Chapter 10

Aidan

A large platter of hot bacon appeared before him. Aidan had already consumed so much that he didn’t know how to fit more in his stomach, but he grabbed a piece anyway to be polite. Everything he’d been offered was quite good.

“Don’t slow down now,” Esphyr said, wagging a finger at him. “You are too skinny and need to eat more.”

The woman was a skillful warrior, but she was also an excellent cook. His only complaint about his aunt was that she went too far in playing hostess whenever he visited. Her singular mission was to feed him as much food as possible, and she didn’t care about reasonable limits.

Still, he didn’t regret having his first meal at her home rather than the castle. Lately, he got interrupted more than he liked in the great hall and wanted some private time with his family. If only Bailey hadn’t had to leave early and could have joined him.

Her friend, Danae, had sustained some minor injuries from an explosion, and she wanted to check on her again. Aidan had been alarmed when he heard what happened, especially since two humans died in the attack, but he had to let the townspeople handle the situation unless they requested his assistance. That was part of their deal after he took control of the territory.

His mate had also mentioned needing a sorcerer, but he couldn’t spare any from the fortress right now. Their tasks were vital for his war plans. Still, he hoped she found aid soon. The human rebels could become a more significant problem if they escalated their activities, and then he would have to divert vital resources he couldn’t afford to lose.

Orion, sitting next to him, grinned. “I want more!”

“Take as many as you want.” Esphyr nudged the platter closer to the young boy. “Show your father how you’re such a good child and can eat better than him. I bet you’ll grow even bigger and stronger.”

“I’ve already had twice as much food today as I normally consume,” Aidan grumbled.

She snorted. “Then it is no wonder you are looking frail. How you didn’t collapse on the way here from malnourishment is anyone’s guess. Perhaps your strong son helped keep you upright along the way.”

He was hardly that bad, or his mate would have said something. Bailey had been watching him closely and ensuring he cared for himself. It was far too easy to become consumed by his numerous responsibilities and forget his own needs. Never mind that Aidan had started out his pendragon role in poor shape after years of torturous duties under Nanoq, all while suffering from separation from his mate and son.

“Mother!” Donar gave her an admonishing look. “He is fine and healthy, and he’s the pendragon, for Zorya’s sake. You can’t speak to him like that.”

“He’s my nephew, and we’re in the privacy of our home. He falls under my rule here.”

Orion giggled.

“It’s fine,” Aidan said dismissively. During private family gatherings, I prefer everyone treats me normally. It’s the only time I can be myself.”

Esphyr smiled. “And this is why he is the perfect pendragon. He is humble and has not forsaken his loved ones since his rise to power. Too many lose their way—infected with dark magic or not.”

He could have done without the power, but since he had it, he would do the best he could with it. Glancing at his son—chewing on yet another slice of bacon—he didn’t regret any of his choices. Aidan would stop at nothing to hold what he’d gained and take care of his people.

Olin, Donar’s father, leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach. He was a large man, but despite his wife's excellent cooking, he didn’t have much excess fat. Like his son, they were just large-framed shifters who could consume hearty portions.

“You should visit more often, nephew,” the older shifter said, gazing at Aidan. “My mate keeps the meals lighter when there are no guests. Don’t let her fool you into thinking she cooks like this daily.”

He’d been coming to their home for more than two centuries and was well aware, but he didn’t point that out to him. While his aunt did enjoy cooking, she had other duties and couldn’t spend all her time in the kitchen. He suspected it was why she outdid herself when she had an excuse.

He took a drink of water. “It is much appreciated.”

“I like coming here.” Orion wiggled in his seat. “Aunt Esphyr feeds me whatever I want, and Uncle Olin lets me watch him work. He carved a stone for me with blue and purple fire that looks just like a dragon. Will I be able to do that?”

“We won’t know for many years yet,” he said, reaching over to rustle his son’s dark hair.

With Aidan and Bailey so busy, they’d been having different relatives take turns watching Orion. The young boy loved spending time with his other family members and didn’t seem to mind. At the end of the day, though, he was happy when they came to get him.

“Eat more,” Esphyr ordered, glaring at Aidan. “You have a long day ahead of you, and who knows when you’ll eat again. I’ve heard about you skipping meals more often than not. We do not need our pendragon to be weak and fall ill, especially at this time.”

