“You’re planning on going to Vlad’s island. I’ll say this much for Wizards—You all have more courage than good sense. That Dragon may have scared the Ravs away from the compound, but it’s my guess they’re still lurking in the sky and willing to do a kamikaze into the propellers to bring down any planes foolish enough to go to Vlad’s stronghold.”
Rowan shrugged. “I have a plan.”
Renegade shook his head as he motioned for his men. “So did Morgan, and she played right into Vlad’s hands.”
Rowan turned toward the Dragon, who seemed to be waiting for something. One thing the beast shared with his brother, besides crazy courage, was that they both had a lot of patience. “Stryker. Thanks for saving my life.”
“It needed saving.” The Dragon paused, his head turning toward Renegade’s men, who were loading into two float planes.
“If you can clear the sky of Ravs so I can land, I’ll take care of the rest.”
The Dragon nodded and spread his wings.
Before Stryker lifted off, Rowan continued, “Stryker, thanks again for saving my life.”
The Dragon nodded his massive head again. “We’re brothers first. You’ve always had my back, and now it’s my turn to return the favor.”
Chapter Forty-Four
Vlad cinched the plastic ties on Morgan’s wrists and pushed her into a chair by a window overlooking the sea in his private room on the island. Outside, the ocean was the color of blood and the sky bruised and battered as the war raged between the magical community, aided by the Air and Water Wizards, and Vlad’s army.
Vlad gave a final tug on the ties. “In case the Oculist poison neutralizing your powers wears off, I want you constrained when the president of the Talons arrives.”
She glanced in the direction of the water for a moment before turning toward Vlad. “You and Constantine are trapped here.”
“A temporary situation. My army will win the battle.”
Constantine lumbered into Vlad’s private room without knocking, on his arm a fresh-faced female Troll, dressed in a gown of pink lace. He was flanked by four dour-faced security guards. He moved directly over to Vlad’s desk and set down the bottle of Macallan Scotch he’d brought. “I’m assuming you have proper glasses?”
Vlad reached for two Glencairn glasses and set them down beside the scotch. “Macallan is one of the most expensive in your collection. What’s the occasion?”
“First, a toast.” Constantine poured the scotch and handed Vlad a glass. “To winning wars. I’m assured that the attack is under control.”
“I’m not sure I share your confidence, but I’ll drink your expensive whiskey.” Vlad clinked his glass to Constantine and drained its contents.
Constantine set his glass aside and shook his head. “I thought a drink before we discuss this war of yours would help. We have tough matters to discuss. The truth is that you’ve madea bungle of things.” His tired expression froze when he turned his gaze toward Morgan.
She gave him a slight nod as she focused on mind-speaking to the female Troll who stood by Constantine’s side. “Regardless of how the war ends, I will do my best to rescue you from Constantine.”
The female Troll blinked twice. “That won’t be necessary.”
“By any chance have you seen my sister Wizards? They stayed behind while we made our escape.”
“They are…”
“Holy crap on a cracker,” Constantine said, interrupting the female Troll’s mind-speak. “I had hoped my informant was wrong. I had to see for myself.” He motioned for one of the four security guards, who nodded and left the room. Constantine’s eyebrows knitted together. “You succeeded in tricking Morgan, the leader of the female Wizards, onto the island, and are holding her prisoner. What were you thinking? No wonder the whole of the magical community is trying to turn the island to rubble.”
“I’m doing this for all of us.”
“You forget who you’re talking to. You’re doing this for revenge.”
Vlad glowered, grinding his teeth together. “Still consorting with female Trolls, I see. At least this one doesn’t have that annoying green tinge to her skin. She looks almost human. But what are you doing here? I thought you would have left by now.” The last thing Vlad needed was Constantine meddling in his business. He ordered one of Constantine’s security guards to watch Morgan as he stomped over to Constantine.
Constantine wove a protective arm around the Troll’s waist and cast a defiant glance in Vlad’s direction. “I’m leaving this doomed island before it sinks into the Pacific. And I’m not the only one leaving.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The Grey Council and the Talons have decided it is not in their best interest to stay here. Nor will they continue to support you. They share my human view of not backing a losing horse. I’d advise you to leave as well, but I really don’t give a damn if you live or die. Let the rebels have this place. There is more at stake than who controls an archaic Fertility Festival during Bealtaine.”
