"I apologise if I caused offence," Fanad said, "but people think of draakin as something above other people."
"Well, technically—" Laynin gestured toward the lines of troops who were still coming.
Zannis gave a short laugh. "Good one. Also, I like to be above as often as I can."
"That wasn't what I meant," Fanad said, frustrated.
"We know what you mean," Laynin said gently, "but there's no more wrong with being… loving than there is in being monogamous, or even disinterested." She noted his flinch at the last word. Was that what troubled him? She would have to try harder to make an effort with him in the future. Draakin should support each other.
"That looks like the last of them," Luthin commented, drawing Laynin's attention back down to the ground. True enough, the end of the line was visible, three or four teams of horses pulling wagons, presumably full of provisions. War looked like a tedious, expensive exercise.
"I'm going down there," Zannis declared. "Someone should give them a warm welcome."
"I'll come with you," Laynin said, linking arms with her.
"I as well," Luthin agreed.
Laynin's attention swung over to Fanad. "Are you coming?" she asked gently.
He shook his head. "I'll stay here a while longer." He sounded sullen, but didn't appear as though he wanted to be talked out of his decision.
"All right. Risper can pass a message on if you want to talk later."
The scathing look he shot her almost made her regret making the offer, but she forced a smile and turned away.
The Dragon's Shell was almost full to overflowing. Only by a group of men giving up their seats to draakin had they actually gained a table to sit around. Laynin was grateful for the gesture. Standing all night would hurt her feet, and she was determined to enjoy herself while the ale flowed. Luthin had left hours ago, accompanied by a young man who had looked shocked that a draakin had taken an interest in him.
"All the Gods, it's loud in here!" she shouted for the third time, after Zannis couldn't hear her the first two. Between the chatter and the group of bards who had come with the army, the volume was barely tolerable.
"It is!" Zannis yelled back, nodding her head vigorously. "He's handsome." She gestured with her glass as she had several times already that night. "He's looking at me."
"Most of them are," Laynin replied, "you're draakin, and lovely." She lowered her voice, suddenly aware the bards had stopped for a break, lowering the noise level substantially.
"You think I'm lovely?" Zannis asked, smiling, eyelashes fluttering.
Laynin rolled her eyes. "Go and talk to him before his eyes pop from his head from all the staring."
"Are you sure?" Zannis asked. It was the same thing she said every time, just before she darted off.
"Go." Laynin waved at her. "I'll be fine."
"You're the best." Zannis patted her arm and sauntered away through the crowds.
"Is this seat taken?" Laynin turned and looked into the bluest eyes she'd ever seen. For a moment, she couldn't breathe.
"Yes," she replied without thinking. Her face heated. "I mean no. I mean, you're welcome to sit there."
He was older than her by a decade, with tanned skin and a smile on the corners of his mouth. Stubble on his chin suggested he hadn't had time to shave since arriving.
Her eyes travelled down his muscular body to take in his neat uniform. It showed signs of having spent time folded in a bag, but it was clean and well-made.
"Thank you." He sat and offered his hand. "My friends call me Nar. I gather by your emblem that you're draakin." He gestured toward her breast.
"Yes." She shook his hand, finding it calloused but firm. "I'm Laynin, Risper's rider."
Nar nodded. She got the impression he'd memorised all of the dragon's names before arriving, if not their riders. "They're magnificent creatures. I look forward to seeing one up close. It's been quite some time. How are the new dragonets growing?"
Laynin blinked in surprise. "You're well informed," she said.
He shrugged with one shoulder. "I like to know who I'm dealing with," he replied easily. "But it's hard not to be interested in dragons. After all, it's much better to believe in things you can see and hear, don't you think?" He raised a glass to his lips, his eyes questioning her over the rim of his glass.
"I agree completely," she said, her heart racing. She took a sip of her own drink to wet her dry mouth.
"What is it like to ride a dragon?" he asked. He held up a finger as the bards started singing again, drowning out her reply even as she started to give it. He pointed toward the door. "Maybe we can talk outside?" he shouted.
She considered for a moment, then decided she'd quite like to be alone with him. She nodded, finished her drink and rose to put the glass back on the bar.
The air outside was cooler, refreshing Laynin's heated skin. The stars looked huge, twinkling at her as though the sky was winking. She found the lovers straight away and exhaled softly.
"You asked what it's like to ride a dragon?" she asked, facing him.
"I did."
"It's like nothing else," she replied. "It's magical. Unless you're scared of heights." She shot him a challenging look, to which he responded with a chuckle.
"Not at all. Maybe you can show me some time." He paused before adding, "How far can dragonfire go?"
She frowned, thinking carefully. "About fifty metres, give or take."
"Give or take what?" he asked. He slipped his arms through hers and they walked slowly while she responded.
"If they've just flamed, the next one will be shorter. The next shorter still. It never seems to run out, but the first is always the longest.
"So they need to replenish?" he asked.
"Something like that, yes."
"Interesting. Does it matter how long ago they've eaten before they flame?"
"It doesn't seem to," she replied, "but I've never tested it. There's seldom a need for Risper to flame anything. I could ask him, but he's asleep."
