It was difficult to watch the pain in their expressions. This might be the last time they saw their children for months.
My chest tightened as I watched them. My own farewell to my family had been different, but then only my father had known where I was heading, and he had to pretend that I was just going on another excursion with Codric to tour the provinces. He'd lectured me about not getting into trouble and embarrassing the family name, while Mother had kissed my cheek and told me to be careful, but even that small display of affection had been muted by the presence of court observers. My brothers hadn't been there when I'd said my goodbyes.
I'd sent two letters since arriving at the Citadel, carefully routed through a trusted merchant contact that would deliver them to my father. As far as I could tell, Saphir hadn't revealed my true identity to the Dragon Force brass, so my pretense had to be maintained. I'd given my father general updates, talked about all the things that could make the life of pilgrims and cadets more comfortable, subtly asking for donations, and described the beautiful views from the Citadel without giving specifics. Nothing in those letters could compromise my and Codric's cover if intercepted.
Given that all outgoing and incoming correspondence was censored, I hadn't expected responses, but the silence still stung.They could have tried. A letter from a merchant family checking on their son wouldn't have raised eyebrows. Didn't my mother miss me at least a little?
"Alar." Jayron pulled me into an embrace that smelled of pipe tobacco and wood shavings. "You take care of Kailin and of yourself, son."
Son.
This man, who barely knew me, who had every reason to distrust an Elurian dating his daughter, called me son with more warmth than my own father had managed when saying goodbye to me.
"I will," I promised.
Jayron pulled back but kept his hands on my shoulders, studying me with those keen eyes that Kailin had inherited. "Please look after my little girl even when she says she can take care of herself. She can, but we all need someone to have our backs. I'll sleep better knowing that you are vigilant."
"Dad," Kailin protested, but there was no heat in her voice.
"Humor an old man," Jayron said, but his eyes never left mine. There was weight in that gaze, the kind that went soul-deep.
"I'll guard Kailin with my life," I vowed.
He nodded, satisfied, and clapped me on the back hard enough to make me stumble. "Good. I'm counting on you."
He probably shouldn't, and not because I wouldn't follow through on my vow. I had a feeling that Kailin wouldn't need my protection because she was displaying incredible powers. The dream she'd shared with me this morning still sent chills down my spine whenever I allowed myself to think about it.
Standing at the Circle of Fate, calling to the gifted across worlds.
She'd been embarrassed by it, calling it silly delusions of grandeur, but I'd seen the truth in her eyes. It hadn't been just a dream. It had been a glimpse into the future.
Who was I compared to that?
The fifth son of a king who would never rule. I was clever and well-trained, ambitious and determined, but next to Kailin's emerging powers, I felt remarkably inadequate.
"You look like you are chewing on a lemon." Kailin slipped her hand into mine, interlacing our fingers. "Saying goodbye is always hard, but it's not the end of the world." She squeezed my hand and leaned to whisper in my ear. "Think of the upside. We will finally have some privacy."
A part of me got very excited at the suggestion, vanquishing all the distressing thoughts I'd been allowing to hijack my mind. "Having a positive outlook is a wonderful trait."
"Children," Jaida interrupted, pushing herself up from her chair with no effort. "Save the sweet words for later. Come here, both of you."
We approached her together, and Jaida studied us with those sharp eyes that missed nothing. "You're going to face trials, and there will be times when you doubt yourselves." She reached out and took our joined hands in both of hers. "When that happens, remember that love isn't a gift from the angels. It's a choice you make every day."
"Gran," Kailin whispered.
"Hush, child. I'm not done." Jaida's grip tightened. "And you, young man. Your job is not to shield Kailin from her destiny but to stand beside her and provide your support."
"I know."
"Good." She released our hands and made a shooing motion. "Now get going and don't make those dragons wait for you. It's never a good idea to annoy a dragon."
After a last round of hugs with Gran, we shouldered our backpacks and headed out the door with Kailin's parents and Chicha in tow.
The walk to the village square was a procession of sorts. We were wearing our dress uniforms because Kailin and I hadn't thought about bringing the regular fatigues, but we would probably have been received with the same enthusiasm regardless. It was enough that we were recognized as members of the Dragon Force. A few of the older residents saluted in the traditional Elucian manner of fist over heart.
The town square looked different in the late afternoon light than it had when we'd arrived. Jagura perched near the fountain, her sapphire scales shining like gems. She acknowledged our approach with a rumbling purr that vibrated through the air.
Onyx was already there as well, with Ravel standing beside him, looking perfectly at ease despite the exposed position and the large crowd that must have had him on edge.
