Page 70 of Heart of the High King
“Has anyone asked him if he’s experienced any symptoms with other types of sorcery?” T’Eirick asked.
“No, he admitted to his doctor that he did have issues when being teleported by Dérive in the past, but he didn’t correlate that into an intolerance since he was unaware that such a thing existed. He didn’t volunteer any information that would make me believe he’s been in contact with other forms of magic and that they left him symptom-free,” Chander replied.
“We know that dark magic reacts to the body differently than light. As a dark healer, I would want to explore the idea that there’s some way we could help. At the very least, make him more comfortable or even tackle the illness that is shortening his life expectancy,” Saura said.
“Nothing is going to reverse the quick aging, which will lead him to his demise one way or another,” Alaric stated.
“If he had a mate, it might stretch his lifespan, but even that wouldn’t cure the fact that he’s literally covered in scars and has irreversible damage throughout,” Chander added.
“Guys, we’re getting off topic here. If Sorcery D’Vaire decides they want to take on the project of seeing what they can or cannot do to assist this guy, then by all means go ahead, but we need to be discussing his application and the very real implications it has for our family,” Brogan interjected. “You said he was attacked, but it’s unsolved. He lost his dragon months ago, so what’s the holdup? Justice works swiftly, thanks to you guys. Why should we bring him in and invite trouble?”
“Look, he’s been through a lot, and it took him a long time to confess what he endured,” Conley replied. “The problem is, we don’t have a location for the attack, giving us little to go on, and that makes moving forward difficult. We’ve spoken to his attackers, and they gave us the impression that they had no idea what we were talking about.”
“Is he lying?”
Alaric tilted his head and stared at Brogan. “I was sitting in the room. No. I assure you; he was not.”
“I didn’t know you were in the room,” Brogan defended. “And let’s deal with the entire situation too. We’re going to bring a man in here who is going to die within a few months. Are we psychologically prepared to handle that?”
“We’re a damn sanctuary; we better be,” Dra’Kaedan snapped.
“What about the physical ramifications? He can’t teleport. How’s he going to handle doctor’s appointments?” Brogan asked. “I mean, I assume he’s going to have a lot of them.”
“At this point, if he’s careful to keep it minimal, he can teleport. Long-term damage, which would keep most intolerant shifters from doing it, isn’t an issue for him. He’ll be dead before it can accumulate. He goes to the doctor weekly, but there are no treatment options for a man straddling the line between human and dragon. Either the palliative treatments are weak and perhaps useless, or they give him too much, killing him instantly. All they can do at this point is keep him comfortable. They wanted to transfer him to hospice, and that’s when we suggested D’Vaire. This place is beautiful and full of caring people that can give him some bright spots as he suffers through what time he has left,” Conley remarked.
“Yes, but he also comes with danger. The man was already attacked. We can’t say for certain that they won’t come after him again,” Brogan said.
“You live in a fucking bubble that has been perfected by Sorcery D’Vaire. It’s impenetrable. It would be offering Dermot not only some peace but safety,” Conley argued.
“We have to think of the people who already live here first and make our decisions accordingly.”
Conley got to his feet and his golden eyes were wet with unshed tears. “What you don’t get is that he has survived the impossible…more than once. All I wanted for him was to have a place where he could be surrounded by people who would give a shit about him. And if you aren’t going to do what’s right and let him in the damn doors, then I’m going to call Chrys and Elf. You think you have the power to stop people with your fancy rules? I will get a judge to declare that this is his only option since the man has no actual race. Are you here to help people or not?”
The Grand Warlock stood and faced Brogan. “This is exactly the kind of situation we exist for, and Aleksander has always stated that this sanctuary belongs to me. I’m sorry if you don’t like it, but wearegoing to accept Dermot.”
Brogan’s navy eyes were turbulent but when he went to reply, Aleksander raised a hand. His best friend snapped his mouth shut, and Aleksander met Dra’Kaedan’s gaze. “We will not have a vote tonight,” Aleksander said quietly. Dra’Kaedan’s forehead creased, but he held his silence. “Dermot has asked us to give him a last bit of peace before he crosses the veil. We will honor his request.”
Brogan’s jaw clenched. “All I was going to say was that it’s my job to keep everyone safe. I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t err on the side of caution, but I want you to know I do get it. I wasn’t going to object again.”
Dra’Kaedan framed his mate’s face in his hands and kissed him. “Finally,” he muttered.
Brogan pulled Dra’Kaedan onto his lap. “I’m sorry. I know I’m stubborn, but someone has to ask the tough questions, and this is not an easy situation.”
“It’s going to be okay. Drys and I would never let anything happen to any D’Vaire, including your two new ones,” Conley responded with a smile. “And I get it, you don’t have to apologize.”
“Just so you know, we’re not going to leave you indefinitely with a wolf to take care of,” Alaric stated. “When Dermot crosses, Mortis will come and live with us.”
“How’s that fair?” Renny demanded. “Who wouldn’t want to keep a wolf?”
“He’s not going to like, eat anyone is he?” Kendrick asked.
“I would suggest you don’t attack Dermot if you would prefer not being eaten by Mortis,” Alaric countered. “And I’m the Lich Sentinel. He’s a wolf but also a sentinel, so too bad for you, Renny.”
Renny shook his head. “You’re mean.”
“Come on guys, let’s all chill with some beers, and I’ll get Dermot’s room ready,” Noirin said as she too got to her feet.
“We’d like to drive him here tomorrow to save him from being teleported. Is that okay?” Drystan asked Aleksander.
“Yes, of course.”
