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this way of slipping into Tor s mind and making him do what she wants. I
didn t even notice it at first. She s very subtle. But when I realized we were
heading for a trap I was able to cut her connection with Tor, pull him back
through our link and turn him away from the warriors waiting to take him
down.
I ve never heard of such a thing. Hal s eyes narrowed in thought.
Are you certain about this witch? Few females can even talk to dragons, 68
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The Ice Dragon much less influence one to that degree. Maybe it s because he s
so young?
Lana shook her head. I saw her make Tor s mother forget all about her egg and
fly away without a second look. It s not because he s young.
That s criminal! Deliberately separating a mother and her baby.
Candis looked truly outraged and it warmed Lana s heart.
Tell us how you came to care for Tor. Roland s soft voice took her out of
her anger and back to the past.
I was a slave in Salomar s household. He threw me in with the egg and barred
the exit so neither of us could get out. I was to keep the fires lit so the
egg stayed warm. After a while, I realized by accident that I
could talk with the baby inside if I touched the shell. After he grew more, we
could talk even when I wasn t touching the shell. Then he hatched.
Her eyes misted in memory. Salomar thought I would be his first meal but Tor
ate the dogs he loosed on me instead. From that moment to this, he s protected
me every bit and more than I ve looked after him. When he got big enough and
could fly, we escaped and have been running and hiding ever since.
You are a brave and noble woman, milady. Hal bowed his head to her, his eyes
solemn as the others followed suit. She was overwhelmed by their show of
respect and unable to answer such compliments.
Roland hugged her close, tucking her blushing cheek against his chest. I
agree, he said softly, though all of them heard his words.
You re a treasure, Lana. You saved my life.
She moved back a bit to look up at him. Don t forget Tor.
Roland chuckled. How could I forget Tor? He s a miracle, as are you the only
woman ever known to tame a wild northern Ice Dragon.
Bards will sing of you for generations to come, I m sure.
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Bianca D Arc
They all laughed at his grand statement and Lana was back to blushing, but the
mood was considerably lighter. They talked for a few more minutes about plans
for the rest of their stay in the Northern Lair and preparations they could
make to defend against the new weapons that might be brought against them all.
Finally though, the agenda was set and Lana could tell Roland was in a bit of
pain from his still-healing wounds.
Lady Candis, do you think you could find something for Lana to wear? Roland
stood and all the rest followed suit. I d like to show her around the Lair a
bit and I promised her a stop at the baths.
I think we can come up with something that will work for the time being. The
other woman smiled in her friendly way and stood, motioning for Lana to join
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her. Come with me, my dear, and we ll see what we can find in my closet.
Lana went with the other woman, comforted by her easy manner. The dragons were
still out of the suite and she looked curiously at the big, empty oval of sand
as they skirted it on their way to another of the many rooms arranged around
the sand pit.
I ve never seen so much sand in one place before, Lana commented.
Lady Candis appeared surprised but smiled warmly. The dragons love it. The
fine grains polish their hides and the warmth appeals to them, of course. Our
rooms are built around their wallow and as you can see, the arches are wide
enough that they can lay their heads in the doors of most of our rooms, so we
can all be together almost anywhere in this suite.
It s ingenious. A moment later, they entered a big room with a huge bed at
its center. The walls were hung with rich fabrics so colorful they brought
tears to her eyes. Oh, this room is beautiful! Lana s words were heartfelt
as her eyes absorbed the lovely mix of colors and textures.
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The Ice Dragon
Thank you, Candis said quietly, watching Lana with interest. Lana knew her
reactions must seem strange to the other woman, but she just couldn t help
herself.
It s just that& Lana tried to find the right words to express herself.
I ve been on the run for a long time, living in the wild with Tor. I
remember a little from the time before, when I lived with my mother and
sisters, but it s been so long, and we never had such fine things. Her voice
trailed off as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Candis surprised her
by placing a sisterly arm around her shoulders, hugging her comfortingly.
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