Kaya was pacing her chambers. She could not believe Balderdevon’s words. She had tried throughout the meal to look at Grosh, but each time she tried, Balderdevon would say something to her and she would be forced by decorum to turn to him and attend to his words. She knew he was doing that on purpose, but she was constrained by the rules of nobility and knew she had to behave. It irked her so that she could not just shed her noble persona and join her lover as a peasant. She would prefer that life to one of a noble prisoner in a loveless marriage.
Balderdevon also paced his chambers. He was tired of this game. He was tired of using flowery words to try to convince all that he was smitten with his intended. True, she was lovely, and he would enjoy taking her body, but it was her lands, wealth, and standing that he was interested in. He was not sure how much longer he could keep up this charade. She was his, and he intended to take her soon. He knew she was no longer a virgin, and this annoyed him, but if he could just get her away from that monster and lock her up within his keep, he could overlook that fact. He didn’t care if he had to chain her in their bedroom, he would take her and show her who owned her.
Grosh was making preparations. When he returned to his borrowed estate, he came to a decision. He would leave so Kaya could marry Balderdevon and live her life as she should—as a noble. He thought about where to go. If he went to the shore, and asked to be taken to the island where his people were, he knew his brother would have him killed as a traitor, so that was not an option. Grosh decided there was only one place he could go. He would go back to the mountain and live in the caves there. It would be a lonely existence, but he wanted Kaya to have a good life—a life he knew he could not give her. He packed up what few belongings he had and wrote a note to Kaya. He did not say where he was going, just that he wanted to do right by her.
His guards were sleeping. They had come to trust him, so they were lax in their duties of watching him. He thought about taking a horse, but was afraid Jareth’s men would be able to track him if he did. In the dark of night he set out for the mountains. He wasn’t far from them when the first rays of the morning appeared and he found a fissure he could slip through. He knew these mountains well, and knew this passage would lead to the great hall that had been his brother’s throne room. Grosh went to his old bedroom instead. The door was still smashed from when Eton and his men had broken in, but Grosh could repair it. Most of his belongings were still there, intact. He had been worried that Jareth’s soldiers would have looted the caves, but they seemed to have left his room alone. He wondered if Eton was to thank for that.
Walking through the passageways, Grosh could see he had a lot of work to do cleaning and fixing things. He knew the work would keep him busy so he wouldn’t dwell on what he had done. He did not regret his decision and he hoped Kaya would understand. “No time like the present,” he said to the empty passageways as he began moving debris and broken pieces of furniture. At least he’d have plenty of wood for fires, as there was so much smashed timber. He found an intact handcart and used that to move wood from the passageways to the great hall.
*****
Kaya awoke and put on a light green gown that reminded her of the color of Grosh’s skin. She found Ygraine and requested she chaperone a visit to Grosh as soon as she completed her meal. The two women rode out together. Before long, they came to the estate and Kaya could see the guards coming out of the house as she approached. She barely waited for her horse to stop before she slid from his back. One guard approached her and bowed.
“My lady, there is a problem,” he began.
“Is something wrong with Grosh? Is he hale?” Kaya was breathless with worry.
The guard hesitated, but he wouldn’t let Kaya past. “We do not know his condition, my lady. He is missing. He did leave you a note within.”
Kaya pushed past the guard and went to the sitting room. She saw the note on the writing desk which bore her name and she broke the seal.
My dearest, Kaya.
I have watched you these past two nights at feast with Balderdevon. I shall never be able to compete with his wealth and his ability to keep you in the noble tradition to which you are accustomed. I fear if you stay with me, you will come to regret the meager life I can provide. I love you with all that I am, but it is my belief that Balderdevon is the better man for you. I wish you happiness in your marriage with him and hope you will understand my reasons for leaving. You shall live forever in my heart. Please do not think upon me, but focus on your new life. You shall have beautiful babies with him and you will be a wonderful mother. As you said to me when first we met, I am not human. I am a creature who is not deserving of your love. You belong with your own kind. You need a human mate who can provide for you as I cannot. Please forgive me for assuming I was ever worthy of someone like you. You are far too good for me. Be happy and forget about me.
