Page 86 of Consort's Dragon
He arched a brow.“What I feel for you is nothing like my loyalty to them.”
“And what do you feel, Captain?”
His lips quirked.“Things no bachelor ever wants to admit.”
“I’m glad you came.”
“So am I,” he replied softly as he drew her close.
The kiss had Avera tingling head to toe and places in between that she never knew could tingle.When he pulled his lips away, she protested with a mewl of disappointment.
“Much as I’d like to continue, the others are waiting.Fear not, we will resume when we’re somewhere safe.”
The promise ignited an anticipation in Avera that had her practically floating up the stairs.
Upon returning to the upper level, they found an excited Simhi holding up a jumbled ball of leather straps.“Look what I found.I’m thinking we can use these to fasten Cap to the dragon’s back.”
They exited onto the rooftop where Griff presented the bundle to Argent.“We found something.Think we can make it work?”
It would appear you’ve found a harness specially made so the blooded can ride us like common beasts,Argent replied with a sour note.
“Hardly common,” Avera soothed.“And the sacrifice is much appreciated.”
Argent tossed his head.You are lucky I am magnanimous.Very well.Let us do this before I change my mind.
Once the mess of straps was untangled, it turned out there was a pair.Starlight graciously agreed to have one fitted for Avera, while Argent grumbled as they lengthened his harness by borrowing part of Starlight’s, the many buckled lengths allowing them to pull out sections.
As they readied to depart, Griff grabbed her close and whispered, “Ready to fly?”
Not really.The first time she’d been in shock.Now, however, she was fully aware she’d be trusting her life to Starlight.
The dragon who’d returned to save her and thus obviously didn’t want her dead.
The reminder helped Avera to find the courage to climb atop the dragon.The harness had several attachments that included a tether that went around her waist while two more straps cinched her legs.Once buckled in, she clasped the loop between her legs.“I think I’m ready,” she announced, her voice only slightly shaking.
Griff complained, “I’m pretty sure I split my groin.”His legs were spread wide to accommodate the girth of his mount.
The offer to travel in my mouth still stands.
“I’ll survive,” Griff grumbled.“But no fancy tricks.”
There was no countdown or warning, just a sudden lift into the air.Avera gasped, not in fear, but in exhilaration.Despite the night sky, from such a lofty height she could see far.The spreading plain with its lines of orange and red lava.The circling chasm, a black ring surrounding it all.She even spotted the army camped beyond it.
The mighty wingspan of the dragons, even the smaller Starlight, had them moving rapidly, quickly crossing from the shrine to the ravine in minutes as opposed to the arduous trudge she’d endured.They swept past the encampment with its shining lanterns and oblivious soldiers.How long would they wait before they realized the emperor wouldn’t return?What would happen to Merisu without a leader?
They’d have to figure it out, because Avera had more pressing issues.Zhos and Benoit, with the latter not being as important anymore.After all, Avera had discovered a world outside of Daerva where she was accepted.A place with Griff and even his crew, people who didn’t care about her bastard birth, who didn’t think she’d plotted to kill her own family, who liked her and supported her.
Which led to her thinking of Gustav and Josslyn, the friends she’d left behind.How did they fare?And what of her trusty steed, Luna?
Sigh.
You seem pensive.
“I’ve got some weighty decisions to make.”
Would you like to unburden yourself by telling me?Perhaps I can offer guidance.
Much like she had with the other dragons, Avera related the story of her life.Laid out the dilemma she faced, ending with, “I know I have to return to Daerva.Zhos must be dealt with, but as for Benoit, I am tempted to let him have the throne he so coveted.”
