Page 28 of Sapphire Seas

Caspian, stay here with Kes, I’ll go help them.

Caspian. My mind, no longer my own as the elders took command to communicate with me. You must get to your herd, they are in grave peril.

Caspian? I heard Kes’ voice but was unable to respond.

They are there. They are fighting. Many have perished. You and your mates must help.

Caspian? Now it was Mattias who reached out.

Free, Torin then you must go. Torin is the key to the battle.

The tides had turned. The sea roared as massive waves crashed against the rocks as though the water were trying to break through.

Caspian! Both Kes and Mattias called out, breaking the spell.

I-I’m fine. The elders said we must hurry and get to my herd. They’re under attack. They also said Torin is the key to winning this war.

Nearly there, Mattias replied.

The sound of ice cracking rattled as huge waves rolled to the surface. Each chunk of ice that fell increased the size and ferocity of them.

Ionus is sending Baird, Ignatus and Elgin to retrieve the prisoners, Mattias said right as we sensed them nearing.

We’ll take it from here, join your mate, Baird said as he landed. Kes and I drove straight in.

Keep away from the poison! Mattias shouted. Torin and Quint were in the midst of ridding the ocean of the lampreys. Kes and I joined in, freezing them then shattering the ice. Mattias was off to the side, wings raised as he called upon the sea creatures to retrieve the bodies from the depths. As they did, Kes and I carried them to the surface where Baird and his clan awaited.

That should be the last of them, Mattias said, as he shifted.

My mate and my great grandson, Torin said, squeezing the stuffing out of me. What a wondrous day. The normally grumpy Quint was all smiles. But alas, I’m afraid time for cheers and bonding will have to wait. They’ve taken my blood many times over while I was imprisoned and I fear they’re breeding hybrids.

Otherwise, they would’ve killed you, Quint’s smile no longer existed. The ire in his eyes was unmistakable, blood will be shed. They will pay for this.

All in due time, dear brother, Caro clapped his shoulder.

We have to get to my herd. Are you well enough to travel, Torin? Great Grandfather was a mouthful to pull off.

Aye. Let’s swim.

We’ll be here waiting, Baird said. Be safe, my brothers.

Kes and I were able to keep up with Mattias, our enhanced strength since bonding was amazing. Had it been this way for the other mates? With Alex being the first, I’d have to ask. Had he felt stronger with each brother mating? I’m sure Emerson would be delighted to find out and add this information to the archives.

The sea was a blur of familiar ocean fauna and marine life. In our haste to reach the caverns I once called home, odd to think that given I’d only been with my mates a matter of days. The journey went so fast that had the others not been with me, I’m sure I would’ve missed something important.

We’re being watched, Caro said. Eyes open, everyone. Rely on your dragons.

Such as that…

Quint and Torin fell back. We’ll take the rear, Quint relayed.

Caspian and I will lead with Caro and Kes taking center, Mattias replied.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but coming around the bend that led to the caverns and right into a flock of dragons hovering over far too many lampreys for my liking, wasn’t it.

Quint, Torin, we need you at the front. Caspian and Kes, as soon as we clear the way get inside and check on the others.

We didn’t give them a chance to sense us. Before they realized it, the six of us were on them.