dragon archives 02 - pursued by a dragon Read online

  “Cathryn.”

  “Tell me!” Her voice rose as she repeated the words. “Tell me!”

  “I can’t,” he whispered.

  “No! No!”

  “Please, listen to me,” he said, moving towards her with his hands outstretched.

  “Don’t touch me,” she screamed. “Stay away from me.” Turning on her heel she ran towards Morana, throwing herself over the saddle and hitching her leg over with a gasp.

  “Cathryn,” he shouted, running after her. “Stop!”

  Cathryn’s booted heels kicked into the horse’s flanks, spurring the animal into motion as Favian reached to catch the reins, missing them by less than an inch. Cathryn reached down and hugged Morana’s neck as she sped past Favian, tears streaming down her face. She kicked the horse again, urging her to go even faster, shuddering when she heard a roar ripping through the air behind her. She did not dare look back, but kept her head down as she raced towards the town as it slowly wakened to a new day.

  Chapter 20

  Cathryn sat at a small desk in her chambers, staring down at the paper in front of her which listed the items still needing to be completed before she started her tour. Father had finally agreed that the weather had settled enough for the roads to be passable, and with just two days to go before they left, there was still much to be done. She looked up as Hannah entered the room.

  “Master Drake is here again. Should I send him away?”

  “Yes.” Hannah watched Cathryn for a moment before nodding and leaving the room. Cathryn stared at the door after it closed. Favian had come by every day since that fateful morning when she discovered what he really was. She thought back to the conversation she’d had with Hannah the first time he called, when she told Hannah that she would not see him.

  “Why not?” Hannah had demanded.

  “He is not the man he appears to be,” Cathryn replied.

  “Did he hurt you?”

  “No.”

  “Then what is it? Is he running from the law?”

  “No. Nothing like that. He’s a good man. I just cannot marry him.”

  “But … I don’t understand.”

  “Please, Hannah,” Cathryn had said. “Just let it be.”

  The sound of a door closing brought her back to the present. She rose and walked over to the window, looking down on the street below. Favian appeared from beneath the overhang, and she pulled into the shadows as he paused. Turning slowly, he looked up at the window of her chambers, his eyes searching. They stopped when he reached the corner where she stood, although she was sure he could not see her in the shadows. “I love you,” she saw him say. He stared for another moment, then dropped his gaze and slowly turned away. The tears gathered in her eyes and spilled unheeded down her cheeks as she watched him walk down the street.

  Although Cathryn pushed all thought of him away while she was awake, she could not prevent him from pursuing her into her dreams. She dreamt of him every night. Sometimes the dreams were filled with warm embraces and words of love. He would hold her tight and whisper her name into her hair, before capturing her lips with his own, and she would wake in the morning with a wistful yearning.

  But other times the dreams were filled with frustration.

  “Why?” the dream Favian would demand. “Why can you not love me?”

  “Because you are a dragon,” she would whisper.

  “What does it matter?” he would say, but she had no answer.

  On the morning of their departure, Hannah coiled Cathryn’s hair into a knot, securing it with the butterfly pin. Cathryn opened her mouth to protest, but slowly closed it again when she caught Hannah’s gaze in the mirror. She pulled the silver bangle onto her wrist, and waited as Hannah tightened the stays on her habit. A few minutes later she descended the stairs, Hannah following a few steps behind. The trunks had already been stowed in one of the wagons, along with all the other provisions for the trip. She stepped out of the house, and with the help of Felix, mounted Morana while Hannah climbed onto the seat of the wagon, waiting in the lane. It was a sunny day, and Cathryn glanced up at the sky to see only a few fluffy puffs that bore no threat of rain. High overhead she saw a dark shape circling above them — bird or dragon, she could not say — and she quickly glanced away.