Your loving Grosh.
Kaya screamed “No!” and sunk to the ground, clutching the note to her chest. Ygraine came to comfort her, but before she got to Kaya, Kaya sprang up from the ground rushing past Ygraine, dropping the note in the process. Ygraine picked it up tucking it into a pocket in her gown. She rushed after Kaya, but arrived out of doors only in time to see Kaya leap upon her horse and ride off. Ygraine ordered one guard to follow her while Ygraine went back to the castle to tell Jareth and Ariyona.
Balderdevon was in the great hall speaking with Jareth, pleading his case again, when Ygraine entered. Ariyona looked up at Ygraine’s approach, noticing the look upon her sister-in-law’s face.
“Majesties,” Ygraine said breathlessly, “forgive the interruption but I have news of great importance.”
Jareth acknowledged her. “Speak, sister.”
Ygraine handed them the note and told her story. “I believe she is headed for the mountains. She must think he has returned there. I have a soldier following her.”
Balderdevon rushed from the throne room and out into the bailey, demanding his horse be saddled immediately. As soon as his horse was ready, he set out, intent upon finding his errant bride-to-be and forcing her back to the castle. This was the final straw and he was done playing this game. Kaya would be his, he was taking back what belonged to him. It didn’t take him long to reach the mountains and he galloped alongside it till he reached the soldier, still mounted upon his horse. He sat beside a crack in the mountain; the very one Kaya had been rescued from weeks before.
“She has gone in there, my lord,” the soldier said to Balderdevon as the noble alit from his horse. “Do ye want me to accompany you, sir?”
“No. I will do this alone. Wait here for the others who will follow.” Balderdevon unsheathed his sword and entered the fissure.
Kaya wandered the passageways until she happened upon the great hall. She was tired from wandering and she sank upon a bench along a wall. Presently, she heard movement and Grosh entered the hall pushing a cart full of broken wood. He had not yet noticed Kaya.
“My love,” she cried out, rushing to the startled Grosh. Kaya flung herself into his arms, knocking them both to the hard ground. Grosh didn’t mind the jarring blow as he hit the stone floor, he was too overjoyed at having Kaya in his arms again.
“Kaya. My beautiful Kaya. What are you doing here? How did you find me?”
Wiping away her tears, Kaya explained. “I knew there was naught else that you would go. Did you think I would not follow? Did you think I would just go willingly to marry Balderdevon when it is you that I love? If it be your wish to live here, I will happily live in these caves with you. I only wish to be where you are, my love. We shall shun the outside world and stay here. Then Jareth will not have to make a decision. This is your domain and if I choose to stay here, he cannot command me.”
Balderdevon’s voice came from behind them. “You are wrong there, my lady. These mountains belong to King Jareth, or if we be deep enough, they are on Carillon lands. Either way, the king can still command you. But that shall not matter as I intend to remove that creature from this situation. Once I run him through, you will have no choice but to take your place as my wife. Now step aside as I dispatch this thing.”
Kaya and Grosh quickly took to their feet. Kaya stood in front of Grosh. “No, I will not let you harm him,” she hissed
Grosh gently pushed her to the side. “Nay, my love. This is my fight. Let me deal with him.” Looking over to Balderdevon, he remarked, “As you can see, my lord, I am unarmed. Will you allow me to fight as a gentleman with sword, or do you intend to strike down an unarmed man?”
Balderdevon laughed. “You are not a man,” he sneered. “Nonetheless, I will give you a chance to defend yourself. Have you a weapon at the ready?”
Grosh looked around the hall then approached his brother’s throne. He pushed a hidden latch and a section of the throne opened. His brother’s sword was still secreted within and Grosh pulled it out. It was a fine weapon, honed to a sharp edge and had been his brother’s pride and joy. Grosh knew it would serve him well. He begged Kaya to sit on the bench by the wall where she would be safe and made her promise she would remain no matter what happened.
