Page 92 of Game on Askole

“They’re family, Mom,”Yakira said firmly.

“Uh-huh.”

I took the tray away from Eve. “Let’s get you a drink.”

“You got whiskey?” She followed me over to the bar.

“Yep.” I poured a generous portion in a glass and handed it to her.

Eve drained it and held her glass out for more. I filled it again. She tossed the whiskey back like it was water and sucked in a shuddering breath. “I hate spiders.”

“Yeah, I kinda noticed.”

“Did they have to be psychic spiders?” Eve grabbed the bottle out of my hand and took a swig.

“They’re called Tabors. They’re very intelligent, loyal, and great in a fight. Bui helped get Yakira and Ziyad, her partner in crime, off a Tai-Kok ship.”

“Really?”

I placed my hand over my heart. “Scout’s honor.”

“Don’t tell me, you have one too?”

“I do and a baby Draconic. Want to meet them?”

“Okay. I guess. Sure.”

“Come to Momma, KeeKee.”I frowned. A pot of Earth daisies was now sitting on the bar. Adan was up to his old tricks. I smacked the pot and whispered, “Behave.”

A tiny tentacle gave me the one finger salute.

I saluted Adan back.

Eve shot me a worried look.

Musa flew into the room with KeeKee perched on her back. I held out my left arm, and Musa landed it.“This is Eve, Yakira’s mother. Say hello.”

KeeKee courteously waved a leg.“Hello.”

Musa jabbered politely.

Eve smiled reluctantly.“They are cuties.”She shrieked when a gout of flames escaped from Musa’s mouth.

“Sorry, she’s a bit of a show-off.”

“Damn, fire-breathing dragons are real too.”Eve took another slug of whiskey.

Yakira laughed in delight.“Can I hold them?”

“Go say hi to Yakira.”

Musa hopped on Yakira’s shoulder and chirped.

“Hello. Me KeeKee.”

“You are such pretty babies.”As Yakira petted them, Bui scurried down and perched on her ear.“This is Bui.”

Bui peered down at them.“How zoom?”