Their colors were exotic to people who had only ever seen snow dragons. Verdant green and blue-green, their scales sparkled in the sun. Their trumpeting calls were echoed by Shilayla when they were close enough to hear them.

  “They ask if we are friendly,” Shilayla told her riders after a moment. “They claim to be the leaders of the Northern Lair. I will tell them what happened to us and try to find out more about them.” A few minutes later, as the dragons closed on each other, Shilayla started to descend. “We’re going down so you two-legs can talk more easily.” There was a hint of humor in her voice as she glided down for a gentle landing.

  The two new dragons landed alongside—one on each side of her. Lilly could see there was just one man riding each dragon, and judging by their dress and build, they were both warriors. They dismounted as soon as their dragons touched ground and turned to face Lilly and Luc as they also dismounted. Lilly went right while Luc went left, each keeping one of the warriors in their sights by unspoken agreement. The two foreign dragons moved around to face Shilayla, eyeing the white dragon curiously. Shilayla paced forward to confer with the dragons, leaving the two-legs, as she had called them all, standing together.

  “I am Hal, and this is my fighting partner, Jures. We, along with our dragon partners, Tilden and Rue, lead the Northern Lair. Where do you come from, and what is your business in Draconia?” the man with brown hair asked while his blond partner came to stand beside him.

  “I am Lucassian, and this is Lilly. We were flying across the Snowlands, heading for the Blind King’s Court, when a magical tempest came upon us, flinging us here,” Luc answered briefly while Lilly eyed the warriors critically.

  They looked well-equipped and moved with the lethal grace she had come to associate with the best warriors her father had trained. She would not underestimate these two—especially because they were men who had been chosen by dragons. That said a lot about their abilities, but she needed to know more about their character before she would pass judgment on whether or not they could be trusted.

  “I have seen these places on maps, but if what you say is true, you have traveled far from where you were. How long did the journey take?” Hal asked.

  “The blink of an eye, it seemed,” Luc replied, brushing the hair back off his head. “My people are very familiar with magic, and I have never seen the like of what hit us. It was as if a whirlwind opened in the middle of the sky and sucked us in, dumping us out here.” He shook his head.

  Lilly sympathized. Hers was still spinning a bit from the tumbling trip through whatever that had been. Thankfully, Shilayla had recovered quickly, navigating the turbulent air and bringing them out alive on the other side.

  “I believe that whoever has been trying to hamper my quest was responsible for our delay in returning to my King’s court,” Lilly spoke for the first time, opening her cloak and allowing the men to see her warrior’s garb. It was time to find out if they would help or hinder her quest.

  The blond man’s eyes narrowed. “I see,” Jures said, speaking for the first time, “that you dress as a warrior, milady. While female warriors are not unknown in Draconia, it is unusual to find one flying dragonback. And you, sir, are of the fair folk, are you not?”

  Luc nodded. “Yes, Sir Jures.” Luc gave the man his full formal title. “I am the Scout Captain of an enclave of my folk. I was sent with Lilly as envoy to King Alric’s Court in response to his inquiry.”

  “We don’t know much about King Alric, to be honest,” Hal said, sighing as he looked over at the dragons. “Frankly, we’ve never seen a dragon such as yours, though we have all heard legends of snow dragons. For her sake, you will be welcome in the Lair to see if we can help sort out what happened to you and how best to get you back on track. I suspect my King will want to know about this, as well.”

  “Our mission is vitally important, Sir Hal,” Lilly said quickly. “I would rather not be delayed here any longer than is necessary. My liege foresaw war, and Luc’s people saw visions of the burning of my King’s city. I would prevent that, if I could. All these delays feel like enemy action working to stop me from completing my quest.”

  “We are not your enemy,” Hal replied. “Our kingdom has never had dealings with Alric the Blind, to my knowledge.”

  “What about the Alchemists of Elderland and beyond? Have you alliances with them?” she challenged, wondering if she could trick him into revealing any pacts his people may have made.

