Page 139 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
“Why can’t you use it now?” Syrus asked.
Aidan sighed, choosing his words carefully. “The artifact we’ve been hiding for years needs certain elements in placeto be fully effective. Using it before that time will result in ourdefeat. That is why I need everyone to keep pulling back and consolidating forces so that we have as many fighters as possible to protect the fortress when they reach it. When the time comes, I promise you will understand the reason.”
He could mention the orb since it wasn’t a secret to the enemy anymore, but he had to keep the crucial details quiet. The Kandoran must not discover they wanted to draw the three sorcerers near them.
The other two pendragons asked several more questions before Zoran arrived. He landed and shifted quickly, moving to stand before Aidan with a respectful nod. The urgency on his face did not bode well.
“Tell me,” he said, bracing himself.
Zoran glanced at the others before speaking. “The Kandoran broke through the shield wall near the Oklahoma-Kansas border. It left a large opening of about twenty miles on either side when I left. I suspect they’ll continue to broaden it farther, but they’re already sending forces south toward us. The pure dragon losses on our side are considerable.”
A chill ran through Aidan, but he had to focus on the mission. “Thank you for getting word to me as fast as possible. I know you’re tired, but I need you to find the Shadowan pendragon. Volker should be leading the forces north of Oklahoma City.”
At least it wouldn’t be as long a flight as Zoran had already undertaken.
“Compared to the battles I’ve seen warriors face this night, flying to pass messages is nothing,” he replied,determination in his gaze. “What do you want me to tell the pendragon?”
“Tell him to cede the territory to the north for now and consolidate his forces at the city's northern edge. He must protect that end since most of the humans and dragons in his territory reside there. The most vulnerable do not have gas masks, so if the Kandoran send their fog, they could turn tens of thousands or more to their side.”
“Zorya help us,” Wren muttered.
Zoran drew in a deep breath. “After I pass the message, what then?”
“Fight with them, but if it looks as though the Kandoran are about to penetrate the city, fly back and alert me immediately,” Aidan instructed. He put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “It will be dawn by the time you reach the pendragon. It is up to you if you wish to stay there to rest or come back to our land for the day, but be sure to return to them near dusk.”
If anyone could handle a day in pure dragon territory, it would be Zoran, but it wouldn’t be fair to force it upon him when he wouldn’t be more than a forty-five-minute flight to their border’s edge.
Zoran nodded. “I would prefer to sleep among our kind, but I’ll be certain to return before the battle resumes.”
“I could go with him,” Galadon said, stepping forward.
“You need to be rested for the final battle,” Aidan replied.
The lone shifter worked his jaw. “I do not tire easily and can always come to the fortress when needed.”
“How much does fighting affect your magic capabilities?” Aidan asked since he knew it drained the slayer.
“My powers weaken as my strength does, but I have more than most,” he said reluctantly.
So, the pair were the same in that regard.
Aidan lifted his brows. “I assume that means if you’ve been fighting for hours, you’ll have difficulty bringing storm clouds over our enemies.”
“Yes.”
He glanced between Galadon and Rayna. “My mate told me how you two worked together to bring down Kandoran while on your mission at Ft. Sill. She said it was quite effective.”
“That’s true,” Rayna said, glancing nervously at the lone shifter.
Galadon didn’t acknowledge her and instead glowered at Aidan. “I do not like staying out of the fight, especially when our allies are outnumbered. They need me up there.”
Was he questioning him? No, he would not tolerate this behavior when lives were on the line, and every decision might affect their chances of survival.
Aidan snarled at the lone shifter, tired of his attitude, and pushed his considerable power at the male until he cast his gaze downward. It wasn’t easy, but for the duration of the war, at least, he was strong enough to overcome him.
He took a furious step toward Galadon. “This is war, and our people are dying. DO NOT assume you know the best way to fight it when you don’t have all the information. When the time comes, I expect you and Rayna to be fresh and ableto work seamlessly together to annihilate our enemies. Do you understand me?”
The lone shifter’s body shook as he fought to regain control.