  “Ready?” she asked Felix, who responded with a nod. Father was holding her reins, and he reached up to pat her hand before stepping back. She gave him a quick smile as she set her horse in motion, Felix falling into step beside her. They soon reached the town’s gates, where the rest of the convoy were waiting to join them. Twelve wagons in total, ready to be filled with bundles of fleeces, each with a driver and an outrider who rode beside the wagon. Once each wagon was fully loaded with fleeces it would return with the goods to the warehouse in town.

  They made good progress the first day, traveling along a well-worn road. The first destination was a monastery, half a day’s ride away when the distance was traveled on a fast mount, but almost two days away when traversed by a large convoy. Once there, the monks would offer rooms to the travelers; but for the first night, they stopped at a small wayside inn where they were offered a bowl of greasy stew and a straw pallet. Cathryn, to her relief, was given a small room which she shared with Hannah, but the men were bedded in the large common room, the tables and benches pushed against the wall.

  After an uncomfortable night, they were up early the following morning, hitching the wagons and saddling the horses. Another long day of riding saw them approaching the monastery at nightfall. A forerunner had been sent on ahead to warn the abbot of their imminent arrival, and as the convoy neared the sprawling buildings, Cathryn found that their arrival was expected. Business conversations would wait until the morrow, but for now the promise of a warm meal and comfortable bed cheered them for the evening.

  Eight hundred fleeces were ready to be loaded onto a wagon the following morning, a task completed while Cathryn and the abbot conducted their business, and the convoy was ready to set off once more by noon. The next destination was a large market town, where small fleece lots could be purchased from tenant farmers.

  The days and weeks that followed started to blur as Cathryn continued her tour. Some nights were spent at wayside inns of varying quality and service, while other nights were spent at fine estates or austere monasteries where Cathryn took delivery of fleeces, drew up contracts or renegotiated old ones. At one estate the owner was unable to produce the required number of fleeces, and when Cathryn suggested that they renegotiate the contract on terms less advantageous to him, he grew belligerent. Cathryn was sure it was only due to Felix’s presence that she escaped without physical injury.

  They had been on the road for fifteen days when the company was forced to put up camp on the roadside. The light was already starting to fade when the forerunner returned with the news that the next town was still twelve miles away, too far to reach before nightfall. A quick consultation with Felix resulted in the decision to stop alongside the road for the night, and he moved on ahead to scout out a suitable place to camp. He returned within a few minutes, indicating that there was a suitable site under some trees less than a mile ahead. They had just reached the spot when the sound of racing hooves was heard over the sounds of the creaking wagons and plodding horses. Turning in her saddle, Cathryn looked back to see a rider approaching them from behind. Next to her, Felix waved his hand, indicating that the convoy should stop to allow the rider to pass, but as he drew nearer he began to slow down. It was not until he was close that a gasp escaped Cathryn.

  “Geoffrey,” she said, “whatever are you doing here?” Eyes sparkling with humor, Geoffrey bowed in her direction, managing to look elegant despite being covered in dust and seated atop a horse.

  “Cathryn,” he said with a warm smile, “I came to keep you company.”

  “Whatever for?”

  “Perhaps I wanted to spend some time with you,” he said with a grin. Cathryn stared at him and her mouth hung open, until she
clamped it shut with a snap.

  “Has something happened?” she finally asked as Geoffrey urged his horse closer.

  “Nothing that I’m aware of,” he said. He glanced around, noting the stationary wagons. “Where are you headed?” he asked.

  “Actually,” said Cathryn, a slight smile tugging her lips, “we are about to set up camp.” Geoffrey groaned as she continued. “Would you like to join us?”

  “Definitely not,” he said with a shudder. “I will proceed to the next town and await you there.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “You could always come with me, and await the arrival of your convoy on the morrow.”

  “Certainly not,” replied Cathryn smartly. “I would be risking more than my reputation if I were to go with you.”

  “Cathryn,” said Geoffrey in an aggrieved tone, “whatever do you take me for? I never force a lady against her will. And we are to be married, so there really isn’t any risk.”

  “I will see you on the morrow,” she said in a firm tone. “I look forward to hearing what in heaven’s name you are doing here.”

