let anything happen to us.”

  Missy sniffled then climbed down from his lap but stayed close.

  Krull came over and crouched next to them. That’s when Dragon realized he was in the chair next to Scarlet’s bed. He had no idea how he got there.

  “I assume we have to evacuate,” Krull said casting a worried look at Scarlet.

  Dragon followed his eyes. Scarlet held her baby as it suckled her breast. The first thing that struck him was how delicate and wane she looked. Her skin, normally pale, was almost white from her frail health. Her blazing red hair had thinned, turning to a dull reddish brown. Making her travel this soon after surgery was risky.

  “Yes. We got word that the Emperor put a price on Gypsy and Desmond. They are going to head toward the Queendom. Harlan was already handed over to Razorbacks to face an inquiry for the surgery she performed on Caraculla. Gypsy asked me to come and get all of you.” Dragon stared at Scarlet. “Is she well enough?”

  Krull let out a big, tired sigh. “At this point it doesn’t matter, we will manage. If she stays, Megolyth will take her hostage to get Desmond back and trust me, he will come back. We have to leave with her and the baby now.”

  “I could send for my brother, Trajan,” Bethara stood up. “He is close with the family. I know he'd be willing to help. I'll go and get him.”

  Krull shook his head. “I need you to help me get Scarlet and the baby ready to travel.”

  “I'll send a messenger then,” she said turning toward the door.

  “No,” Dragon interrupted. “All of the messengers are probably reporting back to the Emperor's men.” Then Dragon looked down at Missy as she stood beside his chair.

  Reaching out he took her hand, pulling her around to stand in front of him. He leaned forward looking into the little girl's eyes. “I need you to do something. It is very dangerous so you must try not to be seen by anyone who is in a uniform. Do you think you can do it?”

  Missy looked from Krull to Bethara. Then she met Dragon's gaze and nodded.

  Bethara took a protective step forward. “Dragon, she cannot fetch Trajan. He is at Madam Neese's brothel. You cannot send a little girl in there.”

  Dragon laughed. “Her father is a swine. I'm willing to bet she has been inside that brothel countless times getting his drunken ass out.”

  Squeezing Missy’s shoulders he said, “Do you think you can find Trajan in the brothel?”

  She smiled at him. “Yes.”

  Looking the child up and down, he bit his lower lip thoughtfully then held his hand out to Bethara. “Get me your scarf.”

  Without question, Bethara retrieved it from her bag and handed it over.

  Dragon pushed Missy's blonde hair behind her shoulders and wrapped the scarf around her head, concealing her hair under the black silk. Then he pulled the length across her lower face and draped it over and across her back. All you could see was a bit of light flesh surro
unding two bright blue eyes with a splash of gold surrounding her pupil. It wasn't the perfect disguise, but it would deter some attention.

  “Go now and bring him back here quickly.”

  Bethara opened her mouth to protest further, but Missy was already running off down the hall.

  Chapter 15

  Desmond looked down the steep rocky cliffs at the violent sea below. The tide drew back only to come forward again with a loud crash followed by an explosion of dark gray foam. Each wave that crashed startled Desmond, causing him to jolt in his saddle. Much like the route they had taken to the cemetery, the one to Fossix was the least direct.

  Miraculously, they had collected their hyperia from the livery and slipped out of the city unnoticed. Gypsy had led them through the parade grounds behind the military academy to an old service road that was no longer used. The uneven pitted road emptied onto a common scenic trail that ran along the sea cliffs down to the town of Fossix. Desmond could only assume word of their status and subsequent bounty wasn't common knowledge yet. That would soon change.

  Gypsy’s mother, Harlan, had been given the beautiful seaside residence when she had first come to AEssyria to fulfill a four-year medical contract. Her refusal to give it up when she began living with Gavin had been a point of contention throughout their marriage, until Gavin had briefly retired. Then it became a retreat, a place to stay and raise Missy when things between the Emperor and his General had gone bad. Harlan claimed to have kept the home as a place for vacations. The problem with that excuse was that she never took a vacation. Harlan and Gavin had that in common. Their lengthy marriage had been accompanied by the mistresses of their celebrated careers. Desmond knew why Harlan had really kept the home, everyone did. No one had expected Harlan’s marriage to Gavin to last. It was a haven for her, a place to have some downtime from her moody, difficult husband.

  Gypsy had told Desmond once that her mother used to take her to Fossix when her father left on campaign. With him gone, Harlan hated being in their primary home at the Empire. It was too hard never knowing if he was coming back.