Quest Of The Dragon Tamer (Book 1) by Cole Pain

should have been the one to save her, not a passing stranger.
    When Evann turned back to Manda her green eyes cut through his soul.
    “I believed in you, Evann,” Manda said. “How could you think ill of me?”
    Evann knelt and busied himself with a twig. “Manda, believe me when I say I’ve been trying to find a way to release you, to hear your side, but with the twins… ” He glanced behind his shoulder at Vos. “I was trying to find a way to free you. Believe that.”
    Manda studied him with penetrating eyes before taking a deep breath and pulling Chris closer. “There are secret passages around Stardom. Ren told us about them a few years ago. He reasoned if there was ever trouble and he was taken or killed we might be able to save the Zier people by sending soldiers through the tunnels. When we arrived at Stardom we overheard our father plotting to frame Ren for Wyrick’s death.” Manda paused to glance back at Stardom, a fearful look on her face. “We went through the tunnels to try to warn Ren but we weren’t fast enough. Valor found us in Ren’s chambers.
    “Ista’s a sorceress, Evann. She was able to move past the guards unseen well after Ren left Wyrick’s chambers.” Manda closed her eyes and shivered. Evann’s hackles stood on end, but he was unsure if it was due to Manda’s words or Vos’s haunting moan.
    “Our father is using us to prove his loyalty to the Collective. Upon Ista’s request he ordered our deaths. It was only a matter of time before the twins killed you. They were only keeping you alive to aid in watching us.”
    Evann remained silent for some time. When he spoke his voice sounded like stone on granite. “Your own father agreed to your deaths?”
    Though she tried to hide it, a tremor of pain shook Manda’s body. The thought of someone hurting Manda ignited a boiling rage inside Evann. He had the sudden urge to ride back to Zier and kill Valor himself.
    “I’m sorry I’ve put you through what I have, Manda. Know my heart wasn’t in it.”
    “You believe me then?”
    “Yes, I believe you. I don’t understand it, but I believe you.”
    She offered him a small smile. “Magic is being reborn, Evann. Ista said Chris would have the power.” Manda paused to glance down at Chris. “I think it’s just happened. With the herb in Chris, the shock of magic’s rebirth may have been too much.”
    A chill went up Evann’s spine as Manda fell to silence. She dabbed some water on Chris’ face. Chris’ eyes fluttered open.
    “Where are we?” he whispered.
    “A day’s ride outside of Zier,” Evann said. “Your sister has just told me what she knows.”
    Chris sighed. “It’s true then.” His eyes widened. “The twins!”
    Manda placed a hand on Chris’ chest, forcing him to calm. “I killed Yov.”
    Chris studied her for a few heartbeats, but instead of questioning, he nodded. “Maybe your training will come in useful after all, sis.”
    Manda’s lips lifted into a sad smile. “It seems it already has.”
    - - -
    The guards shoved Quinton into the cell. His eyes were so swollen he could only make out shadows.
    “Fates, Quinton,” came a voice. Strong hands caught him and lowered him to the floor.
    “Michel?”
    “The one and only.”
    Michel put a damp cloth to his forehead. Before Quinton could ask Ren’s uncle what he knew of Ren, Michel spoke. “What happened to you?”
    Quinton winced as Michel continued cleaning. “One of Valor’s guard went after Ren. I stopped him. The man didn’t take too kindly to my interruption.” Michel dipped the rag back into the water. Quinton could only imagine the blood. He felt it all over him. The soldier had been beating him to death, not to unconsciousness. Quinton hesitated, unsure if he really wanted to hear the news. “Ren?”
    “Escaped. No one knows where he is.”
    Quinton smiled. “That’s my Ren.”
    Michel chuckled.
    Quinton heard the whisk of a belt and stiffened, knowing what was to come. He had done