“Great.”
“Brother?” Ionus booming voice echoed through the cave. When he glimpsed the newcomers he shifted to human form and introduced himself. “I’m Ionus, leader of Clan Denarius.”
“And I’m Quint.”
Introductions were made as we helped the others gain their footing after having slumbered for as long as they had. More than twenty years had passed since they’d seen the light of day and while this mission was somewhat of a success, a long road ahead of us remained.
“Can we see Ronan now?” Kaelith asked. Ionus and I deferred to Raven.
“Kaelith, I am Raven, High Priestess of Clan Denarius.” First time she’d ever introduced herself that way. Gotta say, felt pretty damn good to hear it. “Ionus, they bear no leech markings.”
“Leech markings?” Kaelith questioned.
“Aye,” Ionus began. “That is how Daigle controls the others. He’s infused his beloved leeches with black magic and turned them into his mind controlling pets. Those infected with them are under his command and do his bidding for him.”
“We shall proudly join your fight against his evil,” Kaelith bowed. “I pledge my allegiance to you, Protectors.”
“Aye,” the others we’d awoken readily agreed.
“Alright, friend,” Ionus clapped Kaelith’s shoulder. “We’re happy to hear that. Now, let’s get you back to Dragon City, clothed and fed.”
“Then I may see my other son?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’ll also see our two beautiful dragonet eggs he just laid.”
“What a glorious day this has turned out to be.” Kaelith was all smiles now, hugging Upalo again. “Once my mate, Cynda, is reunited with us, our family will be as one again.”
Hope was becoming a real thing for our family. If Cynda was dead, Kaelith would know. He’d be the first to feel the loss andwould have followed her into the afterlife, never to awaken from his slumber.
“Hey,” I whispered to Upalo, “don’t tell Ronan about your father. I’d like to surprise him.”
He smiled. “One of many things I’ve grown to love about you, Odem. My brother and I know Opal and Ruby will be the same, but they always come first with you.”
“And they always will. Now, let’s go reunite your family.”
On our way back to Dragon City. Need to get them processed and fed first, then we’ll be home. All is well and everyone is safe.
The girls and I miss Papa.
And I, you. Love you.
Love you too. Hopefully we will find our parents soon.
I sent warmth and love through our bond, leaving it at that.
It took the Blackburn dragons a few minutes to get their wings sorted. Sleeping for that long caused the muscles to atrophy and it took a bit to work out the kinks so they could fly.
“If you tire at any time let us know and we’ll stop,” Ionus said. “It’s a couple hours flight.”
“Won’t the humans see us?” Kaelith asked.
“Our wonderful High-Priestess will cloak us. Ready?” Kaelith nodded and Ionus shifted, standing nearby while Kaelith got his dragon sorted.
The return flight was slower. We didn’t want to lose track of the new dragons and kept to a slower pace. By the time we arrived at the station, Larkin had food and clothing waiting for their group.
“Larkin, this is Kaelith, leader of Clan Blackburn. He’s Ronan and Upalo’s father.”
“That’s wonderful. Raven took care of things?” Larkin asked Ionus, meaning the Daigle controlling sitch.
