Chapter 8

Aidan

They dropped altitude as they neared the Shadowan territory border. Aidan, Falcon, Sabryn, Edythe, and four warriors flew together in a “V” formation and stayed that way until landing on a large crater that spanned forty feet in diameter. It had been left in the middle of the old mall parking lot by pure dragons who’d likely attacked someone or something at full force sometime in the past few years.

Before them sat a large building complex that had seen better days with many broken windows, crumbling walls, and caved-in roofs. He knew Bailey and her father used to hunt here often and wondered if it troubled her to see the place with so many memories of her sire in the ruins. He didn’t dare ask since she’d pushed down her sorrow to focus on the war. Occasionally, though, he caught sadness in her gaze before she quickly masked it.

His attention shifted toward his potential allies.

Since they were meeting pure dragons, neither Aidan nor his companions changed forms. Instead, they waited for the Shadowan leader to come forward. He dipped his snout and let out a huff of steam. Aidan returned the gesture as was the custom among their kind.

After that, each side lined up, standing on their hind legs to show their bellies for others to see. It wasn’t easy revealing one’s underside, where they were more vulnerable, but pre-inspections before meetings had become an accepted practice in the region. The Taugud weren’t the only ones who’d encountered infected members with dark magic, so no one objected despite the awkwardness. The signs were more apparent in their beast form since they didn’t have clothing to hide the evidence. One could tell if they were contaminated because they’d have black scales swirling out from the region near their heart. It also tended to emit a sickly feelingif one got close enough.

Once they were satisfied all was clear, Aidan gestured at Morgan with his red-scaled hand. The young sorcerer moved hesitantly forward, shades of anxiety in his blue eyes. He still had difficulty being near pure dragons despite regular exposure to them and shifters who’d promised to protect him. Everyone assembled there stared at theman with inhuman gazes, which might have been a little intimidating.

Gathering his courage, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes to the dangerous predators that could easily rip him apart. A whisper of golden power encircled his body, with the wind whipping through the area as he lifted his arms. The maelstrom grew so loud Aidan could hardly hear the words Morgan chanted. Within a minute, a thick bubble with a pink sheen had formed to encapsulate both sides of the gathering. Everything beyond them was hazy and unclear. No one could observe their meeting from outside the perimeter, protecting them from all manners of infiltration and magic.

The sorcerer dropped his arms and opened his eyes. “It is safe to speak now. Outsiders cannot spy on your conversation as long as I hold the spell.”

Aidan gave him a nod of appreciation. Morgan wasted no time moving behind the shifters, settling to the ground and placing two hands flat on the dirt. As he had done in previous instances, he linked himself with earth magic once the shield was erected, using his body as the conduit. This would allow him to maintain the spell for hours if needed without draining any more of his inner reserves. He had an impressive mastery of his powers, unlike any Aidan had seen before.

Thank you for meeting with us, Volker said, barely glancing at Morgan.

The Shadowan leader was a massive green dragon nearly three times as large as the average shifter in beast form. It spoke volumes about his current problems that he behaved civilly and exhibited no malice toward the Taugud. The last time they’d met, it had been on a battlefield where they both suffered familial losses. Years had passed, but dragons tended to have long memories.

Aidan settled his wings more firmly against his back. Of course, but I am curious about what compelled you to change your mind about joining us in the war.

Several of our settlements on the western side of our territory were attacked. We lost more than fifty dragons, including several of our precious hatchlings. Some of our strongest guards were at that border, yet they were no match for the Kandoran legion. Volker pawed the ground, ripping his claws through it. I admit I underestimated them despite your warnings.

It must have been a terrible massacre for him to confess that.

Do you understand that we are forming an alliance of dragons, humans, sorcerers, and slayers and must work together to succeed? Aidan asked. He wanted no room for doubts or surprises and ensured that point came across from the outset of every negotiation.

Volker glanced at the green dragon beside him—a female covered in his scent. She must have been his mate, though Aidan didn’t know her name. She appeared to hold some sway over the leader since they seemed to be communicating with each other privately.

The pendragon returned his gaze to Aidan. We are willing to do what it takes to protect our people from the madness spreading from the West.

