The Twilight Lord by Bertrice Small Read Free Book Online Page B

their foal, Feroz. Reaching the greensward he immediately saw his mother’s stallion and went to him. Politely, for manners were most important to horses, he bid Dasras and his family a good morning. Then he told the great stallion that his mother was gone and he could not find her.
    “Climb on my back, young Dillon,” Dasras told him. “We will search together.”
    Dillon grabbed a handful of the golden horse’s cream-colored mane and swung himself up on the animal’s back. Together the two set off to explore the surrounding land. There was no need for Dasras to spread his great white wings, for on foot Lara could not have gotten very far. But when after a time no trace of her could be found, Dasras did indeed take wing. Yet even from above they could not find her. They searched for hours.
    I should tell Liam and Noss what I saw, Dillon thought. But despite their long association with my mother they will be inclined not to believe me. They will say again that I am a fanciful boy. I need to speak with Prince Kaliq. Dillon sighed.
    “What is it?” Dasras asked.
    “Nothing,” Dillon replied. “I am just disturbed that we cannot find Mother.”
    “Something is amiss,” Dasras said. “Last night in the meadows the other horses were all unnaturally restless for a brief while.”
    “I think we should go for the Dominus,” Dillon answered him.
    “Perhaps,” Dasras agreed. “But we are guests of the Fiacre and must let them make that decision. Let us return and see if your mother has appeared from wherever she had been.”
    Back in the meadow, Dasras let Dillon climb down from his back and watched as the boy hurried back toward Liam’s hall.
    Dillon sought out his foster father and asked if Lara had been found.
    “I was not aware she was missing,” Liam said, looking startled.
    “Did Noss not tell you?” Dillon exclaimed. “I spoke with her early this morning.”
    “I have only seen Noss in passing today,” Liam admitted. “We are getting ready for the Gathering and there is much to do before we make the trek. I could have used your help today, Dillon.”
    “Dasras and I have been searching all day for Mother,” Dillon defended himself.
    Noss came into the hall and Liam called to her, “Where is Lara?”
    Seeing Dillon with her husband, Noss flushed. Then she said, “I have not seen her today. I have been so busy with Mildri. Did you not find her, Dillon?”
    “Dasras and I rode for miles around. We even went skyward but we can find no trace of her. I think I should take Dasras and ride to the Dominus’s castle to inform him that Mother is missing, Liam. The night sky will be bright enough, and if I go now I can be halfway there before sunset,” Dillon said.
    “There is no need to worry your stepfather,” Noss said sharply. “She might even have gone to the castle on some mission or another. I am certain there is a reasonable explanation for your mother’s disappearance. She doesn’t need Dasras to travel. She may have gone to your grandmother in the forest or to the Shadow Princes. Your mother does not answer to anyone, Dillon.”
    “If she had planned to go anywhere she would have told someone,” Dillon said stubbornly. He had to tell them. “I had an odd dream last night and now I fear it may not have been a dream.”
    “This is no time for one of your magical tales, Dillon,” Noss said impatiently.
    “But what if it wasn’t a dream?” Dillon persisted.
    Both Noss and Liam glared at him and Liam said, “Enough, lad!”
    Dillon swallowed back his anger. Mortals! he thought furiously. “What about my mother?” he demanded of them. “I have not seen her since last night and neither has anyone else. You have to admit it is strange for her to go off and not tell anyone.”
    “It is odd,” Noss admitted. “But she could have.”
    “If she has not returned by tomorrow,” Liam said, “we will mount a search for her, Dillon, but I am certain this is just a misunderstanding. Besides,