Recovery

Delyn rushed onto the room panicked at the shouting, and confused on hearing Treasca's voice. His master crumpled on the floor made his stomach lurch with fear. He started to run to his side when he finally saw Treasca there kneeling by Brenton. She looked unhappy, but gave him a weak smile.

"He is okay, I apologize for startling you so. He gave me quite a start as well." She said trying to help Brenton to his feet. Shaken from his shock Delyn rushed forward to help. Between the two of them they where able to get Brenton to his feet with their support. A nasty thought crossed Delyn's mind what if the Shade had attacked? What if it attacked now? Delyn was no match for the monster of that he was sure. He glanced at Treasca over his master's head. She seemed unharmed which was a relief, but the castle was now tainted by that creature. He suspected they would soon be forced to leave it. Where they would go was another question. His master should dare not trust just anyone. Delyn helped to lay his master in his large bed still fully dressed.

"You had better let me attend the master Treasca, but please just wait inside the office. We dare not take risks, I think it would be best if you stayed near him. I shall keep watch if you require rest. You seem quite fatigued yourself." Delyn said removing his masters boots.

"Thank you, that is true. These last few days have felt like months." Treasca said wearily. She quietly closed the door behind her as she left.

Dane roared in anger as with a pop Treasca and the Dragon disappeared before his eyes. He had been utterly useless against the beast. His people watched him murmering behind their hands. They had seen everything. He had been humiliated by that creature, and Treasca, Treasca had gone to it like a lover. His temper flared so hot he could feel his heart pounding in his head. Was she really taking that unnatural beast over her own people, or had she really had no choice at all. His temper began to cool at the thought. She had given him a sad look had she not. He wondered if she had not been simply playing along with the beast to protect them. That Brenton was definitely stronger than the shade, so how was it that it had bested the King of Dragon's, as he had declared himself. Dane glanced from face to face his people looking expectant. What dod they want from him, miracles? He felt the weight of every eye on him like a suffocating noose. He cleared his throat unsure of what to say. What could he say really? He didn't know if the Dragon was a threat like the shade had been, or if it had merely been there to take Treasca. He suspected the latter. Brenton though snapping his sword, and being throughly annoying and pompous had not harmed anyone. He certainly could have with no real effort wiped them all out. Treasca's family would be there in the morning. What would he tell them? That he had failed and their daughter had fallen into the hands of yet another monster? Forget owing Dane a debt, He may have just inevitably caused a blood fued.

"Everyone back to your tents. The show is over." Dane shouted for all to hear. With much grumbling and whispering his people did as they where told. He looked one last time where Treasca had been, then turned on his heel and marched back to his tent. He would kill that shade, and then he would get her back one way or another.

Treasca paced trying to quiet her spinning thoughts. Poor Dane, He would take the blunt of her fathers anger for her recapture by Brenton. Though she no longer really considered herself a prisoner here, she knew her parents would definitely see it as such. It would be a matter of time, before they swarmed the castle demanding her return. Would she go? Could she go? The Shade may have left her for Dane to distract him so he could escape, but she knew in her heart he would be back for her. She did not want her family caught up in this. Brenton though could protect her from the shade she was confident in that. She would be forced to stay uncomfortably close to the Dragon, but he wouldn't let anything happen to her. If the shade did succeed in killing Brenton as he planned Treasca would be doomed as well. The shade would see her returning to him as a betrayal, even if she wasn't given much choice in the matter. Delyn finally emerged from Brenton's room eyes full of concern.

"How is he?" She whispered taking the Drake's hand in hers and squeezing it gently.

" He will be fine after he rests. I shall fetch you a night gown. I think you should sleep with him. He may be spent, but his meer presence should be enough to keep you safe." Delyn said. He started to walk back then turned back wrapping Treasca in a brief, but fierce hug.

"I am so glad you are back, and safe." He said voice cracking with emotion. He turned and hurried out before Treasca could react.