“Good.” Ragnar brushed his claw against her cheek. “I’ll miss you.”
“Of course you will. I’m amazing.”
“You’re leaving now?” Vigholf asked.
“Sssh,” Keita whispered. “Not so loud. We’re doing this quietly.”
“Why?”
“I’ll explain it later,” Ragnar said. “Give us a few minutes.”
Vigholf nodded and headed toward the exit. But he stopped, worried. “And your escort is not Éibhear, right?”
“You know, he’s improved greatly in five years,” Keita reminded him, always so protective of her oversized baby brother. Emphasis on the
baby
.
“Your escort isn’t Éibhear,
right
?”
Keita let out a breath. “No. It’s not. He’ll be staying here with you lot. And I expect you to take good care of him.”
“He’s not alone, Keita.” Ragnar glanced at Vigholf. “He has his brothers to watch out for him.”
“And we all know they won’t!”
Vigholf and Ragnar laughed. It was true. That poor Blue’s brothers were harder on him than any of the Northland dragons ever were, but it was evident Éibhear was starting to get a little tired of it. That is, when he wasn’t too busy fighting with his cousin Celyn.
When Keita began to tap one talon of her back claw against the hard floor, Vigholf stopped laughing even if Ragnar didn’t.
“So who
is
going with you?” Vigholf pushed, not liking any of this.
“One of my cousins. But, as I said, let’s keep this quiet.”
“Why?”
“Ragnar can explain it later.”
“Why can’t he explain it now?”
“Don’t be annoying, Vigholf.”
“Then answer my question.”
Keita’s eyes narrowed and she took a step forward. To do what, Vigholf didn’t know, but Ragnar held her back by placing a claw on her shoulder.
“Keita and Ren are being escorted by the finest soldier Her Majesty’s Army has . . . Sergeant Rhona.”
Vigholf rolled his eyes.
“Her?”
“What’s wrong with Rhona?” Keita snapped.
“If you’d asked me that a couple of days ago, I would have said absolutely nothing.”
“And today?”
“She’s overworked and she whines.”
“Rhona? Whine? I didn’t think she even knew the meaning of that word. And why would she whine?”
“Because I broke her precious spear.”
Keita gasped, eyes wide. “You broke Rhona’s spear?”
“It was an—”
“Her father gave her that spear. He made it for her.”
“The blacksmith, yes?” Ragnar asked.
“Uncle Sulien. He used to live in a volcano.”
Frowning, Vigholf asked, “Why?”
“He was born there. His whole family was. They’re Volcano dragons. All that heat and dwarves nearby . . . they’ve become excellent blacksmiths and glassworkers over the last millennium or so. He can make all sorts of incredible weapons. My father hates Uncle Sulien, though,” she added offhandedly. “Have no idea why. But it’s a deep, resentful hate. More hate than he has for most dragons.” She grinned. “I like him, though. He always brought me warm treats like little lambs or newborn calves, still bleating away.”
Ragnar shook his head. “Lovely.”
“I think you should take someone else,” Vigholf told Keita. “A couple of my cousins should work.”
“Why? What’s wrong with
my
cousin?” Keita briefly pursed her lips. “Or is the fact she’s lacking a cock your main problem with her?”
“That sounds amazingly wrong,” Ragnar noted.
Vigholf sighed. “She cries over a broken spear—”
“That a father she adores gave her!”
“—and can any Cadwaladr female say she doesn’t have a cock?”
“Very funny.”
“Besides, you need stronger protection than the Babysitter.”
Keita gasped again. “Are you the one who started calling her that? She
hates
that nickname.” She shrugged. “Although she was my babysitter for a time. When my nanny was off.”
“Are you even listening to me?” Vigholf demanded.
“Not particularly, no. I know Rhona. She’ll keep me and Ren safe. Of that I have no doubt.”
“Well, I do.”
“Then you can go with them.”
Vigholf looked at his brother. “What?”
“If you’re that worried, you go with Keita and Ren.”
“I have a war to fight here.”
“And while we get everything in place and finish the tunnel, you have time to go to the Southlands and get back before you’re even missed.”
“I’m a commander. I can’t just wander off.”
“You’re not wandering off. I’m ordering you off.” Which made Vigholf chuckle until his brother’s glare stopped him.
“Besides,” Ragnar continued. “You can check on Mother.” Their mother, along with all the Northland She-dragons, had been sent to the Southlands for her own safety when they’d moved to Euphrasia. A decision that had confused all the Southland She-dragons. “Can’t they fight?” Bradana had asked. “Most of ’em may be missing a wing, but not their claws or legs.”
And although Vigholf could speak to his mother with his mind anytime he wanted, he still greatly missed her presence. “And wouldn’t you feel better keeping an eye on the sergeant? Just to make sure she doesn’t make any
huge
mistakes in her overworked, tired state.”