Balderdevon was becoming impatient and considered running Grosh through without letting him get his sword. Now he waited until the monster approached him and he raised his sword. “To the death,” he fumed.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, my lord,” Grosh replied.
Kaya watched as they crossed swords. The sound of metal on metal reverberated in the large, empty chamber. The sounds were amplified and echoed in the great hall, making Kaya cringe with every stroke. Nonetheless, she stayed put as she had promised. Balderdevon drew first blood and Kaya screamed. The combatants hardly acknowledged her as they concentrated on their duel.
Balderdevon slashed at Grosh, drawing more blood. Grosh had at least half a dozen cuts upon him and Balderdevon had none as yet. This made Balderdevon grow cocky, as Grosh had expected. They fought for many minutes more and Grosh now had more than a dozen cuts. Sure he would win Balderdevon became careless, Grosh took advantage of this fact, and after a thrust by his opponent that left him open, Grosh shoved his sword into Balderdevon’s belly. Staggering back and clutching at the sword protruding from his stomach, Balderdevon fell to the stone floor as his life leaked from him. Kaya ran to Grosh and flung her arms around him, heedless of the blood staining her dress.
Noise in the corridor grabbed their attention. Jareth, Ariyona, and several guards entered the great hall. Ariyona shuddered a little, being back in this place that had brought her so much pain. Jareth and the guards had their swords drawn and Kaya placed herself in front of Grosh.
“Please hold,” she begged. “Balderdevon challenged Grosh to a duel to the death. It was a fair fight, your Majesties. Grosh was protecting me and my honor.”
Jareth sheathed his sword and his men followed suit. “I suppose I should thank you as I now do not need to make the decision on this matter. Nonetheless, I still must take some action as Grosh did swear an oath to me and he has broken that oath by slaying a human.”
“Husband, may I speak with you in private?” Ariyona began as she took his hand and led him away from the others. When they were far enough away from the others, Ariyona spoke in a hushed tone. “My lord, might I remind you that Grosh was challenged to the duel. He had to defend his honor and fight for Kaya’s hand. He was given no choice. It is upon Balderdevon’s head.”
“Your words are true, my love, and had you let me continue you would have seen that I had already taken all that into account. I am sure you will like my ruling. That is, if you will allow me to make it,” Jareth smiled as he said the last.
Ariyona bowed her head. “Forgive me, Jareth. I should not have jumped in so quickly. I was just worried about Kaya and Grosh.”
Jareth put his hand under her chin and lifted her face so they could gaze at one another. He kissed her gently yet hungrily. “Forgiveness is not necessary, my love. I know why you did this and I do not mind this private time that I may kiss you.” Jareth kissed her again before walking back to the others.
“As I was saying,” Jareth began, “I do need to take some action, as Grosh has raised his sword. Grosh, as you were defending your honor and protecting Lady Kaya, I cannot fault you for taking Balderdevon’s life. I know it was he who issued the challenge and you could not refuse. Do you swear allegiance to me now?”
Grosh knelt before Jareth and laid his sword on the ground in front of him. “Your Majesty, my Lord King, I pledge my life to you. I offer my sword to you. If you decide I cannot be trusted to be armed, I beg of you to keep this sword as a gift to you. I swear that all I desire is to be with Lady Kaya and to live in peace.”
Jareth picked up the sword and examined it. “This is a fine piece. The quality and workmanship are excellent. This would make a very good tithe gift. Nonetheless, I will not accept it.” Grosh looked up and Kaya gasped. Jareth ordered Grosh to stand and waited while he complied. “This sword belongs with its rightful owner—you. I give this to you freely to be used in defense of the kingdom, my people, and myself. I will still be keeping a watch on you for a little while, but I do not think it necessary for long. I know my lady wife trusts Lady Kaya completely, and if Kaya believes in you, that is good enough for me. I give to you the estate in which you have been living, but I will expect you to act as any citizen of this kingdom and join the army. You will attend the next session of Lord Cormack’s training camp so you can learn our ways. Is this acceptable to you?”
