Dragonquest - Donita K. Paul [97]
Lyll’s hand snapped back. She hissed a word Kale did not recognize, and a light exposed the area. The harsh glare made Kale blink and shield her eyes.
Her mother spoke another word, and the offensive light dimmed.
Her mother smiled, but the hard look in her eyes remained, making Kale feel wary.
“As you see,” said Lyll Allerion, her voice smooth and persuasive, “I have no need for those scrawny creatures. Your collection of beasts will not be necessary in our palace. Instruct them to stay here.”
Kale felt a shiver go through her heart, and her hands clenched into fists. The hard metal disk bit into the flesh of her palm. Pain streaked up her arm. Kale released the grip she had on the odd coin and let it fall.
“Oh no.” She dropped down to her knees, looking for Granny Noon’s gift.
“What is it now?” asked Lyll.
“I lost the coin Granny Noon gave me.”
“You won’t need that either. Honestly, Kale, step out of this dismal existence. Why be at the beck and call of a motley group of misfits when you can live in the splendor of wealth and power granted by Wulder Himself to the Allerion family? Come!”
Lyll extended her milk-white hand once more, and Kale saw the pointed tips of nails painted a purple hue to match her mother’s gown.
She ducked her head and stared at the ground. The coin lay among dry, crisp leaves. A tendril of smoke spiraled up from the edge of the metal disk. With a crackle, the smoke expanded and swirled into a thin tongue of fire. Kale’s eyes widened as the small flame encircled the coin and grew taller.
Gymn and Metta squeaked their alarm. With a whoosh of cold air, Kale’s mother disappeared. Kale stomped on the fire with her boot. In a matter of seconds, the bower under the bentleaf tree was dark and silent.
She squared her shoulders and fought the fear that almost buckled her knees. Dibl and Ardeo peeked out of the cape. Ardeo gave a trill and dove to the charred ground. He picked up a bug and popped it in his mouth.
Kale gave a nervous giggle. “Roasted roach seems to be Ardeo’s preferred meal.”
She bent over and carefully picked up the shiny metal disk. No heat remained. She clenched the cold coin in her hand and felt no pain. She tightened her grip and still did not feel the bite into her flesh that had made her drop it before.
Opening her hand, Kale stared at the small piece of metal. “Now what does this mean?”
41
HOMECOMING
Kale stepped out from under the shelter of the bentleaf tree and breathed the crisp, clear air. Stars pricked the velvet sky with brilliant pinpoints. The minor dragons danced in the air, displaying their joyful mood.
She sensed Bardon nearby and searched for him. He stepped from behind another bentleaf tree. Armed with his sword and a bow, he looked ready to defend the camp.
“Are you on guard, Bardon?”
“It’s always good to be prepared.”
“You were watching out for me.”
He nodded.
“Did you see her?”
“I got a glimpse.” He hesitated. “She certainly dresses well.”
Kale laughed.
Bardon watched the dragons’ aerial ballet. “The dragons are happy. Does that mean you are as well?”
“I am. Isn’t that odd?”
“Because your mother was here, and she is a…disturbing person?”
“Yes.” Kale surveyed the countryside. The devastated field didn’t look so harsh in the mellow light of the moon. She sighed at the beauty still visible in the roll of the gentle hills. “I was contemplating how superior I would feel when I see the people I used to serve. Then my mother showed up, and she really is important. And I don’t like her.”
Dibl landed on Bardon’s shoulder, then flew off again. Metta’s voice broke into a song of contentment.
Bardon put a hand on Kale’s shoulder and guided her to sit on a boulder. He crouched beside her. “So why do you feel so at ease?” he asked.
“Because I didn’t go with her. I knew I didn’t have to. And tomorrow I’m going to like seeing Mistress Meiger. I’ll be