"Do you know of the fortress I saw? It wasn't big, more like an outpost castle," Valentine said, moving beside them. Everything above the border was blank.
"I know of it, but I have never seen it. It was meant to have been abandoned two hundred years ago at least," Emyr said.
Valentine frowned. "It didn't look like it was in the best state of repair, but it was still solid, and there were at least a hundred warriors there."
"Seems odd that they wouldn't take prisoners back to Midir in his barrow," Owain commented.
"Which supports my point that they are trying to bait Taranis," Quinn said, gnawing on a lip.
"Or they were afraid that if their magic shackles failed, Yelena and Avallach would shift in the barrow and burn it from the inside out," Valentine murmured. They all turned to look at him. "What?It's what I would do if I were in their position and I had the chance. I still might if Midir or his men have hurt Yelena any more."
"I love that idea, but it's easier said than done," Emyr replied. "The entries into Midir's barrow kingdom are constantly shifting. It's how he's stayed protected for so long. He's in charge of all the pathways and moves them at will."
"Does he now?" Valentine smiled. "I do enjoy a challenge."
"Get Yelena and Avallach first. Valentine? You can use that room over there to change," Taranis said, dismissing him.
Valentine was happy to be dismissed. He headed into the room and shut the door behind him. They were probably going to talk a plan to death, and he didn't have time for it. He pulled his flying leathers out of his large backpack and started putting them on. Black leather lined with fur, high black boots, and a hood. He caught his reflection in a mirror and paused. His eyes were red with magic and beast. No one had said anything, but they all knew he was volatile.
"Doesn't matter," he whispered, pulling on his black gloves before securing his daggers in various sheaths on his chest and calves. As soon as Yelena was back, he could get help with managing the dragon, even if he had to get down on his knees and beg.
Foolish little sorcerer, you're never going to be able to manage me, the dragon taunted.
Valentine glared at his reflection. "We need to work together to get her back, so stop provoking me."
The dragon only grumbled out something that sounded like a laugh, but he didn't push him. His eyes didn't change back to gray, but he knew the beast’s silence didn't mean it would surrender the ground it had taken without a fight.
Valentine left his bag in the room and headed back out. Quinnwolf whistled at him.
"Look at you! Don't you look handsome," she said and waggled her brows at him.
"Stop flirting. No time," Emyr chided. She tugged at Valentine's jacket and harness of knives. "Everything seems secure. Let's go."
"Be careful, all of you," Taranis said and nodded at Valentine. "You especially. We'll walk you out. I need to make note of whoever sees you leave."
"Good luck with your traitor, Uncle," Valentine replied. "Better you find them before I do."
"Settle down, killer," Quinn said and kissed his cheek.
They walked through the halls and out to a different launching area that was closest to Taranis's private wing. They were passing a meeting room when a tall fae with straight brown hair came out. He was dressed in fancy-looking robes, and Valentine guessed he was a lord.
"Ah, my king, I heard you had returned to the city," he greeted with a short bow. He eyed Valentine. "And I see you have brought home another wild stray."
"My kingdom will always welcome dragons from anywhere, Lord Afon," Taranis replied in a bored tone. "My queen and I will be staying for a time. Please inform the household."
Afon nodded. "And your new...friend?"
Valentine smiled at him, all teeth. "Don't you worry about me."
"I always worry about wild dragons in the city. I thought one was bad enough, but at least she hasn't returned yet," Afon replied, his eyes cooling.
Valentine snarled wordlessly at him, and the lord took a step back in surprise.
"Too much magic and not enough manners," Afon sniffed. "That's what you get from taking in ferals."
Valentine took a step forward, but Taranis gripped his shoulder and held him back.
"Perhaps you should be working on your own manners, Afon, dear," Quinn said brightly before she looked down her nose at him and walked off. The look of outrage on the lord's face at being dismissed had Valentine biting back a smile.
