The Dragon and the Dreamwalker (Elemental Series) by Elizabeth Rose Page A

Dracus comes back?” shouted one of the villagers. “Without Brynn for a sacrifice, it will be after us, and eventually our children.”
    “What are we going to do?” asked another. “How will we protect ourselves? I fear for my children’s lives.”
    “Then I’ll protect you,” Drake offered. Brynn found herself startled by his action. “You can all come live within the walls of Thorndale castle until I am able to rid the lands of this awful beast.”
    Brynn was about to object, dreading the thought of inviting Calais and those who tried to sacrifice her into her castle’s walls, but before she could, Hermod spoke up.
    “No,” Hermod said with conviction, glaring at Brynn. The rest of the Elders nodded in agreement with his decision. “We won’t go if the witch is there. We would rather stay and chance the dragon.”
    If Brynn hadn’t felt weakened by the rain and from using her powers, she probably would have angered at them calling her a witch. But now, she wanted nothing more than to return to Thorndale and fall into a warm bed.
    Some of the villagers seemed to agree with the Elders, but others, especially those with children shook their heads at Hermod’s decision. It was obvious they would rather take their chances around Brynn than wait for the dragon to come consume them.
    “As you wish,” said Drake, turning to go. Brynn couldn’t help but feel relief.
    “Wait!” shouted Calais, causing Drake to turn. “I, for one, refuse to stay in Lornoon when I can be safe inside Thorndale at Lord Dunsbard’s side.”
    Brynn knew he was too much a coward to stay if he didn’t have to. She also knew Calais coming to the castle would mean nothing but trouble.
    “I agree,” shouted another villager. “Let the Elders stay if they want, but we will come to Thorndale under your protection, Lord Dunsbard.”
    “Do as you wish,” said Hermod, “but your life isn’t any safer around her.” His accusing finger pointed at Brynn.
    She didn’t like the way the Elders shunned her. She wasn’t to be feared. She was the daughter of the late Lord and Lady of Thorndale. Her father would have done the same had he been alive, offering Lornoon protection. She was Lady of Thorndale Castle now and would stand at Drake’s side with his decision, even if she didn’t totally agree. While she still felt uncomfortable siding with those who wanted to kill her, she knew just as an ally could become an enemy, so could an enemy become an ally. Someday she may need these villagers. She would help them now, and later they might help her in return. Once she gained their respect she might be able to claim the castle as her own and send Drake and his men on their way. Things would be as they should.
    “I agree with Lord Dunsbard,” she said. “Anyone who would like protection is welcome in my father’s home.”
    She noticed Drake’s surprise at her agreement. She also noticed the pleased look upon his face she wasn’t fighting him again.
    “Let’s go,” someone shouted and the villagers went to collect their things. Brynn watched as Calais rubbed his chin and smiled. She wasn’t happy about having him at the castle, and wished she could have specified anyone but Calais was welcome. But she couldn’t do that without explaining her decision to Drake. She would have to keep a close eye on Calais now, hoping he didn’t spill to Drake her secret.
    Calais winked at her and left with the others to collect his belongings. She felt her stomach lurch, dreading this already.
    “Let’s go,” Drake said, directing her toward Gollimer. Asad hurried along at their side.
    “That was a noble thing for you to do, to invite all of Lornoon into my castle,” Brynn told Drake.
    “’Tis my castle now,” he corrected her. “And I felt it was the least I could do since I am responsible for all this.”
    “Responsible?” she asked with a small laugh. “How can you say that? You don’t control the dragon. You have nothing to do with