He began to understand why Donar acted grumpy all the time. His mother was a taskmaster who controlled all within her domain with an iron fist. Telling her “no” was not an easy feat.

“I don’t miss eating more than once every few…” he began to say, but a knock sounded at their front door.

Donar was still finishing the eggs his mother had set out for him. He pretended not to hear anything. The male shifter hated it if his meal got interrupted and knew very well he was usually the one ordered to answer the door.

Olin pushed back his chair and stood. “I’ll get it.”

“What are you doing today, Apa?” Orion asked, finally done eating. He truly could consume a lot of food for such a small boy.

“Many things to help our people and keep us safe,” Aidan replied, smiling at him.

Olin reappeared in the room with a gate guard behind him. “They’re here for you, milord.”

Everyone stood. His family was swift to alter their manners once other witnesses were present. He never had to remind them to show respect or behave themselves when appropriate—aside from Orion who didn’t have to conform to those standards yet.

It only saddened him that they had to change for his sake now that he’d taken leadership of the toriq. Nothing would ever be the same since almost all pendragons retained their position until death. He’d never roam freely and do as he pleased again.

Aidan faced the visitors, shoulders stiff. “What is it?”

“The human refugees we’ve been waiting for are approaching the border just west of here,” the guard said.

They had impeccable timing, saving him from his aunt and more food. This was news he didn’t mind receiving. “Excellent. I will fly out to greet them directly.”

“Apa, Apa, can I go with you?” Orion jumped up and down. “Please?”

“The border can be dangerous, son.”

His expression fell. “I never get to see anything you do or even leave the fortress.”

Often, Aidan’s duties were inappropriate for his son to observe. He didn’t want Orion to witness the extent of danger they faced or the war preparations they made in the faint hope they could survive a large-scale war. There was so much he and Bailey tried to shield from their child whenever possible. The longer he could remain innocent, the better.

But then he remembered something else. Zoran was patrolling the border section where the refugees would cross, and it was his first full day performing the duty since returning home yesterday. Aidan had hoped to wait a while longer, having not told his son about his uncle’s return yet, but perhaps it was best to get the reunion over with sooner rather than later. They would have extra guards in place for the short journey, making it safer than usual.

“Very well,” he said, taking his son’s hand. “I will allow you to come this one time, but you better be on your best behavior and listen to me.”

Orion straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin. “You won’t regret it, milord.”

Aidan laughed. His offspring knew how to behave when it got him what he wanted.

***

He carried his son as they flew in a large formation to the border. Before leaving, they’d let Bailey’s brother, Paul, know to expect the refugees to arrive within the next hour or two. If not for the humans’ slow methods of travel, it would have been faster, but dragons couldn’t transport them and their belongings by air, and they didn’t have motorized vehicles.

Aidan caught sight of the group crossing the bridge over Interstate 35, following along Highway 9. Dozens of people, along with horses, cows, and wagons, were among the convoy. Orion buzzed with excitement in Aidan’s arms, staring at the procession.

“Wow, how far did they travel?” his son asked.

Since Orion had bonded with his beast, Aidan could communicate telepathically with him while in dragon form. Somewhere between eighty to ninety miles. With their method of travel and the dangers involved, it likely took over a week to reach us.

The animals and bad roads would have slowed them down, as well as limited travel hours as they avoided the Kandoran patrols. It was a miracle they managed to make it here without incident.

“That’s not as far as Mommy and I had to go from the coalition territory.”

No, Aidan agreed. But you had cars that could move faster, fewer people, and no cattle to transport.

“We did have Rayna’s horse,” Orion argued.

He began his descent so he could land on the highway. Onyx rode in a trailer.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.”

As they neared the traveling group, a red dragon flying above the humans came to land on the road ahead of the convoy. He gazed up at Aidan and his son as they descended, docked tail swishing.

“Is that Uncle Zoran?” Orion asked excitedly.

Yes. He arrived yesterday, and I assumed you would like to see him.

His son lifted his face to look at him with a wide grin. “You’re the best, Apa.”

If he weren’t careful, Aidan would give the boy anything he wanted to see that expression on his face more often. He doubted he’d have even considered letting Zoran return if not for Orion’s near-constant pleading. Who knew having a child could reduce a grown male to mush in their little hands?

