Page 94 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
“Looks like our guests are arriving,” Bailey said, pointing toward a spot over Falcon’s shoulder.
He turned. In the sky, green and red dragons began to dot the clear blue sky, arriving for training from various directions. He also caught the rumble of military vehicles approaching from a nearby road. This was likely to be the most challenging training day yet as they integrated the final elements of their forces. Falcon hoped they could smooth out the issues within the few remaining days.
His gaze caught on Sabryn, where she stood with some of the pendragons. Her lips quirked, and her yellow eyes seemed to convey that she’d speak with him again later. Falcon had no idea what he would do about her and planned to focus all his attention on training.
Chapter 27
Aidan
He stood with his arms crossed, surveying the gathering. A large crowd of humans, slayers, sorcerers, shifters, and dragons stood on a field just outside of Norman. It was a little over two miles west of the Taugud border and Interstate 35, but they’d wanted a buffer zone to protect the storage facilities they’d stocked near the front line. Only two days remained before the war would begin. They’d powered the stones as much as possible, especially with the most recent arrivals contributing.
Now, it was time to raise the shield.
Morgan stood ahead of everyone at the central-most point where it would go up. He wore snug black camrium pants and a short-sleeved tunic, contrasting with his golden frame glasses. The sorcerer had come a long way, withconfidence in his gaze and bearing.
Verena was up to the north in Kansas, where the shield ended shortly past the city of Wichita. Javier had taken the far southern point in Waco, Texas. It wasn’t a perfectly straight north-south line since they’d placed the stones, so they’d veer around major population centers for added protection of the most vulnerable.
Bailey stood a few paces behind Morgan with a sat phone in her hand. All three sorcerers who would erect the shield had an assistant standing by to communicate, allowing them to work in sync. It had to be precise for thegreatest effect. Aidan couldn’t miss the nervous energy humming around the crowd of onlookers. Something on this scale had never been done before, and even with careful planning, it could go wrong. They desperately needed the shield to work.
“It’s time, Bailey,” Morgan said, shoulders tense as he hovered over a two-inch moonstone set atop a mound of dirt. His hands were outstretched above it. “Start the countdown.”
She spoke loudly and clearly into the phone. “Get ready…ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two…one!”
White light shot from Morgan’s hands and into the stone. It grew brighter and brighter until it was too blinding to look at. The sorcerer chanted a line of strange, unintelligible words repeatedly as he fed the magic. As long minutes passed, his body began to tremble, and sweat beaded his brow. The streaks of light began spreading to the north and south simultaneously as they followed the path of stones laid months ago, connecting the shield segments.
Bailey put a hand on Morgan’s back as he began to sway with exhaustion, still pushing power into the stone. Slowly, the wall started to rise foot by foot. Danae and Skylar stepped forward, putting their hands on each of the sorcerer’s shoulders. Light shone from them as they fed him their power to help him keep going. Verena and Javier would also have assistance at their endssince they’d suspected it would take a lot of energy to raise the shield to its intended height.
Aidan turned his gaze up, noting it was climbing faster now toward the sky. Five more minutes passed, and then ten asit climbed high enough to reach white, fluffy clouds. He wasn’t certain where it ended after that.
Sparks suddenly shimmered across the shield, and a faint buzzing sound emitted from it. Morgan collapsed onto his back, gasping for breath. Danae and Skylar dropped beside him, pale and shaking. It was good that they had two days to regain their strength since they’d drained themselves. Of course, that was why they’d done this now to give them that time.
“It’s done,” Morgan said with a gasp.
Aidan pointed at Titan, who remained in his red dragon form. “Take him back to the fortress and ensure he is comfortably settled in his room at the tower.” He looked at Eliam next. “You take care of Skylar.”
The shifters obeyed immediately.
Miles came forward to grab his wife. Though shaky, she was able to rise on her feet. He had a vehicle nearby to transport her home, so Danae wouldn’t have to walk far.
Nearly everyone else had come from the training dome, where they conducted a final few rounds of practice. It had been worth the effort since all the elements had finally fallen into a solid working rhythm. They were as ready as they could get.
While Bailey worked to confirm all was well at the other end of the shields, Aidan moved toward his brother, Zoran. He’d been allowed to practice at the dome today, and like everyone else, was covered in dust, blood, and healing wounds. Before, he had been pulling long guard shifts, but he deserved a break like the rest of them. They needed to cherish this time because no one could guarantee they would survive the war.
“Zoran,” Aidan said, clasping his shoulder. “Come back to the fortress with us. You can clean up there and join us for a private family dinner in my chambers.”
Surprise showed in his eyes. “Are you certain?”
“Yes, brother, you’ve earned it, and we’d be glad to have you there.”
Zoran blinked and took a deep breath. “Then I’ll be happy to come. Thank you.”
***
They’d had to bring in an extra table and chairs. Aidan was grateful his chambers were spacious, or they wouldn’t have been able to manage it. He’d wanted this dinner for family and their closest friends as this was the last chance they’d all be together in one room until after the war. He, Bailey, and Orion would have a private meal tomorrow evening, but tonight, they’d enjoy their time with everyone else. He wanted to create as many special memories as possible.
His son sat on his grandmother’s lap in the sitting area. Bailey was next to them, discussing Orion’s new favorite book from the library. It was an old tale about sea dragons and a kingdom under the ocean.
“You know they can breathe underwater?” Orion asked Imee.
