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"With any luck, we'll know more soon." Dex opened a smaller door and led me down a flight of steps.
The idea of having a potential enemy at my back while making the descent was disconcerting to say the least. Instinctively, I drew a few drops of magic from the warm scent of cinnamon from Dex and prepared to defend myself or break my fall.
Hades, I was becoming paranoid. Or vigilant. The two things weren't so different.
We reached the bottom of the stairs without incident and Dex waved at the guards to walk ahead of us instead.
"I wouldn't want anyone to jump out at us," he said lightly. He grinned as though amused, but his eyes suggested he knew exactly what he was doing. If he hadn't seen the guard's inadvertent movement, he was aware of something amiss.
I recognised the slight curl of the fingers on one hand. He expected trouble and was ready.
His other hand, he pressed lightly to my back. His thumb stroked my spine once, twice, and my mouth went dry. Apparently trouble wasn't the only thing he was ready for.
"I've had enough surprises for one day," I agreed. I smiled brightly, but knew it didn't reach my eyes. No, those were wide while I tried to suppress the sudden spike in desire which coursed through me. So much for vigilance.
"Keeper," Bain stepped out of a side room and nodded. His face was damp and slightly red, as if he'd recently washed it, but he still wore the same clothes he'd had on all day. Anxiety showed in the slight lines around his face, but that was all the emotion he showed.
Was he anticipating some kind of punishment for letting me get in harm's way twice? Three times if the potential for trouble at the temple was added to the list.
"Everyone is being formal today." Dex clapped Bain on the shoulder. "Is the prisoner ready?"
"Yes, sir," Bain replied. "She's restrained. For her protection as well as ours."
I assumed that meant they wanted to keep Urla from harming herself before we got any answers from her.
"Very good, Bain. Remind me to give you a promotion." Dex clapped him on the shoulder.
"To what, Keeper?" Bain asked.
Was that an attempt at humour? I cocked my head at him.
Dex scratched his forehead. "Good question. I'll think about it. Maybe a new title."
"Dragonbane?" I bit back a smile.
"Wasn't that the title you were after?" Bain asked. He blinked at me slowly.
Dex chuckled.
"How about Vault comedian?" I asked. I wasn't sure if I wanted to stick my tongue out at Bain or glare at him. Or kneel in front of him and suck his—
Dex laughed more loudly. "You could share both titles."
"Jester Dragonbane," Bain mused. "A name to strike terror into the hearts of young children for a century to come."
I snorted. "It's all yours."
"You're too gracious, milady." Bain's mouth twisted slightly with sarcasm.
"So I'm told." I smiled sweetly.
Bain opened the door to a cell near the end of the row.
Most of the other cells we walked past were empty. Dust was the occupant more often than a person. Several contained boxes, all closed so I could only guess at the contents.
The one or two people I saw seemed to be asleep. Maybe recovering from the hunt celebrations in a place they wouldn't cause havoc. It wouldn't be the first time cells were used to house the intoxicated while they sobered, it would probably not be the last.
"Gordon, Lewis, you should go in first," Dex said lightly. He nodded toward the two guards and stepped aside with a flourish.
