Page 21 of Bewitched

“Sin Eater,” said the King with a slight nod. “There were no deaths from the dragon, but since you are here, my kennel groom did die unexpectedly this morning.”

“Did you want me to sin eat for him, my lord?”

“I suppose it would make his mourning family happy, and would take any weight off my shoulders too. I’m always the one blamed somehow when there is a sudden death without the chance of a confession. His body is being kept in the mews until the undertaker can get here. Hopefully, there isn’t too much damage there from the dragon.”

“I’ll go right away, my lord.” Darium started away, but Talia reached out to stop him.

“Darium, I see quite a few wounded. Perhaps my healing skills are needed.”

“My king?” Darium looked over to King Osric.

“I don’t know,” he said, hesitantly, looking her up and down. “She’s a fae, is she not?”

“Sire, my magic has naught to do with my healing abilities,” said Talia. “I was recently employed as the healer of Evandorm. Please allow me to help those of your kingdom who have been hurt by the dragon.”

“Well, I suppose so,” he said, looking down and shaking his head. “Go! But be discreet about it. I’m still not sure how I feel about allowing a fae in here.”

“Your wish will be respected,” said Darium, taking Talia’s hand and heading toward the mews.

“Sir Rhys,” said the King. “You need to find that dragon immediately.”

“Aye, my lord. My brother and a few others will be accompanying me. We know where it is, and are headed across the mountains right now to capture it and bring it back to you.”

“Put it in the pit until I can decide what to do with it. I suppose that might hold it.”

“The pit?” asked Medea, suddenly standing behind Rhys. He groaned inwardly. This could only mean trouble.

“He’s talking about the oubliette—the large pit over there.” Rhys pointed to the large hole in the ground that was used to keep prisoners. Those captured were thrown inside and the lid closed. They were more or less forgotten until they died. This pit was huge and could hold more than a dozen men. Rhys wasn’t sure but supposed it might be large enough for a dragon.

“Nay! You can’t put the dragon in that pit,” cried Medea. “I need to return it to my brother-by-marriage.”

“The dragon is responsible for all this.” The King held out his arms. “I’m sorry but it needs to be stopped.” The King looked over to some of his guards. “We have a healer here now. Make sure she is brought to each of the injured. The Sin Eater is also here if any of them are to die.”

“Aye, Your Majesty,” said one of his men with a nod of his head, hurrying to do as ordered.

Mothers holding the hands of their crying children rushed past them, pulling their little ones to safety. A few dogs followed and barked at their heels. A whole line of people still worked with passing water buckets, dousing what was left of the flames.

Rhys felt terrible about what happened. This was his home. He lived with these people. Part of him felt responsible. As much as he didn’t want the dragon harmed, he could see the King’s concern. Next time, the dragon might do worse and people could die. He couldn’t let that happen. His first duty was to his king.

Rapunzel ran up to them with Zann on her heels. Alaina watched from a distance.

“Please, don’t hurt my husband’s dragon,” cried Rapunzel.

“Who are these wenches?” snapped the King, irritated by the disturbance.

“They came through the portal with the dragon,” Zann told him before Rhys could stop him from announcing it.

“They did?” The King looked at the women and shook his head. “Then we’ll keep them in the pit until the dragon is found. They are as much to blame as that fire-breathing beast. Guards, seize them!”

“Nay, Your Majesty, they aren’t dangerous, I assure you.” Rhys tried to convince the man, but King Osric wouldn’t listen. Several guards came forward. Rhys could see this wasn’t going to end well, and that there was nothing more he could do at the moment to protect them. He turned and whispered to Medea.

“You’d better get out of here any way you can. Take your sister with you. I’ll meet up with you at the Quamm Caves as soon as I can.”

“Come on, Rapunzel,” said Medea. “We don’t need anyone’s help.” Medea took her sister’s hand in hers. Then, just as the guards were about to seize them, they disappeared into thin air.

“What?” gasped the guard, frantically looking back and forth. “What just happened? Where did they go? Where are they?”

“They were right here and now they’re gone,” shouted another of the guards. “They disappeared into thin air.”