Page 136 of Tiger's Voyage

A rush of wind blew over us, and all the weapons shimmered and disappeared. Both men grunted in pain as they were forced to switch into their tiger forms. The black tiger looked at me, roared, and darted toward the jungle. The white tiger remained in the tree watching me until we could no longer see each other.

The dragon rose higher and entered the forest. It wove between the tall trees at a frightening speed. Occasionally, it’d reach out a claw and push off from a tree that was too close, leaving deep, jagged claw marks in the trunk. I shivered.It’s going to rip Ren and Kishan apart. It’ll tearthrough them like butter.

“Where are you taking me?”

To the castle, of course.

The green dragon shot higher into the air, and I could barely stop myself from throwing up from the fast rise, let alone ask him more questions. The island was much bigger than I thought it was. Its diameter was maybe five miles. Soon we left the trees, skimmed past the beach, and were over the ocean. Another smaller island came into view. It was also surrounded by trees, and rising up in the middle of it was a tall castle built of grayish seaweed-colored stone.

A huge maze of dark hedges at least twenty feet tall surrounded the outside. The castle rose high above the maze but was surrounded by mist. With dismay, I saw that there were no steps, no doors, no way to access the castle except from the top. The tigers would have to scale the outside, while I would be trapped like Rapunzel,without the hair.

A lone tower stood at the top, and this was where the dragon headed. It landed with a scrape of claws on the flat roof before finally setting me down. The air seemed to shift around it. It shimmered and popped, and suddenly, standing before me was the human version of Lsèlóng. White skinned and brown haired, he was handsome but in a dangerous way. His eyes seemed more hazel now than yellow. He was dressed in old-fashioned khaki hunting clothes, tall black boots that shone with polish, and there was even a pith helmet tucked under his arm.

“But it’s not fair,” I accused. “The hedge and the castle aren’t even on the same island. How are they supposed to know?”

“They will figure it out.Eventually.” He took my elbow. With a silky accent, he said, “Come, my dear. Allow me to show you to your accommodations.”

“Why do you sound Russian?”

He laughed. “Didn’t you know the world’s best big-game hunters are Slavic? We dragons can take whatever form we wish, and I choose to hunt in the most sporting manner. I will emulate the style of the great hunters of the past who went on safari, for that was when hunting was a sport. Those very few, very brave men who dared put themselves at as much risk as their prey, who relied more on skill and cleverness than on weapons are now a thing of the past. Today I will pay homage to them.”

Obviously arrogance was a weakness in this dragon. Maybe I could use itagainst him.Demurely, I said, “That’s such a big risk for you. It’s abravething to do,really.”

Confused, he stopped. “What do you mean?”

“Well, if you’re truly going to emulate the great hunters, you will be hunting as a human. I mean, you weren’t planning on using your dragon senses were you? Your incredible speed, sight, and hearing would give you such an advantage.”

“Oh … yes. I suppose I could limit my abilities to hunt as a simple man.” He continued to guide me into the castle and down a circular staircase.

“Itwouldmake the game so much more interesting, wouldn’t it?” I asked innocently.

“Yes. Yes! It would. I will do it. Iwillhunt as a normal man.”

I put my hand on his arm and tried to sound concerned. “But then you might be indanger. The tigers areveryresourceful.”

“Ha! There is no danger for me. I will win in the first hour.”

“Still, it would be too tempting to use your special abilities. I wouldn’t blame you, after all. All it would take is a tiger leaping at your throat, and you’d be tempted to zap him. I’d understand, of course. It’s very difficult not to use power when you have it.”

“I do not need my powers. My mind and my skills are enough to win the game.”

“Well, you could always fall back on it, so you are guaranteed safety.”

“I am not concerned with safety! Fine. To prove it to you, we will add another rule!”

“What rule would that be?”

“The rule is that if I use any abilities in the hunt that a normal man wouldn’t possess, then the tigers will win.”

“Oh! How very brave of you! It’s really too bad I will be trapped here and unable to watch you in action.”

“Yes, it is,” he said thoughtfully. “Ah, then as a special courtesy to you, you will be allowed to watch the hunt.”

“You mean, you’re taking me with you?”

“And risk them stealing you back before we finish the game? No,deti dama, you will remain here in the tower. I will allow my special mirror to show you the hunt. When you want to watch, just approach the mirror, and tell it what you wish to see. Make yourself at home, my dear. Food and drink will be left on your windowsill every day, but you will remain trapped in here until the game is finished.”

He started for the stairs with a flourish, just as the heavy wooden door closed behind him and locked itself. I waited until I couldn’t hear him anymore and held my hand up toward the door. Nothing happened. I went to the window to send a flare. Again, my lightning power was useless. I sank down on the small bed with the rough woven cover. There was nothing else for me to do.