If that is true, it would also include allowing us to assist you in fortifying your border. Aidan described the shield wall they’d prepared and how it would work. We will need the support of your humans and any sorcerers—including dragons with magic—within your territory if we are to join our defensive measures with yours before the onset of war. All participants must be given safe passage across all of our lands for the foreseeable future.

Even though they’d have limited time, expanding the shield as far as possible was vital. The farther it was extendedand the more magic they fed into it, the more difficult it would be for the Kandoran to advance east. At present, if the enemy got past the Shadowan border, they could infiltrate Taugud territory from the north. Aidan had been counting on his neighbors to accept his plans for the defensive strategy to work. He couldn’t begin to describe the relief he felt that they were finally coming around to his offer, though later than he preferred.

Volker’s gaze turned thoughtful. The idea of your shield sounds promising. We recently heard of a similar one deep inside the Kandoran lands and would appreciate such a wall to protect our young. The human cattle in my territory shall be safe if they agree to assist in its assembly. He shook his large head and snorted. We will consider it with the sorcerers.

Admittedly, it was a difficult concession for any dragon. Aidan had to believe they would come to understand the benefits of working with magic usersand thatthe toriq leader would comply with all his stipulations. In fact, he’d make certain of it soon enough.

I will have our human leaders reach out to your side to start the process.

The Shadowan pendragon swished his large green tail. I will speak with my people to ensure they cooperate, and we will be happy to help with the shield fortification in any way possible. It is imperative that my toriq and lands are protected while we battle.

Do you have a way to communicate with your humans? Aidan asked. Though no one in the Taugud could speak telepathically except beast to beast, there were exceptions elsewhere among dragons and people like Rayna with the ability.

Volker was quiet a moment. One of ours has the ability and uses it upon occasion. A human sorcerer in the northeast part of our territorycan speak into our minds, and he hears us if we converse openly with each other.

Aidan had no doubt the pendragon didn’t appreciate anyone listening to their conversations and wondered how they discovered him. Will this sorcerer be amenable to working with you, or is he a problem?

He has asked for cooperation between our kind. His chest rumbled with annoyance. “But we have declined several of his requests in recent months. We would have killed him for his insolence, but he eludes capture through cunning magic and two slayers who protect him.

That explained Volker’s reluctance to speak of him. If he is that powerful, then you must consider him as an ally. Make certain he is not tainted first, but I suspect the slayers would have killed him if he were a problem. This man will improve your defense capabilities and help bridge your communication gap with humans. It is worth a temporary truce.

Very well. The large green dragon’s throat rumbled. We will speak with him and see if we can come to an agreement for the duration of the war, rather than eat him as many would prefer.

Aidan inwardly winced at the thought of consuming a sorcerer. Surely, that would result in terrible indigestion. I appreciate your consideration for the greater good.

Hmmpf, yes. We must sacrifice much to stop the Kandoran.

Pardon me. Edythe—the head of the Taugud elder’s council—stepped forward. But in my lifetime, I have never seen your people cooperate with ours so readily. We are asking far more from you than ever, and I find it hard to believe a single attack on your toriq is enough to bring you to our side. Why should we trust you?

Aidan would have wondered about that as well, but as a leader himself, he had a good idea of the reason. The latest attack would have hit Volker personally as a failure to protect his territory. Pure dragons tended to be more violent than shifters, but they also aimed to have the upper hand when facing their enemies. It was all about being cunning and formidable. They didn’t start a war unless they believed they had a good chance of winning.

Volker’s losses in recent years had no doubt hobbled his sense of dominance, and now he’d do anything to prove he could still serve as a strong leader for the Shadowan. Perhaps, even, some within his toriq had begun to question his rule.

Volker’s red eyes narrowed. For a moment, he did not speak. His mate bumped into his side, and he glanced at her. It took several minutes before he returned his attention to Edythe.

We have sent multiple spies out over the last year, hoping to gain information on the Kandoran, but most have never returned. Finally, one who had been gone for two months came back a few days ago, injured and exhausted but showing no signs of infection. He was the bravest and craftiest of our toriq. It took several days for him to recover before he could tell his story, but it was then we learned of the size of the army we faced. You had not been exaggerating after all. It will take everyone we can gather if we have any chance of survival, and even then, it may not be enough.

Though it means cooperating with many of your old enemies? Edythe asked, skepticism in her tone.

