Page 31 of Accounting for Drakes

Abil smiled. “We may or may not have been in the leather merchant area for an hour and a half. They really were friendly.”

“I’ll bet.” Yorath cuddled her in close. “These are your parents’ grandparents.”

Abil turned and stared at the two couples. “You are? What about Mbrak?”

“He is about ten generations removed. He’s the first drake in your line. He had a child every hundred years for a while until he was sent to the station. He is a very old drake.”

She snorted. “Tell him that to his face. I dare you.”

Yorath and the others laughed.

She was introduced to them, and their names blurred, but she saw her father’s grandparents. They were silvery blue, like Yorath’s people. Her mother’s grandparents were icy green, like her hair.

“Why didn’t you come to get me when they found me?” Abil asked either couple.

Her father’s grandmother said, “Mbrak insisted that he educate and raise you. He sent us progress reports, including the references to your clipboard.”

Yorath murmured, “What was on it?”

“Oh, just reminders of how to be human. I kept forgetting. So, it said things likestand up, don’t hiss, smile, ask questions, be calm, you are wanted, you are loved.”

Yorath looked sad, and she heard Nanny sniffling. “I am so sorry, Abil.”

“You didn’t do it. You weren’t even there. I knew I was loved with you. It was what was needed to keep me focused on playing human.” She wrinkled her nose. “It worked until it didn’t.”

Nanny sniffled. “I am sorry.”

“Don’t be. You taught me to fight, and that was important. I was nearly kidnapped three times when I was little, and I bit my way through my bonds and called Mbrak for help each time.”

Yorath held her tightly. “He didn’t mention that.”

“It was years ago. They didn’t get me off the station, and I had to addonly bite when necessaryto my list.” She rubbed her cheek against his shoulder. “That was sensible. My drake is bitey, too.”

He chuckled. “I know. I have seen the recordings that the raiders sent out to keep others from your path. You nearly got them.”

“Yeah. I missed... them.”

He snorted. “There were others that you found?”

“Ships stick in your teeth.”

Nanny snickered. “Try swallowing them whole.”

“I think I need to keep you busy learning your new worlds, Abil.”

“My new worlds?” She looked up at him and knew she had a silly smile.

“Yes, how many people are on this world right now?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Two billion, three million, seven hundred fifty-eight thousand, nine hundred twelve. Thirteen. There was a baby just born.”

He grinned. “Pardon for not understanding sooner.”

Her mother’s grandmother asked, “What did you not understand?”

“She’s a collecting drake. My people are now part of her hoard. So, it is very good that we are going to marry as I want to be included in what she considers hers.” He smiled and stroked her cheek.

Abil looked at his dark hair, golden eyes, and slow smile. He was already hers. He belonged to her drake way back in the simulation. That reminded her of something.

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