Dragon's Claim Page 14

Sara nods happily.

  "True. But enough of Picard—what's up with you guys?" she asks, shifting the conversation. "How was the New Village?"

  So we hit the highlights again with her, laying out all the trouble we encountered with the New Villagers. We didn't go into as much detail as we had with Rosalind, keeping it to what we thought were the most relevant points. Sarah nods, a slight frown between her brows.

  "It doesn't make much logical sense, but logic and reason aren't always what dictate our actions, huh?" she murmurs.

  "This is true," Bashir agrees. "And not simply for humans."

  Sarah chuckles at that, nodding.

  "Too true. It's probably a problem with any and all sentient beings."

  Bashir leans forward.

  "I believe that is a fair assumption," he agrees. "I am sorry, but I have to know—do you have any news of the Tribe?" he asks, switching gears again.

  She nods.

  "These meteorite showers are a complication nobody saw coming, but I hear the Tribe is fine. They sustained some damage, but not to anything crucial. The people are all fine."

  Oh, good. That's really good to hear. Bashir relaxes next to me at that news as well. Something else has been bothering me as well though.

  "What about the City?" I ask. "It doesn't seem to have sustained any damage, at least not any that I can see. And those meteorite showers are no joke. We've seen what kind of damage they can do."

  Sarah nods.

  "It missed us altogether," she explains. "The shields somehow altered the course of the meteorite showers away from us here. We never felt any of it."

  That is not the answer I was expecting. Though I had no idea what I was expecting.

  "Wow," I mutter. "That's convenient."

  "That it is," Bashir murmurs, looking thoughtful. "Very useful."

  That's all the time we have for that conversation as others start to drop in to visit Sarah.

  At one point, Drosdan gets food and brings it over so we can all eat and discuss everything that has happened. The conversation is lighthearted, but also serious as we all consider the future.

  "The New Village will have to soften their hard stance," Drosdan comments as we eat. "They do not have the strength or the resources to sustain it."

  "Yes," Sarah agrees, followed by murmurs from everyone.

  I sigh internally. Too bad everyone but the New Villagers themselves can see the writing on the wall. I just hope they don't realize the obvious only after it is too late.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Bashir

  "We are so happy to see the two of you mated," Drosdan remarks as we get ready to leave, the murmurs of agreement from those assembled warming my heart.

  "It's really great! I'm so happy for you!" Sarah gushes, hugging Penelope tightly.

  Penelope laughs, hugging her back, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks at the attention, but she smiles at everyone as well. I bring our clasped hands up to kiss the back of hers.

  "I am happy as well," I murmur, looking into her warm eyes.

  The flush in her cheeks deepens further, and I just want to be alone with her, safe in our quarters, where I do not have to worry about any impending danger, or people watching, or anything but the two of us. Penelope seems to be of the same mind. We say our goodbyes and leave the small social gathering, walking back to our quarters, her small hand still gripped in mine. The walk feels long, though it takes only minutes.

  Once inside, it is as if a weight has been lifted of my shoulders. No guster to watch out for. No people to impress or convince. No need to keep my hands to myself.

  "I'm so glad we're done with our part," Penelope admits with a sigh as I pull her into my arms and wrap my wings around her for good measure. I cannot have her close enough.

  "Yes," I agree. "I do not envy Rosalind her responsibilities."

  It is true. Our aspect of this was specific, bound by certain parameters. Rosalind needed to actually fix the problem. And failure was not an option.

  "Hmm." Penelope cuddles in closer. "I completely agree with that. I don't know how she handles the stress. I'm just so relieved we're finally safe."

  It is an echo of the very thing I was thinking.

  "Come," I say, letting her go to take her hand. "I think you will feel even better after a bath."

  She smiles, allowing me to pull her over to the small bath. I turn on the water to fill the tub and turn back to help her undress. She watches me as I draw the dusty garments off her.

  "What about you?" she asks as I guide her over to the now full tub.

  "I will take care of myself after you," I murmur, helping her lower her lovely body into the steaming water. "One moment—I found something else for you."

  I find my pack and pull out the fragrant sprigs I picked for her on the journey back. Her eyes light up as I rub them in my hands and drop them into the water, their fragrance drifting up to fill the room.

  "They smell wonderful," she sighs, leaning against the side of the tub, her eyes closing in pleasure. "You're going to spoil me Bashir."

  I smile, soaking a washcloth. I lift her leg out of the water, draw the washcloth across her glowing skin in small circles, making sure to clean every inch.

  "You deserve to be cared for," I murmur. "In fact, there was a time, according to the ancient writs, when women were actually 'prayed' to. If I understand the meaning of the word."

  "They were?" Penelope asks lazily as I switch over to her other leg.

  "Hmm. The men cared for them properly, as they should. And there was a sense of peace on Tajss." I draw the cloth up her flat stomach, across her delicate ribs. Over the tight points of her breasts. She sucks in a breath at the gentle touch. "Even the beasts mostly minded their business," I murmur, absorbed in the task of sliding the cloth over her body.

  I look up when her hand covers mine.

  "I'm sorry your women did not survive," she offers in a low voice, her eyes filled with empathy.