As they landed, his brother had already begun the transition process with flames covering him. Aidan set his son down and started shifting as well. Orion waited impatiently. He hopped up and down, cast a curious glance at the human refugees, and leaped forward the moment Zoran emerged in his human form.

“Uncle!” he screamed happily and ran into his waiting arms.

Aidan’s brother smiled broadly and lifted the boy high before snuggling him close. “I missed you, little hatchling.”

“Are you okay?” Orion asked, hugging him close. “No bad dragons hurt you, did they?”

“You know they could not hope to defeat me.”

Aidan watched in amazement at how his oldest brother behaved with his son. In all his life, he’d never seen him kind or happy—at least, not that he could remember. Yet here he was, smiling and behaving normally without a hint of anger issues. Part of him envied the fact that the two had formed a bond first, but he also understood it couldn’t have been helped. Much of life had not been fair to any of them.

Zoran set the boy down. “You’ve grown since I saw you last.”

“Mommy says I get bigger every day.”

“Your mother is right much of the time.” He guided Orion back to Aidan. “But don’t ever tell her I said that, or she might use it against me. I do have a reputation to keep.”

Had Aidan just entered an alternate world? Not only was his brother an entirely different person, but he spoke about the slayer as if he respected her. While Bailey had said he’d avoided doing anything to upset her during the journey and obeyed her orders fully, Aidan had hardly believed it.

He studied Zoran’s jovial features. “You seem to be in a good mood today. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a more cheerful border guard in all my life.”

“Seeing you and Orion has made a difference,” his brother said, his body relaxed as he let go of his nephew’s hand. “Also, I’m finally home after five years, and there is no other place I’d rather be than here.”

“I told Phoebe and Ruari that you have returned, and they’ve both promised to visit soon. If not for their duties, they’d likely have already come.”

Zoran nodded. “I understand. There is much to do and little time.”

He spoke carefully, sensing Aidan was avoiding talk of war. There was a time when he wouldn’t have worried about such things, but once again, his brother had proven more adept at considering others. Perhaps when the danger passed, they’d carve out some time to discuss what had happened during his absence. It must have been monumental for such a drastic change.

“I need to speak with the refugees, but you may visit with Orion for a few minutes while I do so,” Aidan said, feeling generous to give them some space.

Zoran gave him a look of gratitude. “Thank you, milord.”

As he walked away, he could hear the two of them talking and laughing. They behaved like the best of friends. Aidan suspected he’d have to let Orion visit his uncle often, or he’d never hear the end of it. How did that little boy charm everyone so easily? Before yesterday, he’d thought Zoran was the coldest and most ruthless shifter he ever met.

Walking a short distance up Highway 9, he reached the refugees' convoy. They had several wagons pulled by two horses each, plus a couple of others riding their mounts. It seemed to be the latter’s job, along with a few dogs, to keep the cattle together.

While Aidan had spoken to his brother, the guards had checked the humans to ensure none of them were infected with dark magic. They stepped away, announcing everyone was clear.

“Hello, Elen,” he said, smiling at a woman he’d met twice in the past when he’d crossed through the town of Watonga. “I’m glad you came and made it safely.”

“Can’t imagine how the settlers did it back in the 1800s during the Oklahoma land run,” she said, climbing down from the lead wagon. She was a middle-aged, plump woman with graying brown hair and tanned skin. He assumed she was in charge since the rest of the town always acceded to her orders. “It wasn’t easy.”

“No,” he said, having no idea what she meant by a land run. Some sort of race on land? “But I appreciate you making the journey.” For one, he wouldn’t have to worry about them becoming absorbed into the Kandoran army, and also,more human hands would help with the war effort.

A man cleared his throat. He was walking from one of the other wagons, which contained half a dozen children of various ages. Aidan recognized the male from his last visit to Watonga and nodded at him.

“Glad to see you came as well, Dave.”

He appeared in his mid-to-late thirties and had scruffy dark blond hair and weathered skin. A short distance behind him stood a brunette woman with an arm around a girl who must have been about twelve. They were his wife and daughter.

Almost six years before, dragons attacked them, and they’d been badly burned. The little girl had nearly died from her injuries. Thankfully, Danae had been there to heal her, so the child fully recovered. No scars remained.

