Page 137 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
Everyone follow me,he ordered his forces. To one of his trusted fighters, he added,Fly south and gather the rest of our warriors and the pure dragon toriqan. Tell them we must band together as one unit if we hope to win the war. There is a wayto do so, but only if we keep the enemy from taking the Taugud jakhal.
Chapter 43
Aidan
He hovered in the air, restless and nervous. They’d had a few small attacks—the last at midnight—but nothing since. Aidan hadn’t seen a single Kandoran in over three hours. After two nights of grueling battles, it was disconcerting. He wanted to be relieved, but if the enemy hadn’t sent their forces here, then their allies must be facing a massive wave.
Once again, his Uncle Kade’s predictions appeared to be proving true. Aidan only feared the enemy would take advantage if he sent his forces to assist the others. First, he had to wait until the shifters he sent out returned with updates. It wouldn’t be long now.
He sailed down to the ground, landing next to Bailey. She appeared restless as well.
“This is bad, isn’t it?” she asked, adjusting the bracers on her forearms. There were many toothmarks on them from battles over the last month, but they’d done their job. It was her only concession to armor because she preferred to remain flexible.
It doesn’t bode well.
She clenched her fists. “Any word from Ozara or Zoran yet?”
The entire Taugud frontline had seen few enemies tonight. When his brother came to check in with him a few hours ago to report the odd quiet from his position between the other shifter toriqan, Aidansent him to the north for an update from the Shadowan and Vataran. Zoran had been happy to do something usefulandwas strong enough to deal with any cranky leaders among the pure dragons. Ozara was abetter fit to check on their allies to the south, considering her ties with Lorcan.
No, but they should return anytime now.
She turned to her partner, Brody. “Would you be okay if I went to check on Danae?”
“Go ahead. Nothing is happening here, and it’s not like it would take long for you to run back if it did,” he said, gesturing toward the bunker two hundred meters away.
Aidan understood his mate’s need to visit her sorceress friend. Verena had done her best to take over as a healer, but it wasn’t her specialty. She couldn’t perform half as many healings, and those that she did manage weren’t at the same skill level. Ruari and Freya had to transport far more wounded to the fortress standing stones than usual over the last two nights. To make matters worse, many had died from not receiving treatment quickly enough since the previous evening was the most brutal yet.
They appreciated the break tonight, but it didn’t sit easy with them. The only positive element was Danae had chosen to come back after spending time with her daughter at home. Bad news from the war had spread there, too.
Several soldiers in Miles’ platoon had died from battle wounds because they couldn’t get the help they needed, and the sorceress felt she couldn’t abandon her post any longer, even after suffering such a terrible loss. Aidan’s respect for her grew because he didn’t know if he could have done the same in her position. Losing Bailey would rip him apart.
He nudged his mate with his nose.I’m glad you’re checking on her. Once I have an update from Ozara and Zoran, I’ll let you know.
“Sounds good.”
After she walked away, he took flight once more. He began heading south to inspect the line and ensure everyone remained alert. After half an hour, Aidan reached the point where the Craegud formed their defense along his border.
How has it been going?
Wren let out a snort of steam.Too easy compared to the last couple of days. My warriors are restless, so I’ve let them rotate to the ground for breaks while it is quiet.
Good.Aidan flapped his wings, holding a position next to the Craegud pendragon as they gazed into the eerie darkness of the west.According to my uncle, this is likely our only quiet before things worsen.
That does not surprise me, I’m afraid to say.
Milord, do you hear me?Ozara’s voice came into his mind faintly. She must have been some distance away, or else it would have been clearer.
He focused on the direction from where her telepathy came.Yes, barely. I’m with the Craegud pendragon right now.
Good. I have the Straegud pendragon, Galadon, and Rayna with me. We have much to discuss,she said, her voice coming a little louder since he strengthened the line of communication between them.
Aidan let Wren know what was happening. It took another twenty minutes before they could make out the incoming group through the darkness. Galadon and Syrus led the way, and Ozara carried Rayna behind them.
He might have worried about congregating so many key figures in one place, but only an hour remained before the Kandoran typically retreated before dawn. He couldn’t imagine they’d attack now.
Let’s take this conversation behind the shield,Aidan said after they came closer.
He didn’t want anyone on the front line worrying about their group together when the shifter leaders had avoided gathering for meetings since the war began. It was best to keep things quiet until he knew more and decided on a course of action. Also, Ozara had been carrying Rayna for some time and had to be tired from her exertion.
