Senar and Vell looked at each other in fear. Orlan stepped off the platform, an evil smile holding his mouth. He smoothed his beard as he looked them over. Vell felt his gaze boring into her. She shivered nervously. Finally, Orlan looked to the two men who had now joined them. “You know where to take them, boys.” The men nodded.

The man who had reset the vases took Senar by the arm. Senar glanced at Vell. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

She couldn’t read the look in his eyes, but she began to fear they’d never see each other again. Reluctantly she released his arm as the man who had kept score took her arm. They were both led off silently down a corridor. They passed another cavern that housed a large brown dragon, who appeared to be sleeping.

Vell was led into a smaller cavern as Senar was led on. He glanced back at her, a worried look on his face. She stared after him, believing this to be the last time she’d see him in life. The man tugged at her arm and she reluctantly followed him.

She was frightened and disgusted by the room. From the purple walls were fastened chains. Two skeletons sat on the floor, arms held up by the chains. Tattered dresses covered the skeletons. Vell swallowed her fear, knowing she’d end up in the same way.

The man stopped in the center of the room. He turned to face her, determination and compassion in his turquoise eyes. “Listen to me,” he told her quietly, gripping both her arms. “I’m going to help you both escape.”

Vell was shocked. “Why?”

“I’m sick of this,” he replied. “Father always has to create problems. I don’t want Yiska to be king again. He’s dead, he needs to stay that way. And I’ve seen too many people die in my father’s hands.”

“Orlan is your father?” Vell could never imagine such a terrible man being anyone’s father.

The man nodded, short brown hair shifting with the movement. “And I must tell you that if I don’t get you and your friend away from here, you’ll both be dead. You’ll never live through the night and your friend will be dead in a few minutes if we don’t hurry.”

She looked into his eyes so full of compassion. “Let’s hurry then.”

He nodded. “I am Naran by the way. My brother, Jalun, is not the way I am. He will want to kill your friend.”

“I am Vell,” she told him. “My friend is Senar.”

“Let’s go save him.”

Naran led her down the corridor they had been in before. They entered another cavern with a high ceiling. Vell screamed as she looked inside. Senar’s body hung there, a rope tied around his neck. As she stared at him, tears blurring her vision, the rope vanished. He did not fall, but seemed to float slowly to the cavern floor. Naran nodded to her and went to Jalun.

Vell didn’t notice Naran arguing with his brother, nor the fight that occurred between them. All she was aware of was Senar’s lifeless body in the center of the room. Sorrow slowed her steps as she made her way to him.

She was sobbing as she fell to her knees beside him. Tears fell onto his body as she took his hand. She didn’t pay attention to her tears, just his face. His eyes were closed and his hair fell over his forehead. Though Vell didn’t notice it, the tears that landed on his robe did not soak into it, but rolled off. All she was aware of was incredible loss.

She bent and kissed his lips one last time. As she pulled away, she froze. His mouth wasn’t closed, but open slightly. Vell thought she had felt something. Then she felt it again. She turned her head so that her cheek was inches from his face as she looked down his body. There it was again. This time she knew she felt it and that she’d seen his chest move. He was breathing.

Vell brushed his hair from his forehead. “Senar,” she said quietly. She squeezed his hand and spoke his name again. He was breathing more regularly and she continued to say his name. New tears sprang to her eyes as his opened.

“Vell?” he whispered hoarsely.

She smiled. “I thought I’d lost you,” she said softly.

“No,” he replied quietly. “I could never leave you.” He tried to sit up and she helped him.

“I know,” she whispered.

“Are you strong enough to escape?” Naran asked, joining them. Senar looked questioningly at the man.

Vell smiled. “He’s here to help us.”

“Please trust me,” Naran said quietly. They nodded. “We must hurry. Father will soon be looking for Vell.”

Vell helped Senar to his feet. They all made their way to the cavern where the workroom was. As they neared it, Naran grabbed their arms. Vell felt nervous at the sight of Orlan.

“What is this?” the sorcerer demanded as they entered the room.

“I caught them trying to escape,” Naran replied boldly. “I thought it best to bring them to you.”

Vell glared angrily at Naran. What was he doing? He’d promised to help. He avoided her gaze.

Orlan sighed. “Thank you. I will deal with them.”

Naran nodded and released their arms. He stepped back and left them. Orlan glared at them. “Trying to leave? We made a deal, did we not?”

Before either of them could respond a loud roar sounded through the cave. Naran came running back to them. “Orlan,” he panted, “Nogard is distressed. She will not calm for me. She wants only you.”

Orlan sighed as another roar echoed. “That dragon is a pest. Watch these two until I return.” He marched past them and down the corridor to the room that housed his dragon.

“Thought I’d deceived you, didn’t you?” Naran asked them with a smile. They both nodded. “Be quick. Take your rings and hurry away.”

“I’ll get them,” Vell told Senar. He nodded and she went over to the case. With a smile she cautiously lifted the glass off the pedestal. The rings glittered and she was immediately proud of herself. That pride vanished as she reached for them.

Her hand came up empty.