“Lydel’s covered in thorns. He placed them there.”
“Just the offshore island. He’s annexed the rest of Lydel already. I believe the high lady cast the spell to protect those beneath and to protect the core.”
She sucked in a breath. “Shecursedher own people?”
“She was a determined woman, the kind who willingly sacrificed herself to protect those she loved.”
“Why sacrifice herself to protect people turned to stone?”
“It’s not over for Lydel yet.” That was all I could say.
“Who else did you kill other than Farnoll and Selitta?”
“The person who shot you and Seevar on our way here.”
She rubbed her arm where the bolt had sunk all the way through, but it must be nearly healed by now. “Who else?”
“One of your fellow riders back at the fortress.”
“What?” she barked.
“He was standing outside the training area while you worked with Seevar. He sent bands of power to poke the dragon while you were flying near the top of the netting, no doubt hoping a fall would cause you considerable pain—”
“Or kill me.”
I dipped my head forward in acknowledgment. “Or that.” My chin lifted, and I held her gaze. “I eliminated the problem.”
“What was his name?”
“I didn’t think to ask,” I rasped.
“I’m sure you didn’t. When did this happen?”
“Not long after I arrived. It’s a wonder you survived until then.”
“I’m not completely defenseless,” she snarled.
“I agreed.”
Her resigned sigh puffed out. “Anyone else?”
“Your commander.”
Her eyes widened. “Because he was stealing power from captured Nullens?”
“That, and for telling others to kill you.”
She sucked in a breath. “Why did he want to kill me?”
“When Farnoll realized what you were coming to mean to me, he knew I would collar you. He knew the king would fear us.”
Shaking her head, she snorted. “Why fear us?”
“Because he would see your potential. Even more, what the two of us together might be able to do.”
“You didn’t kill Reyla when she tried to stab me.” Her brow knit with thought. “Why not?”
“Farnoll lulled her and turned her into a weapon. Once I eliminated him, his lull disappeared.Shedid not want to kill you.”
