Chapter 20

Master Theil’s taut and drawn expression revealed the anguish of his inner turmoil to carry the burden to go after his own brother, his twin. Duran knew he couldn’t fully understand what he was facing, believing it had to cut deep. He didn’t have any siblings to compare all of this to.

All of the mages were present for this gathering, along with Cedri and Royce, which was rare for this time of the day. There was usually an evening gathering to catch up on the keep’s day to day details and to relax after. If it had been for a better reason, he would even agree their meeting was a welcome diversion to have a chance to visit with Master Theil.

A few of the changes through the keep were more notable than others since their return. A full battalion of guards, including those who’d been exiled or chosen to stay from Lord Atkill’s lands, had been trained to guard within the keep and on the grounds while they’d been absent during the journey for the crown. Jayce kept his word to continue the advancement of the keep and all the people who stood with him. He had also gained a lot of respect while meeting the village elders surrounding them face to face rather than working through an emissary. A lot had changed, while many of the things they knew for themselves from a few weeks before remained the same. Things felt more settled, which was a positive outlook to Duran, and he was sure to the others, as well.

But this news broadly pointed out exactly how far they still had to go.

“What is your plan?” Jayce asked quietly, rubbing over his chin and the short scruff that had become more permanent since their return.

Master Theil stared unfocused beyond everyone. “I—”

Grayson leaped to his feet, a stricken pain blanching his features. “Kierei!” He hurdled over a settee and rushed the door. He slammed it into the wall and was gone without breaking stride, leaving everyone in the room and guards posted outside gaping at him.

“What? What’s happening?” Rune barked, standing as well. But Grayson was already long gone and too far away to reply.

Then they heard it.

A dragon’s roar, loud and long.

Duran sprinted after Grayson, closest to the door. Guards lining the walls of the lord’s hall flattened themselves as the group raced after Grayson. The rear of the keep was noticeably empty following the wildness of the roar. Even the livestock had vanished. It took several harried minutes to reach the spot where he’d left Kierei, sunning himself beside the river, with Mikkon’s watchful presence. Everyone came to a skidded stop. Abstract fear filled his heart at the scene.

Kierei stood over an unmoving Mikkon, his wide barrel protecting the man’s still body as he roared and snapped at another dragon before him. The young man lay sprawled beneath his scaly, wide bulk. A shuddering rise and fall of his chest was the clearest sign he was alive.

The second dragon was lunging at Kierei, as though trying to get to Mikkon and he was protecting him, blocking its attempts. Kierei opened his mouth as though daring to chomp every time the other dragon got near. Sparks flit from around the gray beast’s snout, like escaping fireflies in answer. It was the weirdest thing Duran had seen yet. Snarls and growls were loud between them. Stormy gray scales lightened around bright eyes, while the wings gradually darkened to a pearl black. Two thick horns spiraled up from the crown of its head, similar to Kierei’s, sheathed in a gray so deep, it was almost black. Where Kierei shimmered in the sunlight, this dragon was nearly matte in color. Duran didn’t know where it had come from and was trying to figure out how to rescue Mikkon when Grayson took matters into his own hands.

Grayson marched up between the two and shouted. “Stop this!”

Duran felt his stomach whoosh to his feet.

“He’s going to get himself killed,” Royce hissed.

Kierei whined in stunned reply then wrapped his tail around his lower half. The other dragon raised its head, wings spread wide, surprised enough to stare at the mage between them.

“You heard me,” he growled at the new dragon. “He’s not in danger. Not from a single human. Look at him!” Addressing the gray dragon, he pointed to Kierei behind him. “Does he look like he’s in danger to you? I don’t care that he’s your brother! He is our friend!”

Shocked silence blanketed the little clearing. Muffled, abstract sounds broke through the hanging wall of volatile expectation. Muted scuffs caused by the shift of those watching, waiting to jump into the middle if needed, and the burbling water of the river.

“Kierei, we need to check Mikkon. May they approach?” Grayson spoke to be heard over his shoulder, shattering the tense quiet, staring down the other dragon. The gray dragon sniffed loudly as Grayson held his ground between them.

