Page 10 of Battle of Evyndral

“In human years, he is fifteen.”

“Years?”

“I believe you call them sun cycles. Three hundred sixty-five days comprise a year. Gargoyles age faster than humans, so he’s closer to the age of maturity than his human counterparts.” At least he was almost of age. In the fae realm, he would be considered a child.

“Cassi!” Rhoan called out. Everyone turned to find the princess in her bipedal form, lying on her side.

“What happened?” she mumbled.

“You don’t remember?” her brother asked.

“I was flying, then nothing.” It was then Cassi noticed the others. “Oh, D?nthú. I dreamed of you,” she whispered Brenton’s way.

Rhoan ignored that and explained everything to her succinctly in their tongue. When he mentioned Brenton, Cassi snapped her eyes to the young man’s. Brent took a step toward her, and Cassi held out a hand.

“Cassiopa—”

“Hush, Rhoan. I need to speak with him.”

“You cannot have a mate who is not a dragon,” he countered. “Especially one who is just a child.”

“What did she say?” Brent asked Yari.

“Hang on. They’re arguing.”

“I am not the heir, Rhoan, you are. And I dreamt of him. Why would I dream of someone I’ve never met, someone in another realm, if he wasn’t important?”

Rhoan cursed, but he stepped out of Brenton’s way. The young halfling closed the distance and knelt at her side. Cassi pushed herself to sitting. “Hello, Brenton. I am Cassiopa, Princess of Evyndral.”

“Yari?” Brent called out.

“I really need to make more translations stones.”

“Will any rock do?” Brynna asked.

“Yes, but preferably something this size.” She held out the one in her hand.

“On it.” Brynna searched the ground, then came back with two stones of similar size.

“Thank you.” Yari spelled them both, then handed one to each of the siblings. “Now you don’t need me to translate.”

Cassi repeated her introduction, then added, “Brenton, it is unheard of for a dragon to have a mate who isn’t another dragon. Especially a royal.”

“No.” He shook his head, turning to Banyan instead of his parents, pleading. “Please, Uncle Banyan. Explain to them I am right.” Then he angled his head toward Rhoan. “You said you are in our debt for saving Cassi. Please repay that debt by allowing her to remain on Earth.”

Cassi grabbed Brent’s hand. “I said it was unheard of, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Please help me stand.” Brent pulled Cassi to her feet. She brushed the dirt from her riding breaches, then clasped her hands behind her back. “My duty is to my family, Brenton. I must return to my realm once the battle is over. If my parents haven’t been slain, I will explain the situation to them. Since I am second in line to the throne, they may allow me to return. If so, I will do so as soon as possible so that you and I can get to know one another. I will not promise tobe your mate merely because it is the way things are done with Gargoyles. If I return, you will court me properly, then after the formal courtship has ended, I will make my decision. That is the most I can offer.”

Brent’s smile was quick. “I understand. And I accept your proposal. Are you hungry? Thirsty? We were getting ready to have a celebration, and we have plenty of food and drinks.”

Cassi’s return smile was bright, and her cheeks flushed. “I could eat.”

Brent’s family offered them sanctuary while waiting on the crystals to shine indicating it was safe to return. Staying with this large family was much better than sleeping in a cave among the cliffs. She, Cassi, and Rhoan accepted their hospitality and learned much about Gargoyles and humans, including their strange foods while waiting for the battle to be over. Yari could easily see how Cassi and Brent were mates. Despite their difference and his young age, the two were never far from the other, and their gazes were already filled with something akin to love. Yari prayed the King and Queen lived through the battle so Cassi could come back to Earth. Yari would be with her, and the thought of exploring a new world thrilled her.

Chapter 6

Thrandyr

As he approachedthe castle steps, Thran searched out Elledan once more and grinned when she met his gaze. When he first noticed his younger sister on the hill, he didn’t recognize her with dark hair, but then she winked at him. Instead of aiding the dark fae, she was helping the D?nthúlú by missing on purpose. She had been an expert archer ten sun cycles ago, never missing whatever she aimed at. That hadn’t changed.

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