"Maybe in the morning then," he suggested. "I really am interested."
Laynin had just awoken before Risper spoke.
I'm sorry, but Ara has called a meeting, he hesitated. Nehko says the king called the meeting, but Ara says you're to be there.
All right, I'm on my way.
Laynin yawned. She hadn't slept for long, having been up late, walking around Tsaisa with Nar and just talking.
"A draakin's life is always busy, I'm sure," Nar had said.
"Uh, yes," she'd replied ruefully. That wasn't always the case, but lately it had been. Just relaxing in the company of someone interesting made for a pleasant change. "As is a soldier's, no doubt."
"I cannot argue with that." He shot her a disarming smile that made her pulse race. She told him about her childhood, and life as a draakin. Once in a while, she'd asked about him, but he'd steered the conversation back to her, always listening attentively to the answers she gave to his questions.
An hour or two before dawn, they'd ended up back at the Dragonhall.
"I should get some sleep," she said, reluctant, but becoming weary.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kept you up so late, but dragons are fascinating."
She smiled. "Yes, they are." She had never met anyone outside the draakin who wanted to know every detail about the creatures, not even Travin.
"Well, good night." She put a hand on the doorknob, ready to turn it, but wanting to draw out the moment for a little longer.
"Good night," he whispered. Before she could step inside the annex, he stopped her with a hand on her arm and leaned in to kiss her.
"Thank you for a memorable night," he said softly.
"You're welcome." She kissed him back before she turned and hurried inside.
The memory of that kiss lingered as she walked towards the meeting room, making her smile to herself. She pressed her fingertips to her lips and sighed.
Nehko says to hurry please, Risper supplied.
I'm almost there.
Ara had been tense enough without being upset by Laynin's tardiness, so she quickened her steps. The woman was pacing back and forth across the room when Laynin entered. Luthin was already seated, as was Fanad and several others. Ara paused in her pacing to give Laynin a nod of greeting.
Is she all right? Laynin asked as she slipped into a chair.
Nehko says she is on edge.
Yes, well I can see that,
Zannis entered the room, a smirk on her face. Laynin knew she hated things like this, but if Ara called, she'd come. Because she had to. She sauntered in and flopped down beside Fanad, who scowled at her presence.
"Ah good, it seems you're all here," King Drexin entered the room, followed by a handful of guards, including Nar. The king gave her a nod of recognition, while Nar slid into the seat beside her.
"Would you join me for dinner tonight?" he whispered as the king got seated.
"I've love to," she replied, "but why are you here?"
He put a finger to his lips and sat back in his chair, a smile on his face.
She gave him a chagrined frown, but poured herself a glass of water from a jug on the table and sipped.
King Drexin's eyes scanned the table. "Thank you all for being here. For those who haven't met me, I'm Drexin Sheid. I'm not much on formality, especially in times like these. We need to be united now. I'm relieved to be able to count the draakin as friends and allies."
Laynin's eyes swung to Ara and took in her scowl, but she didn't speak.
"This is General Narick Sandvaal," Drexin added, "my right hand and a man I'd trust with my life."
"And have," Narick remarked.
Drexin flashed him a smile.
Laynin gave Narick a sharp look. General? All the Gods. She should be surprised, but she found she wasn't. He wore confidence like a second skin. She would bet he got his way more often than not.
He arched an eyebrow at her and she responded with a sardonic smile. That made him give a silent chuckle.
She was as drawn to him now as she had been the night before. She also knew why he wanted to know so much about dragons; it would be the job of a general to know about all the weapons at his disposal. Ara might not agree it would come to that, but Laynin didn't think the king would come down here, and bring so many men, if he wasn't sure the dragons would be useful for more than relaying messages.
"Yes, I have," Drexin said, breaking the silence. "And would do again."
"Not if I can help it," Narick told him with a growl.
"As you can see, my general has assumed the role of my mother," Drexin said easily.
Narick snorted. "You seem to be digressing, your highness."
"Indeed I am." Drexin nodded. "I believe the dragons will be invaluable during this conflict, for a variety of reasons, all of which will, ultimately, keep the loss of life to a minimum. That, and the defeat of Rosharias is my goal, as it should be for everyone here."
Narick grunted his agreement.
Ara rose then and waited until everyone in the room was looking at her. Her expression was stony.
"I formally welcome you to Tsaisa, and to the Dragonhall." She paired her emphasis with a narrowing of her eyes. Her meaning was abundantly clear. She may be addressing the king and his trusted general, but she held the authority over the draakin and the dragons.
"We agree the threat from the south must be neutralised with as little death or disruption as possible. To this end, the dragons are at your disposal in reconnaissance to ascertain the whereabout of the enemy and their numbers. Before any flights over, or toward, the border with Alvarios, I must be informed via Nehko or directly."
Her gaze settled on Laynin for a moment before moving on to the king. Drexin looked unperturbed and no less determined. If he was planning to argue the point, he said nothing now. Doubtless meetings had, and would continue to take place where Laynin could neither see nor hear them. Part of her understood the need to keep matters between the leaders, but she itched to know what they discussed, especially if it impacted her and Risper.
