“I have coins,” I said. They were his, but he’d given them to me.
“Money will not be an issue,” he bit out.
Was he still angry that I’d used magic on him? I was only trying to help, trying to bring back his memories of what we’dshared. He’d probably seen it as me trying to force this, and he wasn’t wrong.
“I have plenty of money here,” he added in the same sharp tone. “I’ll bring enough for all of us.”
Brodine looked from me to Vexxion, his eyes narrowing. “I’ll pack a bag too. I don’t have anything with me but the clothing I was wearing when we left Bledmire and what I found in my closet this morning.”
“Each room is magicked to give the guest what they need,” Vexxion said. “Consider everything there as your own.”
We cleaned up after breakfast, everyone helping this time. While I packed food and water for the day, the others went upstairs to gather things to take with us. Since I’d already packed, I grabbed my bag and stepped outside. Drask soared off my shoulder and started toward the woods.
“Don’t go far,” I called out to him. “We’re leaving soon, and I don’t know when we’ll return.”
Maybe I’d be dead before I could come back to Weldsbane. A grim thought right there; a product of the sad feelings churning through me.
As Drask cut back and started toward me, I leaped off the top step and onto the walkway, striding out onto the lawn.
We’re leaving soon,I told Madrood, placing my bag on the lawn.
Drask landed the grass in front of me and plucked his way around, seeking bugs.
The young blue dragon is a pain in the ass,Madrood said.
In what way?
She refuses to listen. I had to make threats to get her to return to the aerie for the night. Youngling dragons . . .he huffed.
Tell her she needs to pay attention to you, that you’re a mighty dragon, that the entire fae kingdom is terrified of you.
I did.
And that didn’t do it?I asked, trying not to let even a touch of humor shine in my voice. How long had it been since anyone challenged Madrood?
It did not.
Well, we’ll tire her out flying today. Maybe she’ll be better behaved this evening.I told him Vexxion’s plan to stop in a village and stay overnight in an inn.
Dragons do not stay at inns.
I’ll ask about a nearby aerie.
You’ll leave us on the edge of the village,he said.And we’ll take care of our own needs tonight. We can meet up again in the morning when you’re ready to depart.
That’ll work.I paused.Assuming you can keep control of the blue dragon.
She doesn’t realize who she’s dealing with, but she soon will.
Do you want me to intervene?I asked.
Do you truly think your intervention would make a difference?he grumbled.You’re not bonded to her like you are with me.Pride shone in his voice.I doubt she’s capable of hearing anything you choose to say.
I have a way with dragons.
The others left the building and joined me on the lawn, and even Vexxion, who could magic his own clothing based on his latest whim, had packed a bag.
We’re ready to leave,I told Madrood.