  But Hal shook his head. “We have no dealings with Elderland either. Those places are very distant from here. There is trade by ship, of course, but the ports are in the south of our land. I don’t believe Roland has ever received a delegation from Elderland or any land east of the great sea.”

  This man called his King by name without any sort of title attached? That said something to Lilly. It sounded as if Hal was actually friendly with his King, unless he misspoke. Lilly tucked that thought away for later consideration as Shilayla came back to them, leaning her head over the tops of their heads to gain attention.

  “We will go back to the Lair with these dragons,” she announced. “We need to regroup and plan our return to our lands. They have promised to help and will not hinder our departure, even if you two get into a fight with their people. They have given me their word. They claim there is a Jinn envoy coming there to speak with us. I don’t know why, but the Jinn roam far and wide through many lands. Perhaps, this one has information that can help us.”

  Luc turned reluctantly to the knights. “It seems our dragon friends have decided our next moves for us,” he said graciously. “We are returning to your Lair and will confer there with a representative of the wandering Jinn.”

  Hal and Jures looked at each other in subtle surprise but agreed readily enough. Lilly just hoped they weren’t flying into another trap.

  “Technically, we’re across the border right now. Once we pass over the river, the Lair is not far,” Hal told them. “We will likely have a larger escort. Do not be alarmed. Everyone will be curious to see a snow dragon.”

  They all mounted up and flew toward the distant river. Lilly was glad of the knight’s warning when other dragons flew out to meet them with their knights atop. The dragons were all sorts of colors, from sparkly gold to deepest blue, red or brown. Lilly had never imagined such colorful dragons. To her, glittering white was the right color for such intensely magical creatures. These others seemed very foreign.

  They landed on a ledge that led inside a mountaintop, and Lilly was astounded to find that the Lair these people and dragons lived in was built into the stone of the mountain, itself. The ledge opened into a large space with tall ceilings held up by stanchions of rock left like pillars every few yards that seemed to support the open spaces. It was like nothing she had ever seen before.

  The archways leading deeper into the mountain were carved with elaborate scenes of dragons in flight and were wide enough for two full-sized dragons to walk side-by-side. The place was enormous and full of life.

  As Luc and Lilly dismounted, Shilayla was clearly the center of dragonish attention. All eyes were on her gleaming white presence, and she seemed to stand a bit taller under the scrutiny. Hal and Jures came over as soon as they were dismounted, their dragons walking behind them.

  “Welcome to the Northern Lair,” Hal said, his tone official, his words reaching out to all those who were loitering around, clearly intrigued by the newcomers. “If you would care to refresh yourselves after your long journey, we have food and drink, as well as comfort chambers within. My dragon partner, Sir Tilden, and his mate, Lady Rue, will help see to the needs of your companion, Lady Shilayla. The dragons are most curious to learn more about her and what has brought you all so far south, as are we.”

  Luc answered for them all. “We are grateful for your hospitality. Thank you.”

  Without further ado, the two-legged members of the party headed for the carved archway that led farther into the mountain while the dragons closed around Shilayla. Lilly looked back, concerned, but didn’t see anything that looked hostile, just really curious.

  Lilly and Luc were shown to small rooms where they could wash up after their long journey, and Lilly was amazed at the accomodations. The little room she was in had all the modern conveniences, including both hot and cold water on tap. Whatever else these dragon folk would prove to be, they lived in comparative luxury, and so far, seemed very welcoming.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Luc kept in contact with Shilayla, even as he allowed the leaders of this Lair to separate him and Lilly from his heartmate. So far, he had seen nothing to indicate that these dragons or knights meant them harm, but they were definitely strange to his eyes. Such colorful dragons seemed almost unreal, and he’d never been around so many human warriors.

  As they resumed walking down the wide hallway, Hal was at Luc’s side. Jures walked next to Lilly, unspeaking.

  “This is the great hall,” Hal announced as they crossed under an archway that led to a massive room that had multiple long tables and space for both dragons and knights to gather together.

