Page 12 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
Despite his questionable background, Falcon provided invaluable advice and served as a liaison to the humans in Norman. He’d had excellent success coordinating with them over recent weeks to fortify defenses and plan strategies to assist them all in fighting and surviving. Aidan had also designated him as his second-in-command.
“I believe the Shadowan are here to agree to an alliance,” Falcon said.
He cocked his head. “Are you certain?”
He hated to get his hopes up, even if the prospect appeared high. The Taugud had defeated the Shadowan in battle years ago despite the odds against them and Aidan’s father dying during the fight. Primarily, it was achieved by using clever negotiating tactics to force their northern neighbor to back down. Both toriqan continued to feel animosity toward each other, but the pure dragons were an impressive force and would help bolster their army against the Kandoran. They needed everyone they could get.
“Yes.” He nodded. “Something about their manner tells me they’re almost desperate to join us now.”
Relief filled Aidan. “Let’s go speak with them.”
They quickly made their way out of the castle, through the cobblestone walkway bisecting the village keep, and past the front gates. Two massive green dragons crouched and waited a short distance away in the open field. Everyone else had left the area besides a handful of red shifter dragons. He was grateful Bailey went into Norman on some matter with the town council and that Ozara had taken Orion to her home. It would be unlikely the Shadowan would attack when they wished to ally, but he wouldn’t have liked his son anywhere near them.
Normally, Aidan would have gone to the landing pad to shift—they preferred to avoid burning more holes in the grass outside—but he didn’t dare waste time. He and Falcon lit into flames to meet the newcomers in their beast forms as quickly as possible.
As he shifted, he telepathically instructed the guards that the spot where they stood would now be another location to transition when they had pure dragons arriving at their gates. He had stopped a mere fifty feet from the entrance to the fortress, making it a more convenient location.
After finishing his shift, he looked up at them. Both were several times larger than him, but their auras were much weaker than his. One more thing he could now do was intuitively estimate the strength of those around him. His father had said that the more adoration his people had for him, the more innate gifts he would gain as a pendragon. He’d told all his children these thingsbutoften addressed Aidan the most when advising them. Looking back, perhaps he’d had more faith than any of them realized. Could he have known his eldest sons underminedhis youngest—the one with the most promise in his eyes? So many questions that he’d never know the answers.
I am Aidan—pendragon of the Taugud,he said, speaking telepathically.Why have you come?
The green dragon on the right lifted his head.Our pendragon, Volker, sent us. He wishes to discuss an alliance with you against the Kandoran.
I thought he wished for the Shadowan to face them alone. What changed?
Aidan would not show any hint of eagerness at their arrival. He had too many alliances to form and would not give concessions. Everyone needed to work cohesively against a common enemy and avoid hostilities against each other for an acceptable period. The messengers were doing their best to appear emotionless, but he detected a hint of fear and turmoil in them. Something had terrified them. They’d glanced to the west several times as if monsters might appear from nowhere to attack them.
Two nights ago, the Kandoran entered our territory. We are unsure how they did it, but they managed to slaughter fifty of our dragons who lived outside our jakhal. No witnesses were left alive, but the deaths were gruesome. Most were mutilated beyond recognition. In addition, we’ve seen a surge of refugees from the Nazaran and Vataran. They have been losing territory and dragons in recent months. From what we understand, they do not know how much longer they can maintain what they have left, and many of their members seek asylum.
Both of those toriqan resided north of the Kandoran and Shadowan territories. They’d once been sizeable and fearsome,and it worried Aidan how many dragons they might have lost. Some could have been absorbed into the enemy army, rendering it even more powerful. The Kandoran used magic to sway their opponents to their side if their mental barriers weren’t strong enough to resist.
Every dragon they convert will be another we must fight, and the war will be that much more challenging to win. We must allow refugees onto our lands, or else we’ll end up facing them later,Aidan warned.
The Shadowan shook his large head.We’ve accepted hundreds already, but we can only allow so many before our resources are overtaxed. Have you taken any?
As of yet, none have come to us.Aidan lifted his chin.But I have designated land in my territory's northern and southern tracts where those seeking refuge may stay if they wish. This is only a temporary inconvenience to our resources. My seers predict the Kandoran will attack us in full force sometime in the next few weeks, and we need to be prepared when that happens.
The green dragons glanced at each other before the main speaker returned his gaze.We lack powerful seers who can predict events so far in advance. Are you confident of this?
I am,Aidan said.It has been confirmed by human and dragon sorcerers within my territory, as well as sources within the Faegud. We have no doubts.
I’ll take this information to my pendragon. Will you meet us at the border in two days near sunset?the Shadowan asked, then projected a mental image of the exact location. It was within Oklahoma City near an old mall where Bailey used tohunt—at least until the dragons began to avoid the area because of her attacks.
He hid his amusement at the thought.I will be there.
I should warn you that slayers frequent the area, but they never attack if our numbers are considerable enough. We should be secure as long as we each bring a few dragons.
Aidan swished his tail.I have an agreement with the slayers, and I can assure you they will not be anywhere near us while we talk. Do not worry about them.
Leverage?The green dragon’s red eyes narrowed in suspicion.
He’d certainly had leverage over a slayer in his bed last night, but he hesitated to tell them about his mate. They needed the Shadowan on their side before revealing too much.They are allowed to live within the safety of my territory as long as they do not harm my people.
We would never consider such an idea,the dragon scoffed.
Aidan cocked his head.As a result, you continue to lose members to them, whereas I do not. They have even sworn to fight alongside us in the upcoming war.
You’re delusional to think they can control themselves that well. Never mind that no one can bargain with a slayer and live, but we will discover the truth soon enough.
