Page 70 of Consort's Dragon
Griff didn’t know if he meant the gundalaba—whatever those were—or the army.
We could provide distraction while your blooded enters the tower to dispatch those who trespass against us,the smaller dragon suggested.
“How many are we talking about?”Griff asked.
Assuming the Voxspira female doesn’t turn against you, three guardians and the so-called emperor.The small dragon vocally sneered.
Four against one.He’d faced worse odds and the emperor barely counted given the man was in his seventies or eighties.He didn’t put stock in the rumors claiming he’d regained his youth and vitality.A man that age could take all the potions he wanted, no one could reverse time.
“Are these guardians trained soldiers?”
I did not see them wield any blades, but they do have some magical skill.
Not ideal.Witches could cause serious damage.
“How long would it take to get there?”
If we were to take flight now, we would arrive while the land is still dark, offering the element of surprise.
His brows raised.“That fast?”
It would be faster if Daerva’s wings weren’t still stunted,Argent noted.
I’ve only been hatched for three days.The small dragon cocked its head.How long since you were re-hatched?You appear well-fed.
Decades.I was first.Said with pride.
And you didn’t hunt down those who betrayed us?The small dragon sniffed.
Says the one who fled.Besides, what use would finding them have been?We cannot kill the blooded.
But he can.The small dragon eyed him.I accept your offer to slay our enemies.
“I don’t suppose we could bring a few of my crew to help?”
Do I look like a pack horse?Argent grumbled.
“Just trying to offer you the best chance to win.”
Are you saying the tales of your crew are false?They claim you are a mighty warrior.
“I am.But even I know my limits and I believe in stacking the odds in my favor.”
You may select two.I can’t carry more than three at once,Argent conceded.
I can take one so long as they are not overly large like you.
With that agreement, Argent returned Griff to the ship so that he could quickly explain the situation and see who—if anyone—wanted to join his mission.
He had more volunteers than expected.
He stuck to those he knew and trusted best, meaning Argent carried Griff in one clawed dragon paw, Kreed in another, and Monty—whooping with excitement—ended up wrapped in a tail.As for Daerva, she gripped Simhi who thankfully couldn’t hear how the dragon grumbled about carrying food rather than eating it.
The strangest sight to see.The most unlikely group of rescuers.
Avera’s only hope.
Chapter17
