Chapter 29
T he official start of summer brought the long days, the swarms of insects, and the sticky heat that could only belong to a tiny wedge of land fully surrounded by the sea. To battle it, every home spat out its inhabitants so they could lounge in the shade of the redwoods or the dozens of pavilions scattered along the street.
Rune and I strolled hand-in-hand through the throng. Occasionally, I paused to examine the wares of a travelling merchant, exclaiming at the beauty of their jewellery or their impressive embroidery. Many had dragon knickknacks for sale, thanks to the commencement of the first official Dragon Festival.
After meeting Eldi and hearing all about my island adventures, my family had decided to remain in Oakwater for a week before journeying back to the mainland, carrying with them the promise to send some of my things on the next ship out of the port: my Silva Sweetwater novels, my favorite dresses from my cottage, and my beloved horse. I couldn’t wait to see Stella again.
Rune and I walked along, stopping at Lilia’s Travelling Tavern. She’d set out tables and chairs beneath a canvas pavilion, decorated with looping vines and fresh flowers. Even though it was early yet, every seat was taken. I ventured up to the open window and braced my forearms against the wooden serving ledge.
“Hi, Lilia,” I said. “Happy Dragon Festival.”
She leaned toward me, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. “Happy Dragon Festival, Frida. I’m so happy everything has worked out for you and your family.”
Rune pressed a hand against my back. “I’ve just seen someone I want to speak with. I’ll be right back.”
As he vanished into the crowd, Lilia handed me a frothing tankard. “You know, I’ve known Rune for many years, and I’ve never seen him this cheerful.”
I flushed. “Well, he makes me feel pretty cheerful, too.”
She smiled. “I’m grateful for what you did for Eldi. Reykur’s been off visiting his sisters, but when he gets back, he’ll be so thrilled his brother is flying again.”
We both turned toward the dragon. He sat curled up in the middle of the festival, perched on a growing mound of gold coins. The beast was clearly basking in the attention. Folk kept wandering by and scattering gifts around him. He was even allowing them to touch his tail.
I smiled when Logi approached him and patted him on the nose. My brother had been beside himself when I’d first introduced them, and I’d half-expected him to remain here, just so he could see the dragon every day.
“He’s certainly enjoying the attention,” I said fondly.
“Finally,” Lilia said. “After he got caught in a storm a couple of decades ago, he hid away in his cave and refused to see anyone. I thought he’d never come out, if I’m honest.”
“So that’s what happened,” I said. “A storm?”
“Lightning even struck him. He was pretty badly hurt,” she said sadly, then shook her head and brightened. “Nevermind about that, though. You got him out of that cave, and that’s all that matters. Want one of these for Rune?”
She set down a second tankard. I took it, passed her some coin, and thanked her for the drinks. Then I wound through the crowd to find Rune.
He stood just beneath the drooping willow tree with his arms tucked behind his back, his cream tunic rolled up to his elbows and a dragon pin attached to his collar. The spark of light in his eyes made it hard to breathe. Looking at him made me feel like every wrong turn I’d taken was worth it, just to be standing in front of him now.
He was my home. The only home I ever needed.
“I have something for you,” he said, his lips curving into a sweet smile around his tusks.
I walked toward him, something in my chest fluttering. When I reached him, he leaned down and brushed his lips across mine.
“Hmm. That’s nice,” I whispered, my mouth still pressed against his.
He pulled back. “Well, that’s not your gift. This is.”
Rune pulled his hands from around his back and thrust something toward me. It took me a moment to understand what it was. Something small and rectangular, wrapped in gauzy cloth. Shooting him a quizzical look, I took it from him, finding it surprisingly heavy in a very familiar way.
“Is this a book?” I exclaimed.
His smile widened. “Go on. Open it.”
I tossed aside the cloth and drank in the words etched into the leather cover.