Blood of Dragons

‘And if need be, I will stand before all of Trehaug, and all of Bingtown and attest to that. You were an unfaithful husband to her, and I, I was a treacherous friend.’

Alise stared at Sedric as he committed social suicide. But he turned and met her gaze and said, ‘And again, Alise, I am so sorry. Would that I could take back those years of your life and give them to you unscathed.’

Her eyes brimmed with tears. Sedric had just destroyed all chance that he could ever return to Bingtown and resume his life. Even if he remained in Kelsingra for ever, if even one Trader returned to Bingtown, all would know not only what he had done to her, but what he was. ‘I forgave you, Sedric. I told you that a long time ago.’

‘I know that,’ he said very quietly. His hand covered hers as he added, ‘But I did not deserve your forgiveness then. Perhaps I can say I have earned it now?’

‘You have,’ she said quietly. ‘And more. But, Sedric, what have you done? All will know that you …’

‘That I am what I am,’ he said calmly. ‘I do not apologize for that. Ever.’

She sensed someone behind them and turned slightly, thinking it might be Leftrin. It was not. Carson was grinning, but as he stepped forward, a single tear tracked down his sunburned cheek. He folded Sedric into an embrace from behind that lifted the smaller man off his feet. ‘Proud of you, Bingtown boy,’ he said huskily. He set him down on his feet and leaned down to kiss him. The kiss did not end quickly and Sedric’s hands came up to cradle Carson’s bearded face to his own. Several of the keepers favoured the couple with knowing whoops that drowned out the incredulous muttering from the watching prisoners. Alise found herself smiling, as much for joy for them as for the stunned expression on Hest’s face.

She felt a nudge and turned to see Leftrin. He stuck out the crook of his elbow and she took his arm in his ragged coat sleeve. ‘I think we were going to get some tea?’ he asked her conversationally. She nodded, and instantly forgave him the triumphant look he shot over her head at Hest. She walked a dozen steps with Leftrin before she glanced back. Hest was standing alone, staring after them.

‘How is he?’ Reyn asked as he took a seat beside his wife. He spoke quietly, not to interrupt the conversation going on in the central part of the gathering room of the baths. A strange site selection, he thought, but at least it offered ample space. Every keeper and the full crew of Tarman, except for Big Eider and Bellin, sat in rapt attendance. Reyn wondered if the chaotic discussion was similar to how the earliest Rain Wild Council had begun. Every keeper had an opinion and seemed intent on airing it. Leftrin and his crew seemed likewise focused on having a say.

Several of the dragons, still steaming gently from their baths, had remained as well. Reyn wondered if they were really interested in how the humans settled things, or simply hoping for an easy meal if executions were indeed the final decision. Spit had stretched out alongside the captives, who were seated in a group on the floor. From time to time he extended his neck and took a deep snuffling breath as if savouring the aroma of their fear. Mercor, gold and dignified, made up for the smaller dragon’s lack of gravitas. Baliper was present as well, eyeing the captives thoughtfully. The presence of the dragons threw the room into its rightful perspective. Humans and even Elderlings seemed small and transient in the massive gathering space.

Malta looked down on the quiet bundle in her arms. ‘He nursed for a short time. He’s not asleep. He seems too tired to eat or to cry right now.’

‘The quiet is a relief,’ Reyn said honestly and then wished he could bite the words back. She gave him a stricken look and he read her thought. Soon enough, it will always be quiet. ‘Let me hold him for a time,’ he said, to soothe the hurt, and she gave the baby over so readily that he knew she had already forgiven his thoughtless words. The bundled child was lighter than he had been the week before. He was losing flesh and his dark eyes were dull. Reyn began the methodical rocking that holding the child seemed to trigger in him and Malta smiled faintly.

‘Have they made any progress over there?’