  I smile, squeezing her hand. She is truly beautiful. I knew that her physical body was pleasing to the eye from the moment I saw her, but I find that the beauty she holds inside far surpasses even that.

  "I am honored that you are mine," I say softly, leaning down to kiss her gently.

  "I feel the same way," she murmurs, cupping the side of my face, her eyes filled with emotion.

  I kiss her again. I cannot help it. The kiss deepens. My hand slides under the water to touch her, caress her. My palm slides over her easily under the water. I finally break the kiss, wanting more, wanting all of her.

  She wraps her arms around my neck as I lift her from the bath, ready to take her to bed. Her lips press into my jaw with small, suckling kisses. I suck in a breath. I want to make love to her—

  "Everyone—come to the city center! We want everyone present for an announcement!"

  I freeze with Penelope in my arms as the shout reaches us from the hall.

  "What is that about?" Penelope wonders out loud, looking over at the closed door.

  I shake my head, at a loss myself. I do not know. But we need to go find out.

  Mood shattered, we get ready to leave quickly.

  By the time we make it to the center, a crowd had already formed, and Rosalind is on a raised platform with her mate Visidion at her side.

  She is already speaking as well.

  "...why you are all here now." She scans the crowd. "I want to be clear and transparent with everyone here because you choose to follow me as your leader, and I feel I owe it to you." Murmurs of agreement among those watching. Penelope grips my hand. "We are having problems with the New Villagers. They do not want to cooperate with us, do not want to form an alliance. This is dangerous for all of us on this world—conflict and ill will is the exact opposite of what we need to survive." She glances at Visidion. He gives her a slight nod before she continues. "It seems as though the relief we have generously provided the New Village may have also succeeded in blinding them to that reality of lif
e on Tajss. So. I do not think this one-sided relationship is in our best interests. If the New Village does not sign on to a trade agreement, does not agree to cooperate with us...we will stop sending supplies."

  The murmurs are louder this time, more energized, but they do not sound like protests. As I look around at those assembled, I feel that deep down...many feel that she is correct. As harsh as this measure would be, it is not unjust.

  Gershom caused a great deal of trouble, and even after that, Rosalind sent his followers aid despite the animosity between them. What did those followers do? They spit on that helping hand. Spit on the City and the Tribe even as they took what was given. Hypocrites.

  "She's not wrong," Penelope murmurs next to me, echoing my own train of thought.

  I voice my own agreement. Once the reaction settles, Rosalind continues.

  "I want to have control of the situation, to ensure this does not escalate. I also believe the ores in those mines they have access to should be co-owned, not hoarded as leverage to be used against us. So I intend to show them the error of their ways through delayed supply runs until they pledge to work with us and agree to co-ownership of the mines. Once they agree...they can again continue to enjoy the meat and fruits the Tribe grows and so generously shares."

  With that, Rosalind steps down and sweeps away, the announcement finished.

  I understand this approach and the reasoning behind it.

  I only hope nobody gets hurt in the process.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Penelope

  "I don't know. Elmer is an idiot and Jackson is often illogical. I'm not sure either of them will take the reasonable path here, no matter how beneficial or necessary for survival."

  I make a frustrated sound.

  "You're not wrong," I agree. "But we can't make their decisions for them. There is nothing to do but wait. And hope."

  "Yes, your concern is understandable," Bashir chimes in. "Perhaps Rosalind will allow an entourage of Zmaj to go offer the New Villagers who would like to leave one final chance to choose a saner place."

  Sarah nods, not looking convinced.

  "I hope it won't come to that," she murmurs, petting Picard where she's curled up in her lap. "Maybe they'll come to their senses."

  I agree with that sentiment. I don't think any of us want it to come to that. But if the New Village has already held out this long...

  And with Jackson and Elmer involved in a stubborn power struggle...

  I just don't know.

  In a perfect world, both of them would only have their people's best interests at heart. But this isn't a perfect world.

  "There is no use in worrying," I add, standing. "I know that's easier said than done, but it's still true."

  Sarah smiles wryly, nodding.

  "True." She sighs, seeing Bashir stand as well. "It's fine. I know you guys have to get back to the Tribe."

  "We'll visit again soon," I reassure her, stepping close to hug her.

  She hugs me back.

  "Have a safe journey back."

  We say goodbye to Drosdan as well. He's been quiet and watchful during the conversation, which I'm sure he's already had with Sarah. It's a complicated situation, one that we're all worried is going to blow up.

  I know my own advice is true. There is no use in worrying. We'll have to deal with what happens when it happens. Obsessing over it doesn't actually accomplish anything. I have plenty of time to think about it on the journey back to the Tribe. It's a struggle to keep my mind from picking at it, but I manage.

  "I am so tired of traveling," I groan when we're halfway there.

  Bashir chuckles.

  "I agree. But this is the last leg of our journey. We are almost there."

  True. I think I would be happy not to go anywhere for a few months though. I'm bone-deep exhausted in a way that one night's rest won't even make a dent in. By the time we do arrive, it's nearing dark, and we're just in time for dinner.

