Page 68 of The Healing Dragon
Roman points at him. “Because you don’t know.”
“These men truly lead me?” Santiago asks, his hand touching his neck, appalled.
“No,” Brandon says. “I lead you.”
Brandon claps a few times, gathering everyone’s attention. I can’t help but think of my grade school teachers using the same tactic while trying to gather the attention of kids in a classroom. As the conversations go on, we are not far off from that scenario.
“We can’t let that thing stay inside him,” Bianca says with a tone that means business.
This is a side of her I’ve not seen other than the night of the attack. The determination in her eyes is something I admire.
“What choice is there?” Roman asks and I don’t think he means it in a patronizing tone but a genuine inquiry.
What real choice do we have on what’s happening?
“Mel,” Bianca says, and before she is even done, Brandon is already shaking his head at her words. She continues, “he might not be able to retrieve the magic from him, but he might know what we’re up against. The better informed we are, the better prepared we will be to face whatever is ahead.”
I can’t help but smile because she’s Brandon’s perfect match. Her reasoning cannot be topped. Whatever argument Brandon has at the tip of his tongue doesn’t make it past his lips.
King Oscuro looks half defeated when he gestures for everyone to take a seat and moves to his desk. “I hate to say it, but I think Mel might have answers for us.”
“Great.” Bianca sits with her hands clasped on her lap. “When do we depart for the underworld?”
“We?” Roman asks, moving next to Brandon behind the desk.
Brandon looks around the room. He gestures in my direction. “Janelle and Santiago can stay. There is no need for them there.”
“Yeah, too many people might attract attention while traveling,” Roman adds.
Brandon pads his back. “Exactly why you will stay behind.”
“Hey,” Roman rounds on his brother. “Why do I always have to stay behind?”
“Your job is to lead the Royal Force,” Jesse reminds him. Causing Roman to begin bickering.
“Enough,” Brandon interjects. “Bianca, Jesse and, of course, Matias will go to the underworld. But we can’t simply show up. I will send word to Gabriel to meet us at Fierno. His brother is difficult to deal with. I’m hoping that in exchange for a visit with his brother, he’ll be more willing to share with us.”
“That being said.” Santiago rises to his feet. “We should get going.”
Santiago stops at my chair and gestures for me to join him. I don't say anything to the people gathered around as I follow him out of the room. Right before shutting the door, I hear the beginning of Roman arguing his point for joining. Unlike Bianca’s, he has no basis for winning.
“I will walk you to the nursery,” Santiago says.
I look at him and realize this might be the only time he has spoken to me, unless absolutely necessary. His tone even sounds friendly and warm. I heard it before when he spoke to others, but never directed at me.
“You don’t have to do that,” I say.
“I don’t mind paying Isabel a visit. I haven’t seen her in days.”
I don’t care if he walks in the same direction that I do, so I don’t argue with him further. We arrive at the nursery and join Isabel. I go straight to work and leave them to have a social visit.
Before Santiago departs, he finds me watering plants.
“If you want to come to the library for dinner, I will continue my research.” He looks around uncomfortably. “We are still doing that, right?”
“Yeah,” I say. “I need to look for the family tree.”
“I will see you there.”
