Firedrake - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,97

their news. After they’d settled the question of why Wil had been taking and what their enemies were up to.

“My congratulations to you!” Nico walked over to Jenet and touched her neck, now entwined with Nellin’s. “I’m very happy for you both.” He turned to the human part of the new family. “And you three as well.” Nico winked and slapped both men on the back. “It’s about time you claimed your rightful place, Drake.” Drake accepted Nico’s back-pounding hug and felt the warmth of acceptance as Nico turned to give Krysta a kiss of welcome.

The others added their congratulations and Drake was a little amazed at how easily everyone accepted him as a knight. He’d thought for sure there would at least be some doubtful looks, if not outright denial of his ability to fulfill the new role.

It was a joyous moment, but it was overshadowed by the serious issues they had yet to discuss. Nico moved to Riki’s side, taking his wife in his arms and pulling her back against him so they faced the rest of the discussion together. Drake liked the way the other couple fit together and hoped that in time, he, Mace and Krysta would be as comfortable as the Prince of Spies and the Queen of the Jinn were now.

“So you found Wil on Gryphon Isle…” Nico prompted so they could resume the story. Drake was just as glad to have the attention taken off himself and his new family.

“We met Gryffid and his army of fair folk.” Drake shifted uncomfortably, thinking about the revelations still to come.

“And Gryffid advised Drake of his heritage,” Mace said, spilling the beans. Drake threw his new fighting partner a dirty look, but Mace only grinned at him. “Seems our Drake is descended of the wizard Draco, through Sir Declan’s line and possibly the fair folk, through his mother’s.”

“You’re joking.” Riki’s eyes widened as she looked at Drake. Everyone was looking at him again, much to his chagrin. The master bard was uncomfortable being the center of attention. What a joke.

“I’m afraid not, milady.” Mace continued, a light of humor in his eyes that was new to the usually serious knight. “More than that, the wizard Draco gifted his descendants with fire magic, and through our new bond, I seem to have gotten some of it too.” Mace opened his fingers to display a plume of flame, conjured in his palm.

“Sweet Mother!” Lana breathed.

“Firedrake!” Kelvan said with awe.

“What in blazes is a Firedrake?” Roland wanted to know.

“Apparently, I am, my liege.” Drake smiled ruefully, glad now that the secret was out. “As is Mace now, and perhaps my blood-father too, if we can show him how to tap into the flame.”

Mace closed his fingers, making the fire wink out. “Drake has already used this magic in battle against skiths in the village of Bayberry Heath on our way back from Gryphon Isle. As a weapon, it is formidable.”

“And a little uncontrollable at the moment,” Drake admitted. “I need a lot more practice, I’m afraid.”

“Astounding,” Roland said. “And it’s effective against skiths?”

“Burns them to ash quicker than dragon fire. And Drake can selectively target what he likes. He can flame the skith and leave everything else unharmed,” Mace added.

“Now that sounds familiar.” Nico turned his gaze to his lady wife. “Riki can do that too.”

“Only against evil,” she reminded her husband, then turned back to the group. “I did it once, when I was cornered by a skith. I can’t call flame in my fingers like Mace just did.”

“Drake becomes a pillar of flame,” Krysta added with some pride in her voice. Drake felt the warmth of her regard down to his toes. “It’s very effective.”

“I bet.” Roland looked over the newly made knight with interest. “So you’re more than a pretty voice and glib tongue, eh?”

Drake liked the way Roland took all this news in stride. He especially liked that Roland felt at ease enough to tease him. Drake had spent a lot of time away from home, but already, Draconia and the people in it were coming to know him again as he learned their changes. It felt like he had picked up where he left off with the king, and that easy camaraderie they had once shared was renewing itself as the days passed.

“I pray I prove to be a credit to your service, my liege. I know…” Drake hesitated briefly. “I know I’m not exactly knight material, but now that the deed is done,