Page 43 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
Wren cocked his head and looked at her discerningly. “What do you hope to gain from coming here?”
“We are hoping you would be willing to join us in the war—either bringing warriors back with me to fight on the eastern side or starting an attack from the rear to divert some of their attention. Any assistance you can provide would be appreciated. All the predictions say if we lose, then it will be the end of everyone on the continent in a matter of years. They will absorb us all.”
The pendragon nodded. “I’ve heard something similar, but instigating a fight with them from this end when they aren’t paying attention to us could be disastrous.”
Ozara was afraid he might say that.
“How is your relationship with the nearby pure dragon toriqan?” she asked, hoping he didn’t find her presumptuous for inquiring.
He grunted. “Until a few years ago, we didn’t get along with most of them, but we’ve strengthened our ties over the danger of a more powerful enemy threatening us. We even helped them prevent the Kandoran from spreading farther west two years ago. Otherwise, they’d already be on our doorstep.”
“You must have learned a thing or two about them then,” Ozara said, thankful he was being open and sharing information with her. She’d expected more resistance.
“Yes.” Wren rubbed his chin. “They are a formidable enemy and growing stronger. I agree they must be stopped, but it will not be easy, and any dragons who get in their way risk death or worse.”
Worse meaning…assimilation.
“Would you consider helping us?” she asked hopefully.
The pendragon stood. “I will consult the elder’s council tonight. This is not a decision I can make lightly or on my own, but some have predicted we must take a stand soonerrather than later to survive. It is a matter of convincing the rest that may be difficult.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Perhaps.” His brows drew together. “I may call on you to speak about what you’ve seen of the Kandoran from your side, so that they may make an informed decision.”
Ozara nodded. “I can do that.”
A female shifter stepped lightly into the stone building. She was the same height as Ozara, but her curves were fuller, and hermuscles were more pronounced. Standing in a regal manner near the entrance, her black hair was left loose and wavy to fall down her back with an elegance not everyone in her gender could manage. The faint crackle of energy around her implied she had some magical powers.
“Ujala,” Wren said, frowning. “What are you doing here?”
The female shifter dipped her chin in respect. “This is the expected visitor from Taugud, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” She smiled gently. “We have little time, and I have many questions for her.”
“If this is about…” the pendragon began.
She raised a conciliatory hand. “Please, milord. You need not stay when I know you must call for a meeting with the elders’ council immediately. I will gladly keep our guest company until you return.”
Ozara gave Ujala a confused look. “I’m sorry, but who are you?”
“I assume you’ve met Galadon?” she asked, referring to the lone shifter.
“Yes,” Ozara said carefully.
“I am his mother, and if Zorya wills it, I will travel back with you soon to save my son before it’s too late.”
Shock hit her so hard thatshe stood frozen, unable to formulate words. This visit had just taken a hard turn she never would have expected.
Chapter 12
Bailey
Freya and I stood outside the town jail. It was a warm afternoon, but since we were over a week into September, it didn’t feel as brutal as it had during the previous months. Still, we stood under the shade of a mulberry tree to avoid the direct sun rays while we waited.
“Are you sure about using this woman?” Freya asked, glancing at me. She had her long, blonde hair in an intricate braid looped around her head, wore black camrium that hugged her strong yet feminine figure, and a sour expression twisted her beautiful face.