“Your Majesty, this is much more than I ever expected. I do not know how to thank you.”
“Just make sure you treat Kaya well and never cause her harm. Follow the rules and do your duty. That is all I require,” Jareth responded. “Now, I guess we should wrap Balderdevon’s body in something and take him back to the castle until we can transport him back to his keep.”
“Majesty, if I might make a suggestion,” Grosh began. Jareth stopped and looked at him. “Kaya, the place where I first met you, is that near to where Balderdevon lived?”
“Yes,” Kaya acknowledged hesitantly. “When you…when your people attacked my caravan, we were to meet Balderdevon’s men to escort us the rest of the way. It is just up the road from where you….where we met.”
Grosh turned back to Jareth. “Your Majesty, where we are now in the mountain, we are closer to Balderdevon’s keep than Ravenwood. It would save much time if we just went there from here, through the mountain instead of around it or over it.”
Jareth thought a moment. “Mayhap this will work, but I will not travel on foot and the horses are outside of the mountain. We will also need a wagon on which to carry the body.”
“I can easily construct a cart that would be suitable from materials I have nearby,” Grosh explained. “As to the horses, that is not a problem either. Follow me, if you will, Majesty.”
Grosh led the group out of the great hall and down a passageway. They soon came to the fissure where they had first entered, which was wide enough for a man, but not a horse. Grosh walked to the wall near the gap and reached into a small alcove carved in the rock. A loud click was heard, and all stood amazed as a portion of the mountain slid aside. The soldiers outside with the horses were quickly on guard as they also saw the mountain moving. They lowered their swords when they saw the king and his guard.
“That is incredible,” Jareth exclaimed. “You will need to teach my builders.”
He ordered the soldiers to bring the horses in, and they led them to the great hall, where Balderdevon’s body still lay. Grosh ran to his chambers and grabbed the large blanket from atop his bed. Ariyona and Kaya began wrapping the body in the blanket and securing it with ropes. Grosh asked a few of the soldiers for assistance, and they soon had planks of wood and wheels from a few small carts. With a hammer and nails Grosh quickly constructed a small cart the horses would be able to pull. Jareth was impressed with the speed at which this was all accomplished.
“It is not the greatest cart, yet it will suit its purpose,” Grosh explained.
Jareth placed his hand upon Grosh’s shoulder. “It will do nicely. Have no fears. You have done a good job.”
The men placed Balderdevon’s body on the cart and hooked it to the back of one of the horses. All but Grosh mounted. Taking his hose by the reins, he led them out the great hall and down another passageway toward Carillon. They reached what appeared to be a dead end, but Grosh reached into another alcove and once again the mountain wall before them slid aside revealing the outside world. When all were out, Grosh mounted his horse and they set out toward the road. They rode slowly out of respect for the dead. Jareth didn’t want to move too swiftly as he didn’t want the cart to rattle and possibly fall apart as it was hastily constructed. Before long, they could see Balderdevon’s home in the distance and Jareth halted the troupe.
“Grosh, I have been wrestling with an issue as we rode, and I will give you the choice. First, I was going to have you wait here in the woods while we went to deliver the body. This was to protect you from any there who might seek revenge. Yet, I also feel you should be there and stand beside Kaya while we are within. I will have to explain to his family that Kaya did not wish the betrothal and that he died in a duel with you for her hand. I leave the decision with you as to whether you wish to remain here or to accompany us the rest of the way.”
“I will accompany you, Sire. I will stand beside my lady love and answer any accusations they may make against me. I do not wish to hide. I will face up to my actions.”
“Very good. Let us proceed.” They continued down the road with Jareth and Ariyona in the lead. The guards wanted to take point, but Jareth insisted he be at the head. They guards grumpily agreed, nonetheless they kept a sharp eye out for any trouble.
At the gates to the keep, Ariyona spoke first. “I am Queen Ariyona of Ravenwood, Princess of Carillon. Open the gates and allow us entry.”
