Page 132 of The Dragonrider and the Void
“Nearly an even split,” Venrick replied. “It was difficult to tell in some cases if they were caused by the fighting or by the destruction from the Flashover.”
Lark nodded, accepting the ugly arithmetic of war. “And our friends?”
“Hardin and Sasja areresting, though I’m not sure how much sleep they’re actually getting.” A faint smile touched Venrick’s lips.
“That means Quin isn’t getting any rest either, unless she put quite a bit of practice into blocking out the human emotions you send down the bond,” Nix said.
Lark chuckled. “What are you talking about?”
“You know,” Nix said with a wink.
“As a bonded rider, you’re never truly alone,” Venrick said.
“Any update from Cheyanne?” Lark asked.
“They’re helping out as best they can, though tensions are still running hot in some districts. Many are still blaming her for bringing on the destruction in the city. Most can see it for what it was, though, what we did to save us all.”
“What about Ezra?” Nix asked, taking her attention away from the crown for a moment.
“Ezra is using his caravan to help move refugees back into the city to rebuild. And Yarla has been tasked to lead a group of elite elves to track down those among the Magi Order who escaped into the Everburning Forest.”
“Including Hierro?” she asked.
“Yes, I never saw him after your fight with Greggor. He must’ve seen how things were going and disappeared into the crowd.”
“He won’t remain hidden for long. He’ll find another King to manipulate or a way to bring Barrik back,” Lark said.
“That man is a cockroach,” Venrick said. “I wish we’d cornered him during the fight.”
“Something terrible will catch up with him if we don’t first,” Lark said.
“Cheyanne’s been coordinating with the city council, ensuring the displaced civilians are housed and fed,” Venrick continued. “And did you know White Eye is supervising the young dragonriders from a courtyard below?”
“Yes, it seems he’s taken on a mentoring role for those whose original trainers fell in battle,” she replied. The thought of her dragon guiding younger riders brought a small smile to Lark’s face. White Eye had always possessed wisdom beyond what most attributed to dragons, a connection to ancient knowledge that had only deepened since the binding ritual.
“King Agadorn is somewhat improved.” Venrick moved to stand beside her at the parapet, his shoulder brushing hers in silent support. “The healers say the Void Drinker’s possession shattered something in his mind, but fragments are beginning to reconnect. He recognized General Laurence today.”
“Who?” Lark asked.
“He was the General of the Legion the King recalled from the eastern front with Nordraven. Had you not stopped the battle from breaking out, his army would’ve arrived to an overrun and condemned city.”
Lark’s gaze returned to the devastated city below. “The King will need to make some critical decisions soon. About succession, about the reconstruction.”
“Actually,” Venrick said, “he already has.”
Lark turned to him, questioning, unable to keep her heart from fluttering at the sight of his smiling face.
“That’s partly why I came to find you. The King has issued a royal decree, his first coherent command since we completed the binding ritual.” Venrick hesitated, combing his hand through his hair as if uncertain how Lark would receive his next words. “He’s appointed you as Regent of Lamar until his recovery is complete. Full authority to act in his name. Since General Ashbrook seems to have fled and not returned from his mission to Storm Keep. He based his decision upon learning what you did to stop the Void Drinker. You’ve now got the backing of the King, the Vermillion Keep’s Paragons, and General Laurence’s forces.”
“Lark, you’re Queen of Skol and Queen Regent of Lamar,” Nix said flying around Lark’s head as though searching for a crown she thought might appear.
“I’m not Queen,” Lark denied. “I’m a dragonrider. I did what anyone else in my position would do. We just need to figure out who all is still in Astral City and reassign leadership while we rebuild.”
Queen of Skol and Regent of Lamar, she echoed the thought, then shook to clear her head.
“Skol and Lamar need new leaders,” Venrick pointed out. “Without them, there will be a power grab that could undo all our effort to root out corruption.”
“It shouldn’t all fall to me. With the bonds I already have and my commitment to the fae, I can’t be the ruler of two Kingdoms. Dragonriders shouldn’t have that much power. It goes against the laws the original twelve set into place. I don’t even know if I would maintain my powers. There could be spells that erode my bond if I took up these thrones.”
