Firedrake - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,68

his brand of magic needs flame to express itself.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“Only to his enemies.” Gryffid’s gaze sharpened. “Which leads to why he is here. I can set you on the path, Drake, with Jenet’s help. Together you will rediscover the secret of your heritage and perhaps teach your blood-father a thing or two when you return home, eh?” The wizard’s expression turned amused once more.

Jenet neared and sat behind Drake, all but cocooning him with her sinuous length twined at his back. Her head loomed over the table, then settled at his side while Drake reached up to rub her brow ridges. He was glad of her presence. She comforted him. She was his anchor in the swirling mass of uncertainty the wizard had stirred.

“Are you all right?”

“Did you listen in? Did you hear what he said?”

“I heard.”

“And?”

“And I think he’s right. There’s always been something different about you. And about Papa Dec. I didn’t realize it at first, but after knowing other humans, I can say whatever it is, it isn’t present with anyone but you. And maybe a few of the Jinn.” Jenet blinked her jeweled eyes at Krysta. “It’s magic, Drake. Only with you and Papa Dec, it feels so familiar, I almost didn’t notice it.”

“It feels like fire,” Gryffid cut in, clearly eavesdropping once again on a private conversation. “Doesn’t it, little one?”

Jenet’s head rose sharply to regard the man. She blinked once. “It does.”

“Good. We can work with that. But for now” Gryffid turned back to the other two who sat at his table, “I wonder why you two are here.” His mood turned pensive.

“I suppose Herorthor’s actions play into your destiny somehow.” He gazed at Krysta searchingly. “You liked dragons before, but now you can bespeak them. That will change things. You may be able to put your skills to good use in the Lair and in the coming battle. If it comes to pass. Perhaps that is your reason for being here.” Gryffid raised one eyebrow in her direction. “But you” he turned to Mace, “puzzle me.”

“That is not my intent, sir.”

Gryffid laughed at Mace’s steadfast tone. “Oh, I believe you, Sir Knight. You’ve always played by the rules. You’ve worked hard to earn your place and you deserve it, but you’ve left joy behind somewhere. I think perhaps your new companions will teach you where to find it again though, so not to worry.”

“I wasn’t worried.” Mace’s dry tone wasn’t lost on anyone. He was clearly uncomfortable with the wizard’s scrutiny.

Gryffid sighed. “Ah, well, I will ponder your presence here, Sir Mace. I like puzzles and you represent a fine one. Now…” he turned to address Jenet, “…I assume you’ve checked William over from head to toe and are satisfied he is the boy you knew.”

“I don’t understand how, but it is Wil, just older.”

“Oh, that’s easy.” Gryffid waved one hand in a negligent motion. “I accelerated time. Or rather, I let a bit of it catch up. This island is my refuge, but even a wizard cannot live forever. So when I went into exile, I slowed time on this island. I have lived only a few decades while centuries have passed in the outside world. When I sent for Wil, I let time flow again—just a bit faster than it does outside my island’s boundaries so we would have more time together. Still, it’s barely enough, but it will have to suffice.”

“Time to do what, exactly?” Krysta asked.

Gryffid sat back. “To train him, of course. Wil has a destiny unlike any of his brothers. He will rule a far-off land, though I haven’t told him this. I didn’t want to burden him with the weight of his future. But I tell you now, so you’ll understand my reasons for taking him.”

“Nothing excuses kidnapping a boy and mortally wounding two dragons and knights,” Mace pointed out in his quiet way.

“My apologies.” Gryffid looked troubled as his eyes met Drake’s. “I am truly sorry for what the hirelings did to effect Wil’s capture. It was never my intent to harm anyone, especially not your fathers or their dragon partners. I hope you will accept my deepest regrets.”

“If any of them die as a result of your meddling—”

Drake didn’t get a chance to finish the sentence. Gryffid held up one hand, forestalling his angry words. “I can assure you, they are all well. Ren and Lilla made it to the Border Lair and were treated for their injuries. They will fly back to