“You know, it’s funny,” Kes paused. “I don’t remember seeing any elders before we left. Like, elders-elders. The ones we met along our journeys were full of insight. We didn’t have any of that growing up. They taught us as much as they wanted us to know and that was it. It was like we lived in a fog and the further away we got the clearer our heads became.”
Quint,Mattias called out,Kes just told us they felt as though they were living in a fog. Be aware of potential spells that may cause you to forget who and where you are.
Aye, understood. Carver has closed several already. Glad we had the foresight to bring a mage along with us.
They may have abandoned the village, but they hadn’t ended their spells. Clearly a trap for unsuspecting visitors, or those who had escaped, returning.
It’s a trap!I shouted through our connection.
Yes, it is, which is why we’re working fast. Alert Larkin to ready his crew for intake. We’re waking a dozen of them now. Ask Raven to meet us at the precinct so she can return with Carver to speed this rescue up.
On it!Ionus called out.
“Fuck man,” I paced the kitchen. Mattias was just as shook up as I was, having handed the cooking over to Kes. “Until they’re all home I’m gonna be a wreck.”
Mate, are you okay?
Quint ran into a bit of snag. They’re transporting bodies now.
Bodies?
They found about a dozen dragons in a deep slumber.
“Is the food ready?” I asked. “Ronan’s awake and I’d like to get him fed.” Kes nodded and filled a plate for him and handed it over along with a bottle of water. “Thanks.” I ran it upstairs and walked into the sweetest scene. Ronan, softly singing to the eggs. His voice was a beautiful lure, pulling me in.
He blushed, “It calmed them when I did that and I didn’t want to lose that bond with them now that the eggs are out.”
“I think it’s wonderful. You have an amazing voice. Sweet and captivating.”
“Thanks. When I’m not screeching, right?”
“Ha, even your screeches soothe my soul, my love. Here, I’ll watch the girls while you eat.” The softest purrs came from inside the eggs, the girls soundly sleeping. I’d imagine labor was just as stressful on them as it was for Ronan. “We did this.”
“Yes,” he said around a mouthful of food. “We did.”
“I’ve never seen two more stunning eggs in my life.”
“I’d say you’re biased, but I one hundred percent agree with you. Any update from Quint?”
“No. Ionus was notifying Larkin of the incoming transports and asking Raven to meet Carver there. They need her to speed up the removal time.” Ronan’s fork stopped mid-bite, his eyes widened.
“Are they in trouble?”
“They triggered wards. Carver has disabled some of them but had to do a cloaking spell to keep them safe while they assessed everyone. Now they’re trying to get back before hostiles arrive.” Fuck man, I don’t want to leave my family for anything, but the guilt I felt over not being there to help was heavy.
Ronan patted my hand, “They’ll be alright. You’ve got to trust in the Goddess. She’s put all of this on the protectors’ plates for a reason.”
I suppose he’s right, though it doesn’t lessen the worry. Until my brothers were safely back home I’d remain a nervous Nellie.
But one with two very cute eggs.
Ronan handed me the empty plate and snuggled back up with the girls. I tucked them in and kissed him, then both eggs, whispering how much they were loved, before rejoining the other three downstairs to eat.
“Man, I still can’t believe my younger brother is not only mated to a protector but now has twin girls,” Upalo smiled. “Life is strange.”
“That it is.” I finished eating first then started doing the dishes when Ionus spoke again.
Baird and I are headed to the police station. Mattias, you, Kes and Upalo stand watch from the ground. Baird has Ignatus and Rory patrolling over the compound with Caro. Hamish is already in town and will meet us there.
