Border Lair (13 page)

Darian didn’t know Kelzy well, but knew in his heart she had to be a special dragon indeed to gain the trust of Jared, a man he’d known as wise and honorable to the core.

The young knights didn’t back down, but they stopped threatening Darian physically, and before he knew it a full-fledged confrontation was in the works. He cursed himself for going out into the public areas of the Lair alone as other dragons came over to see what Kelzy was doing. Suddenly his morning walk had become an international incident.

“Oh, great,” Darian mumbled to himself when a slightly rumpled Adora and Jared elbowed their way through the massive group now gathered around him and Kelzy. He should’ve realized the dragon would call her partner.

Darian would rather not have forced Jared’s hand this way, especially not after the momentous events of the day, and night, before. He had no idea if Jared would be welcoming or wounded this morning. The chances were good either way after the emotional upheavals of the night.

“What’s going on here?” Jared demanded of his knights while Adora stood back, watching with wide, nervous eyes.

One of the ringleaders stood forward from the sizable throng that faced him now.

“We want him gone, Jared. He’s Skithdronian scum and probably a spy.”

Jared stared at his knights in deep disappointment. He thought he knew these men. He thought he knew their hearts, but apparently he’d been wrong.

They didn’t know him well enough to trust his judgment and really, when had he ever opened up to them? It was his own fault.

Sadly, he shook his head. There was nothing he could say. Leaders led by example, not by making speeches. Jared took the time to look each and every one of his knights in the eye. He noted the ones who stood against him directly in defiance of his leadership and those who merely watched from the sidelines. Gareth and Lars were nowhere to be seen, though he would have hoped those two, at least, would have stood with him and trusted his judgment.

Saying not a word, Jared turned his back on the doubters and strode forcefully to Darian’s side. Clapping him on the back, Jared demonstrated his support of the Skithdronian lord who had become more than a brother to him, more than just a friend. This man was part of his family now. No matter what complications might arise from it, he would be there for Darian.

Kelzy moved away, surprising Jared, but it didn’t change his mind. He would stand with Darian against all comers. Alone if need be.

But they weren’t alone.

A moment later, another dragon loomed behind them. It wasn’t Kelzy and for just a second Jared feared some new form of attack, but when he looked up, his mind spun as his thoughts sped. The looming presence could only mean one thing. He just hoped his old friend was ready for what was to come.

Oh, the Mother was having a grand joke on all of them today. Her influence was clear in this new development. Jared just hoped Darian would understand what Fate had in store.

The huge copper dragon loomed over Darian’s shoulder, a solid presence, somehow even more comforting than Kelzy had been. Sandor’s voice boomed through Darian’s head as it had only once before. But this time, he felt a thickening of the connection, an opening of the pathway that led from the dragon’s mind to his own.

I claim you as my knight partner, Sir Darian, former Lord of Skithdron.

You have proven yourself worthy and if you will have me, I will be your companion and partner for the rest of your days.

“Merciful gods! What are you talking about?”

“You heard him?” Jared asked loudly. Darian was puzzled. Why would Jared ask such a thing? It was plain they’d all heard the dragon speak.

“Of course I heard him.”

Lord Darian has always had the ability to hear me It was just untapped. I have spoken to him before.

“Is this true?” Jared wanted public confirmation for some reason.

Darian nodded. “He spoke to me once before.”

“Then it’s his right to choose you as knight partner. Our law says any male who has the ability to communicate with dragonkind may be claimed if he is deemed worthy by the dragon who wishes to partner with him.”

“What are you talking about?” Darian looked from the astonished knights, to the huge copper dragon, to Jared and back again. Something cold and nervous settled in the pit of his stomach, while at the same time, something eager and joyous wanted to shout from his heart. Could this huge dragon really want him? Could this ancient and wise creature really see anything of value within a man who’d turned traitor to his own country?

I do claim you, Darian. If you will have me, I’ll be your dragon partner for the rest of your days and you will be my knight.

“Me? A knight of Draconia?” Darian could hardly believe it, though something deep in his soul wanted desperately for it to be true.

