Dradus’s nose bled red streamers onto his silk tunic, and his skull threatened to split from the pain, but those were minor discomforts compared to the euphoria coursing through him. An ancient bridge shimmered to life under the power of complex sorcery. It stretched across the gorge, still insubstantial but solidifying with each passing moment. A bridge that connected him to fabled Tineroth and her surely substantial treasures.
The company of Castagher soldiers behind him cheered. After weeks of idle waiting while he cast spell after spell to reveal the bridge, they were restless, eager for battle and ready to conquer the city behind the heavy mists obscuring the forest on the crevasse’s opposite side. Dradus nodded to the captain of the guard.
“Remember, the men are welcome to whatever loot they can carry out, but they can’t forget their mission. We bring the girl back to Hayden, alive.”
The captain frowned. “If she’s cursed as you say, it will be a challenge to transport her.
Dradus shrugged. “A small matter. Leave it to me. Just be sure not to let her touch you when you catch her.” One eyebrow rose meaningfully. “It’s easy to subdue an unconscious captive.”
“Aye, I see your point.” The captain gestured to his troop. “I’ll tell them to prepare. We ride to Tineroth at your signal.”