  Food was laid out along the nearest wall in a buffet that was filled from the kitchen Luc could just see through another archway behind that wall. A huge fireplace lay at one end of the room along with a high table. Hal and Jures stopped just inside the giant room and greeted a woman who rushed over to them. The lady was wearing a gown of great quality and kissed both men familiarly before turning to Luc and Lilly. Hal made the introductions.

  “This is our lady, Candace,” he said simply.

  “Welcome to our Lair,” the lady said graciously, smiling in a friendly way.

  Luc had heard of the odd trios formed by the dragon knights in Draconia but hadn’t expected to see it in action. This trio seemed happy enough, and Luc passed no judgments on how various people wanted to partner up. It was not the fey way to intrude into other peoples’ lives unless they were causing harm, and clearly, these people were not harming anyone with their choice of lovers.

  “I am Scout Captain Lucassian of the fair folk,” he replied, introducing himself. “And this is Lilly Deverelsdoter, messenger from King Alric the Blind.”

  “Thank you for receiving us, milady,” Lilly said politely.

  “Are you hungry? We have just begun laying the evening meal. You are welcome to join us or, if you are too tired from your journey, we can show you to a guest suite where you and your dragon companion can rest, and I can have food delivered there. What is your preference?” Candace asked solicitously.

  “Shilayla tells me that your dragon friends are taking her to a herd set aside for dragon sustenance,” Luc told them. “I believe Lilly and I would prefer to eat here and discuss our situation, if that is acceptable to you.”

  “More than acceptable,” Hal replied heartily, ushering they toward the high table in the rear of the room.

  Candace smiled and walked beside Jures, who still flanked Lilly, Luc noted. These knights were cautious, which he understood. He just hoped their caution didn’t hide any more sinister motives.

  They all sat at the high table, and immediately, platters were set before them by young kitchen helpers. The lady had words of praise and greetings for each of the teenagers, Luc noted.

  “Lair children all help out from a young age,” Candace explained. “The ones serving our food are the children of our knights, doing their rotation in the kitchens this season.”

  “We do something similar under the Veil,” Luc replied, liking the way the lady dealt with the youngsters. It was clear to him that she either cared greatly for the youths or was a consummate actress. He thought, and hoped, it was the former.

  “I’m not familiar with the Veil, Sir Luccassian,” Candace said to him. She was seated between her knights, at the center of the high table. Luc and Lilly had been placed together, on one side of the table, beside Sir Hal.

  “I am not yet a knight, milady,” Luc corrected her gently. “I am currently the Scout Captain but hope to be elevated to knighthood when I return, successful, after this mission. If I understand the geography correctly, my home lies to the north and east, over the mountains we call the Dragon’s Teeth. We are far north of King Alric’s lands, above the Snowlands, near the top of the world.”

  “Sounds cold,” Candace said, shivering.

  “Not under the Veil,” Lilly piped up. “It is an enclave of fair folk and snow dragons, protected by a magical barrier that none may pass without their permission and escort.”

  “I have never heard of such a place,” Candace marveled. “Forgive me, I had assumed you were partnered with your dragon friend, Scout Captain. In our land, only men partner with dragons, and once they are chosen, they become knights. Is that not the way in your home?”

  “Not really,” Luc answered, trying to explain. “Shilayla and I have been heartmates since we were both children. She is wild-born and is not yet full grown. We have trained together and worked our way up the ranks of the Scouts, as all young pairs do. The next step for us is to move into the Guard once we have both proven ourselves to our elders’ satisfaction.”

  “I believe I understand,” Candace said as they all began eating. “Do women partner with dragons in your land?”

  “Yes, milady. Snow dragons choose who they will form the bond with,” he explained. “Some partner with mages, some with healers, and many choose warriors, of course.”

  “Magic must be a lot more prevalent in your homeland than it is here, Scout Captain,” Candace observed. “I mean, we have all seen magic, from time to time, but mages are few and far between in Draconia.”

  “The most common form of magic here is that attributable to our dragon partners,” Hal put in. “Humans are not very magical at all, compared to the other races, so I’ve been told.”

