Page 46 of Consort's Dragon
“Well, at least you’re here now,” Monty unwisely stated.
“A thousand years later,” snapped Argent.“And now, Zhos stirs once more because your ancestors did not find a permanent solution, meaning dragons will be expected to save humanity.Only this time, I won’t be giving my life.Let the humans reap the reward of their inaction.”
“What of dragons?Won’t you be affected too?”Monty pointed out.
“Do not pretend to care about our wellbeing.Humanity has proven they don’t care about us.”
Griff would have liked to retort but couldn’t.He would have likely felt the same in Argent’s bare feet.
The mist clung to the skin, moistening it, as they rowed in the dark—hopefully not in circles.Argent seemed to know where to go as he kept correcting their course.“You’re going too far left.Bring it back straight.”
Griff didn’t have the energy to argue, so they listened to the bossy dragon’s commands.When they emerged from the fog, lo and behold, the ship appeared.He’d never been so glad to see it, and the crew onboard gave a mighty cheer once they realized Kreed and the others had returned with their captain.
It didn’t take long to come alongside and clamber to the main deck, but before they did, Griff gave all of those in the skiff a warning.“No one says anything about Argent being the dragon.Understood?”Everyone nodded but Argent’s expression turned stubborn.
“You would hide my grandeur and make me out to be a simple human?”
“You will do as I say if you don’t want a superstitious crew tossing you overboard,” Griff snapped.
“Should they attempt to harm me, they would regret it.”
“I’d rather we avoid trouble to start with.If anyone asks, you were a child raised on Verlora after the apocalypse.Your parents died.We found you.”
“As if anyone would believe someone as refined as me could emerge from that squalor.”Said with a sniff.
“You know, some of the prettiest blooms I’ve ever seen grow in the most inhospitable places,” Simhi offered.“They’ll think you’re rare, like those flowers.”An analogy that soothed the ruffled dragon but led to Monty scowling.
When Griff set foot on the deck of the ship, cheering erupted as the crew celebrated his return.He endured the backslapping and managed to hold back his tears.These people were family to him, and it was good to know he’d been missed.
Argent stood to the side, observing, and when Griff introduced him as a rescued guest, to his surprise, Argent bowed his head and said, “I owe my life to your captain.”
A grand concession that lasted only until the dragon saw its assigned quarters.The very same tiny cabin Avera used when she was first aboard.
“This won’t do.”Argent planted hands on his hips and shook his head.
“It’s all we’ve got.”
“Given my elevated status, I should have the biggest cabin.”
“That would be my room and I’m not handing it over.Not to mention, my crew would find it odd if I gave it to a refugee.”
“But this space is so… so…” Argent waved his hands.“Small.”
“Compact yes, but still better than being alone on Verlora, wouldn’t you say?So buckle it.If you don’t like it, the continent’s that way.”Griff pointed.
Argent’s lips pinched.“You’re much bossier now that I’m wearing an avatar.”
“No shit.”Griff didn’t mention it had much to do with the fact Argent could no longer drop him on inescapable ledges.“Now, if you’re done whining, I’ve got to check on my ship.”
“Very well, you have my permission to attend your duties.”An imperious Argent waved him off.
Griff was still shaking his head as he emerged onto his deck.Kreed saw him and wandered to his side.
“Where to, Cap?”
“The smart thing would be to go home and hide from the coming shitstorm, but…” He sighed.
“But we ain’t ones to run from a fight.So, does that mean we should set sail for Merisu to rescue Her Highness?”
