Page 43 of The Dragon Shifters' Enemy
Caden grinned back.“Yeah, totally.So where do we shift?We can’t do it here!”
“If we go there in our Dragon forms right now they will know we are coming far before we get there,” Valerius warned, not moving from the table.
“But we’ve got to get to Landry!”Caden cried.
“Yes, but not that way.They could kill her as soon as they hear us coming.”Valerius turned to Celestine.“I need you to scout this place and report back what you see.”
Celestine came over and looked at the location on the phone.She gave a brief nod.“It will be done.”
She hesitated for a moment.
“What is it?”Valerius asked.
She was suddenly bowing low.“I fear that I and my people have failed you, King Valerius! We did not catch this intrusion into your mountains despite our patrols.”
Her voice was filled with self-recrimination and regret.Valerius reached out and lightly touched her right arm.
“This is not a normal enemy we face,” Valerius told her as she slowly lifted her head at his command.
“No enemy of yours is.They would have to be mad or powerful or both,” Celestine answered, her expression still wretched.
For someone who clearly prided herself on her ability to anticipate everything, Caden imagined this was a hard blow. The thought that the Behemoth could have been as close to them as these mountains caused Caden to shiver.
It could be just over in the next valley! Right now!
“I highly doubt that there will be much out in the open to show that anyone is there,” Valerius told her.“If anyoneremainsthere, Celestine.”
She gave a birdlike nod.“I will look for the unexpected and the unseen. We will find whatever there is to find, no matter how well hidden.”
With that, Celestine appeared to burst apart, and a beautiful falcon let out a cry as it spread its wings before them. There were answering cries all over Valinor. Celestine shot up into the sky.She was soon joined by a dozen other falcons.They wheeled overhead before disappearing over a ridge.
Valerius focused back on Chione, “Have you told the others?”
“I sent Tilly to gather the Dragon Shifters,” Chione answered. “I will tell them in person.”
“Till! She was with you?”Caden couldn’t help but be touched at Chione making time for his little sister.Then he frowned.“She wasn’t bothering you, was she?”
“Not in the least!She’s quite resourceful.She wants to learn how to be a Councillor,” Chione said, “so that when she’s old enough, she can help you.”
“She helps me now,” Caden said with warmth.
“Should I prepare the other Dragon Shifters to head to Valinor?”Chione asked.“If the Behemoth is there…”
“Have them ready, but do not have them come here yet.After Celestine and her people return, we’ll have a good idea what threat we face,” Valerius answered.
“Will do,” Chione said.
“Are you sure…” Caden began and stopped.
“What?”Valerius asked.
“You tell Illarion that the Behemoth is here, tell me he won’t shift and barrel it over here no matter what anyone says?”Caden pointed out.
And if he does, Landry could die.If she isn’t already--no!She’s not!There’s still time to save her!
Valerius nodded.“You have a point.He won’t listen about stealth or strategy.”
“Caden, you’re quite right.”Chione let out a sigh.“I will not tell them where the ping came from, but that you are on it.”