Volker snorted. Old enemies such as yourself lack the capability to eradicate us. I must put the survival of my toriq first, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to ensure we all live to fight another day.

Aidan was pleased the Taugud elder took the time to ask difficult questions and that the Shadowan pendragon had gathered intelligence similar to theirs for confirmation. Everything he’d hoped to accomplish today was falling into place.

But he had more to add. Then, you should also agree that if we succeed in this war, everyone who participated in the alliance must adhere to a six-month truce afterward. No matter how prepared we are and how well we fight, we will all sustain losses. A period of recuperation must be included for everyone’s benefit.

Volker swished his tail. That would be acceptable for most of us, but I doubt the slayers will agree to it. They are incapable of such behavior.

Of course, the Shadowan had a point—though a frustrating one.

No. They are an exception, but their numbers are few, and they should not prove to be too much trouble.

I have heard… Volker narrowed his red eyes. That you have mated with a slayer and that she lives among you. Of course, I initially scoffed at the idea since it shouldn’t be possible, but more stories have come to me in recent weeks, making me think there is some truth to it.

Aidan tensed. He and Bailey didn’t hide their mate status within their territory, but they didn’t advertise it beyond their border either, aside from the Faegud. He could only guess that word may have gotten out by another method, perhaps through spies. Could the Shadowan be using humans? Stranger things had happened with the pure dragons, so the prospect couldn’t be discounted. While the larger beasts had fools among them, they also had highly intelligent members. They wouldn’t have survived to become the dominant species otherwise.

It was only too bad the news couldn’t have waited until after the war.

Unwilling to lie under the circumstances, he decided on the truth. My mate is a slayer.

How can that possibly work? Volker asked in shock.He must have hoped Aidan would give him a more plausible explanation.

I met her when we first arrived on Earth, and she had no idea of her birthright. With much guidance and patience, she learned control of her urges and now lives among my people without difficulty, Aidan said plaintively.

Volker shook his head. Your toriq accepts this? She has not attacked any of them?

She takes great care to avoid circumstances that might lead to it. Now was not the time to get into Bailey attacking Ruari once or what happened with the sorcerer and orb five years ago. It took some time for the Taugud to accept her, but most do now. She has even given me a son.

Aidan didn’t see a need to hide information that could come out in the future anyway. If the Shadowan spies knew about Bailey, they’d surely learn about a young golden dragon before long—if they hadn’t already. It worked to his advantage to reveal the news now. The more the pure dragons knew about Bailey and her willingness to ally with them, the greater the chance they would accept her and the other slayers who would fight in the war.

A child? The pendragon’s mate entered the conversation, glancing between them. I didn’t think it was possible.

It is for shifters.

Aidan gave him the summarized version of how his kind came into existence. He’d learned about it while on the orb quest with Bailey and the others. The first mating happened thousands of years ago between a pure dragon who was turned into a human by a sorcerer and then trapped with a slayer.

Due to a powerful spell, they were forced to live together for many years yet unable to cause harm to each other. Eventually, a strong bond formed. They also went on to have several children that formed the shifter race. Until recently, their origins had been lost to time.

All the present Shadowan listened with unexpected interest to the full tale.

My son can shift into dragon form, but he does not trigger his mother’s slayer instinct to kill him, so she and the others of her kind have no difficulty being around him, Aidan added at the end.

Is there any way you can convince your mate and the other slayers living in your territory to stop attacking my people? Volker asked.

Aidan snorted. You know as well as I that slayers must kill dragons frequently. Those I allow to live in my territory can suppress their instincts for short periods, but they cannot refrain for more than a week before battle lust will consume them. I can tell you they prefer targeting dragons who attack humans over any others, if that helps.

Volker let out a low growl. Hardly.

Edythe swished her tail impatiently. Perhaps it is time to discuss the truce's finer details because we cannot afford any confusion while we work together. The Taugud’s control of slayers is minimal and not up for negotiation. Even under these difficult circumstances, they rule themselves, and we can only promise they will fight alongside us in the war. They will target the Kandoran—and only them—during that time.

Aidan was more than happy to hand over the tedious work to Edythe. She had proven wise in the time he’d known her and would obtain the best deal for them. Nearly an hour passed before she finished, Falcon adding a few points of his own during the conversation concerning human relations and defensive measures.

