Origin of Magic (Dragon's Gift: The Protector #3)(38)

I gave him a thumbs-up. “Nice job.”

“Better unconscious than dead.” He flexed his hand. “No need to kill the guards.”

“Couldn’t agree more.” I knelt and conjured two gags and ropes to bind their limbs. Ares and I made quick work of trussing them up, then we left them propped against the wall and headed toward the entrance to Hider’s Haven.

My dragon sense went wild as we neared the archway. Ademius was here somewhere. I could feel it.

Since confidence made a person look like they belonged, I sauntered through the archway like I was the quarterback walking through the doors of the high school.

The space within took my breath away. It was like the central courtyard of a European village. Except that it had been built right into a mountain. The room was large, at least the size of a football field. Vaulted ceilings were streaked with golden ore. Light glittered off the ore, illuminating the space with warmth. Holes in the ceiling had to be vents for fresh air. Magically enchanted to encourage airflow, I’d bet.

All around the courtyard, shops and cafes were built into the mountain. They were small, but impressive all the same. The space was full of people, sitting on benches and at tables, chatting and playing cards. Though Hider’s Haven was charming in the extreme, most of the inhabitants had a dubious air about them. The kind that spelled trouble in their past. Which made sense, considering they were hiding out.

But they couldn’t be all bad, considering that there was greenery in the courtyard. Several oak trees grew right out of the ground.

“I’d like a gander at that irrigation system,” I said. “And the light situation…”

“You like plants?” Ares asked.

“You could say that.”

A woman nearby turned, her keen eyes on us. She was about sixty, with a face that said she’d done it all and seen it all and wouldn’t put up with any BS. Her magic smelled like an old shoe that a wet ferret had chosen for a house.

“You’re not from around here,” she said.

“New,” I said.

Her green eyes narrowed. “The Council never said anything about that.”

Shit. We did not need to be caught as outsiders.

“They should have,” I bluffed, heart pounding. “We were invited by my ancestor, Ademius.”

She studied me, clearly debating whether or not to buy my story. “Hmm. Then you won’t mind if I tell him you are here.”

I jumped on it. “Yeah, take us right to him. That’d be perfect.”

“If there’s one inkling of Ademius not wanting you here, you’re going in the pit. Immediately.”

“Uh, the pit?” I swallowed hard and looked at Ares. “That sounds bad.”

“Oh, it is.” She grinned, revealing teeth sharpened into points. Fangs. Suddenly, the charming atmosphere of this place became obvious for what it was—a thin veneer. The people here were hardcore badasses and most likely criminals. “The pit is full of sand vipers. It’s where we put intruders. It’s perfect, you see, because the vipers will devour the body and leave nothing for us to clean up.”

“Whew.” I mimed wiping the sweat off of my brow. “Good thing Grandad Ademius is looking forward to seeing us again.”

Her eyes flashed with skepticism, but she just turned. “Follow me.”

“Laying it on a little thick there, aren’t you?” Ares said.

“Maybe.” Sweat trickled down my back when Fangs, as I’d started to think of her, waved a hand and several creepy people joined our little party. She was getting backup. To throw us in the pit.

I really hoped Ademius would recognize me now that I was an adult.

“If this goes to crap, we’re screwed,” I whispered to Ares. Maybe, just maybe, we could fight our way out of here, but I had my doubts. We almost hadn’t made it in. With this lot after us…

Fangs led us through the main courtyard. The magical signatures of the inhabitants battered me from all sides. Dark and light, good and bad. These folks were a mixed bag—some violent criminals, some just hiding from whatever hunted them.

I shuddered, praying that I never ended up in a place like this.

We passed through the courtyard and went down a narrow passage. Doors dotted the way. Some were propped open to reveal small houses, though most were tightly closed.

Fangs stopped in front of one and grinned creepily at us. “The moment of truth.”

Considering that there were now about two-dozen makeshift guards surrounding us, things were looking iffy. These folks were serious about protecting their own. Not to mention, they were also probably bored and looking for a scuffle.

I prayed to fate that Ademius would realize who I was.

Fangs knocked on the door. I held my breath. After an endless moment, it creaked open.

An old man peered out, mussed white hair sticking up in all directions. He looked the same as always, with my mother’s eyes and his wooden cane.

A thrill rushed through me to see him again.

“Ademius, there’s someone here for you,” Fangs said.

Fear widened his eyes and he stiffened.

Shit.

Fangs turned to me, her gaze triumphant. Into the pit with you.

“Uh, Great Grandad Ademius?” I said. “I’m Phoenix Knight. I mean, Lividius. Do you remember me? I’m here to see you about something you made long ago.”