Dragon Down by Casey Knight Read Free Book Online Page A

returned to the library. I needed to finish a few things before I met again with Zane. It was hard to concentrate. The vampire had given me one bit of valuable information. I just didn ’t know what to make of it. There was no use wondering whom or why. I’d offended too many people or vampires or whatever to count. I needed to focus all my energy on saving Traygen. Yeah and I’d need to watch my back, because many vampires would be. Lucky me.

Chapter Four
     
    I read for another hour before Zane returned from who knew where. He walked over and stood in front of my desk. “Find anything of interest?” I asked.
    “Lauren, I ’ve arranged with General Wingo to fly us to the coast at first light. The general has given us one of the Viking vessels and supplies enough to get us to the Paradise Islands. Have you learned anything that might help?”
    “Honestly, I don ’t know. My knowledge of vampires has always been more about how to kill them. I never took the time to find out much about them. However, from what I’ve read I think it is unlikely that either the White or Jade Courts are involved. Something this big is out of their league.”
    “My thoughts exactly. The White Court vampires are into prostitution and white-collar crime. The Jade Court sticks to smuggling of drugs and precious gems. This could only be a grudge of some sort. Do you know if Traygen or his family has stepped on any toes lately? Any group with an ax to grind?”
    “It is possible and a good question to ask Trevor. But from what I know he hasn’t had any run-ins with the Red or Black Courts? I’ve had more issues with vampires than Traygen. I have offended them again and again.”
    Zane ’s head snapped up, and he looked at Lauren. “What do you mean?”
    “Tokem overheard one of the captive vampires telling someone there is a price on my head.”
    “And?”
    “ He didn’t know much. The vampire just said it was someone in the hierarchy, and that it was a large bounty. He may just be trying to buy his freedom and besides, there are several people that want me dead.”
    “Good to know, and you ’re probably correct. I’ll chat with him later if I have the time before we leave. If there are not any more questions I need to prepare to leave.”
    “Nothing that can ’t wait. I’ll finish here and get my things ready for our departure. It’ll be light before we know it.”
    Zane left the library and I sat in silence for some time reflecting on his earlier question about Traygen. I decided to find Trevor and ask him if Traygen or the kingdom had any feuds with the vampires. Pushing myself up from the table I went in search of Trevor. Fortunately it only took me a moment. We nearly collided as I left the library.
    “Lauren, I ’m so sorry. Are you all right?”
    “Trevor, I ’m fine. I was just looking for you. Do you know if Traygen or the kingdom had any ongoing feuds with the vampires? Any reason that they might take him?”
    “I ’ve asked myself that same question, since he disappeared. The kingdom has had skirmishes with the vampires throughout our history. They were usually turf disputes of one type or another. However, I’m not aware that Traygen had any personal disagreements with a vampire. That doesn’t mean he didn’t, but it never came up.”
    “What courts have you had the most interaction with?”
    “The Jade Court. They try to use our lands to shorten their trade routes. I’m not sure what court the vampires that helped the Vikings were from. Do you?”
    “They were primarily Red Court, mercenaries for hire. I don ’t think they have any loyalty other than greed. It doesn’t mean I’m right but, I would think they would have put Traygen up for ransom by now. Since we haven’t heard anything, I believe we can rule them out.”
    “I ’m sorry. I can’t be more helpful. General Wingo tells me that you are leaving at first light. I wish I could go, but my father hasn’t fully regained his strength.