“Traitorous maid, release me!” Owain shouted on seeing me, red and puffing with his struggles.
“I cannot release you entirely, but I will take you to your brother, if you will cooperate.” I knelt to untie his legs, though not his hands, and with Gareth’s help lifted him to his feet.
“What is the meaning of all this, Ariana?” Owain demanded. “I would have an explanation of your actions!”
“In brief, then—the dragon who keeps me captive here does not do so by his own will. It is his master who is our enemy; the dragon himself seems to be a nearly decent sort. I will not, therefore, see him harmed, be you brother, betrothed, or dearest friend. Do you understand this?”
He gaped at me for several seconds before speaking. “What do you know of this master?” he asked at last. “Nothing. The drag
