by Bianca D'Arc
When Anira merely blinked down at Livia in surprise, Livia went on.
“My apologies for interrupting, but Sir Hrardorr is already a favorite of the townsfolk for his part in clearing predators from the water since he has been here. The townsfolk respect him and—pardon my bluntness—he cannot fight in your wings of dragons the way he is, but he can be of enormous help in town. It would be good for him to feel useful, and it would allow those who can fight to do so and not be stuck in town with me.”
Tiluk, the male dragon, craned his head forward. “An elegant solution, and one that honors our sightless brother. Your heart is true and your wits sharp, Mistress O’Dare.” Tiluk actually winked at her, and Livia felt a blush coming on at his praise.
“Then Hrardorr it shall be,” Anira agreed. “But he has no knight. Whom shall we send to accompany him?”
“Send me,” Seth declared, stepping forward. “I can help Hrardorr if he needs it, and I know everyone in the Lair and can communicate with every dragon.” Seth stood at Livia’s side, looking up at the leader dragons. “I’m not a knight, but if what we’ve heard is true, you’ll need every knight to fight. Send me to Dragonscove, so I can do my part and allow the knights to do theirs.”
“We cannot guarantee the town will be safe. You will be in danger there,” Anira said to him, as if testing his resolve.
“I may not be a knight, but I will fight to defend my land, its people and its dragons. I would rather be where I might do some good than hide here in the Lair with the elders and children.”
Livia could see Seth’s ire was up. He didn’t like his courage being questioned.
Then she noticed smoke curling up to the domed ceiling from the dragons’ nostrils. They were chuckling. It had been a test.
“Be at ease, young one,” Tiluk said. “You may not be a knight, but you have the heart of one. You do your family proud.” Tiluk seemed to look around at the other dragons before he said. “You will go with Hrardorr and tell us what goes on in Dragonscove while we fight from aloft. With three of you there who can speak with us, we will be well informed of the enemy’s movements, and so will you, on the ground.”
“Now all we have to do is get Hrardorr to agree,” Anira muttered.
The war council went on for an hour more. They discussed what had happened to Gowan and Genlitha’s patrol. Apparently, the enemy fleet was closer than they’d thought and definitely heading this way. When one of the younger dragons flew too close, he’d been shot down, so the intent of the pirate fleet was clear. They were hostile, in the extreme.
Eventually, orders were drawn up and communications written to the town council, naming Livia, Hrardorr and Seth the official liaisons between town and Lair. Hrardorr grudgingly agreed to do as the dragons asked and accompanied Seth and Livia down to Dragonscove.
Livia and Seth walked back down the hill toward town, while Hrardorr flew. He landed in the water and then swam to Livia’s boat house to await them. From there, Seth had to guide him with many hasty words, into a little harder landing in the courtyard in front of Livia’s home.
Hrardorr was pretty good at following someone’s commands now. He had to get the dragons on watch to guide him into the Lair each time he flew back there, but the landing ledges were wide and clear. Landing in a tiny courtyard without the use of his eyes was a lot trickier, but he managed it with Seth’s help.
The meeting hall wasn’t far from Livia’s home, and it turned out to be a good location from which to coordinate the action. The town’s business leaders were already gathered, trying to find ways to protect not only their business interests, but also the town itself. On the whole, they were good people who just wanted to keep the really bad things that were possible from happening.
The town council had mostly deployed to help the weaker and more vulnerable people in Dragonscove either shelter in place, if they chose, or to evacuate. The Lair was taking in as many people as they could, hiding them deep in the mountain chambers, away from possible trouble.
The Lair would be a last line of defense if the town was overrun. Its massive doors could be shut, and even if only a few dragons survived, they could prevent any enemies from entering with their flame. There were also vast storerooms underground where food was kept, as well as a water source that would be impossible to contaminate or stop from outside.
Then there were the dragons, of course, and the fact that they could carry more than one person to safety, if they had to. They could also summon help from other parts of Draconia.
In fact, the first news that came down from the Lair that Livia was asked to relate to the town’s leadership had to do with what they could expect in the way of reinforcements. And the news wasn’t good.
“Hostilities in the north and east are at a peak,” she told the assembled merchant leaders and the few representatives of the town council that weren’t busy elsewhere.
They’d left the mayor to coordinate things, while the younger and more energetic members of the council were out and about, helping folks. The mayor glared at her, and Livia did her best to stand up straight as she continued her report.
“The Border Lair will send as many knights and dragons as they can spare,” she went on. “In fact, Princess Adora and General Armand are on their way with the dragoness, Lady Kelzy. They will be in talks with the leaders of our Lair shortly.” She didn’t mention the fact that Princess Adora was a dragon healer and was coming in with the injured young dragon, Stanius, and would probably be leaving again once he was settled.
The mayor seemed somewhat mollified, but many of the merchants realized the news was, indeed, grave. If the only hot spot in the country had been in the south, they would’ve sent everyone they could, but with the defenders stretched thin on three borders, the south might have to take care of itself more than it wanted to.
As they started planning the town’s defense, it became clear they needed input from the harbormaster. Livia went to get him herself, since he’d already ignored three separate summonses from the mayor. She also needed a little break, and some fresh air.
