“He resents me, you know.”
“What?” Elouan would let Leon talk, not confiding what Curtis told him unless absolutely necessary.
“When he was growing up, I told him all the stories my parents told me, about flying, being a part of a court. I built his hopes, never dreaming I’d let him down.”
“You didn’t let him down. From what I’ve seen, you’re a wonderful father.”
“But I can’t give him the one thing he really wants—to be a dragon. He blames me for leaving the dragon world, coming here, and marrying his mother. He thinks his life would’ve been much better if he’d been born in Adrakus.”
“That might never have happened. The Goddess hasn’t granted many young lately, and with the court upheavals, there’s no telling what would have happened. You’re all safer here.”
Leon ran a hand over the back of his neck. “I know that, but he’s at the age where parents can’t do anything right, you know?” A muscle twitched in his jaw.
“Look, one day Sakaris is supposed to come back for me. If anyone would know what to do about Curtis’s situation, it's him.”
A ray of hope penetrated Leon’s remorse. “Really? Do you think he could help? Or would? Many dragons aren’t sympathetic to humans, let alone a half-human, half-dragon. My son has been through enough because of my decisions. I won’t have him ridiculed more than he already has been.”
Guilt struck Elouan again at how little attention he’d paid to Curtis’s situation. No humans settled near High Reaches,though he’d heard other courts speak of them, some with affection, like one would indulge a pet, others with malice. He’d heard the stories about how dragons brought them from Terra to be servants. The humans rebelled and left. He’d flown over more than one burned-out human settlement and never thought about what became of the inhabitants.
How would Father have reacted to nearby humans? How would Elouan? Hadn’t he heard rumors of some courts trading with humans? Father had said that human hands crafted Anrai’s flute. While Elouan met some humans on Terra who hadn’t impressed him, others had, like his boss and the boss’s wife. Their children were adorable.
The buildings of High Reaches, built into the sides of mountains, many part of a cave system, were old, constructed long before Elouan’s time. When a structure became unstable, dragons simply moved, as the decreasing population left many open dwellings. What if Elouan had someone like his human boss, or Jules, who could look at crumbling foundations and determine the best course of action? Construction skills had long since faded from the courts, an untenable situation. Could humans possess the knowledge to help bring back lost skills?
Another thing to consider for a king. But what of Sakaris? As an ancient dragon, surely he’d interacted with humans, and he never spoke unfavorably of them. If rumors held true, he’d been alive before there ever was a High Reaches.
Elouan answered in the best way he could. “Sakaris is the wisest dragon I know, and a mage. I believe he can. And would.” Particularly if his king asked. There Elouan went again, backing himself against a wall, into a situation where he’d have to become king for the good of all.
Leon smiled again. “Thanks. Oh, I asked my friend, and you’re welcome to stay at the cabin this weekend if you want.” He fished a key from his pocket, along with a folded sheet of paper.“Here’s the instructions on how to get there, and here’s the key. Just put the place to rights before you leave.” Leon winked. “No offense intended, but alphas are notorious for expecting an omega to run behind them, cleaning up their messes.”
The comment startled a laugh out of Elouan. “Point taken, but this alpha is learning his lesson.”
How many times had Elouan unknowingly encouraged the stereotype by sitting back and letting Curtis handle most household chores? Had he complained to Leon?
Elouan must do better. “I promise to leave the place spotless.” He took the key from Leon’s outstretched hand. If he couldn’t have Jules this weekend, he could have his dragon.
Along with a lot to think about.
The helicopter transport circled the area, giving Elouan a good look at the mountains and valley below. His blood sang in his veins. This place reminded him so much of home, with snow-capped mountain peaks and a river snaking through the valley. His heart ached to be in High Reaches again, flying with his brothers and Teron, spreading his wings as he soared over the valley below. There should be plenty of game in the surrounding trees. He hadn’t been hunting in far too long. His mouth watered at the prospect of fresh meat.
His dragon peered through Elouan’s eyes, giving a rumble of contentment. He too felt like coming home.
Even tucked into his parka, Elouan already sensed the invigorating chill. It wasn’t High Reaches, but this remote area held true beauty. He could almost picture his castle home in the distance, dragons of every color flying overhead.
“You camping alone?” the pilot asked, with a touch of,you know that’s a dumb idea, right?in his voice.
“No, I’m meeting friends.” Elouan would rather bask in the land’s beauty than engage in small talk. Lying about friends kept him from a lecture on the dangers of being alone with no cell signal.
“I’ve brought five groups out here this month. Must be a popular place.” The questioning tone subtly hinted for Elouan to share secrets. Secrets he’d never share with this human, no matter how friendly.
“More like an open secret at this point,” was all he could share. Hopefully, still a secret known only to dragons.
The pilot set the helicopter down in a barren field, patches of snow showing through the dried grass. Elouan retrieved his two bags.
“That’s all you’re taking for a weekend?” the pilot asked, once more digging for information.
Again, better to lie than to explain.I won’t need clothes because I’ll wear my scales, and I don’t need much food because I plan to hunt. I hear there’s lots of elk.Elk. Elouan’s mouth watered. Or maybe his dragon inspired the reaction.
Instead of the truth, Elouan told the pilot, “My friends are bringing our supplies.”
