He stopped talking, and Lilly guessed he was skirting the details about magical defenses at the heart of the Veil—most likely those that guarded the entrance to the Citadel itself. She knew it was best not to discuss such things, even under the safety of the Veil. Actually, especially under the Veil. The security of the Veil had already been breached at least once to block the seers.
“I suppose Shilayla and you are firmly on the path of the warrior.” She looked at him, unable to stop herself from admiring his muscular physique and the smooth way he moved as he packed for their journey.
Luc rewarded her with a pleased grin. “Good guess. My family has a long history of warrior service, and most of the dragons we have partnered have been wild-born.”
“Then, your brother’s dragon partner was hatched outside the Veil, too?”
“Gren? Yes, though he’s much older than Shi, as my brother is much older than me. Det was already Captain of the Guard when I was born.
Lilly was shocked. She’d been thinking of these people as human, with human lifespans, but she needed to remember they were magical folk who lived many times the normal human expectation. Luc laughed, and she knew she hadn’t hidden her surprise well.
“Your pardon for saying so, but he seems a hard man, your brother.”
Luc’s expression cleared, becoming solemn. “He’s had a hard life.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
They ate lunch that day with some of the other scouts. Lilly enjoyed the camaraderie between the older scouts and was particularly impressed by the way the younger ones doted on their dragon partners. It seemed all juvenile dragons and their partners were considered scouts, regardless of their age. There were a few teenaged fair folk and even a youngster of about seven or eight with a proportionally sized dragon constantly at her side.
“The younger ones serve in the hall until they’re old enough to fly out on their own.” Luc must have noticed the direction of Lilly’s gaze as she watched the youngest set play behind the luncheon tables. “Even then,” he continued, “we pair them for a few years before letting them do solo patrols.”
“Is it common for a child to be chosen so young?”
“Not common, but it does happen. I found Shilayla when I was fifteen. Most often, the dragons choose teens, but Veil-born dragons sometimes choose really young children. Miki, for example,” Luc jerked his chin toward the little girl playing with her baby dragon, “was born with a considerable magic talent. Linus, her dragon partner, chose her as soon as he could toddle over to her. She was only just starting to talk herself, but she was already manifesting magic more suited to much older mages. She’s something special. As is her dragon partner.”
“Fascinating.” Lilly had to drag her eyes away from the little girl and the miniature snowy white beast. The love between the two was so obvious and so strong it almost hurt to watch.
They finished lunch and went back to preparations for the trip shortly thereafter. Lilly was given spare clothing and furs in addition to those she’d brought with her. She tried to object, but Luc was firm on the matter. Shilayla would be carrying the packs, and she was well able to handle both of them plus their baggage with strength to spare, Luc assured her.
When they arrived back at Luc’s family home, Detlif pulled Lilly aside for a private word. She was almost afraid of the stormy look in his eyes, but she was a warrior in her own right. She’d faced down scarier enemies than this bruiser of a fey. Not often and not easily, but she had always prevailed in the end. She kept that thought firmly in mind as she stepped into the garden with Detlif.
“I want to thank you for your efforts with my son this morning.”
His face looked like a thundercloud, but Lilly thought she understood. He had to be upset with the healers’ findings about Petr.
“You’re most welcome. I’m glad your healers have a way to help him now. They do, don’t they? That’s the impression they left me with before Luc and I left.”
“Yes,” Det assured her though his expression didn’t change. “They know what to do now. Petr’s already looking better, and he is much stronger. The healers have done a good job. And now, thanks to your skill, the mages will be keeping a careful watch on him.”
“Mages?” Lilly was surprised but realized quickly that it would take strong magic to keep the channel between the siblings closed. Especially if their mother, the sorceress, was working to keep it open. She nodded as understanding dawned. “Oh, I see.”
“He’ll have new duties assigned tomorrow afternoon at the mage hall.”
“Does he know why? Does he understand what’s going on?”
“Not yet, and I hope to keep it that way. The less he knows of his mother, the better.”
“Are you sure that’s wise? My father always said, ‘Forewarned is forearmed.’”
Detlif shot her a quelling look, as if surprised she would question his decision. Having been Captain of the Guard for who knows how many years, she’d bet his judgment wasn’t often questioned, but she stood her ground. He wasn’t her captain, after all.
“I’m sure there will come a time when he’ll need to know all about my mistakes and his heritage, but not now. Hopefully, that time won’t come for many years yet.” Detlif sighed heavily and seemed more vulnerable somehow as his shoulders sagged under the weight of his troubles. “As it stands, Petr’s particular talents—if he has any{MISSING SYMBOL}haven’t been identified yet. I think now it’s because his power was being drained all his life. But, in cases where a child’s true path isn’t easily seen, we often have them spend time at each of the halls, exposing them to the day-to-day tasks involved in each path. Eventually, their way becomes known. I plan to tell Petr that his new chores are just his turn at the mage hall.”
Lilly considered the alternatives. “I suppose that’s a wise course. He’s a good boy. Bright, enthusiastic and kind. I think now, he’ll have a good chance of growing into the strong man he’s destined to become.”
“Thanks to you, Lilly Deverilsdoter. I will never forget what you have done for him. I owe you a personal debt.” Detlif’s eyes grew solemn as he took one of her hands in his and raised it to his lips in a gentle salute. “If ever you need me, you have but to send word.”
Lilly was stunned by his words as much as his actions. For such a hardened warrior, Detlif had just shown he could be gentle and even charming when the need arose. And for a man of such stature to put himself in her debt—a human woman’s debt—was a stunning development, indeed. It was a matter of honor she would not argue with. She understood the warrior’s code.
“My thanks, Captain. Lady willing, I will never have to call upon that promise, but I thank you for making it.” She smiled up at him, seeing a new respect and interest in his eyes for the first time.
Luc found them like that—Lilly’s hand in his brother’s, both of them staring into each other’s eyes. Rage swelled inside him, accompanied by the purest jealousy he had ever felt.
“Lilly, Lady Vi is here to speak with us. Are you coming?” He couldn’t help the sharp bite of his words and felt some satisfaction when she jumped, tugging her hand from Det’s.