Heather grinned, switching toruhi.Oh, you speak ruhi, I thought you didn’t.
I couldn’t before. I can now.
Aye, yer beast was reft by the augur,the dragon said inruhi, his brogue hard to understand at first, and it took her a moment to realize who he meant by augur.
Abigail White,Sage said, sitting and curling her tail around her feet, well aware of the many foxes behind her listening to this openruhiconversation.I’m related to her.
Aye. Ye stole yer beast back?
Canyon claimed me, and it… it came to me.
The dragon nodded.We saw the blessing—a braw beacon.
Sage grinned at Canyon and he grinned back, then nipped at her ear. She yipped.
Are you able to open a portal to the Pravus? she asked the dragon.
He paced, his footfalls heavy in the grass. Heather moved with him. The fire baby sat in her arms quietly, her gaze far too knowing for a baby.
To what end?
To attack,she said.To assault.
A black and white SPD truck pulled up and parked near Canyon’s truck. Rogue got out of the passenger side dressed all in black, and a big guy got out of the driver's seat, wearing a uniform. The spicy fire baby waved her arms frantically until the male waved back.
Macalister Niles, Sergeant of the KSRTCanyon told her.And Rogue.
The pair stood watching near the vehicles, not coming any closer. Sage turned back to the dragon.
Yer power,he said.Will it wound the demon?
That made Sage balk. She didn’t even know what her power was… just that she had…foxenmagic, and she could… control power. But was that a power in itself?
Yer unsure.
Sage flipped her head, yipping her nervousness away. Canyon pressed into her side and nuzzled her neck with his snout.
Yer pendant?
Sage realized she wasn’t prepared to attack the demon at all, and her anger and awe melted into shame mixed with disappointment, because she didn’t know what to do—until she heard a voice.
Sage, I am here. I'm safe. I am waiting. I'll be here when you come.
Sage’s ears twisted and she pointed her muzzle this way and that, knowing she was hearing her pendant, and it seemed like no one else could.
Sage, you are not wrong, you are not unprepared, you are worthy and right where you belong. I am safe and waiting.
Sage stood and shook her back, making her fur fly. Confidence flooded her.
My pendant is close; she told the dragon.But you’ve made me realize I’m not ready to fight the demon.
The dragon snorted fire.Mayhap if Khain shows his face ye’ll find power ye dinnae ken ye carry yet.
Sage flushed, liking the sound of that. Past the tree line, clustered in the forest, foxes darted here and there, chittering and yipping excitedly. The dragon stomped, turning round, surveying the glade, drawing all eyes to him. He knelt and dipped a wing, helping Heather climb on his back, then the dragon stood and stomped through the glade, sending rocks flying. He unfurled leathery red wings, then leapt into the sky and beat the air to rise smoothly. He flew lazy circles over the glade, surveying everyone on the ground, as they watched him.
Canyon stood and sneezed, chuffing proudly.Khain didn’t show because he’s scared.
Sage’s confidence bolstered.This was going to work.Foxenandvodreally were going to unite against the demon.