  Chapter 21

  Cathryn lay on her mat, absently twisting the bangle on her wrist as she watched the stars shining brightly in the dark sky. Hannah lay next to her, while Felix was a few feet away. The rest of the men lay on the other side of the fire, far away from the two women.

  “Why do you think Master Beaumont followed you?” Hannah whispered, turning on her side to face Cathryn.

  “I cannot imagine,” Cathryn whispered back. “I can only think he must bring some news, but he did not seem pressed with a sense of urgency.”

  “Perhaps he wanted to see you.”

  Cathryn muffled a laugh.

  “We both know better than that.”

  Cathryn was stiff and cold when she awoke the following morning. She pulled the quilt around her shoulders as she sought some extra warmth. There were clouds building on the horizon and she watched them, concerned that they would bring rain. A movement in the sky caught her attention, and she looked to see a shape circling above her. It had been there every day, circling so high it was nothing more than a dark smudge against blue, but this morning she could clearly see the large wings of the creature. Cathryn watched it for a moment, refusing to contemplate what kind of creature it was, before throwing off the quilt and pushing herself to her feet. A fire was already roaring within a ring of stones, and she went to stand before it, rubbing her cold hands together. A pot had been suspended on sticks above the flames, and a thick sludge of oats and water bubbled lazily above the heat. Seeing that Cathryn was up, Felix pushed a spoon through the heavy liquid, and plopped the contents into a wooden bowl which he handed to her. For a moment, the contents held their shape, before oozing outwards to cover the bottom of the bowl. Cathryn nodded her thanks, and finding a log, she sat down to eat in silence.

  It was already early afternoon by the time the convoy rolled into the little town, Cathryn at its lead. The noise of the wagons drew people to their windows, and as they pulled up alongside a coaching house, she saw Geoffrey emerge.

  “You look like you could make good use of a cloth and bowl of water,” he said by way of greeting, eyeing her dusty clothes and disheveled hair with poorly disguised distaste.

  “Good afternoon to you too,” she replied, handing her reins to Felix and entering the inn, Hannah close on her heels.

  “Clean yourself up,” he said. “I will await your pleasure in the taproom.”

  “It may take a while.” A flick of the hand was her only response. She turned to see the innkeeper watching her.

  “A room for me and my maid, a stack of linens, fresh clean water, and a cup of wine,” she ordered.

  When Cathryn descended the stairs an hour later, Geoffrey was waiting in the taproom. He threw a handful of coins onto the bar and pushed himself away from the counter.

  “Come along,” he said, taking her by the arm and pulling her out of the room. “Let’s take a walk.”

  “Where are we going?” she asked.

  “Away from here,” he replied. “I need to discuss something with you.”

  “What is so important that you could not await my return?” she asked as they walked along the lane. A small stone church stood at the end of the road, and he led her into the gardens, weaving his way between weathered headstones and sculptured stone angels.

  “You expressed a desire to hasten our marriage,” he said, glancing her way as he spoke, “and after giving it some consideration, I have concluded that you are correct. There is no point in our waiting any longer to finalize the marriage contract.” Cathryn stopped, staring at him in surprise.

  “I don’t understand,” she said after a moment. “Why did you feel you needed to convey this change of heart before my return?” They had reached a line of bushes which marked the perimeter of the church yard. Ducking his head, Geoffrey pushed his way through a narrow opening, holding the branches back as Cathryn followed. Open fields lay before them, a footpath wending its way towards the distance.

  “Why wait until you return to town?” he said. “We will be married right away and return to town as man and wife.”

  “What? Why would we do that?” She rubbed her fingers over her forehead. “A few weeks ago you seemed quite adamantly opposed to getting married in the near future, and now you cannot wait? What are you up to, Geoffrey?”

  “Nothing at all,” he replied, stepping up to her. “You need to learn to trust me, my dear. Maybe I am just eager to be married to you.”