When it was done, Aidan felt confident they’d gained a committed ally for the war. Volker had even promised to speak with the other nearby toriqan about joining them.

I will send word in a few days with details for a gathering of all the pendragons and other top leaders in our alliance to make our union official and discuss preparations, Aidan said in conclusion. We have been studying the Kandoran, working to find their weaknesses. It will benefit us to share what we have learned, and we must coordinate our strategies during that time. We will have a large safe zone where we can do everything without fear of spies.

Volker dipped his chin. Very well. My senior warriors and I will see you again soon.

Aidan bowed his head to pay respect to the other pendragon. Then he turned to Morgan and gestured to drop the shield. The sorcerer lifted his hands and whispered a few unintelligible words. A moment later, their ears popped as the bubble burst. Full sunlight and the harmonious sounds of birds and insects returned.

With their meeting concluded, Aidan took off into the air first. Edythe, Falcon, and Sabryn broke away to return to the fortress. The guards stayed with him and followed close behind as he headed east. It would take more than two hours to fly to his next destination and would take time he could hardly spare, but it was a matter he’d promised Bailey and his son he’d settle.

***

They arrived at the Bogaran border, where one of the Taugud guards who patrolled the area waited for them. Aidan telepathically messaged him, telling him he could resume his duties. Their group wouldn’t cross, so there shouldn’t be any conflict, at least not with the toriq on the other side. They were confirmed allies.

He watched the east intently for several minutes until a dragon emerged over the hill in the distance, traversing the landscape on taloned feet. As he ambled closer, Aidan recognized his brother with his red scales and docked tail. Zoran must not be flying to avoid detection by the Bogaran.

Anger and hurt that he’d kept buried emerged and almost overwhelmed him. For over two centuries, the male coming in his direction had made his life a living hell. He’d hurt him physically and psychologically every chance he could. How would they get past that?

Aidan spoke to his guards. I will speak to him alone. You can find a place to land and rest until I am finished.

They flew a short distance south where they could still see him but not overhear his conversation. Aidan chose a flat spot on the ground and shifted into his human form, waiting with trembling anger for Zoran to cross from the other side.

Though it irked him to admit it, he was amazed that the Bogaran hadn’t caught his brother during these last couple of months as he waited for this meeting. He must have grown proficient at evading pure dragons to survive so many years without a toriq. Of course, he had always been cunning and sly.

It should have been the death of him.

Zoran stopped ten feet away and stood on his hind legs, revealing a normal stomach free of black markings. The guard had done his duty and ensured his brother knew the proper protocols ahead of time. Dropping back to all fours, he lit into flames for his shift.

Aidan studied his human form once it emerged. Zoran’s straight black hair was cut much shorter than before, dark circles lined his eyes, and he’d lost considerable weight. He still had a large frame and plenty of musclesbutlacked any fat. His light olive skin even had an unhealthy tinge to it.

The most notable difference, though, was the lack of an aggravated expression on his face that he’d always worn before. Today, Aidan noted exhaustion, regret, and wariness. What had happened to him during these last five years to produce such a change? And did he care?

“You appear well, brother,” he said, choosing civility for his son and Bailey’s sake.

A large part of him wanted to pound his elder sibling into the dirt and let out many years of frustration on him. Hundreds of hurtful moments crowded his mind—constantly being tricked, locked in small dark places, made to look a fool, beat upon, and so much more. It was all Aidan could do to push those memories from his mind. He was a pendragon now and needed to behave as a mature leader and example for Orion.

Zoran bowed his head. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, milord.”

Aidan had never thought he’d hear those words from him, never mind in a respectful tone. It was all he could do to remain stoic and keep his wits together for the meeting.

He crossed his arms. “You may thank my son. He has pressed for this meeting nearly every day since coming home and demanded thatI give you a chance. I hope you did not fool a child as part of some ruse.”

“I have done many terrible things in my life, I admit, but using a child in such a way has never been one of them,” Zoran said, keeping his gaze cast downward.

His brother was making a shocking effort to prove he could be submissive. Never before had he behaved so humbly, not even with their father. Was he truly showing contrition, or was this another ruse in a long list of them?

Aidan growled. “What about me? I was a child when you began torturing me.”

