Page 91 of Crown of Wings and Whispers

Kitch tossed the torch away, grabbed Persi’s hand, and together, they hurried out of Kivi’s path. But despite the snow, my pretty girl stuck her landing, proving they could have stayed where they’d been.

Brian and Flann stood at the edge of a small patio, grinning, like they’d always expected Hank to turn into a dragon.

Out of everyone, I was surprised when Urban was the most timid. Even his wife hurried forward for a close look. Or maybe she just wanted to be the first in line for a hug.

I did manage to impress the brothers when I touched my armband and the gold from our saddles was sucked back in, out of sight, as if with a straw. They rushed forward for a better look, like a couple of kids.

Once Griffon and I were on the ground, I laid my hand on Kivi’s neck and introduced her. “Kivi, these are my friends. My dearest friends. They are to be protected.” I grinned. “Everyone, this is Jalokivi. It’s Finnish for gemstone. I call her Kivi. Hank was just a link between us. There is no more Hank, but I’ve planned a little demonstration to help you understand.”

Each of them came forward, one by one, so I could name them. Everly was first. After hugging me, she reached up and stroked her hand along Kivi’s cheek. “Hello there.”

I particularly like this one.

So do I. She has been good to us.“And this is Persephone.”

Kivi nodded. “Persi the Powerful.”

Persi laughed. “Oh, we’re going to get along just fine.”

“And this is Dominic Kitchens.”

“The Protector.”

He nodded. “Exactly right. Pleased to meet ye, Miss Kivi.”

The dragon chuckled, which startled everyone.

“This is Alwyn and Rinky.” The chef and the former holder of the Power of Fertility clung to each other, and I suspected it had nothing to do with meeting a dragon.

Kivi gave Rinky an extra sniff, then bowed her head to the woman. “I am honored.”

I couldn’t help beaming with pride, as if I’d just introduced my child to the queen and they’d handled themselves perfectly.

Brian and Flann stepped up and both offered a deep bow. “Ye’re the most exciting possible answer to our most elusive riddle,” Brian said. “I cannae tell ye how pleased we are. I won’t be sleepin’ for a week! A month, more like.”

Kivi blinked at Flann. “You speak to my marka.”

I explained, “Marka means rider.”

“Aye,” he said. “Not the only one, though, am I?”

Kivi’s smile was all the answer he needed.

“This is Wickham and Ivy Muir,” I said, watching to see if that white mist in Wickham might react to my dragon the same as it did to me. But Wickham’s hands were busy trying to hold his sons back. “And these are their boys, Alexander, J.W., and Gavin.”

Gavin’s mouth hung open the whole time. J.W. asked, “Can we ride it?”

“Itis a her,” Wickham corrected. “And not tonight.”

Kivi bowed her head again.“Seanathair,”she said, using the Irish term for Grandfather.

Alexander backed away, never taking his eyes off her. When he tripped and landed on his butt in the snow, he just stayed there, folded his legs, and stared.

Urban still stood on the patio. I waved to him. “Come on, Urban. She’ll like you, I promise.”

He shook his head and backed a step. Everly marched over and grabbed his arm, whispered something, and dragged him, by degrees, to stand by me.

“This is the injured one,” Kivi said. “I am pleased I could help.”

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