Dragonquest - Donita K. Paul [138]
Seated across from Wizard Risto was the woman Kale had referred to as Mother Number One.
Mother Number Two spoke. “I believe you’ve met Risto before, Kale. But let me formally introduce his companion. This is Burner Stox.”
Burner rose with a cunning smile on her lips and coldness in her eyes. “I’m so pleased to see you here.”
Kale sidled closer to the Lyll Allerion she claimed as her real mother. Burner Stox made her skin crawl.
Risto laughed. “With all your artfulness, Lyll, Cam”—he nodded at each wizard—“you still managed to play right into my hands. You see, all this”—he waved his hand over the battle plans and gestured toward the surrounding countryside—“was contrived for the sole purpose of bringing the Dragon Keeper to us. How nice to also have two annoying wizards delivered at the same time. I must admit that I’m disappointed Fenworth and the meech dragons aren’t here as well. But it’s only a matter of time before they, too, fall into my hands.”
He gave Burner Stox a wink and a sardonic grin. “Shall we, my dear?”
She nodded, and both turned evil glares upon their company.
A fire burst around Cam and Lyll. Cam merely raised his arms, and a torrent of water cascaded over the flames. He moved to stand directly in front of Risto while Lyll approached Burner in an agile, catlike prowl.
Burner sneered. “We wanted you, Lyll Allerion, and Risto’s brilliant plan worked. Once rid of Paladin’s elite inner circle, we can easily control Amara.”
“Where is Crim Cropper in all this, Burner?” asked Lyll. “Surely your husband should be here for this triumph.”
Burner’s twisted smile deepened. “He’s playing scientist in a southern region. He doesn’t care for ‘field work.’ He’ll be grateful enough when I bring him more specimens for his experiments.”
Kale’s head swiveled back and forth as she watched the male wizards fight. Bolts of lightning, balls of fire, whirlwinds, hornets’ nests, and anything else the combatants captured from nature hurled across the small space between them. The female wizards tossed words back and forth and edged closer to each other. That in itself unnerved Kale.
Instinct told her that Burner Stox must not lay a finger on her mother. She edged around the side of the tent. When she managed to get to a flank position, she screeched out a warning.
“There’s two Ristos and two Burner Stoxes. You’re looking at a reflection. The real Risto—” She didn’t get to finish.
Simultaneously, Risto and Burner Stox grabbed their opponents. Cam and Lyll stiffened. The color drained from their flesh and clothing. When the evil wizards withdrew their hands, only statues remained.
Kale screamed.
Risto turned to her. “Dealing with you should be a lot simpler. But first I want my troops to see I have you in my power. It should do wonders for their morale.”
Kale raised her small sword, only to have it jump from her hand at Risto’s command.
He grabbed her by the arm. “Burner, keep that dragon of hers from following us.”
He dragged Kale out of the tent. Celisse let out a cry, and her huge head swung toward them. A light flashed, and Celisse wailed. Again the dragon stretched out her neck to intercept Risto’s departure. The light flashed, and Celisse fell.
Kale kicked at her captor, to no avail. Once on the back of a dragon and in the air, she dared not pull away from him. But she vowed she would flee at the first opportunity.
They landed on a hillside overlooking a heated battle of ground troops. Burner Stox followed. When she dismounted, she took hold of Kale’s arms in a viselike grip.
From the vantage point of the hill, Risto shouted encouragement to his men, pointing