“Yes, I was thinking on the many things that plague my people.”
“Things are definitely hectic.”
From the corner of his eye, Rorie saw movement. It was Worth walking alongside Drekkoril. To Rorie’s surprise, Worth’s llerka’irro had not eaten him. In fact, the little beast was seen nowhere but curled up with the Duke Argent. Like most Fae animals, she existed on fresh fruits and vegetables, and Worth prepared her a little plate at each mealtime. Preferring to hide in his clothing, she was most often tucked into his vest, a pair of big pink eyes popping out if she was curious about something. The dragon was already lamenting that when the dream was over, he’d wake up without her.
Everyone but the D’Vaires refused to go near Worth, terrified that Asteria would attack at the slightest provocation. Rorie had to admit he feared upsetting her too, but he had Orlami. Many had thought taming a Faedrekan was an impossible task because of their ferocious natures. What he’d quickly learned was that they had been protecting their homes, their families, and themselves.
“Roriethiel, Worth has asked us to take a tour of Sindrell,” Drekkoril announced once he was standing close enough to him and Renny that he didn’t need to shout.
“I need you to see the way your people are treating animals,” Worth explained.
“I’m guessing this won’t be a happy jaunt,” Renny said, getting to his feet.
“My brother and Rafe are considered kiods because they have dragons and wolves,” Worth said. “They think highly of Rorie and Drekkoril, thanks to their taming of Orlami and Zurenzi.”
“And you have Asteria,” Rorie pointed out.
“It’s a dream, so I don’t know what is influencing them, but yes, and I fear that people have become fascinated with animals. However, they aren’t treating them with the kindness that the five of us have always displayed with our beasts,” Worth stated.
“Let’s go figure out what’s going on,” Brogan said, stomping over from where he’d been sitting with Aleksander and Rafe, who were quietly reading in the traditional fashion since they lacked magic. “Are you two coming?”
“No way,” Rafe responded. “We’ve gone out plenty and while people are nice, they stare and creep us out. We feel better in the castle and specifically in the library where most everyone hangs out.”
“I will stay here to protect them,” Gavrael stated.
Dra’Kaedan, Saura, and T’Eirick joined them, as did Alaric and Chander. The two Daemon Lords that guarded Chander included themselves in the party, and they set out of the castle on the heels of Drekkoril and Worth. There were no more rioell setieons left who’d been assigned to the Noble Protector, so Drekkoril’s guards were part of the extended D’Vaire clan, pleasing Brogan since he considered the bemollo safer. Drekkoril had preferred not to show himself displaying favoritism toward strangers, but in the end was left with little choice if he wanted to preserve his welfare.
It was a short walk through the gates of their home. They traversed the pale stones, and the Fae up ahead were already scampering away, terrified of the Duke Argent and his llerka’irro. Rorie smiled as a familiar feeling rushed through him, and he lifted his head as two gorgeous Faedrekan glided through the air above them.
“Can you instruct them not to come into Sindrell?” Drekkoril asked.
“You know I have no control of Orlami’s actions any more than you do over Zurenzi.”
“Do not grow angry; I fear for their safety.”
“All I can do is ask nicely,” Rorie answered, coming to a stop a few feet from the first building that marked the beginning of Sindrell. Holding out a hand, he waited a few moments for Orlami to swoop down to receive affection. “How are you, Orlami?”
The Faedrekan dropped to the ground and rolled, allowing Renny to rub his belly.
“Silly drekan, listen well, please. The Fae have become enamored of animals, but there are those who do not understand how to treat such beautiful beasts as yourselves. Drekkoril and I would prefer if you and Zurenzi stayed to the castle grounds. Do you understand, good friend?”
Orlami got up and licked his cheek.
“Is that a yes?” Renny asked with a laugh.
“I do not know. Orlami, why has the dream not ended?”
The Faedrekan’s head tilted to the side as he studied Rorie, and he had no idea what to do. They could not speak to each other as the High Kings did with their wolves, so he had to rely on guesswork.
“Think back on what you spoke of with Orlami and Zurenzi when you gathered their scales,” Drekkoril advised. “That is the way you began the spell, is it not?”
“Yes,” Rorie answered, doing as he was instructed. Forcing himself to remember everything he discussed with the pair, he gasped as the truth hit him. “I told them I could not rest until I knew how we came to be on Renny’s realm.”
“What I don’t understand is why you don’t have that answer yet if you have no memory of current events,” Chander muttered.
“The only thing I have thought of that might explain it is an injury of sorts,” T’Eirick remarked.
“Great, that’s going to help me sleep at night,” Brogan bemoaned.