His brother did have a point. And it wasn’t like they were in the Northlands. Euphrasia Valley was much closer to all the borders. They could be in the Southlands and then Dark Plains rather quickly, drop off the royals, and be back in just a few days to finish off the Irons. Yes. That worked. And, while they were traveling, if he could find the Babysitter a new weapon, something a little more . . . appropriate for her age, all the better.
“All right then. When are we leaving?”
“Within the hour,” Keita said. “But remember, not a word to anyone.”
“And you’ll tell me what’s going on once we’re on our way?”
“I will. Promise.”
Rhona met the triplets in what they called their “safe place.” The one place their mother would never be seen. In other words . . . the makeshift library.
She motioned them behind some tall piles of books and took another look around.
“What’s wrong, Rhona?” Edana asked.
“Nothing. But I need your word that you’ll not repeat what I’m about to tell you.”
“Of course not,” Nesta promised. “You know you can trust us, sister.”
She smiled at the She-dragons whom, with her father, she’d raised. Of all her siblings, the triplets made her the most proud. They’d make mighty warriors one day and even better leaders.
“I’m off for a few days. Shouldn’t be gone long.”
“Off? To where?”
She couldn’t help but roll her eyes a little at Nesta’s question. “To protect the Royal Princess Keita on her way back to the Southlands.”
Edana frowned. “And we can’t repeat that . . . why exactly?”
“I have no idea. But Keita was adamant that I could tell no one.”
“But you’re telling us,” Breena remarked, smirking. “Bad She-dragon.”
“I know. I know. But this is Keita I’m dealing with. Who the hell knows what she’s up to and why she feels the need to keep it quiet. But I at least want you three to know, in case something happens. Especially if Mum finds out. The last thing I need right now is for her to think—”
“You’re a deserter?”
“Exactly.”
Nesta shook her head. “Mum knows better than that.”
“Well, she’s a little pissed at me right now. So I don’t want to test her.”
“Good idea,” Edana agreed. “So where exactly are you taking Keita?”
“Back to Dark Plains.”
“Awww,” the triplets said at the same time. “You’ll see Daddy!”
That made Rhona smile. “Aye. I will.” Her father had been working Annwyl the Bloody’s forge since the war began. It was a huge forge and her father had many talented blacksmiths under him. Some dragon, others human. It was a good place for him to be since he didn’t get along too well with those in Devenallt Mountain, the Southland dragons’ stronghold. He especially didn’t get along with Uncle Bercelak, as those two had never been friendly. “I’ll make sure to bring you a few weapons from his collection.”
Nesta and Breena clapped and cheered softly, still conscious of how sound traveled around cave walls, but Edana, always the more serious one, frowned. “Be careful, Rhona. I adore our cousin, but Keita is reckless and plays where she should not.”
“I’m well aware of how our cousin operates, sister. I have my guard up. Now I need you to do the same.”
“Don’t worry, Rhona,” Edana told her with a small smile, “we’ll handle Mum.”
Keita watched the big Lightning leave before she faced the dragon she adored—although she still hadn’t told Ragnar that she adored him. It wasn’t good to give a male that sort of information too early in the relationship. And yes! Five years was still too early in the relationship, no matter what her pesky aunts may believe.
“Why did you insist Vigholf go?” she asked.
“Because he would have driven me insane until Rhona returned. He won’t admit it, but he keeps an eye on her.”
“Whatever for?”
He smiled. She loved that smile. “Because he fancies her and has since the very beginning, I’d wager.”
“That’s unfortunate,” Keita admitted. “She hates him. Calls him the pest. One should never be a pest to a Cadwaladr female. That never works out well.”
Ragnar pulled Keita against him. “You shouldn’t underestimate my brother. Besides, the more protection you have, the happier I’ll be.” Ragnar placed both claws on either side of her face, gazed deep into her eyes. “Please, Keita. Please . . . don’t be stupid.”
“Thank you very much,” she said on a laugh.
“You know what I mean. You are, on your best day, foolhardy. You take dangerous chances. Especially when it comes to ensuring the safety of your kin.”
“I won’t do anything that will stop me from helping my kin.”
“Are you sure we shouldn’t tell your brothers?” Keita’s three eldest brothers commanded their own troops with three generals reporting directly to each and the respective number of legions under each prince’s banner. It had been many years since Fearghus, Briec, and Gwenvael had led troops into battle, but they’d done well from the beginning, impressing even the hard-to-impress Northlanders with their skills.
“If Fearghus and Briec find out, they will leave and take half of Mother’s army with them,
and
the Cadwaladrs. You can’t afford that right now and my brothers will not be stopped. Not when it comes to this and no matter the protection you think is in place in Garbhán Isle. But Ren and I can handle this without going through all that.”
“And bringing your cousin?”
“Merely a formality to ensure our safety. Ren will be working Magicks, and his strength will be diminished. As will his focus. But Rhona will watch out for us like a ferocious demon dog from the underworld.”