  "Welcome back, guys!" Delilah exclaims, the others also getting up to hug us, slap Bashir on the back.

  "Have you news?" Melchior asks as we all sit down to eat.

  "Yes," Bashir says, launching into the details. "The New Villagers are not ready to cooperate with us and Rosalind..."

  He lays out the big points, and we both fill in the details as people throw out questions.

  "So Rosalind has decided to withhold supplies if the New Village does not agree to terms?" Ormarr reiterates.

  "Yes. We're all hoping it doesn't come to that, but..."

  It's clear we've laid out an accurate picture when there's a moment of silence where everyone just chews. With all the information on hand, it doesn't seem as if the New Village will just agree. I push that thought aside resolutely. Not focusing on that. Not focusing!

  I finally take a bite of the special sauce Delilah has put out, curious to see how it turned out. And to distract myself. My eyes widen as the flavor bursts in my mouth.

  "Delilah, I don't know how you did it, but this is even better than before! I didn't even know that was possible!"

  She grins at me.

  "Tajss had to give us something good, right?" She winks at me. "We'll liven it up around here if it kills us."

  I laugh, my heart warming at the good-natured return. It's so good to be back. There's been so much to process over a relatively short amount of time that I feel exhausted. I'm just glad to be back here.

  Back...home. Not just the cut-and-dried meaning of the word. It truly does feel like that, surrounded by the dragon I love and the friends who are my family. Surrounded by people I care about and who care about me.

  I reach out and take Bashir's hand. He smiles at me. After everything...

  I'm not going to take this for granted anymore. Or only see the negative. There's a lot of good here too.

  I focus on eating as I consider that.

  Until the talk turns to the meteorite showers, again grabbing my attention.

  "According to the old writs, the storms usually precede certain events that change the course of history," Melchior explains.

  "Yes," Ormarr agrees. "There are multiple recorded examples, including when the zemlja almost died, when the oases tripled in number..."

  He goes on to list more examples. It's quite a list. Melchior strokes his chin.

  "Soon, the world may be a very different place than the one we have become accustomed to." His face and his tone are serious. Foreboding. "We simply do not know if it will be for good...or for ill."

  "I'm hoping it'll be for the good," I interject into the silence. "At least the stormglass is pretty."

  That elicits chuckles, breaking some of the tension.

  "It is gorgeous," Delilah agrees. "Maybe even useful." She stretches her arms behind her head. "I'm not worrying about anything tonight. I'm just glad the two of you are back, safe and sound."

  There's an enthusiastic round of agreement from everyone else at the table at that sentiment, filling my heart.

  Home.

  I've found it after all.

  Chapter Twenty

  Bashir

  "Are you sure this is going to be worth it? You know I'm tired of traveling. I'd be ecstatic just to stay in one place for a while."

  I chuckle, continuing forward with Penelope held securely. When I told her I had a surprise I wanted to show her, she'd looked at me seriously.

  "I like surprises and I don't like surprises," she'd said.

  "You'll like this one," I promised, hoping I was right.

  And I know the reason she does not like surprises is because she likes to be in control. The fact that she trusts me enough to let go is a gift in itself.

  "It is going to be worth it," I reassure her. "You will see."

  I've been excited about this since I secured special clearance to take the short trip with Penelope.

  "All right," she sighs leaning against my chest as I continue to use my wings to travel quickly. She gives me a side-eyed look. "So...has anyone
else seen this surprise?"

  "No," I reply honestly. "I only ever wanted to show you."

  I can see her soften at the words—and it is true. The sand cave is among the very few treasures I keep private. But I do not want to keep anything private from Penelope. I want to share everything with her. Everything I am and everything I have.

  Over the years, I've collected and stored a variety of things there, but even more importantly, it is the first place I remember after emerging from my Bijass. Much of what came before this place is a blur. This cave...it is the first clear memory I have. It is precious, a link to my past that I keep secret, hold close. Protect. Now I want to share it.

  Luckily, the trip itself is short and there is no trouble along the way, though I remain alert for the possibility.

  My next flying leap has us landing directly in front of the mouth of the cave. The suns are at such a point in the sky that light shines far enough from outside that we can see a fair amount even before stepping inside.

  Penelope's eyes widen with delight as I carefully set her on her feet.

  "Bashir...it's gorgeous," she whispers, staring.

  I smile, looking from her to the entrance of the cave. The opening is a broad, curved arch, the walls ridged as they expand back into the dune itself. Inside, holes in the ceiling let even more light stream in, highlighting some of the treasures I keep inside. I step forward with her as she stares in wonder.

  "I have cataloged years of finds," I explain. "Objects, ancient relics, books written in sacred symbols..."

  She shakes her head as she enters, her fingers skimming one of the books before moving on to a mosaic bowl, and then on to a heavy cloak I hung on one side.

  "I feel like a kid in a candy store," she says, grinning as she looks over at me. "Candy is a sweet treat," she explains before I can ask.

  "Ah," I nod, pleased at the description. "I am glad."

  Pleasure suffuses me as she continues to explore, interest and curiosity in every touch. Until she finally turns to me, her expression serious.