Page 37 of The Darkest Knight

Finally, Argo walked toward them. “We leave at dawn,” Argo said, his expression stern. The male exuded power and control. The shifter was formidable in battle and personally, Niall hoped never to have to fight against him.

“I have sent a messenger to Prince Sterling,” Niall continued. “But I would not hold out much hope he will come. The Prince has issues on his own lands that require his constant attention.”

“I think the messenger found him,” Padriag said, his gaze moving past Argo’s shoulder. “He is just now arriving.”

The unmistakable sound of the beast broke through as the dragon came into view. It flew across the sky, seeming to float on the wind’s currents, its attention aimed down.

With graceful swoops of expansive wings, Sterling’s dragon landed. The beast let out a loud roar, that sounded like an angry lion. With shimmering green, purple, and golden scales, and a long tail that swished from side to side, the dragon required a large space. The huge head turned as if taking in the area before it finally lowered close to the ground so that the prince could dismount.

Prince Sterling was a man befitting of his name. His hair, shimmered in the sun, a light ash blond, his eyes an unusual shade of silver. Niall was grateful for the man’s presence, as the prince was rarely seen outside of his realm. As he walked toward them, his fur-lined gray cloak billowing from his shoulders and knee-high boots crunching on the ice, his unnatural silver gaze took them in.

“What, pray tell, is this urgent matter?” Stirling asked in a flat tone. “Let me forewarn you that neither my pet nor I will put our lives on the line for foolery.”

Niall clenched his jaw. “I respectfully request you reconsider helping us Your Highness. In the darkness of night, village women were abducted and taken to Meliot’s castle. Your help will ensure we can rescue them all.”

Sterling looked off into the distance. Niall noticed a tick on the side of his face. “Why would Meliot take the women?”

What did it matter? Anger sizzled under Niall’s skin, and it took all his strength to keep from shaking the man.

“Several women from the village are prisoners, and one woman from the other realm. Someone went there and took her.”

Sterling’s eyes snapped up at the mention of the woman’s circumstance. “How is that possible?”

The prince turned back to the dragon. Niall wondered if they communicated silently. When he faced them again, his face was expressionless. “Unfortunately, my hands are tied. My borders are vast, and I cannot afford a war with Meliot.”

Niall glared at him. “Atlandia’s warriors rides with us in the morning. Not only are your borders in jeopardy, but Atlandia’s as well.”

Sterling’s expression didn’t change. “There is more to this realm than Atlandia. My kingdom of Esland is too susceptible right now.”

The three knights looked at each other, they’d never heard of a second kingdom. Niall locked gazes with the prince. “What of Middlesex? Are they not important? They lie on the border of the two lands.”

“I do regret to hear about their misfortunes. But my hands are tied. I’d best go.”

“Your Highness,” Niall replied between clenched teeth.

The prince hesitated, his gaze looking past his shoulder toward the warriors who studied the dragon with fascination. “Godspeed to you all. I will assess my situation and return if I can.” He turned on his heel and went back to the dragon.

Niall stalked toward the interior of the tent.

Padriag caught up with him. “That sucks. We sure could have used the assistance of a dragon.”

“We will succeed with or without a dragon,” Niall replied.

“I believe we will,” Liam added stepping up on the other side of him.

“Yeah,” Padriag finished pumping a fist in the air. “Nobody takes our woman and lives.”

Dawn came. Niall had not slept because he was worried about Tamara and because he wanted to avoid Devina.

Once dressed and having eaten a surprisingly hearty breakfast of eggs, crusty bread and fried pork, he headed out to find his steed.

Upon seeing him, the horse pawed the ground, his huge hoof making deep impressions. Niall stroked the horse’s mane. “Today we will be victorious, friend. Tomorrow you and I will return to the keep.”

He glanced upwards, the third moon was new, a sliver in the sky. Once it became a full moon, the days would never be bright but remained in a twilight. The suns were barely above the horizon, giving an eerie glow to the surroundings.

The warriors were in the process of mounting, each male heavily armed with swords strapped to their backs, daggers across the chest, and more weaponry about their waists and on the saddles.

Niall mounted and double checked to ensure he’d not forgotten anything. Liam and Padriag pulled their horses alongside him. The warriors lined up in two rows, Argo in the lead. A gigantic warrior, Argo’s first to his right, signaled for the force to move forward.