“No, little blessing, my wish is different from yours,” the King said in a serious tone.“I hunger for a taste of the jungle.”
Huh?I looked at Sue, whose flushed face made it clear this was no literal jungle but something rather naughty.The tips of my ears began to burn at the possible interpretations.Gargoyles might turn out to be as shameless as elves were prudish.
I glanced up at Karim.Of course, no blush went unnoticed by my Prince.The amusement was clear to see in his eyes, and I bit my lip to stifle a giggle.
I caught Sue looking from him to me and back before smiling knowingly.
“It is time to part ways,” Karim announced, refocusing on our guests.“Let us make sure all our people are accounted for, and then we can each return home.”
“I shall check with my scouts,” the King noted.Sue immediately covered her ears, just before he produced a high-pitched sound.
My ears were left ringing by that loud call, which is why I didn’t hear the sound Karim produced on his part.I saw him put his hands on both sides of his mouth, nearly blocking his lips from view.It reminded me of what hunters did when they were imitating bird calls.
My ears recovered in time for the responding calls: whistles, bird sounds, and loud growls from various locations, including high over our heads.Silence fell afterward, but both Karim and Xaniban kept listening, this time with their eyes closed.
“One warrior missing.”The King sounded perplexed, the thick-looking skin over the bridge of his nose bunched.“Ris?”
The other gargoyles flapped their wings in what I’d concluded was their version of a nod.
“I’m missing one of mine, too.”Concern seeped into Karim’s steady voice.“The eastern border guard.”
“That’s the team Ris was assigned to, my liege,” one of the gargoyles told his leader.
Karim tensed up next to me.“I shall send one of my warriors there immediately.”He followed those words with two bird-like calls.
What is going on?
In mere seconds, no other than Tisvali came running our way, appearing among the trees seemingly out of nowhere.
“Prince Karim, let one of my warriors accompany him,” the King suggested.“They will get there faster by air.”
Karim nodded his agreement.
“Saxan, you go.Find Ris.”
“Tis,” Karim turned to his friend already next to us, “thiswarrior here will fly you to the eastern border.”
Tisvali, barely out of breath from the fast run, failed to mask his shock at the idea of being carried by a gargoyle.
I was the one shocked next when Karim told Tisvali who the missing elf was.
Deidre.
- 27 -
Huge Dick
Iwatched Saxan fly up with Tisvali in his arms until they disappeared from view over the trees.My concern for Deidre from earlier tonight was back.Please, let her be okay.
“Prince Karim, please excuse my retreat,” said the King, “but I must take my mate off the ground.Her safety is my priority, in case the perimeter has been breached.”
Karim looked at me.“I understand.”
Our gazes held, and I saw my concern mirrored in his eyes.Were we in danger?
“Xan, we arenotretreating because of me,” Sue said firmly.“If it comes to a fight, I’m armed and fully capable of defending myself.”
“I know, little blessing.”There was pride in his voice as he addressed my friend.Turning to us, he continued with command.“Prince Karim, my guards will remain on the ground to protect you and your mate, until the matter is cleared.I will hover within a call’s reach, to return if needed.”