Kierei grunted, then minced a few steps to the far side as tendrils of smoke faded from his nose, revealing a confused Mikkon who was starting to stir.

Guards swept in and hefted him by the arms to drag him closer to the group of alarmed watchers. He was immediately set upon to see to his injuries, which appeared to be minimal. A few scratches and bruises from being knocked around by Kierei while he was trying to protect the human.

Kierei waddled closer to Grayson and nuzzled the top of his hair with his chin. Grayson chuckled. “I’m fine.” He glared at the watchful dragon. “See? He’s safe, protected.”

Slowly the other dragon folded tense wings inward. Her head canted, watchful, if curious. A questioning trill filled the air between them.

“I understand, but he is perfectly safe and cared for,” Grayson offered, still speaking to the gray dragon, not taking his eyes from her. It took a few heart wrenching minutes until Duran heard, “Thank you, Xora.”

“Grayson,” Jayce bit out, his jaw clenched.

He patted Kierei’s cheek when he moved beyond Grayson with a soft keen to chirp sounds at his sister. A more pleasant reunion. He stayed by Kierei’s shoulder, watchful but not interrupting.

“This is Xora, Kierei’s clutch sister. I don’t have the full story but she escaped from her captors when she sensed her brother.”

“Is she going to be a problem?” Rune demanded, with everyone doing the same as Grayson and watching the reunion in stunned and cautious bafflement. At least she’d appeared when the black dragon wasn’t in the middle of the keep. They would have left a devastating trail in their wake with that kind of a reunion.

“Now that she knows Kierei is safe, I don’t believe so. Be cautious with her, though. She’s been abused.”

Jayce snarled before biting it off. “That damn army.”

“We’ll find a way.” Rune leaned closer in comfort.

Jayce planted his fists on his hips. “Grayson, stay with them. Make sure she understands. Do not bring her into the keep until she does.”

He bowed his head. “Of course, my lord.”

Jayce ran a stiff palm hard over his face. “My life is so fucked up,” he muttered, heard only by those nearest to him.

Rune snorted but didn’t comment. The crowd had begun to disperse with the guard’s urging and with the two beasts behaving calmer, leaving the mages, Lord Morrow, and his detail to watch.

“You know, if more defect and find us, we’re going to need a larger barn to house them,” Ulcieh imparted thoughtfully.

“Make sure the dragon barn will hold two for now.” Jayce crossed his arms, keeping a watchful eye on a recovering Mikkon and the two sibling dragons. “I swore my life couldn’t get any weirder when all of this started because there was no way dragons would appear.” He snickered at himself, a side eye glare finding Rune. “Remind me to never tempt the fates again.”

Rune’s choked laugh was cut off, hidden behind a raised fist

Grayson approached while the two dragons chirped and chattered. “With your leave, I’ll stay with them both for the afternoon until she’s comfortable and help bed her down.” A worried grimace darkened his expression when he peered at her. “It’s going to be up to Kierei to convince her we’re not like her captors. They have a simpler way of deduction, of understanding, but the fact that he’s free without any chain or leash seems to be carrying weight.”

“Were there more being held where she was?” Duran asked.

“I’ll have to ask. It sounds like many were killed for their scales. She doesn’t know how many have survived as the dragons which were taken when they captured her were separated. She doesn’t know where they are.”

Royce clutched his gut, as though struck with pain. “No wonder she’s so mistrustful.”

“Did he do any damage to his wing?” Duran was watching Kierei’s movements. He seemed to be favoring that side again.

Grayson watched the two, listening to their grunts and warbles as they nuzzled and bumped heads together. “I’ll see if he strained it. He’s close to being healthy again. Hopefully this encounter didn’t impact any healing.”

“Let’s give them some time to settle and reconnect. Do you want anyone to stay with you?” Jayce’s public face was back in place, not exactly indifferent, but calm.

“I’m fine, but I’m also sure Kierei will want to make sure Mikkon is well. Send him later if he wishes.”

“I’m fine,” came a muttered grumble from behind them.

