in his office to Rodrigo alone.
“Alric said that Kaiser and his clan cast the spell,” Cameron paused and looked up at Lisette. “It was an anti-spell considering the damage it did. It killed off entire clans of mages. Dragons fought the Jaeggi Clan and died.”
“And they’re still around? You didn’t kill these bastards off?” Ha Na asked, her voice full of shock.
“Halmeoni!” Cameron and Cassie said in unison.
“No, she’s right,” Alric said. He smoothed his hand up Cameron’s back, and some of the tension flowed out of his shoulders. “After everything we lost, you would have thought we’d get rid of every last Jaeggi member. When the dust settled, no Jaeggi could be found. The rest of the mages had scattered and went into hiding. Most dragons were dead. We just wanted to return to our homes, care for those who’d survived, and mourn those we’d lost.”
Cameron surprised him again by jumping back to his feet and tightly wrapping his arms around Alric, pulling him in so close that it was like the mage was attempting to pull him inside his body for his own protection. Alric closed his eyes and hugged him, burrowing his face in the hollow of Cameron’s neck for just a moment. His hands gripped Cameron’s shirt, holding him tightly. When his parents had died so many year ago, he’d not been able to have a moment like this. His clan had suffered. They’d all lost someone. Alric couldn’t be weak. They’d all been looking to him to lead them forward through their time of pain and grieving. But his sweet Cameron was giving him something his battered heart had longed for over five centuries.
“Thank you,” Alric whispered in his ear before slowly pulling out of Cameron’s fierce embrace.
“What do you need us to do?” Ha Na asked, bringing a smile back to Alric’s lips. If Cameron, Cassie, and Ha Na marked the revival of the Noh Clan, then Alric was so proud to have them at his side.
“When Gunter and Melissande saw the name Jaeggi, they immediately retreated. We can’t take any chances. We don’t know how many there are or why they are after other mages. Are they simply seeking to keep them away from the Burkhard dragons? We need more information.”
“What we need is a drone,” Cassie announced. “Something to swoop in and spy on them all stealth and ninja-like.”
“Stealth is the optimal word,” Lisette grumbled, and Alric could easily understand the worry drawing lines on her face. “The Jaeggi Clan were renowned hunters among our people. They were exceptional at all forms of stealth and cloaking spells.”
“Shame you didn’t bring your drone with you from the States,” Cameron said. He was looking over at his sister, but still leaning some of his weight against Alric, as if he didn’t want to be physically separated.
Cassie shrugged one shoulder, her frown deepening. “Yeah, but we need more stealth than a drone. They’re fun, but you still hear it buzzing over your head. It’s still going to draw attention.”
Lisette tapped her lips with one finger, and Alric loved the calculating look in her eyes. “I think I have a few interesting spells that might work. At the very least, they will give us a closer look at the town without one of us actually walking down the streets.” She paused and then nodded as if she’d made a decision. “When Melissande reaches the castle, I’ll call the other mages together so we can discuss a plan. I think even our newest mages will be able to help with this one.”
Alric nearly chuckled to see Cassie and Ha Na’s faces light up at the promise of doing magic. “Good. Come see me when you have a firm plan in mind. We’ll work out the timing and any further assistance you might need.”
Stepping away from Cameron, he bowed his head to the gathering and then hurried from the room. He needed to find Dieter, see if he knew how close Gunter and Melissande were to the castle—
“Alric!” Cameron said in a harsh whisper.
Alric halted sharply and turned around to see Cameron slipping out the door. He closed it and hurried over to Alric, slipping his hands around his waist. “Are you alright?” Cameron asked.
Carefully wiping his face of all fears and worries, he smiled at the young mage. “Of course. I’m fine.”
Cameron narrowed his eyes and cocked his head to the side. “Yep. There it is.”
Alric stiffened but didn’t pull away from the man whose hands were