Page 51 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
“Uh, thanks?”
He grinned. “It means I’m glad you’re on our side.”
“Me, too. Think you can track the trigger guys?” I asked.
He was silent for a moment before shaking his head. “Their scent is masked with all this…” Eliam wrinkled his nose. “…fertilizer, but we can check the area to see if anyone is lurking.”
“We gotta try,” I said, sighing.
We hurried outside and spent the next hour searching. Eventually, we found a house with recent human scents and trigger devices. The rebels were nowhere nearby, but at least the shifters could identify them now if we crossed their path again.
Chapter 14
Aidan
The sun dipped below the horizon in the western sky. A dozen guards surrounded them as they watched the procession of Thamaran refugees cross the border and head south. The green dragons appeared beleaguered, gaunt, and haunted. They were fragile shells of what they’d once been a few short years ago.
Even in the wastes of Kederrawien with precious little food, none of their kind had become this…emaciated and broken. It was a shock to him and his guards. Aidan may not have liked the Thamaran much, but he wouldn’t wish such a thing on his worst enemy.
If they didn’t win this coming war, what would become of all of them?
Aidan had met with the leader of the war-ravaged group, had them checked for infection, and used Morgan to ensure they spoke the truth. For some time, they’d been hiding from the Kandoran within their territory, but it had taken its toll. They hadn’t sought help until they began dying of starvation and diseases that their kind could normally survive.
The group consisted of about fifty pure dragons. Among them, they carried a dozen young within their talons who weretoo small or weak to fly themselves. His heart ached to see the hatchlings in such terrible shape.
Some should have been old enough to take flight but lacked strength, with their bones protruding through their thin, flaking scales. The adults—also in rough shape—barely managed to carry them. In all of Aidan’s life, he’d never felt sympathy for any pure dragons the way he did now.
These refugees had lived separately from their main toriq, preferring to stay in a remote area distant from their jakhal. Some small sects wanted the protection of belonging to a more prominent clan and would contribute to it as required but keep to themselves as much as possible. That preference saved most of these dragons from getting infected and assimilated, but they’d suffered terribly from being unable to hunt as often as they needed.
Lake Murray will be the perfect place for them,he said telepathically to Falcon.
The red shifter glanced at him.It was a wise decision to send them there. They will be near their old, familiar territory but safe on our side. There is plenty of water and animals to hunt so they may regain their strength.
That had been part of Aidan’s last patrol area when Nanoq still ruled the toriq months ago. He knew it well.Yes, and it is close enough to the neutral zone to seek assistance from our people there should they need it. Ensure that thearea's border guards check in daily and keep me informed of their progress.
Of course,Falcon agreed.
They didn’t have much time left, but Aidan hoped that enough of the Thamaran adults would regain their strength toparticipate in the war. It was part of the agreement when he allowed them to seek asylum in his territory.
They were happy to agree to anything if it meant immediate food and safety. He’d already arranged for a dozen cows and pigs to be slaughtered and waiting for them. They wouldn’t survive much longer without proper sustenance.
After the Thamaran train of dragons left their sight, Falcon addressed him again.We must leave now to attend the meeting with the other pendragons. The sun will set in less than two hours.
Aidan had not forgotten. It only bothered him to see what had become of the mighty Thamaran after years of fighting and hiding from an evil enemy—one that they, too, would face soon. Could they survive such a threat even with all their new allies? The importance of his choices and planning weighed on him more with each passing day.
Very well, let us go.
Falcon stayed at his side while half the shifter guards flew ahead and the other half at their rear. His advisor glanced over at him.This meeting is not going to be easy.
I know, but it must be done.Aidan was already shutting down any fear or doubts because what he planned had not been attempted in millennia and never by a shifter pendragon. It would require all his strength and fortitude to manage it.
Sabryn has been a great help to me. Thank you, milord.
Falcon was kindly changing the subject, which Aidan appreciated.I am glad to hear it. I assume she is covering your duties while you’re away with me.
Yes.The male shifter stared straight ahead.She is wise, organized, and has excellent insights. I doubted your choice at first, but I am glad about it now.
Aidan sensed there was more to what he was saying and hoped that was true, but he wouldn’t push for details now.If it means you can accomplish your duties in a timely manner and without complaint, then she is a blessing to us all.
