Aye, we will.
Odem, I know you want to be a part of this but it’s important you spend this time bonding with your girls. They are truly amazing.
Thank you, brother.
Mattias shared with Kes and Upalo what Ionus had said while I finished the dishes. They were kind enough to cook so the least I could do was clean the mess up. Plus, I was far too jittery to try and nap. Maybe there’s laundry to do. I suppose with little ones around that chore will become a daily event.
The first dragon has arrived. Raven left with Carver. They should have the rest here within the next half hour.
This was one of those ‘hold your breath until it’s all over’ situations.
Ionus’ updates continued until all twelve, plus our own dragons, inducing Carver and Raven, had returned. I swear, the relief nearly knocked me on my ass.
They’re hungry and understandably confused. Larkin sent a squad to Mable’s to pick up food for them. Not sure we’ll get much from them today. None bear Daigle’s markings, but are visibly terrified hearing his, as well as the Gorynych names.
Ionus, do you think they hid themselves upon hearing they were coming for them?
Odem, you may be on to something. Raven has given them the all clear. Any issues with bringing them back to stay in the empty rooms we have, brothers?
Given we have mates and dragonets, do you think that’s wise, Ionus?Caro asked what we were all thinking.
I can’t explain why I feel this way, but I do.
Ionus’ gut instinct has never led us wrong before.
Emerson is talking my ear off,Caro chuckled,best to bring them to the compound. Our dear archivist has a million questions for them.
Aye, be there after they’re fed.
Well, ours and Ionus’ houses are full to the brim. I’m sure whichever dragons are the chattiest are whom Emerson and Caro will offer rooms to.
Once lonely, far too quiet lives and houses, were now filled to overflowing.
Mate, any update?
Yes, they’re all back. Feeding them in town then bringing them all here. Raven cleared them first.
Glad our house is full.
Ha-ha, I’m sure you are.
Caro, Mattias, Odem, please meet me at Caro’s home. Transport begins now. Bring Upalo in the hopes he can identify them.
Leaving my family, though I’d only be next door, was harder than I thought. I ran up, kissed them, then took the underground garage over. Caro and I arrived at the same time and right as Ionus and Raven appeared with the first one. Mattias followed seconds later.
“Aristor, these are my brothers and fellow Protectors, Caro, Odem, and Mattias. Brothers, this is Aristor of Clan Synorvyn.”
Aristor bowed. “It’s an honor to be in your presence.”
Caro and Emerson stepped forward. “Welcome to our home. This is my mate and our Dragon Archivist, Emerson.”
“Yes,” Aristor chuckled, “I’ve been told you’ll have many questions for us.”
While Emerson and Aristor began their Q&A, my brothers and I remained in the entry way, greeting each of the newcomers as they arrived, beyond confused as to where they were and why they were woken. Ionus took the lead on explaining that.
“So, you’re building an army?” Phayden sneered. There’s a cynical one in every batch. We’ll keep an eye on him for sure.
“No, we don’t need an army. The Goddess chose us as the protectors for a reason. Until these last couple of years, we were under the impression the number of dragons walking amongst us was next to nil. Dragon City had a population of fifteen hundred. Now, we’re double that and growing by the day,” Ionus added.
