Thank you.
As we soared above the forest, an overwhelming sense of freedom washed over me as if I were a songbird released from her cage. I closed my eyes and heard only peace: no chatter or shrieks of attacking dregs. Just wind whistling past my ears and the soft calls of birds in the woods below.
Contentment wrapped around me like a warm blanket on a winter night.
I have to leave soon,he said, interrupting my attempt to grab onto a bit of happiness and hold it close.We need more dragons to fight the dregs. I know where they’re hiding, and I’ll bring them to Lydel. They’ll welcome this challenge.
We don’t have many riders, but more dragons will be welcome.
You command a city full of riders. Did you think the small aerie where I sleep is the only one? That’s the manor’s aerie. Lydel was once known for their dragon riders and trainers. Your parents met during their schooling.
Do you know much about them?I asked with a wistfulness I should beat into submission. Caring meant pain.
But caring also meant power. The love I felt for Vexxion and my friends only made me stronger. It had taken me a long time to see this, but it was as clear now as the sky we flew below.
Some. Your beauty and your sharp mind came from your mother.
Are you saying my father was ugly and simple?I asked with a snort.
Not at all. I’ve only heard of him; I didn’t meet him. He . . .
The king killed him. I heard that already.
Yes. I’m sorry.
I wasn’t going to ask for details. Too much pain lay in that direction.You said they met at school?
I heard they hated each other at first, but when they were assigned to work on a project together, they drew closer. Then their mate bond symbols appeared, and they knew. They married not long after they finished their schooling, and they ruled Lydel together.
Until the king murdered them both.
How long will you be gone?I asked him.
A week at most. I don’t dare stay away longer than that.
While the horizon remained clear and the sky without a cloud, if I squinted, I could almost see an army of dregs flying this way.
By the time I bring them back, you’ll have plenty of riders, he said.All you need to do is wake them.
How?I asked.Should I use the same spell that freed the creatures and my friends?
When the time is right, you’ll know. Lydel will once again be the thriving dragon city it was years ago, and you’ll be ready to lead the charge.
You see a lot more in me than I do.But that wasn’t quite right. As my power grew over the past few months, so did my resolve. I’d grown and changed since I left the fortress.
You said you have two things to tell me,I said.I doubt telling me you’re leaving is one of them.
The flap of his wings slowed, and he angled to the right, aiming for the city gleaming in the distance.
One, I need to share. The other, I’d hold back if I could,he said.
Tell me the one you need to share first.I suspected the other would gut me.
Someone betrayed you.
28
TEMPEST