He finally smiled. “I wouldn’t say that to her face.”
“No, no,” Keita replied with some seriousness. “She’s not like her sisters and mother. She’d not find that a compliment.”
Chapter 4
Rhona met Keita and Ren at one of the lower exits. As human, they’d take this tunnel out of the stronghold until they reached a safe distance and could finally fly. But seeing her younger cousin waiting patiently for her had Rhona remembering the last time she’d babysat Princess Keita when the Dragon Queen’s centaur nanny had been away from Devenallt Mountain for a few months. A few months that had been the longest in Rhona’s life. Yet Rhona loved Keita despite that past incident.
“Cousin!” Keita cheered when she saw her, running over to give Rhona a hug. “It’s been absolutely ages!”
“I saw you less than an hour ago.”
“Really?” Keita glanced off. “It felt longer.”
Rhona’s eyes briefly crossed before she asked, “Are you ready to go, cousin?”
“Aye. We are.”
Rhona stepped away from Keita and went to Ren. Her smile warm, she hugged him. “Hello, old friend.”
“Rhona. Are you ready for all this?”
“No. But to protect you from Keita, I’ll be there.”
Ren laughed and Keita pouted.
“Then let’s get on the road,” Rhona prodded, ready to be traveling.
Keita quickly sized her up. “You’re being very pushy, cousin.”
“The quicker this gets done, the quicker I can return to the battle.”
“And glory?”
“What else is there for a Cadwaladr?”
Keita patted Rhona’s shoulder. “You make me sad.”
Ragnar, also in human form, wrapped his arms around Keita, pulling her into his body. He hugged her tight, whispered something into her ear.
Although unable to give them complete privacy, Rhona turned away—and faced Vigholf. She frowned, noting he was dressed for travel with his big, human-sized but adjustable warhammer and ax tied to his back, a thin fur cape around his shoulders, and a travel bag over that.
“Why are you here?” she asked Vigholf.
“I’ll be coming along.”
Her eyes narrowed more. So much she could barely see. “Coming along where?”
“With Keita and Ren, for protection.”
Rhona slammed the butt of one of her emergency spears into the ground, her hand gripping the shaft tight. “They have me for that.
I’m
here to protect them.”
“Of course you are.” And the condescension came through loud and clear. She was surprised he didn’t pat her on the head like a trusted but crippled mutt.
“New spear?” he asked.
“No. One of my backups.”
“Have you thought about moving up to a short sword?”
“No.”
“They’re not hard to learn to work with. I could show you while we’re traveling.”
“I know how to use a short sword. As I’ve explained, I’m trained in all weapons.”
“But you still use a spear?”
“I like it.”
“For field use, I understand. But for this kind of mission . . . shouldn’t you have something a little less . . . cumbersome?”
Rhona pulled the spear back to demonstrate on his neck how cumbersome her weapon was, but Ragnar stepped between them.
“Check outside,” he told his brother. “Make sure it’s clear.”
Vigholf walked off and Ragnar faced her.
“I know,” he said before she could speak. “I know.”
“How can two brothers be so bloody different?”
“Let him do this,” Ragnar pleaded with a smile. “He’ll feel better and—”
“So will you?”
He shrugged. “She’s my Keita. Knowing that both you
and
my brother protect her on this trip will give me nothing but ease. And you’ll find out soon enough why this trip is so important. So for me—and my sanity—do this.”
Dammit. If it had been anyone else . . . but it was Ragnar. From the beginning he’d impressed Rhona. Fair, smart, and a strong commander, he never questioned whether she or any female could or should fight. He simply assumed if you were in the army you could do your job. He was rare for a Lightning. His brother, however . . .
“Rhona?” Ragnar pushed.
She nodded, but with reluctance. “All right. But you’ll owe me, Dragonlord—for putting up with him.”
“Fair enough.” Ragnar winked and motioned at Keita. “And you’ll protect her?”
“She’s blood, my lord. I’ll protect her with my life.”
“Good. Because she
is
my life.”
Rhona smiled. “That I know.”
Vigholf crouched low by the small cave entrance, big enough only for a human. He raised his arm, lifted his hand, and then he heard it. The signal from Meinhard letting him know that it was—as best he could tell—all clear. Vigholf waited another second, then two. When he was sure, he brought his hand down.
Rhona came out first. Her gaze swept the area. After a moment, she moved quickly and kept low.
Keita and the Eastlander rushed out behind her, keeping low, keeping quiet. He looked back at the exit one last time, his brother standing there watching them go. They locked gazes, the need for words and good-byes long gone. On this trip anything could happen to Vigholf, and during a war anything could happen to Ragnar. It was the way of the warrior and something they’d accepted long ago. But they wouldn’t dwell on that. Instead, Vigholf nodded at his brother, took one more look around, but seeing nothing strange or out of place, he followed the others and headed to the Southlands.