Soon I hope I’ll be able to play with you.
Talon withdrew from the battle between Triton and Reno, which was still raging on, and landed gently at the side of the lake, grooming himself so Mercury could see.I know you will so very soon, my love. You’re going to be incredibly fast.
Giving up the battle so quickly?Triton asked him.
I was making my mate nervous. That last free fall made him think I was really in trouble.
Ah.Triton waggled his wings as he flew over.Your mate is very far-sighted.
He is. He often sees Reno and Kami playing here over the water.
That’s an interesting thing to know, Reno said.You said he was stuck in a tower that looked out in all directions over the ocean. Maybe he was like some sort of sentry without him even realizing it.
Maybe. That was also a very interesting idea. So many thoughts swirled in his head.I really need to get a hold of Cain.
Reno landed next to him, nudging him with one side of his head.He’s available today. You should just go see him; you don’t need an appointment.
I think I will. Hailee, I’ll see you soon. I’m going to visit someone. I’ll be back.
Mercury chuckled.Make sure you have clothes.
Are you saying you only want me to be naked with you, my love?
That’s exactly what I’m saying. Mercury’s arch little tone made him smile.
I promise to at least wear a robe.He leaped back into the sky and headed up to the main buildings, wanting to get this conversation with Cain over with.
Sure enough, the seer was available when Talon got to his door. Betty nodded and smiled at him, waving him toward the seer’s private chambers.
Talon didn’t even have to knock. He raised his hand, and Cain opened the portal, smiling at him. “Would you like to come in and have a snack, Talon?”
“I’m always willing to have a snack.” Cain knew how to make people feel at ease, although sometimes he served weird fish delicacies that Talon didn’t understand. He had a feeling that was when Cain was trying to make people uncomfortable though.
“Well, come on in, then. Did I need to invite Mercury to come sit with us as well?” Cain turned and led his way back into the apartments. He had a large, sprawling set of rooms set back on a deep hallway with a double set of doors hiding him from the rest of the world. Talon could see why it was good for a seer to have that much privacy.
Cain had a difficult life, constantly being struck with either visions or directives from the dragon gods to guide him in what he was supposed to be doing. He wasn’t sure how that worked.
Talon much preferred to take his orders from a corporeal dragon.
“Have a seat. Would you like coffee, tea, or some other sort of beverage, like a soft drink?”
“That tea you make. I would love some of it.” Cain used a mixture of peppermint tea, green tea, and orange something-or-other that was super soothing and calming, and he found he craved it.
“Sit. I’ll bring our snack and drinks. One moment.” Cain wandered to the kitchen and he heard clinking, clacking, whooshing, and what sounded like slicing. Cain was back, really in about five minutes, with a tray of tea cups and saucers that would look ridiculously dainty in Talon’s hands, a pot of tea, and a pile of snacks that were both savory and sweet.
They settled, and Cain relaxed back into his overstuffed chair.
“Now then, tell me what’s going on, Talon.”
“I’m worried about Mercury.” He sighed. “Part of it is that I just wish I could move faster, but that’s not the reason I’m here talking with you.”
Cain tilted his head, then leaned forward and reached out to pour tea into two cups. “Would you like any lemon?”
Talon tried to be patient. Cain could really be like somebody from a kung fu movie—the endearing kung fu master who drove everyone crazy with their incomprehensible sayings and admonitions tobepatient.
He was a warrior. He wasn’t used to having to wait for his answers.
Talon cleared his throat. “Please, that would be lovely.”
