“If anyone damages her, I shall go on a warpath,” his dragon said, and it was a promise rather than a threat.
“I will be right there with you. Anyone who injures Gwenyth will not go unpunished.”
Leo arrived at the battlefield to find Jakab hadn’t returned from visiting his brother. While he waited, he observed the younger dragons training for an upcoming battle on Smoking Isle.The youngsters completed their exercises and landed. Once they shifted, Leo started talking.
“You,”Leo said, pointing at a bright blue dragon with blue eyes. “You’re taking the corners too wide. Streamline your limbs to avoid your body dragging against the air.”
A green dragon sniggered. “You’re overweight,” Leo stated, shutting the youngster down. “If you drop some of that poundage and muscle up more, your speed will increase.”
“What about me?” a small black dragon asked.
Leo grinned. “You need to eat more and build muscle. Work on your strength and endurance. Practice your turns. Even though I’m advising you to put on muscle, your smaller frame will allow you to turn faster. That will give you an advantage.”
“You should listen to Leonidas,” Jakab said from behind Leo. “He has experience and knows what he’s talking about. We rarely have a champion such as Leo to offer tips.”
“The Leonidas?” the green dragon asked, and he peered more closely at Leo. “I didn’t recognize you.”
“There’s no reason you should. I have been focusing on things other than training and entering battles.”
“Are you retired?” the black dragon asked.
“Not officially.” As Leo uttered the words, he didn’t feel the urge to test himself against other dragons. He’d achieved his goals. None of his accomplishments had changed his parents’ behavior toward him. Something to consider.
“Be here tomorrow morning, and we’ll practice those turns,” Jakab said. “Bring your battle suits, and I’ll arrange a battle with a few of my friends. That will show the difference a fast turn makes in winning or losing a battle.”
“Yes, sir!” the three trainees chorused.
Leo waited until the young dragons entered the changing rooms and were out of earshot. “What news?”
“My brother says they have incarcerated her in the bottom level of the dungeon,” Jakab said.
“In the old dungeons?” Shock filled Leo at the update. “That’s where they detain the worst of the criminals. Why would they keep her there?”
“Because it’s almost impossible to escape the lower level. No one has done it before.”
“Almost?” Leo asked.
“Karlos, my brother, says the lower dungeon is in bad repair. Cracks are appearing in the walls and the cells flood during the rainy season. One prisoner drowned last year.”
“And my parents thought to put Gwenyth in such danger?” Leo cursed, appalled at their treatment of his mate.
“Karlos also said he doesn’t understand why they imprisoned your mate and placed her in the worst sector. Many of the soldiers are perturbed at her treatment.”
“Perturbed enough to help her escape?” Leo asked.
Jakab glanced over his shoulder before giving a slight nod. “Karlos told me since the old commander left, routines and security practices have changed in the castle.”
“If the dungeon floods, it must be nearer the river,” Leo said. “I wonder if it’s possible to dig into the dungeon?”
“It’s not worth the risk. If you dug in the wrong place, you could flood the lower dungeon and the level above it. I had a thought during my return after speaking with my brother. The best time to strike would be when the group from Smoking Isle arrive. Either then or during the ball. If you follow your parents’ instructions and attend the ball, they’ll relax and think you’re following their orders.”
“No,” Leo said flatly.
Jakab held up a hand. “Wait. They will split the soldiers. Most will be on security at the ball. If they behave as usual, the numbers left to guard the dungeon will be less than usual. That is the time to stage a rescue attempt. Even better, if some of those number left behind are sympathetic to your cause.”
“But I can’t be in two places at once.”
“Which is where your many loyal friends come in,” Jakab said. “Dragons and humans like you, Leo. You’re decent and treat everyone with the respect they deserve. If you require help, ask.”
