But, in the end, the dragons flapped their wings and flew off to the south, then angled toward the mountains.
“More trouble?” Rylana asked, joining Jildarin.
Based on their flightpath, they’dlookedlike they were leaving the area, but Rylana doubted she would be that lucky.
“I firmly told my mother that I would stay and assist the city in lifting the curse,” Jildarin said, “and that mating isnota priority right now. She said that she’d delivered her warning and made her wishes known. She is leaving now, trusting I will eventually do the right thing.” His mouth twisted with displeasure.
“Oh, dragon mothers employ guilt as a behavioral modification tactic, the same as human mothers?”
“When fire and fangs do not work, which they’re less wont to use on adult offspring, they can.” Jildarin glanced at the gnomes, who looked like they wanted to get the group moving toward their headquarters again, then faced Rylana. “I believe she spoke the truth and will not return to harry you again, at least not for a time.”
“I don’t suppose you can say whethera timeis months, years, or next Tuesday? I’d like to mark my calendar.”
“I cannot, but dragons are long-lived. We are notusuallyan impatient species.”
“So, I probably have until at least the Tuesday after next.”
“Yes.” Jildarin smiled faintly. “Perhaps even until the Wednesday.”
“Does this go for your aunt too?”
“I believe she is departing with my mother.” He hesitated.
“Are yousure?”
“I am not, no, and Mother also didn’t answer me when I asked if she was taking the sisters back with her.”
Rylana sighed. “Maybe I’ll leave my calendar open.”
23
More than onesection of the waterfront road had been damaged in the earthquake, so the peacekeepers turned to walk a block inland, escorting Rylana, Jildarin, and Vormalt along Acorn Street. The mayor and high priest came along behind two golems that ensured none of the detainees slipped away. When the group neared the Dragon Diner, Jildarin gazed contemplatively at it.
“Are you thinking of breaking away from our escort so that you can start breakfast preparations?” Rylana guessed.
“Theywillneed to be started soon. We’ve been up all night. However, I was wondering if your comrade placed the stockpot inside and if the baker might be found and questioned. I wish to know if we acquired the appropriate aquatic yeast and how to employ it in a bread recipe. If my clan’s dragon priest is correct and the direness of the curse is escalating...”
“We should get the sacred bread baked as soon as possible,” Rylana finished.
“Yes. But it takes time to make bread. And yeast must be fermented.”
“Uh. How long doesthattake?” Rylana hadn’t considered that they might have to wait.
“Hours to days for the strains I’m familiar with. Glowing aquatic yeast…”
“Could be weird.”
“Atypical, at the least.”
“If it glows, it’s weird. Trust me.”
“Come along,” the lieutenant said sternly.
Rylana and Jildarin had slowed their gaits as they talked and drew even with the diner.
“Wait,” Rylana told the peacekeeper. “There’s some evidence inside that your people may want.” She glanced at Vormalt, feeling a little guilty that she kept acting against him, but he’d brought this on himself.
“What evidence?” the lieutenant asked.
