Page 58 of The Dragon Shifters' Enemy
Valerius laughed this time.He felt quite chuffed on Raziel’s behalf.And it was rather amusing--yet heart-warming too--to see Raziel being loved by more than just him.
How can everyone not love Raziel? The Black Dragon is awesome!Caden stated loyally, which had Raziel preening and doing loops one after another.Iolaire did larger loops around the black body, barely brushing by which was a feat of acrobatics by both of them.
We did not seek to be loved,Raziel spoke.We sought to be feared.
To keep order?Caden asked.
Love is hard when one rules, and sometimes it is not always possible,Raziel answered.
Do you think that’s true of Mephous and Illarion, Raziel?Caden asked.
They have “little dragon” syndrome, Raziel answered.
This had Caden choking on laughter.Is that like Napoleon or short man syndrome?
Yes, they do not feel they are big enough and, therefore, they end up looking small as they try to act bigger than they are,Raziel responded.
Caden was thoughtful at this.They are always comparing themselves to you and Valerius then?
Yes, and it is a vain thing to do,Raziel remarked with a spout of fire.They should be content with what they have.But, instead, they make themselves sick with envy by what they do not.
Valerius was impressed by the fact that Raziel wasn’t doing its normal growl about Mephous and pulling off its wings.It seemed to be meeting Caden on a more conciliatory level, though that wouldn’t last if the Green Dragon tried anything.
Yeah, like I said, there are flashes there of someone likable in Illarion and Mephous,Caden murmured.
It would be easier if people were just evil through and through, wouldn’t it?Valerius finally said.
Yeah, I guess it would.But, don’t worry, I’m not looking for any good in the Behemoth!Caden assured him.I know that it's too dangerous not to fight.
We may need your way of thinking outside the box, Caden.I am not certain how we defeat this thing without losing too many people,Valerius reminded him.
At that moment, they could see the lights of Reach. Both Dragons put their heads down and their wings pumped powerfully as they sighted home. They circled the city once, both scanning the ground below them to see that everything was all right.Reach appeared peaceful and that was something.They went towards their tower chambers.Valerius let Caden go in first.With no trouble, Caden shifted and dropped into the classic superhero pose before clearing out of the way for Valerius to do the same.
The fires were already lit in their rooms.Valerius smelled meat and vegetables cooking over the fire.He frowned.With Chione still back in the Gray Mountains, who would be in their roomscooking?
Who is inside?Caden asked, eyebrows lifting.
I do not know.Let us see,Valerius growled.
Who would dare invade our lair?!Raziel snarled even as Iolaire blinked steadily and stood next to the much bigger Black Dragon.
He strode ahead of Caden.Not that he didn’t think Caden could hold his own against any adversary, but the young man was still shy about his nakedness.Valerius, of course, had no such compunctions. His hands curled into fists and he prepared to breathe fire at whoever had dared come into their rooms.It took him two seconds to come into view of the fire pit only to see Marban using tongs to turn onions and peppers on the grill. There was a sizzling sound as more meat was added to the fire and hot fat crisped.The smell was maddeningly good as it always was.
“Marban?!”Valerius sounded rather strangled.
“Ah, my dear King Valerius and King Caden!How good to have you back.I am preparing a little snack for you as flying is quite the calorie burning activity,” Marban said.
Raziel and Iolaire’s attention was fully on the meat.They suddenly had no problem with this “lair invader” so long as it made them snacks.
“That looks great, Marban,” Caden said as he scooched behind a chair and grabbed the blanket off the back of it, before pulling it around his waist and tucking in the tail end of it.
“You came here tocookfor us?”Valerius asked.
“I came because I sensed you might need me,” Marban stated.“Cooking is simply my passion.”
“Hidden depths, Marban, you have hidden depths,” Caden said as he snatched a piece of steak that was still smoking hot.He dipped it into a little pile of mineral salt and popped it into his mouth.“Oh, god, I want more.But I should go talk to Rose and Wally.I have to tell them…” Caden’s expression went bleak for a moment.“I have to tell them about Landry.”
Valerius could almost see Marban’s ears perking up, but the Swarm Shifter continued to cook. He clearly wanted to know about Landry, but he was keenly observing both of them and learning just as much.