The man cast his gaze toward the shifter guards surrounding them. “Are we safe here?”

“You’ve just crossed the border and should be fine from this point, but I prefer not to take any chances,” Aidan said, then motioned toward Orion. “I wouldn’t have brought my son if I was truly worried.”

Dave’s eyes widened. “That’s your son? Cute kid.”

“Thank you.”

“How much farther do we gotta go?” he asked, cocking his head. “It’s been a long day keepin’ the children and animals in line. Won’t be lyin’ if I admitted we’re hungry as hell, too.”

One could only imagine how they’d traveled with so much while trying to avoid Kandoran dragon patrols. The fact that they’d made it was a testament to their determination and grit. They would be excellent additions to the fortress village.

Aidan noted everyone appeared healthy and whole, merely exhausted. “Did you run into any trouble?”

“Surprisingly, no.” He nodded toward the two men on horseback. “We were near a town we thought was abandoned when we saw some green dragons comin’ but those guys helped us hide in time. That was our only close call since we avoided travelin’ when they’re usually out.”

“And the men decided to join you?” Aidan asked.

“Yeah. They’ve been wantin’ to leave for some time, but they didn’t know where to go until we told them about this place. The chickens, two horses, and a milk cow belong to them. Hope that’s alright.”

“It’s no problem at all,” he assured the human. Then Aidan looked toward Elen again. “How many of you are there total?”

“We’ve got forty-three people—six of them kids.”

The fortress village currently had twenty houses available, plus a few places to run workshops or stores and a large pen for cattle. The two barns also had small quarters for those who didn’t have family and preferred to live alone. Aidan didn’t think they’d have any problem fitting everyone.

“That's good. We have the perfect place for you to live and places for your animals,” he said.

Relief filled their faces, and Elen stepped a few paces toward him before stopping. “I’d hug you if I could.”

Perhaps it was best his skin ran too hot for her since she’d likely embrace him in a manner not fit for a pendragon. Still, he appreciated the sentiment.

“You are more than welcome.” Aidan gestured at the shifters, who remained in dragon form. “They will guide you the rest of the way, so all you need to do is follow them.”

“Will you be staying with us the rest of the way?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I am the leader of my people now, and I have many duties that require my attention. We anticipated your arrival days ago, though, and I ensured everything was prepared for you. My mate’s human brother is waiting to get you settled into the village. I think you’ll find him and his female companion welcoming and helpful. Hot meals should be ready soon as well.”

“Oh.” Elen put a hand to her chest. “That sounds wonderful. We decided to come here with no idea if we’d survive the journey, let alone if we’d have a decent place to live once we got here. Just knew it was better than stayin’ put. It means a lot that you’ve done so much.”

“It was no trouble. I’ll check on you again when I can,” he promised.

Aidan hated leaving them so soon, but he needed to see Ozara off on her trip. She was embarking on a perilous journey. He had to be there to make certain her departure went smoothly and that she was fully prepared for the vital task before her. He had less than an hour before she’d leave.

“Thank you again,” Elen said.

He nodded and turned the other direction. It was time to collect Orion and get on the way quickly. He found his son straddling Zoran’s back as he spun in circles. They were laughing, and Aidan’s brother had mirth in his eyes.

“I’m afraid it’s time for us to go,” he announced.

The two of them stopped spinning.

Orion gave him a pleading look. “But I’m having fun.”

“I know.” Despite his misgivings about his brother, Aidan hated ruining his son's enjoyment. “But I’m due back at the fortress, and your grandma is expecting you.”

He’d already arranged for Bailey’s mother to watch their son today.

Zoran carefully lowered Orion to the ground and turned to hug him. “Listen to your father, okay?”

The little boy’s lips trembled. “But I missed you, and we barely got to see each other.”

“I’ll make you a deal,” Aidan said, hoping he wouldn’t come to regret it. “Once your uncle has had time to settle into his new job, he can come to the fortress for our weekly family meals, and you can see him then. Perhaps in a couple of weeks.”

He didn’t want to rush it, but it felt like the right thing to do.

Orion’s eyes lit with happiness. “Really?”

“But you must be a good boy.”

He hopped up and down. “I’ll be the best!”

Aidan had no doubt.