Read Online Dragon Defense (Heirs to the Throne Book 3) by Diane Rapp - Free Book Online Page B

she took a timid step forward.  She glanced back as the guards assumed posts near the locked door.
    Squeals echoed through the cavern.  Three children bolted past Shariel in a game of tag, hiding behind her legs.  She laughed and the children stopped, wide-eyed.
    “Are you our sister?” one girl asked with an impish grin.  “What’s your name?”
    “She’s Shariel,” an older voice announced as a tall youth with black hair entered from another corridor.
    “Duncan!”  Shariel rushed to hug her brother.  “I thought I’d never see you again.”
    “I’ve been here a month,” he said with a sigh, “and hoped they wouldn’t catch you.  There are twenty-seven of us in this place and more arrive each day.”
    “Are we free to explore the caves?” Shariel asked as the children resumed their game.
    “They lock us into separate rooms at night.”  He pointed down the corridor.  “Come get something to eat before ravenous lions devour everything.”
    “Lions?”
    Duncan chuckled.  “Our brothers eat like starved lions and howl like wolves.”
    Shariel stopped suddenly.  She whispered, “Have wolves made contact with anyone here?”
    Glancing back at the guards, Duncan said, “We’ve got a pack outside plotting to break us out.  They share news about our families.”
    Shariel nodded.  Can you speak with your mind?
    Yes.  Every rug rat in the cavern babbles day and night.  It’s murder sleeping through the conversations.
    They entered a large room filled with tables.  Youngsters ate succulent meat, fresh fruit, and hot bread while they chattered like magpies.  For the first time in years, Shariel felt she was part of a family.  The children all understood how she felt.  As one of the oldest, Shariel knew she must help develop an escape plan.
    Chacka, can you hear me?   She sent the mental message as Duncan filled a heaping plate for her. 
    We hear you.  The pack gathers outside your cave.  As pack leader of your family, you must lead your cubs to safety.
    I’ll examine the caves and make plans.  These children deserve to play in the sun and enjoy the love of their families.
    The cave, where Bess and the others dwell, is near.  We look for weak points while you make plans.
    Duncan sat next to Shariel and bit into a sweet roll.  She arched an eyebrow at the dessert, and he said, “I ate my main meal already, so I get a sweet.  Cook watches us with an eagle eye.  Did your wolf check in?”
    “You didn’t hear him?” 
    Duncan shook his head.  “The wolves direct their conversations to individuals.  They can block thoughts and send messages long distances.  Wish I knew how to do that.”
    Shariel agreed that they should learn the skill.  She’d ask Chacka how it was done and take time to practice.

7 ~ JARRACK’S MIND CONTROL
     
    Beth blushed and removed Anthony’s tiny hand from her breast.
    Embarrassed at her son’s behavior, Tanya scolded, “Don’t grab ladies like that, Anthony!” 
    “He’s too young to understand what he was doing.”  Beth smiled sweetly.
    Aunt Hestor laughed and swept the toddler into her arms.  “Want to be a lover already?  Give Aunt Hestor a kiss.” 
    Anthony looked horrified.  “No!” He screamed and shoved her away.  “You’re old and ugly!”  He wriggled out of her arms and ran from the room.
    “Oh, I’m so sorry!”  Tanya exclaimed.
    “Don’t bother! Wrinkled old faces frighten children, so I should apologize to him.  Bring him to my cabin tomorrow, and I’ll bake special cookies as a treat.”
    “It’s time to go,” Beth said, and the women headed for the door.  “It’s getting dark and the woods are no place to wander in the dark.  Wolves howl every night.” 
    “See you tomorrow,” Hestor said as they left the cottage.
    Tanya sighed.  “Come out, Anthony.  They’re gone.” 
    Anthony peeked around the door, his dark blue eyes wide with fear. “You won’t spank?” he asked.
    “No, but you should