"Thank you, draakin," the king said smoothly. "Your orders are noted. We will, of course, do our utmost to follow them." Was he being facetious? He exchanged a glance with Narick and something passed between them. They weren't displeased, but she could almost see their mutual decision to keep trying to change Ara's mind. Clearly they didn't know her well. Pressure from them wouldn't make her budge.
Laynin wasn't sure what would.
"Do I have to ask Ara's permission to ask you to take me up on Risper?" Narick asked, speaking into Laynin's ear. His breath tickled her skin.
"Maybe, but you do need to ask mine," she replied tartly.
He smiled. "Well in that case, will you?"
She pretended to think about that for a moment. "All right, I suppose I could. You want to take a look at the enemy, don't you?"
"I do." He took her arm gently and led her around the corner, out of sight of the king and other draakin. His arm snaked around her and he pulled her to him. "Don't worry. I don't want to do anything to risk you or your dragon." He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her until she was breathless.
"We will win this war," he added. "Rosharias will never get across the border."
She believed he believed what he was saying, but fighting against magin might prove more difficult. The late king of Alvarios had had no luck, although he'd been taken unawares by the sound of it.
"If that's the case, we should go right now." She drew back from him, albeit reluctantly.
"Yes we should, but I still want to have dinner with you." He gave her a last kiss before letting her go. "Work first." He nodded to himself.
Risper, please ask Ara if we're allowed to go, she said, heading toward the courtyard.
Done. She says we may, but to be safe and stay out of trouble.
Don't we always? Laynin grinned.
She says no, we do not. I have assured her this time we will.
Laynin snorted and grabbed Risper's saddle from the tack room.
"You were talking to your dragon?" Narick asked, looking curious.
"I was. Just following Ara's orders," she said wryly.
"Fascinating. He's thinking straight into your mind?"
"You could say that, yes. And I think back." Her mind wandered for a moment, recalling she and Travin having a similar conversation. Where was he now? She blinked, realising Narick had spoken.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" she asked, blushing slightly.
"Can he speak to me?" Narick asked. He looked hopeful rather than annoyed at her lack of attention.
"Dragons can hear anyone they want to, but they don't speak to anyone but their draakin."
"Oh. They can't or they won't?" Now he looked irritated.
"I'm not sure," she admitted. "I've asked Risper but he just says dragons never do it. They can be stubborn."
"So it seems. Do you need any help?"
"No, thank you. Oh, here's Risper."
Nar raised a hand to shield his face as the great dragon landed in front of them. When he lowered it again, his expression was a mask of awe.
"Magnificent," he breathed.
"Isn't he?" she said lightly. She threw the saddle into place, fastened it and gestured for the general to climb up. He did so with surprising agility and did up the straps.
"Hang on," she said, climbing up and doing her own straps. His arms went around her, firm and solid.
Ready.
Risper leapt skyward and they headed south.
The journey was shorter than Laynin had anticipated. From the sharp intake of breath in her ear, Narick was equally surprised. They'd barely crossed the border into Alvarios before catching sight of Rosharias' army, amassed in a large war camp. By the look of the people erecting tents on the southern end, they hadn't been there long, perhaps only a day or so.
"There's a lot of them," Laynin called over her shoulder.
"Several thousand at least,"
Narick replied.
Have you ever seen anything like this? she asked Risper.
On occasion, but not recently. This army is at least twice the size of King Drexin's.
Yes, but once the soldiers from Eritsa reach Tsaisa, we'll have more. Laynin swallowed uneasily. If they arrived in time. Rosharias could attack long before that happened, then sit in Alvarios waiting, or march on Eritsa.
She shivered.
"Can we—" Narick's words were cut off with a curse as something soared past them.
Another arrow followed the first, then a dozen. Most didn't even come within a metre of them, but one or two were within a hair of hitting one of Risper's wings.
Laynin let out a growl of anger. Risper's wings beat, taking them higher, out of reach of the archers.
"Can you wheel around again?" Narick asked. "Stay high, I just want to look at something."
Laynin scowled, but as long as they stayed out of range, Risper would remain unhurt. "Just once," she called back, "then we're getting out of here."
"Agreed."
Risper banked and came around over the camp. Archers took aim again, but this time their arrows fell way short.
As they glided over a row of tents, the camp resounded with a new sound. Low at first, it began to build and Risper writhed uneasily.
Singers, he said.
Let's get out of here. Laynin felt sick.
"Wait, I haven't—"
"We've seen enough," Laynin snapped. "They're trying to use magin against Risper. I won't risk him further." She thought Narick might argue, but he fell silent.
They banked and flew to a safe distance before heading back north.
Please tell Ara what just happened.
I am. Nehko is upset.
So am I. Laynin was trembling. Narick must have felt it. He gave her a gentle squeeze and rubbed the back of her hand.
"We'll need a drink when we get back," he remarked.
"A big one," she agreed.
Ara was waiting for them when they landed, King Drexin beside her.
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