by Ann Gimpel
Once again, Aegir bowed.
Raene walked to the red dragon. Reaching into a pocket, she held out the ruby. “When I took this, I had no idea I’d transgressed. Please. Allow me to return it to you.”
Aegir wanted to throw his body between Raene and Tarika, but he held back. Sometimes, a pure heart and noble intentions went a long way toward righting wrongs. The dragon crouched and held out her forelegs. “Come close, little Selkie.”
Raene scooted forward. Fear traded places with hope on her expressive features. She extended her hand holding the ruby and said, “Apologies, First Born. The stone was beautiful, and it sang to me.”
Tarika lifted Raene easily, cradling her against her chest. “I appreciate your honesty. The reason it called to you is because I meant it to be yours, a gift from me to you for helping rescue Glaedr.”
“How is he?” Raene asked.
“Thank you for inquiring. He will rise beyond his imprisonment, but we were not a moment too soon. The demon had already begun annihilating the protections around his mind. Were Glaedr older, he’d have had an easier time fighting back. As it was, he barely held on. He wanders in dark places, but our healers are confident he will find his way back to us.”
“I’m so glad. Every story that has a happy ending is one more way for us to defeat evil.”
“Indeed, little Selkie.” Tarika bent forward and placed her gently on the ground. She turned to the other dragons. “Our leaders have spoken. We shall aid the Druids in their fight to preserve Arcadia.”
“What?” Keene shouted. “It’s preposterous. We have never bothered ourselves with human affairs.”
“Check your facts. Arcadia isn’t human,” Eletea pointed out, her words dripping with derision.
“Ye need to learn respect,” Keene sputtered.
“Oh, and I suppose ye’re the one to teach me?” Eletea jeered. “Just like Cavet tried to do? Look what happened to him.”
Aegir searched his memory. Cavet was the philandering dragon who’d tried to poison Eletea and lost his life for his crimes. Dragons didn’t fuck around. Transgressions were met with death.
Fire flew from Keene’s jaws. Before it finished burning, he’d vanished.
Tarika shook a talon at Eletea. “Ye really shouldna bait him.”
“But ’tis so much fun.”
“Our men are fragile.” Tarika skewered the younger dragon with her golden eyes.
“Pfft.” Eletea puffed smoke. “He bedded Arianrhod and then dumped her. What kind of man does it make him?”
Aegir swallowed surprise. Apparently, the virgin huntress was even less a virgin than he’d imagined. For some stupid reason, he’d assumed Angus was her only fall from grace and the stories about her having taken a dragon lover weren’t true.
“Thank you so much for offering your aid,” Aegir spoke up before the two female dragons wandered too far off track.
“How will we communicate with the dragons who will help us?” Raene asked.
“Ye willna need to,” Tarika replied. “We shall sense your need and dispatch what assistance we deem necessary.”
“But what if—?” Raene began.
Aegir cut her off with another round of thanks.
“Tell the Arch Druid we shall hold him to his word,” Tarika said. “Our seers are anxious to mingle their brand of magic with Druid ability. Cathbad visits occasionally, and he is always a revered guest.”
Aegir nodded pleasantly. Not only had they secured a promise of aid, but he’d learned many things on today’s journey. “If ye’ve no further need of us, we’ll return to Arcadia with welcome news.”
Tarika bent once again. A slash from her talon marked Raene’s forehead with a three-inch gash, and then she did the same to him. “Speed is critical, my friends and allies”—she stressed the last word—“so I am opening our travel portal to you this one time. ’Twas why I marked you, so the portal would accept you as one of dragonkind. Be sure to suck in a big breath. The trip will be short, but airless.”
A glistening gouge opened in the arid ether, glowing red on every side. The baked-clay smell nearly choked him. Aegir gripped Raene’s hand and jumped through into a far less commodious enclosure than the way they’d arrived. The walls of the oblong chamber were hot. Hotter than Fire Mountain had been. Breathing wasn’t an option. He cradled Raene in his arms, hoping she’d find trapped air molecules in his clothing. Rather than a gentle rocking motion, the dragons’ time-travel tunnel jostled them. He stumbled and ran up against a wall once. His clothing smoldered, and he didn’t make that mistake again. Lungs burning from lack of air made his head spin.
