Page 40 of Emerald Waves
“You’re a little one yet you can control your shifting? Fascinating.” Ionus and Alex’s dragonets were incapable of doing that. A random tail here, ears there, a fire breathing snout. The number of items they’d replaced in their house due to uncontrollable bursts of flames was astounding. “Gill slits along your neckline. Amazing.”
“Tasi,” a booming voice rang throughout the cave, rattling the stone walls. Barely tempered authority, only rather than cower in fear the imp giggled. “Step away from the prisoner.”
Prisoner, great. So, I was indeed imprisoned.
“Papa,” his little hands touched my face as he gazed deeply into my eyes. I shuddered at the invasion, as I felt his piercing query breach me from head to toe. “He’s good, I can see it in his soul. Even his dragon is calm.”
“My little prince, your gift has yet to be harnessed. Look where your curiosity led you before.”
“Yes Papa, and I saw the most wonderful things there. Injured sea life rehabilitated and cared for as we do. They’re not bad, Papa, I swear.”
“That explains why you didn’t immediately return,” His Papa growled the words, yet Tasi ignored him.
“Fascinating,” I repeated as I studied Tasi’s limbs. “You’re hands and feet are webbed. I’m sure for swimming with the greatest of ease. How long can you hold your breath for?”
His Papa scoffed. “Merdragons don’t hold their breath for we are one with the water. It’s our lifeblood.”
“Can you survive outside of water?” As soon as the question came out I regretted it. “Of course you can, you’re doing it now. I apologize. I’m the dragon Archivist and Historian in Dragon City.”
“So you said and yet you knew nothing of us?” Clearly skeptical of my abilities, for which I didn’t blame him one bit.
“Until today, yes. Well, no. My Draconian was a bit rusty so when I originally came across the scrolls I’d set them aside, until today. Once I focused, and one of my brothers in law helped me, the ability to translate returned, and I was able to read them.”
“One of the protectors?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Not sir. My human name is Kai, Leader of the Tempest Clan.”
“There is more than one water dragon clan. Fascinating.” Surely, I’d wear that word out today, but I just couldn’t help myself. This was like finding a hidden library full of historical books and artifacts, losing time reading and staying way past closing.
“Merdragons and yes, there are. What is it you and your protectors seek from us?”
“Knowledge. Friendship. We wish to unite with all dragon clans.”
“We’ve heard that before and were even hunted for it. That’s how we came to live this far beneath the ocean’s surface. Come to think of it,” he drew in a deep breath, “you smell of them.”
“What?” My voice shot of up several octaves. “The protectors would never harm a dragon soul.” Then it hit me, my tainted bloodline. “Gorynych.”
“Aye. You are of their bloodline.” Though his demeanor had calmed, at hearing that name he was again on alert.
“Yes. When I couldn’t shift at the age of thirteen I was stripped of all, including my clothing, and cast out of the clan. Had a kind soul in Dragon City not found me wandering through the forest I’d likely be dead. I owe my life to that man and to the Denarius brothers.”
Skeptically, Kai eyed me as if searching for a shred of mistruth. I hadn’t lied, nor would I, so he could search all he wanted. In the end he’d only come up empty.
“He’s telling the truth, Papa.”
I wasn’t sure of the extent of Tasi’s abilities but was beyond thankful for them.
“I can assure you that Clan Denarius, the Primordial Protectors, are not of Gorynych blood. Their job is to keep dragons and humankind safe. They were born of need from the decimation caused by the Dragon Wars. Now, they seek to unite the dragon clans to fight against those who are impure and seek to control and cause harm.” How quickly I’d gone from curious exuberance to protective nature. Even my dragon was roused. My mate, whom I loved, and his brothers who I’d grown to love, were my world. I knew without a doubt they’d give their life to save mine as I would for them.
“Tell your dragon to stand down,” Kai ordered. Though I didn’t report to him I was in their lair and in a one-on-one battle, I didn’t stand a chance. Who was I kidding, I’d never had a fight in my life. Caro and I had been so busy lately we haven’t had the chance for him to teach me how to protect myself. Though I knew my dragon would put up one hell of a fight if left to his own devices.
Not to mention, Kai in his Merdragon form was like ten stories tall, or so he appeared.
My dragon simmered but lay just beneath the surface in wait.
Thank you, dragon.
