Jacob inclined his chin. “She, and those before her, are responsible for culling those dragon-ridden who become a threat to the empire.”
“Not you guys?”
“We’re not trusted to police that. They believe we’re blinded with emotion when it comes to our own,” Jacob said with a humorless smile. “They have a point. There wasn’t always a dragon slayer, but certain incidents highlighted the need. It’s an exceedingly difficult task to end the life of someone you know, someone you’ve broken bread with and shared stories with.”
“I thought the Black Order were responsible for that.”
“They’d like that—but no. Formally, the dragon slayers have always been our executioners.”
That made the decision to send George to their headquarters all the more interesting. Was this a sign that bad things were coming or a warning to remind them of their place?
“How worried should we be?”
“The current slayer is a stickler for the rules. If you don’t give her an opening, she won’t act,” he said. “In a way, she’s in the same situation as us. People fear her and seek to use her in the same way they do us. Only unlike us, there is no one to share in the burden. Try to remember that when you meet her next. Don’t let our history influence your opinions too much.”
Tiring of the conversation, Jacob straightened and nodded at her in dismissal.
Tate hesitated for half a second. “Blaise is concerned about you too. Maybe consider that and don’t worry your friend so much.”
Her message delivered, Tate slipped out of the gates and headed toward where Dewdrop, Night and the twins were waiting for her.
“What was that about?” Dewdrop asked glancing at Jacob.
“A warning.” Tate’s gaze was focused and determined. “When we get home, I need you to summon Roslyn.”
Before, she’d considered this appointment with court a nuisance but ultimately harmless. With Jacob’s words, she realized she was entering a battlefield.
Like with all battles, preparation and planning were the key to success.
Roslyn was her secret weapon. All she needed to do now was make sure the other woman agreed.
THREE
The air was brisk against Tate’s face, containing a hint of chill as they moved through the streets of the Upper. Spring hadn’t decided yet whether it was here to stay, instead flirting with winter for the last few weeks.
The cold wasn’t as noticeable earlier since the sun provided adequate warmth, but as afternoon deepened and they moved in and out of the shadows of the buildings, they lost its protection. Tate’s cheeks smarted as they approached the edge of the cliff. Wind raced across the ocean, buffeting them.
From here, you could see everything. The sunlight dancing on the ocean waves, the ships dotting the harbor. High cliffs on one side and a slim peninsula on the other formed a crescent moon through which only a narrow strip of open water allowed ships to enter and exit.
Tate admired the view as they continued along the edge of the cliff.
From this part of the city, there were two ways to access the Lower. The first involved the cliff elevators that connected the Upper and Lower. For a small fee, you could travel them at all hours of the day and night.
The other option involved the long climb that bridged the Upper and Lower parts of Aurelia, referred to not-so-affectionately as the Hill. It was the dividing line that separate the two halves and was where Tate had chosen to settle. Having a foot in both worlds suited her.
It helped that the views were breathtaking no matter what window in her house you looked out.
The houses there were tall and narrow, long staircases winding down to the road. Each one was a different color, adding personality and charm.
It wasn’t long before Tate and the rest approached their home midway down the Hill; a dignified three-story row house that fit in with the rest.
Pax and Willa raced ahead of the adults, two streaks as they climbed on top of the containing wall and ran up the lawn.
Willa nipped at Pax’s tail as he took the lead. He twirled, catching her shoulder. The two wrestled through the flower beds Tate had started last year, not paying any attention to the dirt they kicked up.
Night made a chuffing sound as he started after his children with a loose-limbed saunter. He covered the ground quickly, never appearing to hurry.
When he reached them, he collapsed onto his side with a weary sigh. Seeing this, the twins shared a conspiring look. Feline grins spread across their faces. As one, they leapt on top of their father.