Grayson and Duran whipped around to discover Mikkon leaning against Yeh Yeh, a supporting arm wrapped around his waist. Visible enough even Kierei would be able to see him up and mobile.

“Do you need a healer?” Jayce asked, concern furrowing his brow.

He shook his head. “No, I’m winded and a little banged up is all.”

Yeh Yeh was clearly not letting him go anytime soon, keeping him pinned to his side with a cinched arm. Carefully tugging twigs out of his hair, he flicked them impatiently to the ground. Mikkon’s cheeks flushed at the attention, doing his best to ignore the fact he was being groomed with an audience. “I know he didn’t mean to hurt me, that he was protecting me. I’ll be fine in a day or two.”

“And you’ll be okay going back to being a dragon watcher?”

Mikkon nodded, unquestionable in his choice. “Bruises will happen. As he likes to say, we’re small and soft. We’re all new to living in each other’s pockets.” Yeh Yeh snorted but didn’t add anything. Mikkon twisted to peer at the taller man, a hand pressing to his chest. “He was protecting me. I know that.”

Yeh Yeh pursed his lips at the calming words. Apparently his take on the discussion was merely postponed.

Duran watched the interaction closely. Mikkon was openly attempting to soothe Yeh Yeh, uncaring of all the people surrounding them. It took him a moment to understand, until he realized how closely Mikkon was being held, how tenderly Yeh Yeh was caring for him. When did that happen? He was happy for both Mikkon and Yeh Yeh but he hadn’t expected it. One more of those changes that happened while they’d been worlds away.

“By your leave, my lord, I’m going to take him to rest.” Yeh Yeh finally spoke when it seemed Mikkon was taking too long to take the initiative for his own self-care.

Jayce nodded at Yeh Yeh. “Take as long as you need.”

Mikkon rolled his eyes but didn’t argue as he was led away.

“Grayson, ask Kierei if he’d be willing to meet someone?” The corner of Jayce’s lips twitched playfully and Duran’s enlightenment was swift. This was a once in a lifetime moment.

“Of course.” He fought to bury his own grin before ambling back to Kierei. A petting hand to his bulky shoulder brought his attention around. Grayson rubbed above his eyes, talking for several minutes. Xora inched closer, listening. When Grayson turned to rejoin the crowd, both dragons were following like puppies.

“How does he do it?” Royce wondered.

“They are of the same magic,” Rune offered. “And I think Kierei accepted him as one of theirs. To them, he is a dragon because of his magic.”

“Remarkable,” Master Theil uttered. “This has been an amazing morning already.”

Jayce shared a knowing look with Rune. “It’s about to get better. Hello, Kierei. Welcome Xora.” He didn’t approach, but spoke firmly.

“He says you may come near.”

Jayce split from the group, watching Kierei’s gaze follow him. “Hello, handsome. You’ve had quite the morning, haven’t you?” When Kierei lowered his snout, Jayce firmly rubbed between his eyes. A sighed exhale shuddered through his body, seeming to come from his tail. Duran heard the pleasure in his rumbles from the extra attention. Jayce might not get to banter with the dragon often, but he always showed the deepest respect. “Please tell your sister she is welcome. You know my word is a promise.” Kierei’s eyes fluttered from Jayce’s scratches. “Would you meet a friend? He’s done a lot for me.”

Grayson’s hand rested behind Kierei’s closest horn. “He says yes.”

“Rune, Duran, please bring Master Theil to meet our dragon guests.”

The trio neared with Master Theil between them.

“In all my years, and there are many, I’ve never stood with a dragon,” Master Theil remarked with respectful awe. Iba and Remy joined their group, Iba on Rune’s shoulder and Remy on Duran’s braced arm.

“Xora is asking why some of us who look like men do not smell like men.” Grayson zipped beneath Kierei’s neck to squeeze between the two scaled heads, absolute trust in his safety. “May I put a hand on you?” She stared at him with an unblinking eye, then lowered for him to stroke. “You’re a lovely girl, Xora. Kierei is happy you are here with him.” Then his attention came back to the waiting group. “Until she’s more comfortable with me, I can communicate better with her if I’m touching her. This is completely new to her.”

