Aspen (The Dragon Kings #2)(55)

At first, Aspen did not react, and then she strained against her bonds. Her whole body flailed. Sid did not understand what was happening.

After about thirty seconds, they put the pitcher down and removed the cloth. Aspen gasped for air.

“Will you tell me the secret now?”

“No,” she rasped and then coughed violently.

In spite of her coughing he replaced the cloth and poured the water again. Both her nose and mouth were covered.

Everett, what are they doing to her?

He sighed. They are filling her lungs with water.

You mean they are drowning her?

Some drown, yes. It is really more the feeling of drowning. I’m told it’s dreadful. Kairi and her ancestors have been doing the same test for thousands of years. The first woman I watched blurted the secret right after the first pitcher. The second died. I believe it was the fifth woman that actually survived. If they tell the secret, they are killed instantly. Out of all the women who last this long, I’d say a third make it through. They will stop when she loses consciousness. The women who survive pass out after the third or fourth pitcher.

The man in the pit removed the cloth a second time, and Aspen spat in face. He laughed as he replaced the cloth. Again her body squirmed and fought against the bonds. Again she did not reveal the secret. Sid willed her to pass out. He couldn’t stand to see her in such agony. After the fifth pitcher, she vomited. They allowed her to turn her head, but as soon as she stopped convulsing, they forced her face back up and replaced the cloth again. Three more pitchers sat on the table.

Three more times they replaced the cloth. Three more times she gasped for breath. And then it was over. They were out of water.

The man who held her head undid her bonds and helped her off the table. Her legs shook, and she threw up all over him. He let go of her, and she fell to the floor. Sid forgot himself and tried to fly down to her, but Theo held tight.

I know this is hard, Theo said. But she did it. Let her have the glory of this. Don’t go rescuing her.

Sid stilled. Theo was right. Aspen had to be very weak by now though. Sid didn’t know how she was going to get through the last two tasks.

Almost immediately, Anasazi, the canyon dragon, stepped forward. Sid cringed.

He is going to probe her mind isn’t he? Sid asked.

Yes.

That’s not too bad. It’s uncomfortable, but not life threatening. Sid was relieved. At least she wouldn’t get hurt during this test.

It is different for a human.

Different how? The dread began again.

It is excruciatingly painful, and if she resists at all, she will die. He will probe every part of her mind, and she is not allowed to guard any part. If she does, his probing will kill her. This could be the end of her. She just withstood a possible drowning to protect a secret. If she doesn’t allow him access to that secret, she’ll die.

Sid tried to open his wings. Aspen would not allow her mind to be probed without resistance. He had to get down there before it began. Theo’s tail was strong, and Obsidian was trapped. He tried to pull away, and the spikes on Theo’s tail tore holes in Sid skin. He didn’t register pain.

Obsidian, calm down! Theo screamed.

Sid didn’t answer but continued pulling away. Everett’s tail came up over his other side, and the strength surprised Sid. He continued to move backwards and forward to loosen their grips. It didn’t work. Aspen was still lying on the ground. Her body convulsing.

Aspen, Sid yelled.

Anasazi looked up at him. Stay out of this unless you want to bring about her death.

Sid calmed and watched with horror. Anasazi was going to kill her. Sid would never be able to stare into those beautiful green eyes or run his fingers through her hair again. He wouldn’t take her flying, and she wouldn’t take him to play with the bears. She would never grow up and have children. Sid robbed her of her future. This was his fault. Why should she have to die because of him? It wasn’t fair.

Anasazi stepped back. Aspen’s body twitched.

Is she still alive?

Yes, she is. Will you stay here?

Yes

Everett and Theo let go. Sid stood up, the blood flowing down his underside. Everett sighed.

Hang on a moment. I’ll call Sequoia.

Sequoia flew up and healed Sid’s wounds. I’m not the one who needs help. It’s Aspen, Sid said.

I’ll take care of her when she has completed the test. She’s only got one more. You picked a good one, Obsidian.





Aspen pulled herself up off the floor. Her head ached, and every breath was a challenge. Her legs shook, and her hair still reeked of vomit. But she was alive, thanks to Kairi, and there was only one task to go. The final dragon, a gigantic white one, stepped forward.

So you wish to be Obsidian’s queen? the white dragon asked.

“Yes,” Aspen replied. “Very much so.”

I am Winerva, leader of the arctic dragons. I’m surprised you made it to me. However, you still have to pass my test. You will find that I am not quite as gentle as the others. There is little possibility of you dying during the actual test. However, if you fail, I will kill you. It is my right to do so.

Bring him in, she commanded to the small yellow dragons guarding the doors.

They opened the door, and in walked a golden dragon. He was magnificent. He approached Aspen and hung his head.

As queen you will find yourself in a position of handing out judgments to those that break the law. You must understand how to be fair, yet abide by our laws. The council acts as a court and decides whether or not a dragon is guilty of a crime. Your duty, along with the king, is to carry out all punishments.