“I’m going to get the harbormaster,” she told Seth, who was seated at her side. She spoke low, keeping the conversation just between them.
“Do you want me to come?”
He was in the middle of describing the kind of support dragons could provide to Dragonscove if it should come to all-out assault. He was fielding questions and had knowledge nobody else could provide. Livia knew it would be a bad time to take him away from those most worried about what was coming next.
“No, it’s all right. I’ll ask Hrardorr if he wants to accompany me.”
Seth quirked one brow at her. “Do you think that’s wise?”
“I think it’s probably the only way to get the harbormaster out of his office,” she replied with a grin.
Seth smiled back. “Well, let me know if you need me, and I’ll come right away.”
She patted his shoulder as she turned to leave. “Thanks, Seth.”
Livia went outside to found Hrardorr surrounded by children, though they all kept their distance.
“Sir Hrardorr?” Livia approached him slowly, not wanting to startle him. She also wanted to show the townsfolk—especially the children—that he wasn’t dangerous.
Hrardorr lifted his head toward her. He was lying down on his belly in the middle of the square, looking for all the world as if he’d been dozing.
“I didn’t want to move in case I accidentally hurt someone,” he confided in the privacy of her mind. “I can feel them around me, but I don’t know exactly where they are.”
“Does it bother you? If so, I can tell them to leave. Most of them live nearby. All the other families have been evacuating to the Lair or elsewhere down the coast, but these will be among the last to leave. The children are scared, and I think you represent safety to them, even though they’re a little frightened right now.”
“Then, by all means, I do not want to hurt anyone.”
“H
ow about I introduce you? I’m on my way down to the harbormaster’s office. Would you be willing to give some of the braver children a ride, if I walk beside you? The road is wide from here to the harbor, and it would be a highlight of their lives, I’m sure. It might also help them be less afraid.” Livia had to hold back a chuckle. “You can also help me wrangle a recalcitrant harbormaster who has been ignoring all our requests to come up here to the hall.”
“It is a good plan,” Hrardorr agreed, a few tendrils of smoke rising merrily from his nostrils. “I will trust you to be my guide…and theirs.”
Livia soon had the children riding merrily on Hrardorr’s back. He seemed to be in his element as he walked slowly beside her down to the harbor. It wasn’t far, and Livia had assured the worried parents that she would keep an eye on their offspring. Many were grateful, since they were in the final stages of packing up what they could carry.
It wasn’t a far journey, and it was downhill all the way toward the harbor. Livia made the children promise to stay on Hrardorr’s back while she went into the harbormaster’s office. There were wide windows, so she could keep an eye on them…and so the harbormaster could see the dragon on his doorstep.
That got his attention. Finally. Livia didn’t have to do too much convincing to get the man to accompany her back up to the town hall.
They reversed direction and headed back up to the square, the harbormaster practically running ahead, while Livia walked more sedately with Hrardorr and his little passengers.
The harbormaster didn’t stay long at the town hall, insisting that he had to see to the evacuation of the smaller vessels, while he prepared the few armaments they had on shore and on the small number of ships that were big enough, or fortified enough, to be used in battle.
When he left, Seth went with him to get details on the harbor’s defenses requested by the dragons. It had been a long time since any of the harbor cannons had been fired, and some were showing signs of problems. Seth was asked to verify the readiness of each cannon and catapult, and update the Lair regarding the locations of the working armaments and any bald spots where things weren’t quite working as they should.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“I would like to go for a swim, and maybe a short hunt,” Hrardorr announced in Livia’s mind sometime later. His tone was somewhat speculative—as if he was trying to figure out how to make that happen.
“I’ll walk with you down to the boat launch, if you like,” she volunteered. “Can you swim out safely from there?”
Hrardorr seemed to think for a moment. “It is a good plan. I can sense obstacles underwater, and can avoid them without aid.”
“Good. I need a break from these guys,” she admitted. “A little walk and some fresh air are in order.”
Livia excused herself from the ongoing discussion and headed outside. She knew the situation was serious, but she also knew that, at this point, the men inside were mostly spinning their wheels. Everyone who could actually do something to prepare was already doing it. Sitting in the town hall and just talking about it was getting them nowhere.
Besides, Seth was down by the water somewhere. Maybe she’d go find him on her way back and steal a few minutes with him, away from the others.
This time, when she went outside, there were far fewer children waiting in the square. Most had been whisked away by their parents to head for a safer place. Livia knew the remaining few would be leaving soon. The Lair had taken in as many families with children as had wanted to go there. Most did. Only a few sought family or friends either farther inland or up the coast.
“Ready?” she said, stopping just to the left of Hrardorr’s head. “You’re in the clear. Nobody is lurking in your immediate vicinity.”
“Lurking?” Hrardorr asked with a hint of humor, smoke spiraling upward from his nostrils.
“Some children can be crafty,” she replied in a teasing tone.
“Oh, I’m sure.” Hrardorr allowed. “Shall we walk down to the harbor? I’m looking forward to a little exercise and some fat fish for a snack.”
