The Betrayal - By Ruth Langan Page 0,2

steed drew back in terror as creatures swooped from above, eyes glittering like burning embers in the darkness. It was enough to chill a man’s soul and fuel a raging terror. But the need that drove him consumed him far greater than any fear of the unknown. And so he plunged on, determined to reach his goal.

After many torturous hours he saw the faint glow of light ahead. At last he breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped from the forest and was almost blinded by the glare of sunlight reflecting off the water that lay directly before him.

“The Enchanted Loch.” He breathed the name of the place he’d heard about since childhood. Surely it was so, since the water glistened with the colors of diamonds and sapphires. He cupped a handful and drank. It was the sweetest, purest water he’d ever tasted. When he looked down at his fingers, he saw the jewel droplets remaining. But instead of water, they were actual jewels, winking in the sunlight. Brilliant white diamonds and silver-blue sapphires. Enthralled, he wrapped them in a bit of linen and tucked them into a pocket at his waist.

At a rumble of thunder that echoed across the sky, he looked up. Not thunder, he realized. It was the roar of the dragon that guarded the loch. The creature came up slowly from the water, looming closer and larger, until it dwarfed even the cliffs that rose up on the far side. Its body was longer than any boat, and covered with scales. The giant mouth opened. A tongue flicked out, followed by a stream of fire that had Grant diving into the sandy shore to escape being burned alive.

He felt intense heat rush past his head and watched in horror as the beast emerged from the water and lumbered toward him. His first thought was that he’d never faced such a fearsome opponent. He had often been outnumbered in battle, and had been forced to fight until there was no strength left in him. But he’d always believed he had the inner resources to win. This time, his courage would be sorely tested.

He unsheathed his sword and started forward, determined to conquer both this monster and his own fear.

The dragon reared back, resting on its tail. One giant claw lashed out. In the space of a moment Grant caught sight of razor-sharp talons that could shred a man to ribbons with a single swipe. He veered to one side, and felt the quick slice of pain as his arm was cut to the bone from shoulder to elbow. For a moment the pain dropped him to his knees as blood flowed like a river, soaking his plaid. The sword slipped from his hands. The dragon used that moment to turn wrap its tail around him, pinning his arms to his sides. Ever so slowly it began to squeeze the life from him.

Grant could barely breathe as the pressure against his chest increased until he could feel stars dancing in front of his eyes. The giant tail swished to and fro, tossing him about in a dizzying ride. He knew it was only a matter of time before he would lose consciousness. Though he no longer had his sword, he still had the dirk in his boot. He eased his foot up until his fingertips came in contact with the cold steel of the dagger. Sweat beaded his forehead as he moved the blade inch by inch, until at last he managed to grasp it firmly and began methodically cutting away at the scaly flesh that held him prisoner. With the first cut he felt his chest expand enough to breathe easily. With the second cut, and the third, he could feel himself slipping free. Another slice, and then another, and he was falling through air until he landed with a splash in the water. For a few unsteady moments he sank beneath the waves and wondered if, after all this, he might face death by drowning. But then he felt the sand beneath his feet and knew that he had reached the shallows. There, just in front of him, lay his fallen sword.

He saw the dragon rear up, and knew that he wouldn’t survive a second attack. Taking up his sword, he changed course, choosing to attack rather than simply defend himself. Darting between the creature’s front legs, he looked up and saw the massive pulsing chest just above him. Using both hands, he grasped his