any barriers the Keepers might have erected."
"Keepers?" Elinor asked, surprised. "I've heard of them, but never in conjunction with the Isle of Repose. Legend says they are the most powerful of sorcerers. When the dragons grew weary of the Keepers and their mischief, the dragons banished them from the Dragonlands."
"All true," Jarrett said. He sat down on a large rock. "The Keepers were banished to the Isle of Repose. To protect themselves, they made it impossible for a dragon to ever set foot on its shores. How, we do not know. We only know that others have tried, and failed, in the past. No dragon in its right mind would attempt it now."
"Good thing I'm not in my right mind," Connor said with a grimace. He pulled a tunic over his head and straightened it at his waist. "Your father," he looked pointedly at Elinor, "stole my eggs. I want them back. Whatever Jarrett says we must do is what we will do." Connor turned back to Jarrett. "Now, you said a dragon cannot set foot on the island. Can I do so in human form?"
"I wish I knew the answer to that," Jarrett said. "Are you willing to take the risk?"
Connor nodded. "Of course. Anything to save the eggs."
"Good." Jarrett tore a strip of fabric from his cloak. "We need a boat. We should be able to purchase one at the town nearby. But I need you to wear this around your eyes, Connor."
"Why?" Bastian asked.
"The people in the Meadowlands are all capable of turning into dragons. Their young ones have developed a strange gift, unique to them. They can look into a person's eyes and tell if a dragon hides within. If they see Connor is a dragon, they will take him prisoner."
"Wait." Elinor held a hand up. "What do you mean, they're all dragons here?"
"Exactly as I said." Jarrett tossed the strip to Connor, who caught it deftly in one hand. "Someone here discovered the secret of transformation and thought it would be a good idea to turn the entire Meadowlands population into dragons."
"For war?" Bastian asked. He pumped his fists.
Jarrett held back a sigh. Was there more to the man than just his brawn? Some moments Jarrett was baffled that Tressa was ever attracted to Bastian. Then again, his past included Jacinda, so he had no right to question Tressa’s interest in the redheaded oaf.
"The Meadowlands is comprised of peaceful people. None here would want to wage war on the other dragonlords. Instead, they thrive on equality. It was simply a matter of everyone having the same ability," Jarrett explained. "Unfortunately the dragonlords of the Red and Yellow did not agree. Together they erected a border to keep the Green dragons inside the Meadowlands—and away from the other lands."
"They wanted to keep the secret?" Elinor asked.
"Yes," Jarrett said.
"So why does it matter if they know I'm a dragon?" Connor asked.
"Only a dragon can lead them out. If they realize what you are, they will surely take you prisoner until you take down the barrier," Jarrett answered.
“But I don’t know how,” Connor countered.
"They won’t believe you,” Jarrett said. “Do you want me to help you with that?"
Connor held the strip up to his eyes. Jarrett tied the ends at the back of Connor's head.
"I'll tie a rope around his wrist and lead him," Elinor said. She twirled her cape onto her shoulders and produced a rope from one of the interior pockets. "Connor, assuming they still have a Healer's Guild here, they will recognize you as my patient. We won't be questioned."
"They do have one," Jarrett said to Elinor. "I was hoping all of you would agree to the ruse."
Elinor tied the rope around Connor's waist. "I'll give small tugs so you know which way to go," she told him.
"Okay, are we ready?" Bastian asked. He shifted from one foot to the other.
"Yes," Jarrett said, hefting his pack onto his shoulder. He reached down for Elinor's, but was bumped aside by Bastian.
"I'll take it," Bastian said, snatching up her pack. He glared at Jarrett.
Jarrett shrugged, refusing to play this pissing match. "Let's go. The town isn't far. Around those trees and to the right." He set off at a quick clip, eager to keep moving. The sooner they secured a boat, the sooner they could get to the Isle of Repose. Every step took him closer to reuniting with Tressa.
Chapter Nine
"This boat will get you back to the Sands," the merchant said.
Jarrett knew the man would be