Breath of Dragons (A Pandoran Novel) Read Online Free PDF Page A

bridge gave way.
    A chorus of horrible shrieking filled the air, and the shadowguard and their horses slid from the bridge and fell into the canyon. The fury of the shadowguard on the opposite ledge filtered through the space between us, engulfing me with bitter cold.
    "Let's get moving." Alex pulled me up from the ground and then leapt fluidly onto Parsec.
    Wincing, I jumped onto Calyx and followed Alex and Vera away from the ledge. The shadowguard watched as we galloped away, up the hill and beneath the trees until we were out of sight. We'd gotten away this time, but they were not done hunting us. No, the hunt had just begun, and it wouldn't stop. It would never, ever stop.
    Had leaving the castle been a mistake?
    No, you need to do this. If anything, their pursuit should be confirmation of this mission's importance.
    I sighed and slumped in the saddle. All the adrenaline had left me feeling shaken, and the throbbing in my left arm screamed with renewed vigor.
    Vera trotted past me without even the slightest glance. "I said go left."
    I didn't have the energy to retort. Instead, I clenched my teeth and stared vacantly at Calyx's winded mane. The pain was overwhelming, but I didn't want to say anything just yet. There was no point; it wasn't as though we could stop.
    Alex rode behind me, silent, but I could feel his consciousness press against mine. It swept through me, moving up my arm and into my shoulder, and then his concern cut like a razor. "Vera, we need to stop."
    "I sincerely hope you aren't serious," she replied, and when he didn't speak further, she grumbled. "She can have five minutes."
    "We're stopping for the night," he said.
    Something like a snort escaped Vera's lips. "That little detour's already cost us a day. Her highness can sleep in the saddle."
    "Vera."
    Alex's tone made her stop Nimarra. I wanted to say it was okay and that I'd be fine, but I didn't even have the energy for that.
    Then, realizing that Alex wasn't budging on the subject, Vera's irritation wrapped around me like a blanket of hot coals. "Fine." Even that one word was clipped. She held Nimarra steady so Alex could lead.
    Alex guided Parsec slowly, carefully, his palm opened at his side while he tilted his head this way and that, searching for something. He was using Cicero's compass, but I didn't know what he was using it to find.
    A cool breeze twisted through the forest, but it did nothing to ease the fire in my arm and shoulder. The same fire had started spreading through my torso, making it difficult to breathe. It felt like my chest was being squeezed, and I couldn't expand my lungs for a full breath. Exhaustion began taking over, and I was glad Alex had demanded we stop for the night. If he hadn't, I would've probably passed out in the saddle. Alex made an abrupt right turn and then led Parsec a dozen or so yards before dismounting in front of a large pile of boulders.
    He placed his hands on one of the rocks, then slid his palms over the surface, feeling for something. The cool night air stirred again, and this time it brought with it the softest points of cold. Snow. It was just beginning to fall, but the flakes were large and fluffy like balls of cotton. They would blanket the ground tonight.
    Vera steadied Nimarra, her expression drawn to an irritated point, and then Alex said, "Ah." His hand had stopped moving about waist-height. He dug in his pocket and set something on the rock's surface. The rock absorbed the offering, then rolled back like a stone curtain, leaving a cave in its wake.
    A shroud.
    "We should be safe in here." Alex walked to my side and grabbed my waist to help me down, flashing me a look that dared refusal. He didn't need to bother, though. There was no room for pride when I was in this much pain.
    Alex helped me down and slid his arm around my waist. I sagged against him, trembling upon my feet, and his arm was the only thing keeping me upright. He pulled me tighter, and his concern amplified.
    "What about