Page 66 of Ava's Love of the Dragons
"There must be some clue!" Ava bent down and searched the ground herself. But it was as Magg had said—she couldn't even find the merest scrap of fabric from Lilly's clothing. As she stood up, she called Draco to her.
"The mages were here, and they have Lilly."
"I've already told Thalara."
"They must have taken her to the castle where they held me captive. You found me back then. Can you find the place again?"
"Maybe with the help of the dragon guide. We'll meet him behind the forest so the soldiers on the training ground don't notice."
"Then let's go."She was about to run to Draco, but Magg stood in her way.
"What are we going to do?"
"I'm going to get her back." Ava tried to rush past her, but Magg held her by the shoulder.
"Wrong. We're going to get her back!"
With a twist, Ava freed herself from her grip and raised her hands defensively. She didn't have time for this! "I have no idea what we're up against, but I can't use a quarrelsome person by my side!"
"How about a friend then?" Magg extended her hand to her.
Ava hesitated. It would definitely be advantageous if she came along, but could she really trust her? She studied Magg, who didn't look overly friendly, but rather determined. "I don't know if we'll make it out of there alive."
"Since when are you so pessimistic, oh fair Guardian? You have the best young fighter in decades by your side!"
A smile flitted across Ava's lips, but the nickname reminded her of Marcus. She looked pleadingly at Lynn, who had raised her shoulders. She looked pale and unsure. "You need to go to Marcus and tell him what's going on."
"No, I'm coming too. I won't let Lilly down."
Ava felt a warmth in her heart. Not long ago, Lilly had been living alone on the streets, and now so many people cared about her. And Lilly should feel it, see it, know it. She should lead a carefree life! The girl deserved to find peace, to feel safe and cared for. They had to hurry so the mages couldn't harm her.
Ava shook her head decisively. "I need you by Marcus's side. I can't go back and let him know, but you can. It wouldn't be right to leave him in the dark."
Lynn pressed her lips together, torn between what was right and what was wrong. But how could she help them against the mages anyway?
Suddenly, Magg grabbed her and Ava by the arm and pulled them out of the forest. "We can't waste any time. You go to Marcus, Lynn, and try to cover up our absence. That's how you can help us the most."
Although Ava doubted that Marcus would stay put once he learned what had happened, she didn't argue. After all, Magg wasn't wrong. As soon as the king got wind of their unauthorized absence, she'd be fair game.
As if there weren't enough people who wanted her dead already...
They reached Draco, and Lynn hesitantly said goodbye. Wrapped in Ava's cloak, she shrugged her shoulders. "I feel guilty. Condemned to inaction."
"Guilty—you?" Ava shook her head. "You immediately noticed something was wrong. If I had listened to you earlier, the mages probably wouldn't have caught Lilly at all."
Suddenly, Magg stepped between them and stretched out her arms. "Enough guilt to go around, it's not getting us anywhere. You know the plan. Now off you go, Lynn, before they notice we're gone."
Lynn nodded cautiously and waved to them. As Ava and Magg sat on the dragon and shot into the sky, she snuck back to the inconspicuous door leading to the grounds.
Ava was afraid for her and afraid for Marcus. What if their absence was noticed and the two were punished for being their friends?
Magg had followed her gaze. "She'll manage."
"How do you know that?"
"I've known her for a few years now, and even though she acts innocent, she's got more tricks up her sleeve than you'd think. Have a little faith, and now urge your dragon to fly faster. We need to hurry."
Neither Draco nor Ava needed to be told twice.