  “Hmph,” said Cathryn, turning her back to him. “I will believe that when the moon turns blue.”

  “Well then, I thought I could lend you support while you are on the road.”

  Cathryn turned to look at him suspiciously.

  “Why?”

  “Why not,” said Geoffrey, suddenly exasperated. “This is what you wanted, isn’t it? To finalize the marriage?”

  “Yes,” said Cathryn, “but not like this, as though we have something to hide.”

  “No-one will think that,” said Geoffrey. “This is a longstanding business arrangement, and it is in our best interests to conclude the matter now.” He took a step towards Cathryn, his eyes suddenly soft and beseeching. He took her hand in his own and gently brought it to his lips, kissing each finger in turn. Still holding it, he leaned in to whisper. “Please, my dear, I have followed you for days, wanting to have you by my side. Would you deny me now?” He wound his hand around her neck and pulled her closer, while his fingers trailed down her cheeks. “I’m very fond of you,” he said, bringing his lips closer, “and I want to feel you in my arms.” His lips descended onto hers, and for a moment Cathryn stood frozen, before she pushed him away.

  “What are you doing?” she demanded.

  “Cathryn,” he said, “we are about to be married.”

  “We are not about to be married,” she said, turning away. She felt his fingers slipping down her back and landing on her waist, where they lingered a moment before pulling her around to face him. His lips descended onto hers once more, soft at first, then becoming more demanding as he pulled her against him, holding her tight against his chest. She tried to pull herself free, but his hand slipped up her back to her head, preventing her retreat. She felt her hair fall around her shoulders as the pin tumbled out of its knot, and for a moment she panicked at the thought of it being broken, but as he forced her mouth open with his tongue, all thoughts except halting his attentions fled from her mind. A kick at his shins slackened his grasp, and she pulled away as a loud roar suddenly sounded above them. She looked up and screamed when she saw a dragon diving out of the sky straight towards them.

  A quick glance up and Geoffrey was turning on his heel, but he could not outrun the dragon. The creature landed on the ground beside them, and with one quick flash of a talon, knocked Geoffrey to the ground. Cathryn’s screams turned into dry, heaving sobs as she struggled to draw in breath, and she stumbled backwards, trying to compel her
legs to flee, but they remained rooted on the spot. She stared at the monster before her, watching in terror as it slowly turned to look at her. Its eyes were like blazing fires, while the scales on its body gleamed red in the sunlight. Huge red wings spread from its back, and a tail of sharp spears swished back and forth over the ground, swirling up eddies of dust. The sobs caught in her throat as the blazing eyes of the beast held hers. A movement caught her eye, and she glanced over to see Geoffrey getting to his feet and slowly backing away.

  “I’ve heard dragons only eat pretty maidens,” he said with a nervous laugh, “so I’ll just leave you to it.”

  With a roar the dragon pounced, a stream of flame pouring from its mouth as it pinned Geoffrey to the ground with its sharp talons, its lips drawn back in a snarl.

  “No,” shouted Cathryn, “don’t eat him.” The dragon turned to look at her once more, and if she hadn’t known better she could have sworn he was looking at her in disbelief. She took a deep swallow. “I think you will find his flesh stringy and his flavor as putrid as his heart.”

  The dragon watched her for another moment before slowly, and with obvious reluctance, pulling its claws away, leaving Geoffrey free to scramble to his feet. With an angry look at Cathryn, he turned and walked away, pushing through the hedge and disappearing from sight. Cathryn watched him go, before turning back to look at the dragon.

  “Thank you,” she whispered. The creature nodded, and she turned around, running back down the path.

  “Cathryn.” A breath of warm air swept over her as she heard her name whispered, but she didn’t pause, and didn’t look back.

  Chapter 22

  When Cathryn returned to the inn, Geoffrey was waiting in the front parlor. He approached her as soon as she entered the building, and when she deliberately turned her back to him and walked away he grabbed her arm.

  “Please, Cathryn,” he pleaded, “let me apologize.”