They set off at a sedate pace, Livia keeping one hand on Hrardorr’s neck, guiding him down the wide lane. They’d done this once before already, so it was easier this time. Hrardorr was good at following her lead and she was learning how to better guide him. All in all, it was a harmonious moment…if not for the threat of a possible invasion hanging over them.
“Other than being hungry, how are you holding up in your role as liaison?” Livia asked, making small talk as they walked along.
“So far, it has been an uneventful job, but I see the sense in sending me here. I hear I have you to thank for this assignment.” The eye ridge nearest her quirked upward. She was getting better at reading dragon body language and facial expressions. She thought he was mildly amused, inquisitive, or maybe a little of both.
“I thought it would be a good use of your time,” she admitted. “Plus, I wanted to spend time with you, Hrardorr. If they were going to send a dragon here, I wanted it to be you, because you’re my friend,” she told him with unplanned candor.
Hrardorr stopped walking and turned his head toward her.
“It warms my heart to hear you say it. You are my friend too, Livia. No matter what happens, you will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Livia stepped closer to him. She’d never been quite this close to Hrardorr. Even touching his neck as they walked down to the harbor was a new experience. They’d always been on the water—her in her sailboat and him swimming a short distance away.
The moment stretched, and she felt a caring tenderness overcome her. She dared to raise her other hand to the other side of his neck, the way she’d seen Gowan do with Genlitha.
“I’m going to hug you,” she warned him, emotion swelling in her. “Is that okay?”
In answer, Hrardorr bent slightly, bringing his neck into her embrace. She wrapped her arms around him, clinging to his heat. It was a magical moment of friendship and love between two beings.
There were tears in her eyes when Livia finally stepped back and let Hrardorr go. She didn’t bother wiping them away. She wasn’t ashamed of her feelings, and Hrardorr couldn’t be embarrassed by what he couldn’t see.
“Thank you for being here, my friend,” she whispered. “No matter what comes, I’m glad you are with me as we try to prepare. You’re the best friend I’ve ever known.”
“You honor me,” was all Hrardorr said. It sounded as if he was feeling the same level of emotion as her. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking on her part.
“Are you two just going to stand here all day, blocking traffic?” Seth’s voice pulled Livia out of her reverie.
Livia moved farther away, keeping just the one hand on Hrardorr’s neck to guide him. She found Seth standing in front of them, an indulgent smile on his face.
“But sir, there isn’t any traffic to speak of, except yourself, of course.” She smiled back at him, feeling playful. “Are you on your way back to the town square, or are you still working down here?”
“I just have two more things to check on the waterfront before I can make my report. Where are you two off to?”
“Fishing,” Hrardorr answered with a little growl.
Seth’s head quirked to the side, and Livia was quick to clarify. “Just Hrardorr. I’m staying ashore. I wanted to get some fresh air, is all. They’re talking in circles up at the hall.”
“I guess they haven’t had any new information since the last scouting mission we relayed,” Seth allowed as Livia nodded. “They’ll have fresh data once I finish my survey of the harbor armaments.”
“Want some company?” Livia asked.
“I was just going to ask you the same thing. My next stop is in this direction, as it happens.”
“Then I think we would love to have you tag along. Wouldn’t we, Sir Hrardorr?”
The dragon rumbled his agreement, and they began walking again. This time, when they neared the harbor, Livia led Hrardorr to
ward the boat ramp that led down gradually into the deeper water.
“How are the preparations going down here?” Livia asked Seth as they walked along. “I don’t remember the last time anyone serviced the cannons.”
Seth shook his head. “It shows. Many are rusted, and the fire crews must first unstick the moving parts. Most have been broken open, but a few are in worse shape than the others. I doubt anyone will be able to get them working anytime soon. If we have enough time, I’ve already relayed a request to have one of the smiths from the Lair to come down and have a look. The town smiths are stretched to their limits already.”
“This is grave news,” Hrardorr commented.
“I had hoped the situation would be better, but there hasn’t been a threat on this shore in generations,” Livia added.
“We still have a little time before the enemy fleet arrives,” Seth said. “Perhaps we’ll be able to affect repairs. Either way, it’s best we know now what the defensive capabilities are from the shore.” Seth’s brows drew together in concern. “The dragons are going to have a rough time of it. If those pirates have a lot more of those diamond-tipped weapons, casualties will be unavoidable. Even the best flyers can’t avoid everything, and most of our dragons are either very young, sent here for training, or their knights are very old, sent here to retire.”
Hrardorr emitted a smoky growl, clearly displeased by the notion.
“My apologies. I did not mean to be so negative,” Seth said. “We will prevail, somehow. That’s what we do, here in Draconia. We don’t let the odds deter us, right?”
Livia shook herself. “You’re right, of course. We have no choice but to repel the enemy. Any other outcome is unacceptable.”
They stood in silence for a moment more before Hrardorr finally moved. He walked tentatively down the boat ramp, a few shuffling feet at a time.
“I’m going for a swim. Keep me informed. If I am needed, I will return forthwith. Otherwise, I will probably stay down here for a bit, in the fresh air. The sun feels good on my scales after a swim.”
