Page 39 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
“It’s no problem at all,” he assured the human. Then Aidan looked toward Elen again. “How many of you are there total?”
“We’ve got forty-three people—six of them kids.”
The fortress village currently had twenty houses available, plus a few places to run workshops or stores and a large pen for cattle. The two barns also had small quarters for those who didn’t have family and preferred to live alone. Aidan didn’t think they’d have any problem fitting everyone.
“That's good. We have the perfect place for you to live and places for your animals,” he said.
Relief filled their faces, and Elen stepped a few paces toward him before stopping. “I’d hug you if I could.”
Perhaps it was best his skin ran too hot for her since she’d likely embrace him in a manner not fit for a pendragon. Still, he appreciated the sentiment.
“You are more than welcome.” Aidan gestured at the shifters, who remained in dragon form. “They will guide you the rest of the way, so all you need to do is follow them.”
“Will you be staying with us the rest of the way?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I am the leader of my people now, and I have many duties that require my attention. We anticipated your arrival days ago, though, and I ensured everything was prepared for you. My mate’s human brother is waiting to get you settled into the village. I think you’ll find him and his female companion welcoming and helpful. Hot meals should be ready soon as well.”
“Oh.” Elen put a hand to her chest. “That sounds wonderful. We decided to come here with no idea if we’d survive the journey, let alone if we’d have a decent place to live once we got here. Just knew it was better than stayin’ put. It means a lot that you’ve done so much.”
“It was no trouble. I’ll check on you again when I can,” he promised.
Aidan hated leaving them so soon, but he needed to see Ozara off on her trip. She was embarking on a perilous journey. He had to be there to make certain her departure went smoothly and that she was fully prepared for the vital task before her. He had less than an hour before she’d leave.
“Thank you again,” Elen said.
He nodded and turned the other direction. It was time to collect Orion and get on the way quickly. He found his son straddling Zoran’s back as he spun in circles. They were laughing, and Aidan’s brother had mirth in his eyes.
“I’m afraid it’s time for us to go,” he announced.
The two of them stopped spinning.
Orion gave him a pleading look. “But I’m having fun.”
“I know.” Despite his misgivings about his brother, Aidan hated ruining his son's enjoyment. “But I’m due back at the fortress, and your grandma is expecting you.”
He’d already arranged for Bailey’s mother to watch their son today.
Zoran carefully lowered Orion to the ground and turned to hug him. “Listen to your father, okay?”
The little boy’s lips trembled. “But I missed you, and we barely got to see each other.”
“I’ll make you a deal,” Aidan said, hoping he wouldn’t come to regret it. “Once your uncle has had time to settle into his new job, he can come to the fortress for our weekly family meals, and you can see him then. Perhaps in a couple of weeks.”
He didn’t want to rush it, but it felt like the right thing to do.
Orion’s eyes lit with happiness. “Really?”
“But you must be a good boy.”
He hopped up and down. “I’ll be the best!”
Aidan had no doubt.
Chapter 11
Ozara
Ozara stood in the sorcerer tower library, arms crossed as she anxiously waited to embark on her mission. Her current setting didn’t lighten her mood. It was a dark, dreary chamber filled with high shelves, dusty tomes, numerous scrolls, and rectangular wood tables surrounded by chairs.