  “That is true,” Lilly observed. “My King is a seer, but there are few mages in his land. I have heard that it is more prevalent to the south of his borders, in Elderland. And, of course, there are the Alchemists.”

  “The who?” Candace asked, clearly puzzled.

  “The Alchemists? You have not heard of their enclave?” Lilly waited, but Candace shook her head. “They are a group of scholars who have a large settlement in the northern part of Elderland. They are led by a Grand High Alchemist named Osmian, who was the reason for my mission to the fair folks’ Veil.”

  “He sent you?” Hal asked. “I thought you were sent by King Alric.”

  “I was,” she confirmed. “Sorry. Let me explain. King Alric was blinded as a child by Osmian’s apprentice, who was executed for his crime. Osmian was demoted in rank for a while but has recently risen to power among his people. My King, as I’ve said, is a seer, and he foresaw that Osmian seeks to wake the sleeping wizards imprisoned in the Citadel. He sent me to warn the fair folk who live under the Veil.”

  Silence met her pronouncement, and Luc wondered if Lilly realized how much she had just revealed. If these people were on the wrong side of things, he, Lilly and Shilayla could be in very big trouble, right now. He held his breath to see what would happen.

  “This is grave news. We know for a fact that King Lucan of Skithdron and his allies in the Northlands have been seeking the same goal. We have been fighting to stop them for years now,” Hal revealed, and Luc began to breathe again. It sounded like they were on the same side in this most serious of conflicts.

  One of the dragons that had been lounging in the shadows rose and came over to stand in front of the high table. She was smaller than the other dragons and pitch black. Of the many colors of dragon they had seen so far since arriving here, this was the only black dragon Luc could recall.

  Luc saw Shilayla enter the hall at that moment and begin walking toward the high table. Her belly was rounded with her recent meal, as were the two dragons who accompanied her.

  The black dragon looked back, to watch Shilayla and her escort approach, then swiveled her head to view the high table once more. She had not said a word, but all eyes were upon her. She seemed to smile as magic filled the air and a black mist wrapped around her. As the vortex dissipated, it left a woman, clad in the elegant leathers of a seasoned warrior in the dragon’s place.

  Shilayla stopped in her tracks and dropped to the ground, bowing her head to the woman. Luc had never seen his heartmate do anything of the kind and grew concerned. He was half out of his chair when the woman spoke.

  “Be at ease, Scout Captain. I am Zallra of the Black Dragon Clan of the Jinn, descendant of Jintau and Jora. I have come here, specifically, to meet you three and aid you in your quest.” She turned again to Shilayla. “Rise, young one, and join us. We have much to discuss.”

  Shilayla seemed hesitant but rose as the lady instructed and came to stand near the end of the table where Luc was seated. He spoke to Shilayla directly, still worried about her reaction.

  “What is it, Shi?”

  “The black dragons are rulers of both dragonkind and mankind. This lady is descended of Draneth the Wise through his youngest son, Jintau, and Princess Jora of Elderland. Lady Zallra is noble, magical and powerful. Do not underestimate her, Luc, and treat her with great respect,” Shilayla advised.

  Luc didn’t really follow most of the lineage stuff, but he understood the general tone of respect and awe. Shilayla had never reacted to anyone quite like this.

  Of course, Luc had never seen a dragon turn into a person before. That was high magic, indeed.

  Lilly was amazed at the appearance of the woman where the dragon had been. She blinked a few times to be certain she was seeing right.

  “Join us, Lady Zallra,” Candace invited, motioning to the chairs vacated by the standing knights. They had risen as soon as the black dragon had approached and now stood with their heads bowed just slightly, in respect.

  Lilly stood and bent slightly in the unique blend of curtsey and bow, as she would have to Alric, though she kept her eyes up, as befit her warrior status. The woman nodded and took the seat between her and Candace that Hal had been sitting in. Hal moved over to sit down the table, next to his fighting partner, Jures.