Page 64 of Power of Draken

I lean my head against the wall, because I know the answer. Chambers hasdone the same calculation I had about a healer’s value, except his came squarely in favor of his own hide.

"Calm down, Ro," Chambers says, biting into his apple. "Ellie’s injuries are superficial at best. Bruises and split lips are part of the trade, and—unlike you—Ellie knows it. She is one of the best and toughest cadets we have. Smart tactics say there will be worse to come, and my reserves are of better use in saving a life than soothing a bruise. Unless you think a few slaps is all we can expect to see?"

"If we are talking expectations, I didn't expect you to look so remarkably... comfortable after a day of interrogation,” Rowan retorts. Good girl.

"You sound disappointed I'm not more injured." Collin sighs, shaking his head at Rowan. "I know you are upset about the breakup, but can we be professionals for the moment and focus on working together instead of against each other? That's how we get out of this mess."

Rowan opens her mouth to retort, but Ellie whispers something in her ear and the pair focus on each other instead.

"You’ve been here a day already?” Nameless asks Collin quietly. “How did you manage to… you know… keep them off you?" There is actual hope in the kid's voice, which makes me want to roll my eyes.

"It’s about knowing how to talk to people. Making yourself human to them. Real," Chambers replies, doling out his horseshit with sage sauce. His eyes flicker toward me, then back to his pupil. "The point is to accomplish the mission. There aren't bonus points for getting beaten to a pulp."

Chambers’s creative storytelling aside, there is an interesting point to consider here: Why haven’t the mercs started interrogating us all in full yet? I understand prioritizing hunting over questioning while the element of surprise remains, but according to Logan the mercs have people to spare.

I lean my head back against the wall, let the others talk, and try not to count every bite of food that goes into Rowan's mouth. She'd divided up the rations and didn't leave herself enough. I’ll need to change that.

For her part, Rowan isn't even bothering to look at me anymore.

Wasn't that the very goal you were going for? Ulyssus points out. Because you’ve been moping and whining about how much easier it would be to be separate from the human for days now.

Good stars, I’ve not had this much of a problem keeping my mental shields in place since Ulyssus first bonded me. Not that I don’t know exactly what my problem is.

Is Arianda back in range? I send back.

I am not a postal pigeon.

That's a no then, but it's still early. According to the draken, there was increased action coming from the north east, where a large contingent from Flurry had penetrated past the wards. They’d brought air support—though in Eryndor’s conditions the draken are as much a liability as a weapon—and unfortunately a pair of riderless young draken had snuck along without invitation. And paid the price. I wager the young ones didn’t even know that Eryndor doesn’t just kill draken—they collect them. Especially the female ones.

It’s bloody frustrating that even after two years here I still don’t know why they do it.

In any case, even if Kyrian’s mission to help them went perfectly, it would take him and Arianda longer to regroup with us than had passed thus far.

My job is to ensure Rowan is still in one piece when he returns. And I’m doing a hell of a good one, aren’t I?

As the hours stretch on, Mercer appears periodically to toss more unfortunate cadet victims down to the cellar before heading back out. He collects basic information from each—names, specialties, background. None of the questions are against the rules of the commandant's game, and the cadets answer easily, saving their resistance and energy for when it counts.

I settle myself into a more comfortable spot and try to get some rest, though I mostly end up watching Rowan's fitful sleep. The way she’d helped me with her magic is proof that our mission concept is right. If anyone can develop a way to reverse the effects of auric steel, it’s an alchemist. There are so many who need help and hope. Draken. Shifters. And a young dragon named Lilith.

I can’t let them all down. Even if it means destroying the world of the woman who’s taken my heart. I drop my head into my hands.

I'm still watching Rowan when her eyes flutter open, meeting mine in the dim light. For a moment, we just stare at each other across the cellar. She can’t possibly still want anything to do with me, can she? Not after all I said to her.

To my surprise, she carefully extricates herself from Ellie's sleeping form and makes her way over to me, her chains clinking softly with each step.

"Can't sleep?" I ask, keeping my voice low.

"I have a problem,” she whispers, her brow furrowed with concern as she settles down beside me. She's close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from her body, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to pull her closer.

I raise an eyebrow instead. "Besides the obvious?"

Her jaw clenches further, the little muscles going taught beneath her cold skin. She gathers in on herself and I can tell she doesn’t want to be here, near me. But she looks back at her friend and then turns to me with resolve. “I need your help.”

“You have it.” The words are out of my mouth before I can consider their wisdom.

Though when Rowan nods her gratitude, I know I’d never have been able to say anything but ‘yes’ anyway.

“We can’t let Ellie be returned to the Spire. She…” Rowan’s voice drops. “She gave up her codeword. We need to get her out. Somehow.”

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