The guards quickly attended to her orders and they were soon riding into the bailey. Balderdevon’s parents came out-of-doors and his mother began wailing when she saw the body on the cart. She knew it was her son though she could not see his face. Jareth and Ariyona dismounted, as did the rest of their troupe, and they greeted the lord of the keep. Ariyona again took the lead as these were her people.
“My Lord and Lady Hillendale, I fear I bring you sad news. Balderdevon was killed in a duel. We have brought his body to you.” His mother wailed louder at Ariyona’s words.
The lord of the keep, Raynor by name, ordered his men to bring the body inside then he asked the king and queen to come in. They all followed Lord Raynor. He was helping his wife, Jesda, to walk until they reached their great hall. He led his wife to a chair where she sat slumped over, still crying. The lord of the keep offered them food and drink. Once they had refreshed themselves, he waited patiently for further explanation, yet he could not help but look at Grosh with his green-tinted skin and strange appearance. His guards were ill at ease with the truman in the hall.
Jareth introduced Kaya, who was to have been married to Balderdevon and explained she had been captured by the trumans as they already knew. He told of how she and Grosh had bonded and that Balderdevon had come to Ravenwood demanding his betrothed be given over to him. He told them that Balderdevon had challenged Grosh to a duel for Kaya’s hand, and that he had died in that duel.
Raynor was angered, yet he held it in, but Jareth could see the man’s internal struggle. He kept looking at Grosh and could not stay his hand from settling upon the hilt of his sword. For some time, no one spoke. Then Grosh slowly came forward, with Kaya at his side.
“My lord,” Grosh began. “I can assure you I had no wish to kill your son. I understand he and Kaya were betrothed, but it was not her wish. When my people captured her, when I captured her, I had not intended to fall in love with her. Nonetheless, our eyes locked and our souls joined. I love her with all of my heart, and Kaya feels the same toward me. Balderdevon challenged me to the duel. It was his wish. I beg your forgiveness for the loss of your son.”
Raynor sneered at Grosh, his hatred clear upon his face. “I do not believe a thing such as you has a soul. Still and all, I know my son’s temper. If he felt slighted because Lady Kaya would choose a creature such as you over him, I could see him challenge you. If he lost to you, then the fault is his own and mine as well. I should have trained him better if he could be bested by the likes of you, half-breed.”
Kaya stepped forward. “Lord Hillendale,” she intoned sweetly. “Please believe that none of this could be avoided. I wished only to be with the man of my heart, Grosh.” She said his name with emphasis. “Your son would not take my word that I did not wish to wed him. He told me he wished my lands and the status he would attain by this marriage. He also told me he would beat me for being with Grosh and he would use my body whether it was my wish or not.” Kaya’s face was red as she told this, nonetheless, she wanted Raynor to know his son’s nature.
“I know my son, Lady Kaya, and I will ask your forgiveness for the words he spoke to you. I am afraid he was indulged too much as a child and was spoiled. He should not have said such words to a lady such as you. If your wish is to be with…with him, then I can only wish you happiness.”
Ariyona stepped forward. “I shall ask Kaya’s parents, as well as my own, to compensate you for the loss of Kaya’s dowry. Have you other children?”
Raynor nodded. “Yes, we have a daughter who is but fourteen. Even so, I have naught who can inherit my estates when I die.”
“Have no fear, Lord Hillendale. I shall make sure a suitable man will be found for your daughter when she is of age, either from Carillon or Ravenwood. I will make sure he will care for your lands as if he were your own son. The inheritance shall pass to your daughter, and she can manage the estate as if she were your son. You should start schooling her in this manner. May I meet her, if you please?”
Raynor sent a servant to fetch his daughter. Jesda came forward now that she had quieted her tears. “Truly my daughter can inherit? It need not be just a son?”
Jareth spoke, “Yes, Lady. There is naught a reason she should not. Times are changing, as my lady wife is teaching me. I can also assure you a suitable mate shall be found for your daughter. I know this does not lessen your grief for your son, but it is the best we can do.”