“Her and us,” Jayce remarked kindly. “You can tell her why there are differences and to not be alarmed when she sees the cats playing. In time there could be more. There are a lot of people within the keep and nearby. Please stress that she needs to ask before attacking anyone. She is safe. I give my word. Kierei can help you convince her, I’m sure.”

Kierei trilled softly as though in agreement, his eyes bold and watchful as he swept over the gathered people. Xora was clearly his responsibility.

“Thank you.” Jayce grinned. “Have fun in the sun. Make sure you let Grayson and Duran look at your wing.”

He grunted before dropping lower to nudge Grayson’s chest, urging him closer. Grayson’s laughter bubbled. “Yes! I will look next.”

“Let me make sure he hasn’t added to the damage and I’ll meet you inside.” Rune briefly touched Jayce’s arm. A momentary connection of affection between them. While Jayce had made his claim among their friends before Duran and the others had left on their journey, he was being patient to make a public statement. They all knew the announcement would cause varied reactions. How far reaching those reactions could be, none of them knew. It was equally unlikely they would be able to keep that large of an announcement secret from anyone eavesdropping.

The mages at the keep were respected by the residents. A by-product of their constant presence and their insistence to be there for everyone, including Lord Morrow. They weren’t keeping Lord Morrow secluded behind a magical barrier. They made it easier for him to be among the people of the keep, their own clan so to say.

Duran, Jayce, Rune, all of them, knew the real challenges would occur once they moved beyond this accepting circle. The one mage who holds unbelievable power was still out there casting a dark pall over their plans, and had left a very sour taste on everyone’s tongue.

The remaining group took their time returning to the keep, leaving the three mages and Royce with the dragons. Duran was sure Jayce was taking Master Theil the long way to show off what they had accomplished.

“Okay, Kierei, let’s see how your wing is after all your excitement.” Duran approached Kierei with Remy keeping watch from overhead once more. It took the group a few minutes to unwrap and ease the wing into a spread position. “How’s he feeling, Grayson? I’m not seeing any red in his energy.”

“Flex for me, Kierei,” he encouraged, watchful as the dragon did as asked, his broad wing spanning in and out with smooth motions. “Only a little bit of ache.”

“Good. Maybe a few more days at most then to try to fly. I don’t think today did more damage. He can probably leave the wraps off to sleep now.”

“How does that sound, Kierei?” Grayson scratched under the sloping scaled jaw and a rumble that could have been a purr filled the air.

Xora crowded close, her watchful gaze taking in Grayson’s motions and Kierei’s reaction. She chirped once.

Grayson laughed and reached toward her. “You know he’s enjoying it. If you want one, you have to come closer.” Whether she knew it or not, he was asking for her trust and the other three stood, fixated. She considered him for a few seconds then closed the gap between them. Cautiously, she arched her neck and Grayson started to lightly scritch against her jaw and throat.

If a dragon could melt, she did. Her legs wobbled as pleasure overtook her. She sank down to a side and plopped her haunch against Kierei’s, rocking his rather large bulk as though they were still mere whelps in the nest, Grayson between them, rubbing and crooning.

“I never thought I’d see the day a mighty dragon could be felled by the equivalent of a belly scratch,” Royce pointed out, chuckling at their antics.

“I have a feeling this is going to be a new dawn for our cohabitation and friendships,” Rune sagely offered. “I never saw anything about this, but I’ve learned any coming changes in our futures aren’t all going to be seen in a vision. Our individual will and choice will still happen.”

“This is good, though, right?” Duran pondered. There truly was so much unknown about their future.

“Very good. The poor beasts were abducted from their homeland. If we can provide them a home, safety, temporary or permanent, then we will.” Iba rubbed against his temple where she perched on his shoulder. He waved a finger and she launched upward, soaring into the sky. “We are coming into winter. The vision I had on our travels… I simply don’t know. There was so much in it. I pray we’re ready for that day.”