Page 22 of Dragon Fire

“We’d begun discussing this the other night,” Seth told him. “But I’m not sure we really thought it would be necessary. We were hoping the leadership would step up and do the right thing.”

“I haven’t talked to Hrardorr recently,” Gowan admitted, “but I think Genlitha has been speaking with him. We were both hoping—like you—that the leadership would make the right call.” Gowan sighed, his anger having turned to disillusioned disgust. “We need to talk to Gen and Hrardorr.”

Seth had picked up the last evidence of their interlude, and the cave looked much as it had when they’d arrived. Nobody would know they’d spent the most enjoyable hours Gowan had ever spent in a cave there. It would be a memory he would cherish forever.

They were ready to leave, and Livia struck out across the sand, the men following close behind. They could see the dragons in the distance. Genlitha and Hrardorr were huddled together, clearly deep in discussion, while the young blue dragon and Flurrthith played in the sand near the water’s edge with the children and Leo.

Livia marched right up to Hrardorr and cleared her throat, gaining the blind dragon’s attention.

“Have you decided what we’re going to do?” she asked without preamble.

Gowan admired her straight talk. He didn’t know many other women who were so direct and clear thinking. At least not any he’d ever bedded. His former bedmates tended to be a bit more fluffy-headed, which he thought was a shame now that he knew the value of a strong woman.

“Help them, of course,”Hrardorr’s thoughts came to Seth, Gowan, Livia and Genlitha.

“Good,” Livia said, nodding in satisfaction. “I truly believe you are the only one who can, Sir Hrardorr. Like you saved Dragonscove. I have just one request. I’d like to be there. I want to travel to Gryphon Isle and help in whatever way I can.”

“No!” Gowan didn’t realize he was going to shout, but it came out anyway, drawing a stubborn look from Livia.

“Sweetheart, we don’t want you in danger,” Seth tried to explain, but from the firm set of her jaw, she wasn’t having any of it.

“And I’m supposed to just sit here and worry while you’re all out there fighting? It’ll drive me mad. Better if I’m there and can help in some way, even if only just relaying communications. I can do that, at least.” She was winning the argument, though Gowan didn’t like it. “Besides, if you don’t take me with you, I’ll just set sail myself in my little boat, and come right after you, over the water. Flying with you would be much safer, I’m sure. Especially when I get closer to the island…and the pirate fleet.”

“Dammit.” Gowan had to concede that she had the guts to do just as she threatened.

“There is one issue,”Hrardorr put in quietly, his voice in their minds suspiciously calm.“I cannot carry anyone on this journey since I’ll be landing in the water some distance out and going right to work. And strong as dear Genlitha is, I doubt she could carry more than two such a long distance. Poor Flurrthith barely made it here unencumbered. He is too young to make the journey with a rider.”

“I can carry two. Gowan, of course, and I’m sorry, dear, but Seth would be the next logical choice,”Genlitha said, her gentle azure gaze on Livia.

“I can carry Lady Livia.”A new voice joined their conversation. It was deep and rumbly. A dragon’s voice, but not as calm as Hrardorr or Genlitha.

Of course. Xanderanth.

Gowan looked at the big blue dragon, standing not too far away with his young knight.

“I didn’t know it was possible for dragons to eavesdrop on each other,” Gowan mused, not quite angry. He’d had an inkling that Xander and Leo would want to come along if they knew Gowan’s intent, after all.

“It is possible, but most of us have better manners than to do it,”Genlitha scoffed, tilting her head in adult disdain as she looked at the younger pair.

“Your pardon, milady,” Leo said aloud, striding forward to meet Genlitha’s gaze. “Xander meant no harm. We’ve both been rather anxious about the situation, and we want in on whatever rescue operation is mounted—whether official or not. Flurrthith’s people need help.”

“You’ll get no argument on that from us, lad,”Hrardorr said quietly, Genlitha appearing still too appalled to speak to the young knight.“What we propose is not sanctioned by the leadership of the Southern Lair. You could get in serious trouble if you join us in this. We are all older than you, with much less to lose. Both you and Xanderanth have long careers ahead of you, and we would not wish you to jeopardize that by acting in haste.”

“Thank you, Sir, but we both feel it’s necessary to uphold the alliances made by our king. And after meeting Flurrthith… Well, Sir, there’s just no way we could stay behind and not help him and his people.”

Xanderanth stood right beside his knight, in unity with Leo.

“I can carry two riders,”Xanderanth put in.“I’m the strongest dragon of my age group. Everyone says so.”

Livia’s face lit with a triumphant smile. “That settles it then. I’m going.” She turned her smile on Xander. “That is, if you will be kind enough to consent to carry me, Sir Xanderanth.”

“It would be my honor,”Xander replied, bowing his head slightly.

If they were setting off in the morning, Seth had a lot of packing to do. He advised the others on what to bring then rushed back up to the Lair to begin collecting medical supplies. He had to be discreet, of course, but Bronwyn soon figured out what he was up to. How could she not, when he was raiding their shared supplies?

She gave him a nod and a smile, though, assuring him that she’d hold down the fort while he went off to do what needed to be done. He was surprised that she stood behind his decision, but then realized he shouldn’t have been. She was a woman of honor and had a very compassionate heart. She’d met Flurrthith and heard his report. She understood. Something had to be done, and the leaders were too old and cautious to do it.

So it fell to Seth and his small group of adventurers. It would either be a fantastic success or way too little, way too late. But at least they would try. Unlike the rest of the Lair.

---