Page 81 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
“Then we arebothcurious about dragons.”
Suddenly, Sinder’s claws slipped between them, closingaround Kyrie, lifting him away from Mikoto. Kyrie already knew that a dragon’sdigits were as dexterous as human fingers. Lapis had proven he could writewhile in truest form. And pull delicate sigils out of thin air.
Sinder gave Kyrie a light toss over his shoulder, thenreached for Mikoto, ferrying him onto his back. He gave the young man more timeto find his feet before letting go.
Mikoto’s eyes were wide, and he seemed at a loss where toput his hands.
“The first rule of dragons,” intoned Timur. “Once you spythe beast, do not look away. They deserve one’s full attention. And theyknowthemselves to be deserving. However, they like to be reminded. Compliments areencouraged.”
Ginkgo propped his hands on his hips. “In other words, keepthe center of attention where it belongs. Am I right, Damsel?”
Sinder arched his neck and warbled a series of notes thatKyrie could feel through his feet.
Timur directed, “You two check for any lingering splinters.They can get lost in the shift between forms. Meanwhile, I’ll warm theointments and balms. Dragons are fussy about temperatures.”
A gusty huff.
Timur grinned. “I’m not criticizing. You should thank thefour winds I’m not the kind of well-meaning fool who’d slather you in chillyglop.”
Kyrie could feel Sinder’s shudder.
“You’re a fortunate dragon, indeed, to have gathered afellowship of four.” Timur promised, “We’ll take our time. We’ll do thisproperly. We’ll stir up your embers. We’ll bank your fires.”
THIRTY-ONE
Ulterior Motives
“How do you know so much about dragons?” asked Mikoto.
Timur fussed with the contents of the crate—mesh bags,labeled pouches, glass vials, and clay pots. “I worked with them and lived withthem throughout my teen years. Youcouldsay dragons are my specialty.”
“I have never heard of battlers who partner with dragons.”
“You wouldn’t have.” Timur spared him a glance. “We’re quitethe secretive bunch. My own siblings don’t know where I’ve been or what I didthere.”
An expert. “We are fortunate you happened to be here.”
“Not really.” Timur’s next glance was amused. “I’m here bydesign. Or designs. Every time I turn around, I trip over an ulterior motive.”
Mikoto plucked up a bundle of fringed fettle. “Should I beworried? As headman, I mean?”
Timur glanced at Fend, whose lip curled. “Not as headman. Butyou struck your own bargain with Sinder, yes?”
“I did. You heard?”
“Not much, no details. But a dragon’s pledge has a certainring to it. Hard to miss.”
Mikoto sighed. “You have confided in me. I would gladlyoffer a return of trust, but my secret is more of a mystery. In truth, Ialready confided in your sister.”
“Lilya?”
He backed up. “The first time we met, Tenma somehow mistookme for an Amaranthine, Zisa began dropping little hints about Impressions. Afterthat, Tenma placed a call to your sister Isla. She is very knowledgeable.”
“Oh, she is at that. And did she sort your problem?”
Mikoto studied his hands, then glanced toward Sinder. “Shesaid I needed a dragon.”
“And did Sinder sort your problem?”
