The Fifth Magic (Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

tolerate only so much. Before they came within view of the hold, Sinjin's dragon swung to one side and gained altitude. Without warning, he dived, gaining speed and bringing his bulk directly over top of Kendra and Gerhonda. Kendra's dragon issued a petulant call and gave way, allowing Valterius to lead. Sinjin couldn't help smiling for what Valterius had done, but he also knew he'd bear the blame for his dragon's actions.
    Behind him, Brother Vaughn fidgeted.
    "What are you doing?" he asked, made uncomfortable by Brother Vaughn's twisting and turning in his seat.
    "I'm sorry," Brother Vaughn said. "I think I've lost something important to me."
    "Your cube?" Sinjin asked.
    Brother Vaughn hesitated before answering. "Yes," he said after a long moment. "I must've lost it during the flight with Onin. I love dragons--don't misunderstand me--but I might be happier observing them from the ground."
    Sinjin understood his sentiment, but he'd begun to overcome his fears and feel more at home in the saddle. Nowhere else did he have the freedom he did flying with Valterius, and nowhere else was he more powerful. Comet light bathed him in power, and though he might never achieve Trinda's or Allette's abilities, he was no longer powerless. It was something he was still getting accustomed to. For much of his life, he'd been passive, trying to stay in the background and avoid a fight. He still didn't like conflict and prevented violence whenever possible, but he was no longer afraid. He was no longer powerless. These things he reiterated and reminded himself as Windhold came into view.
    Behind him, Brother Vaughn said a prayer as wind gusts tossed them about. Valterius wasn't bothered by such things, and Sinjin was growing accustomed. Brother Vaughn was pale and trembling. Sinjin patted Valterius on the neck and did his best to ask his mighty steed for a smooth landing. Though his dragon couldn't possibly read his thoughts, he was surprised when Valterius landed as gently as he ever remembered, and he had to wonder just how much the dragon did understand.
    Durin rushed out to meet them, and the dragon was all too happy to be returned to Durin's care. It took Brother Vaughn a moment to dismount and Sinjin empathized; his own thighs hurt, and his stiff muscles resisted his commands. Time in the saddle took its toll, and Sinjin walked slowly as he went to where Kendra stood. Brother Vaughn wisely stayed with Durin.
    "You could've gotten us both killed," Kendra said.
    "You're right," Sinjin admitted.
    "Well, it took you long enough to figure that out. And if I hadn't insisted on bringing Gerhonda, where would Brother Vaughn be?"
    Sinjin had no answer.
    "No more illusions and wishes. Just real truth," Kendra continued with conviction. The Drakon watched her in a way that made Sinjin think she should be Al'Drakon. He flushed. "War is coming and we must prepare. We need to firm our allegiances and monitor our enemy's activities. There can be no other way."
    "I agree," Sinjin said, soft but firm.
    "And how are you going to do that? What, exactly, are you going to do?"
    "I don't know," he said.
    "Yes, you do," Kendra said, coiled like a snake ready to strike him. Sinjin steeled himself and prepared for the onslaught. "You've known all along. You just won't tell me what it is. You don't trust me enough to share your secret. How can any of us trust you when you don't trust us?"
    It wasn't fair, he thought, knowing it was childish, but that failed to banish his anger. "Durin!" he shouted. The hold went silent.
    "What?" Durin called, peering out from underneath a wing.
    "Saddle Valterius!"
    "But I just got it off of him!"
    "Do it!" Sinjin commanded. Others moved to assist Durin. He didn't need the help, but neither did he turn it away. Valterius flicked his tail, but he tended to behave a little better when other people were around him. Sinjin generally found this amusing, but anger kept the smile from forming. His anger was mostly with someone who