The note confirmed enough of Roo’s suspicions that he dare not unchain Fleur – yet.
In fact, he was relieved her chains were locked to the gatehouse, and opposite side of the drawbridge mechanism. Part of him realized it would be best to chain her wings up and toss her into the chasm.
The drop should be enough to kill her properly, but no.
She recovered, no doubt about it, but whether she really was bonded … clever girl. Dragon elves did have such a different biology than other elves faking the absorption but actually triggering a healing spell that would light her eyes like the golden contract would …
Even Peaches shouldn’t be able to tell.
Dragon scale could deflect magical probing. Only a skilled doctor like his mother would be able to tell, and despite her teachings, he was nowhere near an expert yet, and he wasn’t a wizard, which greatly limited what he could put to practical use.
That left the question what Fleur really planned on doing once she backstabbed them all.
Another set of booms and bangs rang through the canyon path.
“Peaches,” Roo said, “Where’s Ruby?”
“Ruby said she’d look for more darkspawn,” Peaches said, “While I brought you the note.”
“Good job, Peaches,” Roo said, “Now join up with Ruby and hunt down any other darkspawn that got passed the walls. I’ll guard the drawbridge.”
“But,” Peaches said, but Roo covered her mouth.
He knew what she was going to say.
“Enough,” Roo said, “This isn’t like our childhood games. I’m in charge. At least during mission. Anyway, Ruby will need your help. She might not be able to handle all three dragon elves if they attack her at once.”
Peaches tugged at his hand, but he held firm.
He could feel her pouting. Okay. Maybe he was over doing this. She wasn’t his genie, but familiars weren’t exactly … meant to question every order and action either and start arguments whenever.
“Understand?” Roo said, “We can argue like immature lovers later.”
She nodded, and he released her mouth.
“I was going to say,” Peaches said, “Ruby can handle three dragon elves. She’s … we fought a few times before, and it wasn’t exactly one-on-one either. At least at first.”
Roo grimaced. “Okay, but my orders stand.”
Peaches groaned. Pouted.
Then nodded.
“Yes, Master,” she said and dashed off.
“Trouble in paradise, no?” Fleur said.
“No,” Roo said, “It keeps paradise interesting. Now – oh shit.”
A wall of flame was flowing down the canyon path.
And quick.
Too quick to hide his Vorshaya abilities from Fleur any longer.