Page 99 of Consort's Dragon
“Which will take a week or more to reach.”She flopped to her back on the bed.
“You sound as if you’ve given up.”
“More like I’m facing the daunting prospect of failure.Between making it to Velunda without dying, locating Zhos in the castle—again, without getting caught—facing Zhos, who likely won’t stand still while we slap some blood on it, and then hoping a dragon will help us and drop it in the rift, it seems hopeless.Especially when you add in the fact no one seems to know exactly when the rift will occur.Starlight keeps saying soon.What if we’re too late?”
He hated seeing her so despondent, but even worse, she made valid points.It did seem impossible.“Say the word and we’ll sail away.”
“To where?Anywhere we go will eventually be invaded by Zhos.I can’t imagine it will stay on Daerva.Once it spreads its malice, there will be nowhere safe.Not to mention, I can’t abandon my people.They’re suffering.I have to help them.”
“Tell me what you want to do.I’ll support whatever you need.”
She turned to him and, rather than strategizing, said softly, “Make love to me.I want to feel some measure of happiness before I have to deal with the ugly.”
“As my queen commands.”Griff planned to do so anyhow.He could see the weight of Avera’s tiara of responsibility weighing her down.A part of him longed to be the pirate Gustav accused him of being and toss her on his ship and sail away.However, she’d never forgive him.Avera would attempt to make things right even knowing it might cost her life.
Griff planned to do anything in his power to ensure that didn’t come to pass.
He made love to his wife.He kissed and stroked her, ensuring her pleasure before taking his own.His deep satisfaction when she gasped his name was almost as good as sinking into her welcoming body.
Afterwards, they lay spooned, tucked tight to each other.They fell into a sleep that might have been restful but for the clanging of a bell.
Griff roused immediately, and Avera murmured, “What’s wrong?”
Gustav pounded on the door.“Let’s go, pirate.The fog is coming which means the monoliths will be under attack.We need all the wolfframm blades we can muster to repel it.”
The statement roused Avera who rolled from bed and began to dress.
“Need I remind you that you don’t have a blade that can counter those creatures,” he stated.
“No, but I do have blood,” she replied, flashing him a look.“I wonder if smearing it on a regular sword will be as effective.”
Griff groaned as he realized her intent.“You’re going to insist on trying aren’t you?”
“Did you really think I wouldn’t fight?”
He knew she would.He didn’t have to like it though.They dressed quickly and headed downstairs where Gustav stood waiting—with Starlight.
Griff arched a brow.“I’m surprised to see you out of bed.”
The dragon-woman waved a hand.“I was already awake.Thought I’d go see what the fuss was about.”
“This ain’t some party, so stay out of the way,” Gustav warned as they exited the house and made their way rapidly on foot to the top end of the street.
Griff could see the roiling fog, a wall of it that stopped at a pair of fat pillars, the stone of them old and crumbling.All that protected the town from being taken over.
A curious glance had him looking behind to see the fog encircled Seaserpent’s Bay.The pier and his ship were hidden by the mist.He suddenly was very glad Gustav insisted they leave no crew on board overnight.
As they jogged, he huffed, “How is it the fog stops where the dock meets land?”
Gustav didn’t look at him as he replied, “Same symbols that are on the monoliths are etched on the stones supporting the pier.Given the protection is lopsided, I’m thinking at one time there used to be more.As it is, we have just enough coverage to keep everyone safe at night so long as they don’t stray.”
As they reached the pillars, Griff noted only six men, three of them standing between the markers with ropes around their waists while the other three remained a pace behind.
“Why don’t you have more fighters?”he asked.
“You should know how rare it is to find a weapon of wolfframm,” Gustav reminded.“It’s the only thing that can kill the mist monsters.”
“I might have a solution for that.”Avera pulled forth the sword she’d borrowed from Griff’s armory and showed no hesitation as she slashed her forearm.Blood welled and she gestured to Gustav.“Come here.”
