Page 26 of Blood of Dragons
My eyes dropped to the fire.
THAT EVERY DRAGON I’VE EVER KNOWN SERVES AS A STEED TO GREEDY MEN.
“I know it’s hard, but there’s nothing we can do.”
THEY WON’T LET YOU TRAVEL TO THALIAN AND ASK THE DRAGONS FOR HELP, BUT THEY CAN’T STOP ME FROM ASKING.
My eyes lifted from the fire to look into his.
AND I WILL.
“You’re right. You have the right to ask.”
IF I GATHER ENOUGH DRAGONS, I’LL RETURN HERE TO FETCH YOU. WE’LL FUSE AGAIN AND FLY SOUTH TO DEFEAT THAT MAD KING AND HIS SHAMANS.
I nodded in agreement, but I thought there was little to no chance he would succeed. The dragons wouldn’t upend their peaceful lives to save dragons they’d never met. To risk their lives for someone else’s cause. I’d asked the queen to help me remove Talon from our lands, and she refused. “I wish you the best.”
I was asleep in my bedroll when Inferno’s voice woke me.
THEY ARE HERE.
My eyes snapped open, and I sat up, seeing Ezra’s dark green armor gleaming in the morning light.
Inferno sat beside me, half the height of the trees of the forest.
I left my bedroll and ran my fingers through my hair, trying to make myself presentable before they approached.
It wasn’t just Ezra—but Queen Eldinar as well. Ezra was in the front, acting as her protective barrier, and the other soldiers flanked her from the rear. None of them armed themselves, but it was obvious why they were there—to protect their queen.
I stepped forward to greet them. “Queen Eldinar.” I gave a bow because she was about to be my queen.
She gave a slight nod in acknowledgment before she looked at Inferno. “It’s an honor to meet you, Inferno. My men described the brilliant color of your scales, but their words didn’t do them justice.”
THANK YOU, QUEEN ELDINAR.
I spoke for him since no one there could understand him.
“I’m proud to say that, like Calista, I also have the gift,” Queen Eldinar said. “But I’m happy to converse with you this way instead of intruding into your mind.” Her hands came together at her stomach, and she wore another brilliant white gown without armor or a sword for protection. “I hope you will acceptsanctuary in Thalian. The Guardians of Thalian will protect you as you and your kin roam the skies freely.”
THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING MY KIN. HUMANS ARE EVIL—BUT YOU PROVE THAT NOT ALL ARE.
“We are not humans, but elves of Riviana, and as such hold ourselves to a higher standard of life. There are other ways of living rather than killing and enslaving. Protecting others is how we choose to find peace.”
I APPRECIATE YOUR GENEROSITY. I WOULD LIKE TO TRAVEL TO THALIAN.
“I’m glad to hear that.” She turned her gaze to me. “And what have you decided, Calista?”
“I would like to make Riviana Star my home.” I glanced at Ezra, who had his eyes locked on the dragon and not me, just in case there was an attack…not that there was much he could do if so. “If I’m still welcome.”
“You are.” She turned back to Inferno. “I will share the location of Thalian with you. But you must vow to never share it with anyone, not even Calista. It’s for the protection of your kin. Only a select few of us know of the location, just to ensure the utmost protection. Will you give me your vow?”
Inferno didn’t hesitate.I WILL.
“I will share it with you once you unfuse.”
Inferno bent his head down to look at me.ARE YOU CERTAIN THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT? I WON’T LEAVE YOU IF YOU’D LIKE ME TO STAY?
I’ll be okay, Inferno.