You have already proven yourself willing to put your life on the line to warn the humans and dragons of this land of grave and serious danger. You are a brave and honorable man. There are few knights here who are your equal, Lord Darian. Accept me as your partner and we will continue to do good work for the humans and dragons of this land.

Darian considered the copper dragon’s words for a long silent moment.

The boy who never aged within his heart was jumping up and down in excitement. Sandor was such a noble being and it was such a rare and splendid thing to even hear a dragon speak, much less want to be your partner for life. Darian knew he’d be a fool to pass up this magical opportunity. If he didn’t accept the dragon now, he’d live with regret for the rest of his life.

Still, agreeing to be a dragon’s knight partner wasn’t something to be undertaken lightly. Darian ran through the various possibilities in his mind but there was really only one answer for the dragon’s request.

“All right.” Darian breathed deeply, his chest expanding with excitement and joy. “I accept. And I’ll do all in my power to live up to your high opinion of me, Sir Sandor. I only hope you know what you’re doing.”

The dragon chuckled smokily. Trust me, my friend. Let it be your first act of faith in our new partnership. To make this official, you must accept me like this, Darian, mind to mind. Follow the path I have forged between us.

With the bright wonder in his heart spilling over into joy, Darian followed the path in his mind used only once before. It was wider now, more direct and easier to access. It felt as if the connection had always been a part of him and it gave him just a bit of insight into the soul of the incredible, magical creature who had just managed to alter the course of his life forever.

I accept, Sir Sandor. I will be your knight partner for the rest of my days.

Sandor turned and trumpeted his joy skyward, a noble acknowledgment of the newly made knight. All the other dragons followed suit, welcoming the new knight with a huge crescendo of sound that shook the very mountain itself.

Adora wept openly as she watched it all. First Jared had made her proud, his noble heart beating true as he stood up for his friend against the younger knights. She knew Jared’s honor demanded he stand for what was right rather than bend to pressure and she loved him deeply for his nobility and honor.

Then Sandor arrived, making such a public display of claiming Darian for his knight partner it took her breath away. Adora suddenly realized exactly who Kelzy’s co-conspirator had been all along. All they needed now was for Kelzy and Sandor to declare themselves mated and it would all be tied up with a nice, neat bow.

Adora was about to confront Kelzy with her surmise when Gareth and Lars strode in, having learned from their dragons what had just transpired.

Without a word, they went to stand firmly at Darian and Jared’s sides. Even their dragon partners, Kelvan and Rohtina, lumbered over to stand with Sandor. Kelzy moved to stand beside her son, Kelvan, and Adora finally saw the resemblance that had escaped her before.

Kelzy, is Sandor Kelvan’s father? She sent the question privately, amusement lacing her tone.

It took you long enough to figure it out. And here I thought you were such a bright child.

Sandor is your mate, then? That’s what you were talking about when you said the Mother of All knew what She was doing, wasn’t it?

Sandor came to the Lair to meet Kelvan’s new family, but when he first saw Darian, he knew he had found his next knight partner. Kelzy bowed her great head in acknowledgment and Adora suddenly knew what she had to do.

Moving to stand before the two men she loved, Adora reached up and kissed them both, deeply, in front of the entire Lair.

“Do you trust me?” she asked both of them as quietly as she could.

Both men nodded.

“Do you love me?”

Again, they nodded and their eyes were filled with the flames of their love as they looked at her. Adora offered up a silent prayer to the Mother of All, then turned to face the doubters who still stood against them.

“I am Princess Adora of the House of Kent.” There were a few surprised looks from those who hadn’t ever heard public acknowledgment of her royal status. “I claim these two brave men, these knights, as my mates and Prince-Consorts. They deserve your respect, and if you don’t like it, you may take it up with my cousin, the king.”

So saying, Adora linked her arms through both of her men’s and walked regally through the throng, which parted as if by magic in front of them. The dragons followed behind as they promenaded out of the area, leaving stunned silence behind.

When they reached their suite, both men turned on her.

“What did you just do, Adora?” Darian eyed her with suspicion, then turned his gaze up to the copper dragon who stood next to Kelzy trying to look innocent. “And you! What was that all about, Sandor? I’m no knight. I’m not even Draconian.”

