Dragonhold (Book 2) Read Online Free

it." Everyone turned to the slight figure who'd been nearly invisible, so well did he blend in with stone walls. "I've violated the trust of just about everyone present," Sevellon said. "Perhaps this is my chance to regain what I've lost."
    Kendra swallowed hard. Sinjin knew his wife. For all her bravado, she considered the consequences of her words. Sevellon's fate was now in her hands. If he died, it would be her fault. Sinjin did not stand in judgment; he simply read the emotions on her face. Sliding closer, he gave her arm a squeeze. When she didn't pull away, he knew he'd been right. It was also nice that experience finally told him when the wisest thing to say was nothing at all.
    Trinda also appeared concerned about Sevellon's decision. If Sinjin was any judge of emotion, she wanted to object, but she remained silent.
    "Perhaps it would be best to wait until we know more," Brother Vaughn suggested.
    "We don't know how long we've got until the hold destroys itself," Kendra said, regaining her strength. She pulled away from Sinjin's grip. "If Sevellon makes it out, he'll need time to get word to any of the people who might be able to help us."
    Sinjin doubted there was much anyone could do to help. In his mind, all Sevellon needed to do was prove it could be done, and all of them could escape in the same fashion. Learning the opposite would be devastating, no matter Sevellon's transgressions.
    "How will we know?" Brother Vaughn asked.
    The question left everyone in silence for some time as they contemplated.
    "We can see into the Pinook Valley from the Great Hall," Kenward said.
    "Which is held by the Black Queen, who may or may not be cooperative," Chase observed. "I vote we leave her out of this if possible." Morif stood behind him, nodding his agreement.
    "The source of the river must be to the north of the hold, yes?" Sevellon asked, once again proving he possessed a sharp mind. Chase nodded. "There should be a lot of apples on the ground at this time of year."
    "There's a chance whatever signal we choose will just float on past or get stuck," Morif said. "This underground river is only a small part of what continues on above ground. We also need a way to acknowledge receipt of the message. That way, if he doesn't receive our response, he can send another."
    "Mushrooms," Kendra said.
    Trinda looked incredulous. "Miss Mariss would lose her mind," she said. It was the closest thing Sinjin had seen to her being afraid of someone. The fact that it was Miss Mariss was a sign the enigmatic woman did have some sense.
    "So if I live, I'm to go north, gather apples, and throw them all into the river at once. And then I'm to come back south to look for mushrooms. Is that right?" No one contradicted him. "And then what?"
    Sinjin thought about the situation and finally overcame his distrust of Trinda. She wasn't in a position to do much with the information, and it might just save his mother's life. His mother's and Kendra's safety were his highest priorities. "Find a way to get to Lankland," Sinjin said. "Go to Jharmin Kyte, and tell him we urgently need the blanket he once lent me."
    Catrin turned with surprise. It felt good to contribute, and Sinjin savored the moment. Jharmin Kyte had once hidden Sinjin from the ferals--and his mother--and judging by her expression, she'd made the connection. That same blanket might be just what Catrin needed. If he was right, the blanket had concealed him by cutting him off from Istra's light, which would explain why he'd found it so hard to breathe when under it.
    Kendra also understood the blanket's effects, but Trinda obviously did not. She stared at him as if trying to read the thoughts in his head. "I believe it might be able to lessen the effects of Istra's light on my mother." This was intended to give Trinda just enough information to satisfy her curiosity without telling her everything. It also didn't hurt to remind the child queen that Catrin was his mother; whether to instill fear