“That was different…” he began, then shook his head. “It was wrong. I know that now, and I’m deeply sorry for it. If I’d understood the importance of family back then, I wouldn’t have taken you or our other siblings for granted. Only after losing everything did I realize what I destroyed out of selfish greed.”

He was undoubtedly saying all the right words, but could he be earnest?

“What happened to make you change so much?” Aidan asked, not bothering to hide the skepticism in his voice.

Raw pain entered his brother’s eyes. “Have you ever felt true and utter loneliness?”

“I was separated from my mate and child for nearly five years. What do you think?”

It was all he could do to hide the rawness in his tone. Aidan had been a ghost of his former self during that time, and while he put on a good act now, it still affected him greatly. He didn’t know if he’d ever fully recover from such a difficult period, but it was one of the reasons why he chose to keep his family close, refusing to adhere to the tradition of previous pendragons.

Zoran lifted his repentant gaze. “There was a time when I would not have understood your attraction to the slayer, but after spending time with her, I saw what made her such a good choice for you. She is brave, strong, intelligent, and loyal. Not only that, but she is a good mother and fiercely protective of those she loves. It must have been difficult to let such a female go, especially while she carried your child.”

“I hate that you met my son before me,” Aidan admitted, though his feelings went much deeper than that. It nearly tore him apart when he’d first heard about it, but what could he have done differently? They’d been trapped in a nightmare with little control until the pieces fell into place to make a change.

Light entered his brother’s eyes. “I am most fortunate to have encountered him, though I understand your frustration. He is a precious child and full of promise. I could hardly stand to see him go, but I took solace that he’d have you.”

Aidan balled his fists. He’d expected the meeting to be straightforward and that his brother would prove to be the same as always—malicious and self-centered. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined Zoran appearing humble and regretful.

He was the older brother Aidan had yearned for long ago. Was it an act? Even Kade had said to give him a chance, so maybe everyone was right that time and distance had made a difference. He didn’t show the slightest sign of being anything like before.

“Bailey told me you wish to fight in the war,” Aidan said.

Zoran nodded. “I cannot bear the thought of standing by and doing nothing while my brethren put their lives on the line. One thing that hasn’t changed is that I’m a strong warrior and built for battle.”

He couldn’t argue that point.

“You have no other aspirations?”

He laughed with irony. “No, not anymore. I wish to be near my family and to fight to protect them. That is enough for me, perhaps even…my final wish.”

Aidan truly wanted to believe him, and something deep in his heart tugged at him.

“Very well.” He worked his jaw. “I will give you a chance. You will patrol the western border of Taugud territory near the fortress and keep watch for any Kandoran activity. If you perform and behave well, I will allow you to stay and fight with us.”

It would free up one more guard for war preparations, which he desperately needed.

Relief filled Zoran's face, and his tense shoulders relaxed. “Thank you, milord. Is there a chance…I could see Orion at some point?”

If it were up to Aidan, that would never happen, but his son wouldn’t accept that.

“My schedule is quite demanding, but I will arrange a time for you to see him when it is convenient. Of course, I will be there to observe,” Aidan said, giving him a warning look.

Zoran dipped his chin. “You have been most gracious. I promise you will not regret it, and I will do all I can to earn your trust.”

Only time would tell if that were true.

“You will fly back to the fortress with us. You may not enter yet, but I will inform the guards of your probationary return and new duty assignment. We’ll arrange to have a full meal delivered that you can consume before you’re escorted to your post.”

There was no way Zoran had eaten well while hiding in the area these last months, and despite his massive size, he was thinner than before with his worn and dirty black camrium clothes loose on his body. Even his square face showed a disturbing level of gauntness, and his cheekbones were starkly prominent. He would need to be healthy to perform his duties at full strength.

Zoran expelled a breath. “That is more than fair. You have my deepest gratitude.”

Oddly, a weight lifted from Aidan’s shoulders at his response. Perhaps the absence of his eldest brother had bothered him far more than he’d realized. Even since Bailey and Orion came home, he’d still felt a small piece of himself missing.

Simply knowing Zoran would be back and guarding the border nearby made him feel better. In his heart—despite their ugly past—he knew he was making the right choice. His newly honed senses as a pendragon also confirmed his brother’s sincerity, which he trusted even more.

“Then welcome back, brother,” he said, not quite willing to reach the hugging stage yet.

Zoran began walking alongside him. “You won’t regret this.”