I beg to differ. Every action you have taken since I’ve known you has been more than worthy of a knight. You are an honorable man and one who puts the good of others above his own. Those youngsters could learn a few things from you, Sir Darian.

“I agree with Sandor,” Adora said with some conviction as she moved to stand with the copper dragon. “He is after all, Kelvan’s father.” She looked accusingly up at the dragon, but her smile softened the teasing. “And Kelzy’s mate.”

“Sweet Mother!” Jared sat heavily on the sofa. “You two were planning this all along.”

“Planning what?” Darian wanted to know.

“Last night, and now Sandor claiming you…it’s all so they can be together.”

At this the dragons appeared to take offense, rearing their great heads.

So you three can be together, you ungrateful swine, Kelzy berated her knight. We saw right away that you three belonged together. You need each other. You were made for each other. Sandor and I have been mates for many years, it’s true, but we will outlive you all many times over. How could we sit by and watch you waste even one more of your precious years when love was looking you in the face and you were turning away? Ungrateful—

Now, Kelzy, he’s just young. He’ll learn. Sandor’s deep voice sounded amused to all three humans.

“Young?” Jared was clearly upset. “I’ve already lost a wife and son.” His voice broke on the words as his emotions threatened to overtake him. “Or did you forget?”

No, we can never forget them. Nor will you. Kelzy had calmed in the face of Jared’s sorrow.

Adora went to him and took him in her arms. “Nor should you, Jared,”

she said. He held her fiercely.

“I don’t deserve you, Adora.”

Now that’s the first sensible thing you’ve said since we got here. Kelzy’s tone was teasing in all of their minds.

Jared kissed Adora deeply then, as if he needed to feel her in his arms, grounding him in the changing situation.

“We have little choice, I’m afraid. We’ve been outmaneuvered by generals greater than ourselves.” Jared smiled briefly up at the dragons.

Darian gave Jared and Adora a lopsided grin, his eyes somewhat uncomfortable. “I can hear them in my head.”

Adora chuckled and reached out, pulling Darian into the embrace as Jared shifted her around in his arms.

“And so you should, Sir Darian.” She kissed him soundly. “Sandor couldn’t have chosen a knight who couldn’t hear him speak, now could he?”

Darian shook his head, smiling faintly. “I guess not. I still don’t quite believe it. Or understand it.”

All you need to know for now, Darian, is that by choosing you, I’ve fulfilled the Mother’s design for us all. It was fated that you three join and that by doing so, reunite me and my mate. Sandor’s deep voice was wise and gentle. The rest will come to you in the fullness of time, my friend. I believe you still have a role to play in protecting our world from King Lucan. He threatens to upset the balance of Nature with his evil plans and the Mother of All must have some purpose for you left to fulfill. Believe in that, believe in yourself, and believe in me. You will never be alone again, Darian, as long as any of we five here now, live. We are a family.

z z z

There was a mating feast, of sorts, held that night in the great hall of the Lair. Many were still injured from the battle and many others were on patrol.

The merriment was low-key, but the congratulations were heart-felt from most of the revelers. Some still eyed Darian with suspicion, but most of the younger dragons had been trained by Sandor or Kelzy, or both, and trusted in their judgment. With encouragement from the dragons, most of the younger knights were willing to give Darian the benefit of the doubt.

Surprisingly, Darian was familiar with the traditional mating feast dances from his years spent as ambassador to Draconia and was able to dance easily with Adora and Jared. It was Adora who had a tough time keeping up with her newly claimed men. Certainly, she had seen her daughter learn the steps to the odd three-partnered dances favored between the mated sets of knights and their ladies, but she had never performed the steps herself.

At the beginning of the dancing, when the patterns called for her knowledge and input, she stumbled, but either Jared or Darian was always there to catch her. As the night wore on though, the dancing got hotter and the men did most of the work. By the time they got around to the traditional mating dance, she had little to do—and little to wear—as the men tossed her around between them, holding her close, kissing her deeply, and fondling her nearly naked body.