Jesda nodded her head but said no more. By and by, a young woman came into the hall. She wore a pale yellow gown which made her black hair stand out against her pale skin. She looked down at the ground and she was clearly frightened by the summons to the hall. When she peeked up a little, she saw the wrapped body upon the table. She stood a little straighter and looked at her parents.
“Does this be my brother’s body?” she asked and her voice was melodious. He mother nodded. “Then he can no longer torment me. I shall not miss him.”
Ariyona stifled a laugh, as she too would not miss his haughtiness. “Come forward, child, and tell us your name.”
The girl went before Jareth and Ariyona and fell to her knees. Jareth told her to rise. She looked up at them, but would not meet their eyes. “I am called Ravena, because of my black hair. I am told that when I was born my head was covered in the blackest hair my parents had ever seen.”
Jareth laughed, “I can see that. Ravena is a strong name, like Ravenwood. I like this name greatly. Your father will be schooling you to take over his estates. He shall teach you all you need to know to inherit all he has. My lady wife and I shall assure you have a goodly man to wed, to assist you, and to love you. Does this be your wish as well?”
“What if I do not like the man you choose?” she asked innocently.
“Why then, Ravena, we shall choose another. We shall not force you into a marriage that is not of your choosing. I do not believe in this and I am working to convince my stubborn husband on this matter,” Ariyona quipped.
Ravena looked up and smiled at Ariyona. “Then I agree. I have lived in my brother’s shadow too long. I have been overlooked many a time. I have lived in fear of my brother’s torments of me, which went unpunished. I shall gladly live in the light now and learn what I must so I can run this estate. I will meet any suitor you deem worthy to see if I may love him as well. I would like to find a husband to love, who will love me in turn, when I am of age.”
Jareth cupped the girl’s chin and raised her face so she looked into his eyes. “Then learn your lessons well, and we shall do our part.”
The day was getting late and Raynor offered them shelter for the night. They turned him down wishing to head back through the mountain pass Grosh had opened before. When they passed back into the mountain, Grosh closed the mountain wall behind them. They decided to bed down in the great hall and Grosh scurried around, searching the rooms within to find enough bedding for everyone before lighting a fire in the big fireplace. They ate some dried food Grosh had found in some hidden compartments. He assured them all the food was edible, and they feasted on what they had. Grosh found a few bottles of mead within his own chambers, which he passed around.
On the morrow, they set out. All but Grosh were a bit disoriented, not knowing where the sun was in the sky, but Grosh assured them that on the outside, the sun had just crested the horizon and that it was indeed morning. He led them back out through the passage into Ravenwood and they set off for the castle. Upon reaching their keep, they were greeted by Cormack and Ygraine who were relieved to see Kaya was with Grosh and Balderdevon was not with them. They went into the great hall where they were greeted by their children and Nina as well. Jareth quickly explained all that had happened.
“Sister, I have a favor to beg of you,” Jareth began. Ygraine looked over to where he sat in the hall. “I need you to prepare festivities to be held in two fortnights. We must give time for Yoni’s parents as well as Kaya’s to get here.” Kaya looked up upon hearing her name. “Kaya and Grosh, if you are willing, I shall like you to be wed in two fortnights here at the castle. Do you wish this?”
“Oh yes, your Majesty,” Kaya exclaimed. “We are overjoyed!” Grosh nodded his agreement, unable to voice his happiness.
All of a sudden, Ariyona and the twins turned their heads in the direction of the meadow, as if they heard aught which no one else could. “Firestorm approaches,” Ariyona explained. “We must all go to the meadow.”
They went into the bailey and had horses readied. The twins shared a horse, and Cormack carried Nina in front of him. He had thought of leaving his daughter behind, but she begged him to take her as she had not yet seen the dragons. Cormack could not deny his daughter, and so she happily rode in the saddle with her father’s arm wrapped around her.