Finally, when he was certain he was on the edge of lapsing into unconsciousness, the tunnel ejected them into damp and cold. He sank to wet ground, still holding Raene. Both of them were gasping and panting as they sucked oxygen into air-starved lungs.
“Christ!” Raene pulled out of his arms, still panting. “That was hideous. I thought dragons needed to breathe.”
“Apparently, they can hold their breath a whole lot longer than we can.” The grayed-out aspect had departed, and he could see again. Somehow, they’d ended up back on his island. It was raining, but he welcomed the chilly drops.
“I’ll never complain about rain again,” she murmured.
“Nothing like a wee bit of comparison to make ye appreciate what ye have.” He got creakily to his feet and extended a hand to her. “Come on. We have to let the Druids know.”
She lurched upright, clinging to his hand for support. “Thanks. I’m weak as a newborn colt.”
He was too, but he’d be damned if he’d admit it. “Whatever possessed you to offer up the ruby? Ye scared the stuffing out of me when ye waltzed close to Tarika and held it out.”
Raene shrugged. “I’ve always trusted my instincts. And the ruby wanted out. It has a way of communicating. I couldn’t deny its request.”
“Makes sense, lass. It understands Tarika is its maker, and it was seeking either a way home or permission to remain with you.”
“That’s as good an explanation as any other. Once we get through with the Druids, I’m starving. And thirsty. Standing around on Fire Mountain sapped everything in me.”
He hurried to the locker outside his cave that held supplies and withdrew glass bottles that held seawater. A shot of magic turned it pure and drinkable. He handed her one and took the other for himself.
While he slaked his thirst, he called Krise with telepathy.
“Aye?” the elder Selkie answered immediately.
“The dragons are in.”
After his whoops died down, Krise said, “Good work. I chose well when I made you king.”
Aegir grinned. Praise from his da was rare enough, he’d welcome it no matter what form it took. It didn’t matter that their laws were why he was king. The only thing Krise had control over was the timing of when the torch passed from father to son.
“What?” Raene asked and set her bottle down.
“Nothing. Arcadia awaits. How about if ye take charge of the spell this time?”
“Really?”
His smile broadened. “Really.”
Chapter 14
Raene was surprised how quickly her power rose when she called it. She’d assumed it would be sluggish since she was so tired. The stone vibrated against her side from its protective pocket. Power flashed and flared—so bright she squinted—and a gateway edged in violet formed. She stepped through, blinking away afterimages from the light, with Aegir right behind her.
He’d been amazing on their journey to Fire Mountain. Strong, confident, knowledgeable. And on the trip back, he’d done his damnedest to protect her, offering her what little air was trapped within the folds of his clothes. She yearned for his arms around her, longed for the feel of his body pressed against hers, but crises had a way of throwing people together.
And their life had been one continuing crisis ever since he’d spotted her in the seas beyond his island.
Maybe
what she was feeling wasn’t anything beyond longing for reassurance and comfort. If she’d had more experience with men, she might have an easier time sorting her confused swamp of emotions.
The gateway winked out, and she turned to face an unfamiliar part of Arcadia. “Which way?” she asked.
“Hold up a moment,” Aegir replied. “The land will guide us.”
She felt foolish. Not that she’d spent much time here, but the land had, indeed, provided for her. A path formed, leading through a thick forest. This time, the trees were just trees, not weapons; wind blew through their branches in a pleasant sighing. What a contrast to Fire Mountain with its furnace-like heat.
After twenty steps, the forest fell away, and they were back in front of the castle. Druids flowed out of its doors, down its steps, and through the iron gates that opened of their own accord. Accompanying them were animals. Bears. Wolves. Coyotes. Deer. Hawks and eagles soared overhead. It took her a moment before she felt their magic and understood these were all Shifters.
The Arch Druid came to a stop in front of them, and she felt the force of his magic scan her mind. It prickled unpleasantly but didn’t last long. “Ye bring good news.”
