The Dragon Legion Collection(28)

This was the gift of Pelias. Just moments ago, he’d been at death’s door, and now he was healed. He tipped back his head and uttered a prayer of gratitude. As he turned the first breath of his dragonfire on the fallen warrior, Alexander admitted that he would be proud to pass from this world in the same way.

Alexander would never forget this legacy.

And he would serve Pelias’ memory with honor for all his days.



* * *



Lysander was enthralled with his new adventure. It had been exciting enough to leave Cetos’ house to go with Pelias for the agoge, but even better to learn that he would be like his father. He was fascinated by the Pyr’s powers.

He was surprised by his mother’s abilities, too, but becoming a pillar of water and attracting rain wasn’t nearly as interesting as turning into a dragon at will. Lysander hadn’t had the chance to choose, but he would have chosen the very power that he hoped he’d get.

And now, he’d have a new friend, too. Theo looked very ill, but Lysander knew that the other boy would get better and would be his best friend in the world. They’d grow up and be Pyr warriors together, fighting back-to-back like their fathers, defending the four elements and the treasure of the earth. Unlike the Slayers, they would defend the human race as one of those treasures. He wanted to know everything about being Pyr, the sooner the better. He was going to be the best Pyr ever. He’d make his father proud and kill evil Slayers wherever he went.

Lysander used his keen senses to keep watch while his father honored Pelias. He tried to smell for evil Slayers. He stood in the rain and guarded Pelias’ armor, watching his father and staying close to Theo.

When his father was done, the rain stopped. His father shifted to human form and knelt with his head bowed. The wind stirred and the ashes of Lysander were blown away, even as his mother stepped past Lysander and put her hand on his father’s shoulder.

His father reached up and gripped her hand, as if he were relying upon her. Lysander watched, knowing he’d never seen Cetos and his mother like this. His two parents stood as if they were one. Was that because they both could change shape? Lysander decided that when he had a wife, he and she would stand together like this sometimes. It was like Pyr warriors fighting back-to-back, in a way.

“I never knew,” his father said softly.

His mother almost smiled. “I think you can imagine why I didn’t tell you.”

His father glanced up. “And the stories that were told about you?”

His mother nodded, then turned to look north. She had the expression she got when she was deciding what would happen next. “At least four days walk to Delphi from here, I’d say.” She picked up Pelias’ bag and checked the food and water within it. Then she handed it to Lysander. “Will you carry our supplies?”

Lysander was glad to have a job.

His father smiled at him. He changed his clothing, putting on the hoplite armor as if he did as much every day, then flung Pelias’ red cloak over his shoulders. He picked up Theo and held the limp boy against his side. Theo sighed and settled against him, as if glad to be there. Lysander’s father nodded at him, then offered one hand to his mother. “Maybe tomorrow, I’ll have the strength to give you all a ride.”

A dragon flight! Lysander had always wished his real father had been around, and now he knew that having his father back was just the beginning of the greatest adventure he could imagine. He carried the pack and tried to remember his mother’s instruction to not ask too many questions. It might just kill him to keep silent, but he’d try.

He decided to consider it a lesson in discipline.


That’s what Pelias would have said.



* * *



Katina knew that Lysander’s curiosity could barely be contained. She watched their son and knew he was bursting with questions. He might even try Alexander’s patience.

They walked down the hill as the sun rose and reached a good road by the dawn. Alexander didn’t want to stop, so Katina gave them each some of bread and water from Pelias’ pack. Their pace slowed a bit as they walked and ate. Theo stirred and took a little water. He was sleepy, as if he’d survived an ordeal, and Katina suspected he had.

“They’ll help him at Delphi,” Alexander insisted, and she believed him.

Katina offered more bread to Alexander. He might have declined but she urged it upon him. “You’re the one healing from a battle. Don’t fight me.”

“She’s like that when she decides,” Lysander informed him solemnly. “You should just take it.”

Alexander smothered a smile, his eyes twinkling as he glanced at Katina. “And do you always just do as you’re told?”

“Mostly,” Lysander admitted with a flush.

Alexander laughed, then sobered. “When you train, you’ll have to do better than that. You must always obey, for the safety of your fellows can rely upon it.”

Lysander nodded solemnly.

Katina found herself watching Alexander. He walked with an easy grace, eating slowly and surveying the surrounding hills. She had no doubt he was using his keen senses to ensure their safety and she doubted he’d sleep before they reached Delphi.

She wanted him more than ever before. She wanted to kiss him, to run her hands over his chest to ensure that he was truly healed. She wanted to make love with him over and over again, to reassure herself that they had survived that encounter. She was aware of the heat in his gaze when he glanced at her, and it made her thoughts turn in a very earthy direction.