When they arrived at the meadow, Firestorm was there with Iceheart and Moonlooker. All three generations of dragons looked sternly at Grosh, who did not flinch under their glare, nonetheless he was discomforted by the dragons. Dragons and trolls were natural enemies so the troll half in Grosh did not like the nearness of the great beasts.
Firestorm turned his gaze to Ariyona. ‘You are allowing the union of this abomination with one of your own?’ he said in her mind. Jasson spoke the dragon’s words aloud. Grosh stiffened his spine upon hearing this, but he made no move.
“Yes, Firestorm, I am. They are bound to each other. I will not break their bond. The fates wish them together.”
‘Very well, if that is the way it must be, we shall allow it as well. But know this—we shall be watching him carefully. We are unsure of this. Now, I need to speak with the twins.’
Jasson and Arianda approached Firestorm. The dragon lowered his massive head and the twins rested their heads upon his. Jareth looked at Ariyona and asked what they were saying.
“I know not, husband. They are conversing too quickly for me to hear and I think they are speaking in the dragon’s language. I cannot understand them.”
While the twins were busy with Firestorm, Iceheart looked to where Cormack sat with Nina. The smaller green dragon came closer to him and Cormack had to calm his horse, which was skittish with the great beast so near. Iceheart studied Cormack and Nina, who giggled at the dragon’s nearness. The dragon reached his mind out to the little girl. Cormack heard the girl say “I am” in response to something she heard that he could not. Ariyona came closer.
Looking at Cormack, Ariyona translated. “He asked if she was the one called Nina, and said the twins had spoken of her while they were away. Though they were only one when they left, still and all, they bespoke of their cousin. Iceheart just wanted to meet her.”
Nina reached out and touched the dragon, stroking his head. Cormack had to hide his fears at being this close to the great beast yet his daughter showed naught. Cormack asked how his daughter could hear the dragon’s words. Ariyona looked to Iceheart and then back to Cormack. “Iceheart believes it is because she is still an innocent child. Her mind is open and uncluttered, so he can enter her mind with his words.” Cormack accepted this answer; nonetheless, he was unhappy that his daughter could hear the dragon.
Finally the twins broke from Firestorm and returned to their horse. They didn’t say what they had spoken to Firestorm about, and Jareth was ill at ease. He did not like that secrets passed between the dragons and his children. He needed to know what was going on, especially if there was danger to his children or his kingdom coming.
Firestorm spoke to Ariyona while Jasson spoke the dragon’s words aloud. ‘There is a problem on the island. Some of the trumans rebelled against their leader. There are now two factions of the island. One faction wishes to speak with your majesties to see if they can call a truce and return to this land. They do not wish to remain with the ones who led the assault on you.’
Jareth thought for a moment. “So be it. We shall travel to the island to talk with them, as long as we have a dragon escort. I will require at least four dragons, as I do not trust these truman. We shall leave in four days as I will need time to get my ships in order and supply them. Is that acceptable?”
Firestorm nodded his great head. 'Very good. I shall return to my domain and pick four dragons in addition to myself to accompany your ships.' With that, Firestorm flew up from the meadow with Iceheart in his wake and Ariyona to repeat his word aloud.
They returned to the castle, but Jareth was still ill at ease as he did not know of what the beast had spoken about to the twins. He was sure they wouldn’t tell him, and it irked him greatly. Jareth told Cormack he would remain behind as regent in his stead, but he instructed Grosh and Kaya that they would go on this voyage as would the twins. He sent word to the captains of two ships docked nearby to ready themselves for the journey and he provided gold for them to purchase what was needed. There were no other ships available to make the crossing, so two would have to do. Having the dragons would help.
Cormack sent word to the soldiers, picking the commanders and letting them choose who they wanted to bring. Preparations were underway for the journey. Jareth told Ygraine, who would remain behind with her husband, to delay the wedding festivities for Kaya and Grosh. He told her to plan a full moon’s turning rather than two fortnights. He hoped they would be back well before then, but he didn’t want to take a chance this mission would take longer.