Gates of Ruin (Magelands Eternal Siege, #6) by Christopher Mitchell (top 10 books of all time .TXT) 📗

was either come here or be executed, but I don’t like it. The earthquakes, the lava, and the fact that it never seems to rain. I mean, do you like living in the Catacombs?’

Ashfall tilted her grey head. ‘It’s better than the pits of Alea Tanton. I was born in that pestilent city, and was being groomed to fight for one of the teams alongside my father, or perhaps against him.’

‘How did you escape?’

‘It was very different in those days,’ the dragon said. ‘The three teams had up to a dozen dragons each, and every year more were being born in captivity. We heard a rumour from the humans who looked after us that the city authorities were going to cull our numbers, and so we revolted. Several dragons were killed in the attempt, but nineteen managed to flee, led by my father. Since then, each team has only had one dragon, or two at the most, so the humans must have learned their lesson.’

Sable glanced at the graceful dragon. Before Grimsleep’s death, she had hardly said more than a few words to Sable, but since that day, Deathfang’s adult daughter had started to take more interest in the ‘insects’ that gathered round Sanguino for protection.

‘And then you came to the Catacombs?’ the Holdfast woman said.

‘Yes. My father challenged and killed Eventide, who used to rule here, and took charge.’

‘Eventide?’ said Sable, her eyes widening at the mention of the name.

‘Yes,’ said Ashfall; ‘Deepblue’s father.’

‘Ah. That explains a few things. I did wonder why Deepblue held such an antipathy towards your family.’

‘It is the way of dragons; the mightiest rules. Those who lived in the Catacombs before we arrived from the pits were forced to accept us, but many of them have neither forgotten nor forgiven the actions of my father. Broadwing is another one of these, and this is, I think, the reason why he and Deepblue are keen to go to Dragon Eyre with you.’

Sable smiled. ‘And could you be tempted to accompany us? We could do with a dragon of your intelligence and calibre.’

‘I know you could. Deepblue is weak, and Broadwing is a coward.’

‘I notice you didn’t answer the question.’

Ashfall stretched her forelimbs over the edge of the tomb, extending her claws. ‘That’s right.’

Sable nodded, wondering if the grey dragon no longer wished to continue the conversation.

‘Are your wounds healed?’ said Ashfall after a few moments.

‘Yes, thank you.’

‘Then you will be departing soon?’

‘I need to scout first, but yes; soon. Blackrose has been in captivity long enough.’

Ashfall glanced down at her. ‘I bullied Deepblue into revealing some of the details of your plan. You intend to rescue Blackrose on your own?’

‘Yes.’

‘This is disappointing. I had hoped to join any rescue attempt.’

‘You want to help Blackrose?’

‘I will be honest with you; Blackrose is only a part of my motivation – what I really desire is a chance to take some measure of revenge upon the rulers of that accursed city. My father’s policy of keeping us away from Tordue has kept the Catacombs safe, but I sometimes feel he is being over-cautious.’

‘He doesn’t want to provoke the gods; he’s being sensible.’

Ashfall brought her scaled head down until she was a foot from Sable’s face. ‘And what will stealing a dragon from under their noses do?’

Sable kept her gaze steady. ‘I intend to do it in such a way that doesn’t attract any attention.’

‘I’m not sure my father would agree. There is a chance the gods will retaliate against the Catacombs.’

‘He hasn’t tried to dissuade me from going.’

‘That is because he wants you all to leave. Your victory over Grimsleep has ensured he cannot evict you from the Catacombs, not after he gave Sanguino his word, but he would be happy to see you go, especially if you take Broadwing and Deepblue with you.’

Sable nodded. ‘And what about you? Would he be angry if you left?’

Ashfall glanced away. ‘No. Frostback was always his favourite, at least until Darksky delivered him a new clutch of children. If Frostback returned tomorrow, my father would probably accept her back, whereas I think he is starting to consider me as a threat to his rule. Soon, I will be as strong as him, and when that day comes, he will probably challenge me, and I will have to fight him.’

‘I’ll be going to Alea Tanton soon,’ said Sable, ‘and once Blackrose is free, we intend to leave Lostwell immediately. I’d be very grateful if you decided to come to Dragon Eyre with us, and so would Blackrose.’

‘Very well. I shall take a day to make up my mind.’

Sable threw the cigarette butt over the edge of the tomb and stood. ‘I have to go now. Thank you for the visit.’

‘You’re the first insect I’ve spoken to since I escaped the pits, and the only witch I’ve ever met. I will give you an answer tomorrow regarding the expedition to Dragon Eyre. When Sanguino awakens, pass on my regards. Farewell.’

The grey dragon launched herself from the ledge, her wings extending in the warm draughts rising from the lava pools. Sable watched as she circled higher, then she disappeared over the top of the ridge. Ashfall would be a valuable addition to their team, but she knew that Deepblue would be upset by her inclusion. At least she now knew the reason, she thought. Whatever happened, at least one dragon’s sense of honour would be offended, and she didn’t want to get involved in dragon politics. She would ask Blackrose for her guidance, and leave it to her to make the decision.

She turned, and walked into the interior of the tomb. Sanguino was asleep in his cavern after a long flight that morning, and Maddie and Millen were sitting round the small hearth near the end of the high tunnel. She approached them and sat.

‘What did she want?’ said Maddie. ‘And why did she only want to speak to you?’

Sable gazed into the flames of the small fire. ‘She’s thinking about coming to Dragon