The Dragon Who Loved Me Read Online Free PDF Page B

their troops digging out a tunnel that would lead them directly under the Polycarp Mountains and right into the Irons’ stronghold. Once in, they could take the Irons unaware and destroy them. At least that was the current plan. Whether it would work or not was anyone’s guess, but it was better than sitting around and waiting for something to happen. “It shouldn’t be much longer now.”
    “Good. Because the Irons are getting bolder.”
    “Why do you say that?” Ragnar asked.
    “Another attempt to get in here. Don’t know what they think they’ll find, though.”
    “How many were there this time?”
    “About ten trying to get our attention and three Elites trying to sneak past.”
    Ragnar looked up again. “Only three?”
    “Yes.” Vigholf saw a pile of dried and smoked cows’ legs in the corner and he went over and grabbed one. “Which is why I say I don’t understand what they’re doing. Coming to spy, maybe?”
    “Perhaps.” Ragnar sat back on his haunches. “Or they know about the tunnel or they’ve found a weakness here. Something we’ve missed.”
    “Don’t be so paranoid.” Vigholf ripped the flesh off the cow’s leg with his fangs. “We didn’t miss anything, we’ve got all the entrances and exits covered. And if they knew about the tunnels, Thracius would have destroyed them by now.”
    “You don’t know that.”
    Meinhard walked in and Vigholf tossed him a cow’s leg as well. “Ragnar’s being paranoid.”
    “When isn’t he?”
    “We can’t afford for anyone to get in here,” Ragnar reminded them. “So do me a favor and see if we may have missed any more possible entrances.”
    “You’re asking for a favor?” Vigholf said.
    “Like we’re old chums?” Meinhard added.
    Fed up, Ragnar snapped, slamming his claws against the thick wood table. “Do what I tell you!”
    “No need to get snappy,” Meinhard muttered, and Vigholf hid his smile behind the cow’s leg.
    “Bastards,” Ragnar complained with a snarl, but it quickly turned to a smile when the lovely Princess Keita walked in.
    “Oooh,” she cheered. “All these handsome males in one place. It makes a girl so happy!”
    Ragnar held his claw out and Keita took it, allowing him to pull her tight against his side.
    “The Irons tried to get in here again. It’s making me concerned,” Ragnar murmured to her.
    “It’ll be fine.”
    “Maybe, maybe not. But I’m glad you’re going with Ren to Dark Plains.”
    “Ren’s leaving?” Vigholf asked. Ren of the Chosen was what the Northlanders termed a “foreign dragon,” which meant he was from somewhere none of them had ever been before. Specifically the Eastland territories across the sea. He’d turned out to be a helpful ally. Good fighting skills and he could work Magick as well. It helped during the heat of battle.
    “He’s needed in Dark Plains,” Ragnar answered while he studied Keita’s face. “And Keita’s going with him.”
    “Your brother is trying to get rid of me.”
    “You know I’m not.”
    “And we like having you here,” Vigholf volunteered. “You’re the only reason Ragnar’s even remotely pleasant.”
    “Thank you,” Ragnar said flatly.
    Keita petted Ragnar’s neck. “I could stay. If you need me to.”
    “I do need you. But I’ll feel better if you’re far away from here.” He squeezed her. “Go with Ren. He’ll appreciate the company.”
    “About that . . .” Keita went up on the tips of her claws and began whispering in Ragnar’s ear. Vigholf glanced at Meinhard, but his cousin was too busy sucking the marrow from that cow leg to notice anything.
    “You sure?” Ragnar asked.
    Keita nodded. “She’s the best choice.”
    “Perhaps, but I doubt she’ll be happy about it.”
    “She’ll do it for me. Besides, I’m betting she’d like some time away from my aunt.”
    “I’ll feel better if it’s her. She’s good.”
    “And you don’t like the idea of me being alone with Ren,” she teased. “But he