Page 124 of Oath of Rebellion

"But the magical protections."

"We're all going to die."

Knox snorted and green smoke curled around his nose and sank to the ground. His tail raised to wave behind him. He commanded attention.

The crowd grew silent as he stood tall and reached for her hand. He drew comfort and strength from her presence.

Eirwyn lifted her chin. "We're not going to die, not today. I've been in the forest for several days, and Knox can and will protect us."

The crowd paused, turning to stare at him. He felt the heat of their gaze and heard the whispers. They didn't know who he was or how he could help. They didn't trust him, and he might not have time to earn their trust.

He linked his fingers with Eirwyn's and said, "Any who seek safety in the forest will be taken to the village in the forest known as Vidrland, the home of the Robins."

The murmurs rose, eyes widening and several people looking around as if waiting to be arrested. But even the guards in the crowd stood still, unsure of what to do or where to go.

Knox continued, "Several of those who were formerly arrested by the king have already been moved to safety, protected by the Robins and the forest's magic. Those who were in the dungeons this morning have already been evacuated from the castle."

Two men pushed through the crowd, and Knox recognized them as Robins he'd sent to spy in the city. They nodded to him, hit their ,chest with a fist, and bowed.

"Master warden, what can we do to help?"

Knox' spine straightened as the whispers intensified. He took a deep breath and said, "Tell them what I speak is true. Tell them who I am."

The taller of the two faced the crowd, his gaze stern. "It's true. The master warden taught us how to travel safely through the forest. He's our dragon king and deals more fairly than the Buspartan king. We vote on all major decisions."

"Not another king."

"I knew I saw a dragon."

"Do you really get to vote as a commoner?"

"Yes, now if you want safety, let's go," Knox said, stepping with Eirwyn onto the Lone Road. The two Robins began to follow along with a handful of others. But most of the crowd stayed on the edge of the forest, talking with each other as they weighed their choices.

Another scream ripped through the castle, and the crowd turned to stare. The white marble turned black as they watched and many gasped. Mothers pulled their children closer.

"It's a curse."

"The black death! Look!"

"Heavens preserve us."

The murmurs of the townsfolk echoed around them. Knox swallowed hard and rubbed his head. It was time to face who he was. It was probably the only way they'd go with him and escape whatever was going on at the castle.

He wiggled his finger and let go of Eirwyn's hand. He stepped onto the stairs of roots to gaze across the tops of the people. People began to tug on sleeves and point up at him. When every eye turned away from the castle and back to him, he cleared his throat.

"I am the leader of the Robins. I am the king of the Feral Forest. I am a full-blooded dragon, and I will protect what is mine. That includes any who seek safety and follow the rules as set forth by the Robins."

A few villagers in the back of the crowd began to point to the city. The buildings that still stood closest to the castle were turning black and disintegrating into ash. A blanket of black was slowly creeping toward them.

He looked down at Eirwyn and said, "Reach for the plants with your magic."

Eirwyn arched a brow skeptically but reached out a hand. She frowned, concentrating. Then she shook her head.

"I can feel the magic, but it's chaotic. I can't grasp it."

Someone in the crowd handed her a wand. She shook it, then pointed at the trees on the side of the road and flared her magic. Her head spun and lights burst at the corners of her vision. Then more trees shot up, creating a solid wall. The crowd gasped.

Knox grinned, pride spearing through him as he held out his hand to her. She joined him at the top of the stairs.

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