“The stone people?” Airia breathed. “I saw them when I went to the aerie to groom the three dragons.”
“How am I supposed to awaken them?” Tempest asked Vera.
“When the time comes, you’ll know.”
Tempest growled. “Please don’t be vague. If I’m going to act, I need to know how.”
“Once you’ve drawn in Lydel Court’s core of power, you’ll know how to free your people.”
“I’ll help,” Layla told Tempest. “I still can’t believe I’m here, that I’m part of this court and not an orphan Nullen. But I know you, Tempest. You’re determined, ruthless.” Her eyes widened. “Delaine can attest to how ruthless you are. You attackeverything with your whole heart. If anyone can destroy the king’s army, it’s you.”
Zayde nodded. “If you’d like, I could travel to Riftflame and speak with them about an alliance. They’ve held out against my father. Together, we’re stronger. They might be willing to send some flights to Lydel to help. Actually, I know they will.” The grimness in his eyes would make even a dreg shake.
A thought occurred to me. “If you mention dragons . . .”
“In what way?” Zayde cocked his head toward me.
“A disease swept through their flock seven, eight or so years ago.” I met Tempest’s gaze. “They lost many of their dragons, but even worse, the sickness was passed on to their eggs and none hatched for a few years until the disease died out. I bet they’d be even more eager to ally themselves with us if we offered eggs.”
“Madrood said he’d bring me dragons,” she said. “He didn’t say anything about eggs.”
“Ask him if he could provide Riftflame with eggs,” Zayde said. “That would make an amazing bargaining chip.”
She closed her eyes and spoke with Madrood. I was still stunned that she was able to bond with the wretched beast. If he made one wrong move toward her . . .
I’d have no problem wiping him out.
“He said he’ll ask. He can’t do anything else,” she said. “He said they’re quite protective of their young and the thought of sending eggs to another court worries him. But they’re excited about rejoining our court, of riding into battle against the king, and he can also see where an alliance with Riftflame could make all the difference, especially if they could hit Ivenrail’sarmy from the north. He’ll let me know how many eggs they can offer.”
We needed this alliance, especially with flying dregs attacking on two fronts.
“Maybe I should go to Riftflame myself,” Tempest said.
Zayde’s sly smile rose. “I’m your best and probably only chance of convincing them to make a deal.”
She drilled him with her eyes. “Why you in particular?”
“Because my mother was the youngest sister of Riftflame’s high lord.”
“What?” she barked. “Why are you only now mentioning that important detail?”
“Very few know this,” Zayde said. “When my mother discovered she was pregnant, she fled Riftflame. I was born in a border fortress, and she died not long after. She told them who my father was, however, and he came for me. He took me back to Bledmire where he passed me off to one of the staff to raise, then promptly forgot about me until I was old enough to matter. I’m not the heir to Riftflame. My uncle has six sons, and my mother was one of his three sisters, each of whom have children of their own. I doubt my eighteen cousins and aunts will die before me to make me high lord of the court, and I don’t want it even if they did.”
Tempest sagged back in her chair. “This is . . . I don’t quite know what to think of it, but it could definitely make a difference. Yes, go to Riftflame and see what you can do. Will they listen to you?”
Zayde’s smile grew. “My mother was the high lord’s favorite sister. He was devastated by her death, and he’s told me onmore than one occasion that I’m welcome to visit Riftflame at any time. Now is the time.”
Maybe my brother had finally learned how to be conniving. The lesson would’ve been beaten into him sooner if our father had remembered he existed before he turned fourteen.
Tempest’s gaze sought Layla’s. “Would you go with him as my official emissary for Lydel? We can talk about what I need, what the border fortresses need.”
“I feel as if I was born for that role,” Layla said. “Finally, I’ll get to put all my court teachings to use.”
“Perfect. We’ve got the start of a plan.” Her hand stretched toward mine, and I took it, linking our fingers together.
Warmth flooded me, and I felt close to scattering the mist that held me away from her. Could I blow it off and finally let my feelings consume me? I knew I’d loved her. That was as clear to me as my own soul. I just couldn’t seem to grab onto the feeling and hold it within my heart. Whenever I thought I was close, it slipped away.
“Alright then,” Tempest said. “Zayde and Layla will form an alliance with Riftflame. I’ll take in my court’s core power and find a way to awaken my slumbering army. Brodine, I’m going to take you up on your offer to run that army. You’re an amazing strategist.”
