Chapter 86

  Present Day

  Yelena dropped back into her seat. Her breath was unsteady, and her fingers gripped the table-top, the tension in her muscles almost painful as she watched her husband greet her lover.

  “My Silver Dragon has returned,” Macedius announced with a wide smile. “So swiftly. I trust, victoriously?”

  “The captured humans have been taken to the cells,” Sylvin replied. “Ready for interrogation.”

  “Wonderful! Join us,” Macedius gestured to the room expansively. “We will have my siren sing for us soon,” he added to Sylvin with warmth. “But sit, my friend, your repast is well earned.”

  “We also happened upon a bard on the road,” Sylvin said, half turning and indicating with his fingers come hither.

  “Elorshin,” Yelena murmured as the bard stepped forward from amongst the knights and knelt before the King.

  “My troupe will soon follow, Your Highness,” Elorshin declared. “It is my honour to entertain the palace in the interim.”