“We do,” Aegir agreed. “The dragons accept your offer of two Druids to assist their resident seers, and they promised aid.”
Howls, yips, barks, and shrieks rose from the birds and animals ranged around them. The air developed a glistening aspect, brimming with magic as some reached for their human forms.
“How will we contact the dragons?” another Druid asked.
“We asked the same thing,” Raene answered. “They said they’d know when we needed them and send what help they deem necessary.”
“But then we canna plot battle strategy with them,” the Druid who’d spoken before said unhappily.
The Arch Druid raised a cautionary hand. “Their offer is deeply appreciated, and it will have to be enough. In truth, ’tis far more than I expected. Dragons were warriors afore Earth emerged from the sun. They scarcely need our assistance with strategy. The reverse is more likely true, that we could benefit from theirs.”
The other Druid bowed low. “Sorry, Master. I was not thinking.”
Arcadia’s healing energy rose through Raene’s feet, leaving her with a refreshed, glowing sensation. She knelt and patted the wet earth. “Thank you. I needed that.”
“Arcadia has become attuned to your energy,” the Arch Druid observed. He angled his head as if listening. “Ye carry dragon essence. How can that be?”
She withdrew the ruby, holding it in the flat of her palm. “Tarika gave it to me for helping rescue her young dragon.” The stone brightened, pulsing with clear light, almost as if it were urging her to say more. “Uh, actually, I took it from the ocean floor while in seal form. See, Tarika and the young dragon were both crying, and—”
“’Tis fine.” The Arch Druid halted her flow of words. “Ye’ve a clear, pure spirit. And the ruby holds untapped power. ’Twill aid us in the battle to come, for I have seen such in my glass.” He stopped for a moment, and then added, “Did ye have it when ye sat within the castle before?”
“Yes, I did.”
A thoughtful expression creased his face. “Either the stone has become more closely linked to your magic, or it’s growing stronger. Both are good. I couldna sense it when ye were here last.”
“It might be a combination,” Aegir volunteered.
“Indeed.”
A burly naked man with unruly brown curls that hung to mid-chest and a full beard stepped forward. “So long as the Selkies are here, introductions are in order. The rest of us met during our meeting.”
Aegir nodded. “Excellent idea. Apologies. I’m not as sharp as I could be. We stood for hours in Fire Mountain’s heat waiting for the dragons to make up their mind.”
“Understood.” The brown-haired man stuck out a hand. “I am Gerald, leader of the bear Shifter clan.”
Raene stood next to Aegir shaking hands with Shifter clan leaders. The names blurred, but she remembered Delia, a wolf, and Marko, the chief bird. Conversation flowed around her since Aegir was friends with some of the other Shifters. Someone shoved a glass of the same cordial she’d drunk before into her hand. This time it remained clear because she didn’t add her blood to it.
When she started drinking, she didn’t stop until the tumbler was empty. “Thank you.” She handed it back to the Druid who’d brought it to her.
“No need for thanks. Between the drink and Arcadia, ye’ll be good as new verra soon.”
Aegir detached himself from a small group of Shifters he’d been chatting with and joined her, handing his own glass to the Druid. “Many thanks.” He directed his next words at Raene. “Are ye ready to leave?”
She nodded. Worlds where everyone and everything were magical still didn’t feel typical, and she’d been to two of them today. Odd. Wondrous. Incredible. But not comfortable by any stretch of her imagination.
The Arch Druid trotted to where they stood. “Return to your island. Rest as best ye’re able.”
“When would you like us to return?” Aegir asked.
“Arcadia is already releasing a portion of the barrier surrounding it—” the Druid began.
“So we shouldn’t leave at all?” Worry poured through Raene. If the battle to determine the future of good magic was upon them, they had to remain.
“’Tis safe enough.” The Druid patted her arm. “Arcadia is a big place. ’Twill take time for the barrier to weaken, particularly since it must appear natural and not a contrivance to entice our enemy. Once the lure is in place, ’twill take more time yet for Hellspawn to react to what they’ll surely interpret as good fortune.”
