Page 81 of House of Embers
Gelryn ignored the dragon speaker and turned to Tieran.“Good job.”
Tieran stilled at the compliment before bending his neck.“Many thanks, Destroyer.”
Gelryn rumbled a laugh.“I shall live up to my namesake under your command.”
Tieran shifted toward Gelryn in alarm, but it was Kerrigan who asked, “You’re coming with us?”
“Yes, child. It is time that I put my dear Mexes to rest. As Tieran said, we are on a different path. I believe I shall bond a new rider.”
Kerrigan’s eyes widened in shock. “That is a great honor.”
“We will see if one of those Fae are worthy of me.”
Kerrigan laughed. “Yeah, that sounds right.”
Tieran’s eyes roamed over the assembled group. He was the new battle commander, and anxiety weighed on their bond.
“We’re almost ready,” she said to him.
He was still searching though, and his voice was only for her.“I thought my mother might make an appearance.”
“Oh,”she said down the bond.“She doesn’t deserve you.”
“Yes. I have always disappointed her. This time…she may never forgive me.”
“Perhaps it is time to think about whether you want to ever forgive her.”
Tieran went silent at that.
Then he straightened again and spoke to everyone.“Prepare for flight. To war!”
A roar went up from the dragons as wings spread and feet stamped in preparation.
Kerrigan caught a sliver of white off Gelryn’s flank as the great dragon spread his incredible wingspan, knocking over two smaller dragons who couldn’t have been much bigger than hatchlings.
“Amita?” Kerrigan said.
Tieran’s head whipped around to find his sister dipping her head and walking toward them.“You are staying behind.”
Amita narrowed her milky eyes at him.“I am not remaining here while you are out there. I will never forgive Mother for what she did to you. I want to fight.”
“You are still a hatchling.”
“Barely!”
“We are not risking any hatchlings.”
Amita blew a plume of blue fire over their heads. It was so hot, Kerrigan had to duck.“Do not condescend to me. I was also raised by that lying monster. I won’t bond if that is your command, dear brother. But I am coming, and you cannot stop me. I will not remain.”
Then she turned her head and fluttered her translucent wingsout as Gelryn was doing. The giant dragon seemed to shrug off her appearance. And how could any of them blame her?
“We can take care of her,” Kerrigan assured Tieran.
He huffed.“Fine. Stay between me and Gelryn on the flight.”
Amita shifted around Gelryn to come between them, but she looked smug as hell when she did it.
“Launch!”Tieran cried.
