Dragonlands(235)

I'm going to kill him. Fi told Tressa.

Tressa dove to the ground, holding Jarrett's hand. Don't, she pleaded. Not until we know why.





Chapter Twenty-Eight


"Kill me."

"Jarrett," Tressa pleaded, "don't say that." She stroked his hair, the rest of his body still trapped under Fi's claw. He’d controlled her with magic, but now that she had her head back, she would help him. This time it would be because she wanted to—not because he forced her to.

Give me the word, and it's crunch time, Fi thought.

Tressa refused to answer. She wouldn't let Fi crush Jarrett and she wouldn't let Jarrett convince her to.

"Tell me what happened," Tressa said.

"Kill me." He moved his lips, but nothing came out.

Tressa looked up at Fi. Something has him under a spell. Like he did to me. We have to help him.

Fi was silent a moment. We could try taking him somewhere else. Maybe one of our mages back in the Ruins can help him. But if he stays under this spell then I doubt we'll get him off the island. He'll resist. He'll blow you away with one of those fireballs.

Tressa stood and grabbed the pack from Fi’s ankle.

Hey, those are my clothes, Fi said.

I need them more than you do right now. Tressa shrugged on Fi’s cloak. She’d been naked the whole time, but too out of it to care. Now that she knew, she wanted to be covered. She walked around the beach until she found exactly what she needed. Picking it up, she hefted it in her hand. Yes, it would do. She just hoped Jarrett would forgive her.

Tressa knelt next to Jarrett's prone body, his face still contorting. She drew back her arm and walloped him on the head with the rock.

Jarrett cried out in pain, then eyes closed and his face relaxed.

Okay, Tressa told Fi. Ease up. He's out.

Fi lifted her foot just off of Jarrett, hovering in case he was faking it. But he didn't move.

Now sit and help me get him on your back, Tressa said.

Fi used her tail to help Tressa push Jarrett onto her back. Tressa climbed up behind him, wrapping an arm around his waist.

We probably can't make it back to the Ruins before he wakes, Tressa thought. Take me to Ashoom. Elinor will know someone who can heal him.

Without answering, Fi took to the sky. Tressa wanted to talk to her friend, but she knew Fi was irritated with her. They'd both left the battle. There was no telling what kind of trouble they'd be in when they reunited with the Black. Guilt washed over Tressa, even though she knew her departure had little to do with her own desire and more to do with whatever spell Jarrett had put on her.

They flew until the towers of the Blue castle at Ashoom broke through the tips of the trees in the forest. Elinor would find someone to help Jarrett. All would be well. Tressa repeated these thoughts to herself, hoping it would make them reality.

Fi glided through the window at the top of the tower, descending into the throne room. She landed carefully and lay as close to the floor as her belly would allow. Tressa slid down. She ran to the settee, grabbing all the pillows. She tossed them onto the floor next to Fi, who bent to the side, letting Jarrett slide onto them.

Fi changed into her human form, her hands on her hips and a grimace on her face. "I can't believe I followed you out of battle for this." She stomped around the room, her hands waving in the air. "He tried to kill you. TWICE! And you still want to help him? You really need to get your priorities straight."

"What if it was Sarah?" Tressa asked. "Would you just let someone kill her or would you fight to find out what happened to her?"

"Fine." Fi wouldn't say it out loud, but Tressa knew she'd conceded. "Where are your friends?" Fi looked around the empty room.

"I don't know," Tressa said. "I'm sure they're in the castle somewhere. Check at the door for a guard."

Fi skulked to the doors, flinging them open.

Barden jumped out, brandishing a sword. "I'll kill you." He looked over Fi's shoulder, seeing Tressa and Jarrett. "Oh, it's you three." He sheathed the steel.

"Where's Elinor?" Fi asked. "Jarrett is hurt. We need a healer."

"They've gone," the man said. "I'm Barden, by the way. We met once when you were last here." His gaze traveled her body, lingering on her breasts. He winked at Fi with a lecherous smile on his face.

"Look at me that way again and I'll burn off your manhood next time I turn into a dragon."

Barden cupped his hands over his private parts, his mouth forming a little O.

"Now tell me where I can find a healer, or I'll cut off your manhood now." She twirled a small dagger in her hand.

"This way," Barden said, still holding onto himself.

"I'll be back soon," Fi said over her shoulder to Tressa as they left the room.