‘The plan needs all of us to play our part; each of us has a vital role. Are you clear on what you need to do?’
Maddie and Millen nodded.
Sable stood. ‘I’ll tell Sanguino, and we’ll let Deathfang know that it’s going to be tomorrow at dawn.’
* * *
Several hours later, Sable sat alone by the edge of the tomb, smoking a cigarette. It might be her last, she thought; if the plan failed, then it would be. The idea of possible failure didn’t make her anxious; if anything, it just made her more determined to succeed. She felt a thrill run through her; she would soon be involved in a dragon fight to the death, and she realised that she had missed the excitement of being in danger. It was tempered a little by her concern for Sanguino; she didn’t want him getting hurt.
She wondered if she should send a message to Naxor. She had discovered his whereabouts a few days previously, living with Corthie, Van and another Banner officer in a boat in Kin Dai. By the looks of things, they seemed to be doing nothing but sitting around getting drunk, despite Kelsey and Aila being missing. Perhaps she should look for her niece herself, but she knew how difficult that would be. She had also been spying on Belinda in Alea Tanton. The traitor was still working for the Ascendants, and the Sextant was where it had been since they had returned with it from Yoneath. She had managed to get into Leksandr’s head for a few minutes, and had sensed the extreme frustration he felt regarding his inability to get the Sextant working, and his worry that Edmond, the Second Ascendant, would hold him responsible for the failure. He also had a suspicion that Belinda might not be completely loyal, which had made Sable think for a moment. It would be funny if the Ascendants turned on her; it would be exactly what Belinda deserved.
She took a drag on the cigarette and went over the plan in her mind. She felt a little guilty for extending the length of time that Blackrose was in captivity, but everything needed to be perfect. She tried to picture herself in Dragon Eyre; was that what she wanted – to go to another new world? Yes, she craved it, like she craved the feeling that came with the risks she took. She stubbed the cigarette out and stood, then noticed Sanguino directly behind her.
‘I didn’t want to disturb your thoughts, my rider,’ he said. ‘This plan of yours; it isn’t entirely honourable.’
She put her hands on her hips. ‘Neither am I.’
‘Double-crossing and tricks are not in a dragon’s nature.’
‘No, but they’re in mine, and we want to win, don’t we? If you’re having doubts, then we can forget the whole thing and flee, just as I advised before.’
He bowed his head. ‘No. I could never live with myself if we did that. I must face Grimsleep.’
‘Then, let’s go.’ She gestured to Millen and Maddie, who were standing close by, ready. Millen held up the large leather covering that he had fashioned.
Sable’s nose crinkled. ‘It stinks.’
‘Yeah, well, it would, I guess. It’s been smeared in…’
She held her hand up. ‘I don’t want to know. As long as it survives the initial burst of flames I can put up with the smell. Climb on.’
Maddie pulled herself up the rope ladder running down Sanguino’s flank, a large bag over her shoulder, then Millen followed, after folding up the leather sheet. Sable glanced outside for a moment. There was still an hour before dawn, and they had been up all night. She patted her pocket, locating the sticks of keenweed she had secreted, as well as one of dullweed, in case it all went wrong and she needed something to numb the pain.
‘Are you ready?’ said Sanguino.
She nodded, then climbed up to the dragon’s shoulders, settling down between Maddie and Millen, who were already strapped in. Millen had been constantly modifying the harness, as well as making the large sheet and another harness for when Blackrose was free, and it easily accommodated the three humans. Sable linked her mind to the dragon. After so much practice, it felt like slipping a hand into a glove.
She glanced at her colleagues. ‘It’s time for step one. Sanguino, let’s go.’
* * *
Sanguino and Sable returned to the Catacombs just as the first rays of dawn were appearing over the eastern horizon. They flew up to Deathfang’s lair, where Burntskull and Ashfall were waiting.
‘Is today the day?’ said Burntskull in an amused tone.
‘It is,’ said Sanguino, hovering by the entrance. ‘Will Deathfang be coming to witness?’
‘No,’ said Burntskull. ‘Instead, he is sending his daughter, Ashfall, to watch what happens. I hear a rumour, however, that Broadwing is going?’
‘That is correct. Deepblue also.’
Burntskull laughed. ‘Why? What benefit will those two bring? They are cowards, weak.’
‘They also wish to witness.’
‘Very well. Do not be surprised if they flee at the first sign of Grimsleep.’ He turned to Ashfall. ‘Make sure you watch everything that happens; I’m looking forward to hearing all about Sanguino’s death when you return.’
Ashfall made no response as she launched herself from the edge of the tomb. She and Sanguino circled higher, then began to fly east over the lava fields towards the far side of the valley.
‘What is that terrible smell?’ said Ashfall.
‘My rider can answer that.’
‘It’s this,’ said Sable, holding up the large leather sheet. ‘I’m going to cover myself in it when we face Grimsleep.’
Ashfall looked incredulous. ‘And why would you do such a thing? Do you think the odour will put him off?’
‘What? No. You’ll see.’
Sable arranged the sheet as they flew, securing the straps that Millen had sewn onto each corner. It was thick and heavy, and she hated the smell and how uncomfortable it felt as she pulled it up over her shoulders, leaving her head and arms free.
‘Everyone believes you will fail,’ said Ashfall.
‘Not everyone,’ said
