thought of you, and I got angry.” She reached up to cup his cheeks in her hands.
Nico chuckled. “Thinking of me made you angry?”
“No.” She smiled at his teasing. “Thinking of Lucan threatening you—and me—made me angry. The fire bubbled up and before I knew it, flame came from my hand and fried the skith.”
“Sweet Mother of All!” someone at the table gasped, reminding Riki they had an audience.
Arabetta stood, her smile kind. “Can you show us, child? Can you direct your flame over there, for example?” She indicated the empty central fire pit in the big tent.
Riki tilted her head, thinking. “I don’t know, but I’ll try, if you like.” She stepped out of Nico’s arms and clear of the table, summoning the fire within her blood and trying to aim for the shallow pit filled with stones. The blue flame came forth, crackling against the stones, but not setting fire to any of the twigs that had been set for kindling. “It did that in the forest too. It burned the skith, but not the grass or dead wood.”
Riki stopped and turned back to the table, surprised by the nearly uniform looks of awe directed at her. Only Nico smiled, grinning from ear to ear as he watched her.
“It is as it was foretold,” Arabetta spoke at last, breaking the silence. “Her fire burns evil alone.”
The gathered Jinn whispered excitedly among themselves while Arabetta and Estella watched her with new respect in their eyes.
“I don’t understand. I mean, I know this is a strange development. I was shocked by it, but why are you so amazed. I thought the Jinn were comfortable with magic of all kinds.”
“Magic, yes,” Arabetta nodded. “It is part of our daily lives. But this kind of magic is something special, even for us. This magic could be our salvation in the fight to come.”
“Speaking of which…” Nico drew their attention away from her, thankfully. She had a lot to think about and was still uncomfortable being the center of attention. “If Lucan sees through the skiths’ eyes, he surely knows what’s happened and where we are. He’ll be sending soldiers to finish the job.”
Grave nods met his assessment. “We must disperse,” Estella said strongly and all nodded in agreement, “but before we do, we must arrange for your escape across the northern border and then into Draconia. We’ve also learned this day how badly prepared we are to fight as dragons. That has got to change. I’ve already sent a messenger to our people in Draconia. They will be meeting with your brother to bring him up to date on your travels and also to request training for our dragons in your Lairs.”
Nico nodded, a smile on his face. “Roland will be surprised, but all dragons are welcome in Draconia. Black dragons especially so.”
“Good.” Estella smiled as well. “Then you’ll enjoy the company of five of our kind on your journey home. They will act as honor guard, decoys, and emissaries to your land. You’ll leave tonight, as will all the Jinn. This Jinnfaire must be concluded with all possible haste and our people dispersed to avoid Lucan’s soldiers. It’s no longer safe for Jinn in Skithdron.” She addressed the leaders sitting around the big tent. “Spread the word to all the Brotherhood.”
Nico and Riki were among the last to leave, their parting with Drake bittersweet.
“Won’t you come home with us?” Nico asked his old friend, already knowing the answer.
“Not yet. Besides, you’ll make much better time without me along, and I can’t leave my instruments and my wagon.”
Riki stepped close to hug Drake, though Nico had to hold back his growls as Drake held her a little too tightly. “Thank you for all you’ve done.” She kissed his cheek.
Drake swooped in and kissed her lips, laughing when Nico tugged Riki out of his arms, effectively ending the kiss. Drake winked at her flushed face and she giggled like a carefree girl. The sound lightened Nico’s heart, and he forgave Drake’s outrageous behavior.
“We’ll all meet again. I promise you.” Drake shook the hand Nico offered, then surprised him by dropping to one knee. “Nicolas, I swore to serve you years ago as Prince and Spymaster to the King of Draconia. I renew my vow now to you as King-Consort of the Jinn Brotherhood. If ever you need me, just call. Any service I can perform, for you or your queen, I will do gladly.”
Nico felt the gravity of Drake’s vow, and the slight