Page 118 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
Rayna’s torso had been ripped to shreds, and her left thigh had been sliced deep enough to reveal bone. She wouldn’t survive such injuries for long. Her slaying partner, Hugo, wouldn’t last much longer, either. He was swaying on his feet with numerous wounds as well. Four dead dragons and a dozen headless humans proved they’d been battling against overwhelming odds for some time.
As much as Rayna disturbed him, he couldn’t allow her to die. But first, he had to finish her enemies before he could get her to a healer.
Galadon flew at breakneck speed, aiming for the largest Kandoran beast. He rammed into the male and bit the back of his target’s neck while puncturing his claws through his shoulders. Bracing himself, he pulled a chunk of the enemy’s spine with his teeth, ending its life abruptly.
He spit the crunchy bits out.
Next, he swung his tail across several Kandoran humans and knocked them to the ground. As they attempted to rise, he blew flames to blind them. They were immune to fire, but it kept them from moving far. He went after each one between blasts, ripping their heads off with his claws or fangs. Onyx was rightthere with him, using his flat teeth to crush a human’s throat, drop him, and stomp the head. He’d been unaware that a horse could do such a thing, but this was Rayna’s animal, so of course, it wouldn’t be normal.
His and the stallion’s rage was so great that finishing all their prey didn’t take long.
Good boy,he said, patting the horse’s back.
He got a neigh in return. No one would believe this madness, but he almost enjoyed it.
The male slayer cried out. Galadon spun around to find Hugo half buried under the remaining Kandoran dragon. His sword was stuck in the beast’s side, but he’d missed the heart. Weakly, he tried to saw the blade up and down to pierce it.
Galadon ran over and took control of the hilt. His hands in dragon form weren’t as dexterous, especially with his talons, but he only needed to guide the sword. It had to go six more inches to the left. He muscled the blade over and punctured the heart. As soon as the light dimmed in the dragon's eyes and it gasped its last breath, he shoved the massive body off Hugo.
“Thanks, man,” the slayer said, gasping.
Both his ankles were broken based on their odd positioning.
Galadon wasn’t a healer and couldn’t help him. He turned to find Onyx standing near Rayna while gnawing on a dead dragon and consuming its exposed organs. The slayer had cut the Kandoran wide open before she’d fallen. He could have sworn horses didn’t eat meat, but this one appeared to be the exception, enjoying his feast with relish. The creature continued to get stranger.
He turned his attention to Rayna and crouched over her. Her torso was cut wide open with three deep gashes that exposed a portion of her lungs. Parts of her intestines hung out, and her leg bled heavily. Other cuts and scrapes covered the rest of her, but they weren’t as severe.
His chest tightened at the sight of her, knowing a human with her injuries would have already been gone. For a slayer, they could regenerate blood far more quickly and even survive organ failure for a while, but she would still be dead in the next few hours if she didn’t get to a powerful healer. Then she wouldn’t be around to annoy him anymore.
He sighed, knowing it would be so simple to walk away.
Pulling a blanket from shiggara, Galadon carefully wrapped it around Rayna while trying not to cut her with his talons. She moaned when he had to lift her partially. He felt bad doing it, but he needed to cover the wounds and keep anything else from spilling out during their travels. Next, he summoned his belt and tightened it around her upper thigh. It wasn’t easy since his hands were less nimble in this form, but it had to be done quickly. So much of her blood was already spilled on the ground and he needed to slow the flow.
“You’ll get her help?” Hugo asked from where he sat.
Galadon nodded, hating that he couldn’t let her go that easily.
Onyx,he called telepathically, gesturing at the animal.
The horse lifted its head and perked its ears forward. After a moment, it came to him and nuzzled Rayna’s neck. Genuine concern shown in the animal’s eyes. The crazy slayer had won his loyalty to the point he would risk his life ona battlefield with dragons to protect her. Galadon couldn’t imagine anyone else managing such a feat.
I need you to take Hugo to the bunker and get him help.He patted the stallion’s neck soothingly.Rayna needs a healer quickly, so I will fly her. It is the only way to save her.
The horse nickered, and he hoped that meant agreement. It must say something about his mental state that he truly believed Onyx would do what he requested. It amazed him further that he could communicate with the animal, but then again, it had never occurred to him to try with another kind of beast. Could he have done it all along, or was there something special about this one? It didn’t really matter at the moment.
He hurried to the male slayer, lifting and placing him on Onyx’s back. The stallion stood perfectly still.
“Save her,” Hugo said, glancing at the fallen female. “I’ll make sure her horse is okay.”
Galadon nodded and gave the horse a nudge to get it going.
As soon as the man and animal moved away, he carefully scooped Rayna into his arms. Her eyes fluttered open, shocking him that she’d regained consciousness. She drew in a wheezing breath, and he could only imagine the pain she must be feeling.
It hurts,she said into his head in a weak voice.
I will take you to my mother,he promised in a tone far kinder than he usually used with anyone.
She clenched her eyes shut in pain as he shot them into the air.I’d hate for you to trouble yourself on my account.