“I ken most of that,” Aegir said. “In real time, what is your best estimate of when ye will require us here. I must let Da know, so the Selkies add their strength to our army.”
“Anywhere between two and five days,” another Druid said. “Ye’ll know. Ye’ll feel the disturbance in your link with Arcadia.”
Aegir clasped hands with the Arch Druid. Raene did the same. Strength and magic flowed from his firm grip. In that moment, she caught a glimpse of how ancient he was. Older by far than any Selkie she’d ever met. Looking up, she captured his gaze and blurted, “You must know the dragons. You’re as old as them.”
A ghost of a smile formed. “Aye, lass. I know most all of them.” He placed a finger over his mouth. “About my age, shall we keep that little morsel a secret?”
Two Druids standing nearby burst out laughing. One clapped his liege across the shoulder blades and said, “Sure and the lass keeping her mouth shut will stop that wee bit of knowledge from escaping.”
The Arch Druid elbowed him and mocked his brogue. “Goddess preserve me from the Irish.”
“And the Scots,” rose in a chorus from several Druid throats.
It seemed as good a note as any to leave on. The next time they met, no one would be laughing or joking. Aegir must have intuited her thoughts because he latched a hand beneath her arm and guided her back down the short path they’d trod before.
This time, he summoned magic to return them to the island. Night had fallen, a velvety darkness that surrounded them. The rain had stopped, and a few stars twinkled overhead.
“Feel like a swim?” Aegir asked.
“Sounds wonderful.” Once he mentioned it, she understood how much she yearned to splash through the sea in her seal form.
“Good. ’Twill accomplish two goals. Mayhap three. We can eat. I can talk with Da and not risk being overheard.”
“What’s the third?” she asked as she began stripping out of her clothes, sheltering the garments beneath rocks so they wouldn’t blow away.
Aegir removed his boots, shirt, and trousers, tucking them in with her things. It was hard not to look at him. He had the most beautiful body with wide, muscled shoulders. Dark hairs scattered around deep copper nipples. His stomach was flat, displaying sculpted lines beneath. Long, gracef
ul legs met in a triangle of spiky dark hair. His penis was as beautiful as the rest of him. Just starting to swell, it held promise so profound, she had a hard time swallowing.
“We’ll see if there is a third.” He snapped his fingers, and their skins materialized out of the ether.
She caught hers, wrapping herself in it. Shifting gave her something to do other than throwing herself into his arms and capturing his phallus in her hand. She wanted to explore his body so much it was a physical ache that left a hollow place beneath her breastbone. Hopefully, the need consuming her would abate once she’d lumbered into the sea.
The shift happened faster than she expected, like all her magic since she’d claimed the dragon’s gemstone. Raene checked her cheek to see if it had come with her, but it must still be tucked away in her pocket. She used her flippers to move her across the rock-strewn shoreline and on into the restless sea.
Aegir was a few moments behind her, his gorgeous coal-black pelt developing shades of blue as he immersed himself in the ocean. For a time, they swam aimlessly, letting the currents play with them as they scooped fish and ate until they were sated. The silence between them felt companionable, not awkward.
She’d never had other Selkies to swim with, not for long, anyway, and his presence was comforting. She wouldn’t have minded being alone in the sea, but having Aegir swimming by her side was better.
Much better.
Her desire for him hadn’t actually lessened, but it was different, deeper, more of a full body tingling. She’d never mated as a seal, and although she had a fair idea of the mechanics, the possibility never held much appeal.
Until now.
Raene did her best to wrench her mind away from sex. Thinking about it intensified her need. She munched through more fish as a diversionary tactic and asked, “Did you find Krise?”
“Aye, I did. He’s in the midst of gathering as many of us as he can. He feels the pull of Arcadia, much as I do, so he will know when to arrive.”
She rose to the surface to breathe and flipped over onto her back.
“Ready to return, lass?”
She patted the water’s surface with her flippers. She loved the sea. Loved being a part of all its moods. Donning her seal’s body always thrilled her, just as leaving it hidden in the cave where she’d found her dying mother left bittersweet dregs in her soul.
