s [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

I can imagine it, she shuddered, but it s not pretty.
Then you should have no fear. Follow your heart. Be happy. Marry
Roland and have babies for us to love, little girls to carry the magic and
little boys to fly with.
You make it sound so easy.
It is easy, girl! Easy as love. If love leads, all else will follow.
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Chapter Ten
 You know, I remember you, Lord Darian. Roland felt tension in the air as the
two older knights waited to hear what he would say. It had been one of the
hardest things for him to get used to as king, people hanging on his every
word, but he knew these men listened so intently because they worried he might
not accept a former Lord of Skithdron. He was happy he could set them at ease
on that at least.  My father spoke highly of you.
Darian seemed to relax a little.  Your father was a great man, sire. I
was sorry to hear of his death. Please accept my condolences, late though they
are.
 Thank you, Lord Darian. Roland eyed both of the older knights.
 Actually, I wanted to talk to you two for a number of reasons. First, I
would congratulate you both on your recent marriage. If your Adora is anything
like her daughter, you will never find a better woman for you, your dragons,
your Lair or our land. Protect her well and cherish her.
Jared and Darian both nodded, but it was Jared who spoke.  The women of the
House of Kent are special. Each has a heart of gold and the courage of a
dragon.
Roland liked the compliment in Jared s eyes as he looked over at the three
women across the room. Adora had her arms around her two daughters, their
heads close together as they shared the stories of their lives.
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Bianca D Arc
 One of the other things I wanted to talk to you two about has to do with the
governance of the Border Lair. Jared, I know you ve been leading the Lair
along with Lady Kelzy quite successfully to this point, but now
Kelzy and Sandor are reunited through your mating with Adora and partnership
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with Darian, I m officially recognizing you all as the elders of the Border
Lair. I understand the women and children who live in the
Lair already look to Adora for guidance. This will just formalize her role.
Do you think she ll mind?
Jared smiled.  She may object at first to having a formal title, but she s
been adjusting well to the idea that our people look to her for leadership.
She s a natural when it comes to organizing the Lair folk, though she won t
admit it. She just has a hard time admitting she s royalty. She sees herself
as an ordinary healer.
 With most extraordinary powers, Roland chuckled.  I understand. I
know Lana feels much the same. Being raised in a simpler way of life has led
our ladies to devalue their true worth, but it s our job to spoil them.
The older men laughed at his candor.
Roland grew serious once more.  I do have one other subject I d like to
discuss. You ve both done an amazing job on the border but I could use your
expertise here as well. I d like you to come to the palace every few weeks or
so. Sir Jared, he turned to face the older knight,  you were
Counselor to my father. I m hoping you ll take up that role for me as well.
He turned to the other knight.  And you, Sir Darian. Your counsel would also
be greatly appreciated. Your intimate knowledge of King
Lucan and what he s become could help us further defend our land and people,
if you re willing to act as Counselor. I d like Sandor and Kelzy to sit on the
Dragon s Council as well. I need the four of you your wisdom and knowledge so
I may rule wisely.
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The Ice Dragon
 For myself, I would be honored, sire. Darian made a polite bow, his blue
eyes flashing.
Jared was somewhat more reserved.  I served your father, Roland. I ll serve
you with the same loyalty. I m honored you would ask.
Roland reached out to shake Jared s hand, pulling him in for a quick, manly
hug. This man was like a father to him, now that his own father was gone,
though age-wise Jared was closer to an older brother.
 You re family now, Jared, Roland pointed out.  The Mother of All certainly
knew what She was doing. I ll also need your help keeping my younger brothers
in line. The uncharacteristic roll of his eyes had Jared laughing outright
and Darian smiled as well.
 We saw Nico briefly yesterday, but I suppose he s off again to parts
unknown? Jared s eyes narrowed and Roland knew the older man had full
knowledge of the pivotal role Nico played in the kingdom.
Roland nodded.  He s doing some reconnaissance for me, but I expect him back
in a few days.
A commotion erupted from the doorway to the huge hall and all eyes turned to
watch a weary young messenger run in to kneel before the king. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]