Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
Odem
I’m sensing a presence. This area has haunted my dreams, Upalo said, flying past the mine shaft opening again. I’d lost count of how many times he’d circled it already.
“The wards are strong,” Raven called out from Ionus’ claw she was cradled in.
I was glad he’d had the forethought to bring her, but I suppose if the last slumbering extraction taught us anything it was to bring a mage along.
I hated leaving my mate and our eggs, but it felt important I be here for, not only Upalo, but Ronan as well.
Goddess only knows what we’d find, and he may need a shoulder to lean on afterwards.
Ionus, Quint, and me, as well as Baird, Ignatus and Angus, readily joined this search party.
We were strong in numbers and held hope of finding more family members in slumber.
With the journey only taking a couple of hours, depending on the number we found, we might be able to return to Dragon City with them in a single trip.
Hope was a big word as of late.
I’d love nothing more than to bring my mate’s birth parents home to him. What a gift that would be, and the fact that not only had Upalo searched high and low for them, but that this area kept calling to him, led me to believe at least one of them awaited us inside.
Cue in more hope, only this time that whoever awaited us was still alive.
We scouted the area as Ionus placed Raven at the entrance while he hovered just outside it. Raven immediately began closing the spells while Ionus remained in dragon form, ready to protect her at a moment’s notice.
“Two left,” Raven said, right as the sound of incoming wings filled the air.
We’ve got company, Quint called out.
Daigle, Ionus growled. He’s mine.
Merry Christmas, big bro. None of us hated Daigle more than Ionus. He was the one who got away and Ionus insisted on remedying that.
Upalo, guard Raven. Ionus flew toward Daigle just as Upalo took his place. Guarding our High Priestess was always top priority. Not that she couldn’t defend herself, but as protectors, it was our job.
Why they only sent five to attack us was a freaking joke.
We must’ve triggered one of the wards before Raven silenced it and they were the ones nearest to the site.
Quint had yet to go up against any enemies, so when his venom took one of them out on the first, well, spit, shock waves rippled through the others.
Their momentary pause worked to our advantage.
Daigle and Ionus were dead locked, skull crushing hits so loud you could feel the searing pain. Aside from us, Daigle was one of the oldest living dragons, though he was fueled by pure evil.
I liked it better when we thought he was dead. Hopefully today Ionus took care of that once and for all.
It didn’t take much for the rest of us to remove the other three, leaving nothing behind to add to the dungeons. I, for one, had zero issues with that.
A blood-curdling scream vibrated through the canyon as Ionus freed Daigle of a single wing. Many tumultuous flips through the air followed as he plummeted towards the earth. Ionus dove for him, Quint and Baird hot on his tail.
“We’re in!” Raven called out. Upalo was the first to enter the cave behind her.
Ignatius guarded the entrance while Angus and I followed them inside.
Had we not been gifted with superior sense and sight, we’d have easily lost our way.
These cavernous tunnels led in every direction, deeper into the volcanic walls.
Spelunked?
Dove?
Trailed?
Huh, whatever the word was we were doing it.
At the end of the corridor was… “Are we inside the volcano?” Angus asked.
“Yes, and an inactive one it appears,” Raven replied.
“Upalo, I need a drop of your blood.” Upalo stared blankly at her.
“Please. If anyone you are related to is trapped within this volcano a locator spell using your blood will lead us to them.” With a single claw, Upalo sliced his palm wide open.
“That’s more than required, but thanks.” Raven took what she needed and silently recited the incantation.
Her powers had grown tremendously, now able to perform magic with mere thoughts.
Her eyes fluttered open. “This way.”
Upalo’s heartrate sped, hot on her heels. If she was able to locate them, that must mean they were alive. Right?
Again, more hope. Upalo was far too excited and having to mend his broken heart wasn’t on my wish list.
I swear we walked the entirety of the volcano before Raven stopped. “They’re in here. I sense more than one. All are under a slumber spell.”
Thank fuck for that.
“It’s heavily warded. It’ll take a bit of time to remove them.” Upalo shuffled beside her. “This a good thing, Upalo. I know you can feel them and want to rush inside, but these wards are meant to keep you out, and therefore, are dangerous.”
“Understood, High Priestess.” Upalo acquiesced as I moved to his side, hoping my presence might calm him.
We hadn’t a clue what was taking place outside of the volcano.
The sounds of molten lava bubbling, fiery shots randomly darted past us.
It mesmerized me, held my gaze. Was my fire dragon drawn to it or was it Ronan’s blood that coursed through my veins that was?
Either way, its beauty captivated me. Deadly, dangerous and beautiful.
As Raven released the last spell, the rock wall blocking our way disappeared. “I’ll go in first,” she insisted. “I’ll sense any wards before you.”
I moved behind her, close enough to guard, and placed Upalo between Angus and me. A lava river cut through a section of the cave, illuminating it just enough for Raven to see.
“Over there!” Upalo called out, attempting to dart between us. Thankfully, I was quicker than him.
“Let Raven scan the area first. You’re not good to anyone dead.”
For some reason the phrase never wake a sleeping dragon came to mind. There were easily half a dozen stone-like dragon figures across the blazing canal.
“Alright, but tread lightly, Upalo,” Raven warned him. “I’ve cast a spell to slowly wake them. Doing so too fast may be jarring and send them into fight or flight mode.”
A large, brilliantly colored red…oh my glorious Goddess, can it be, dragon stood before us, ready to battle. “Who are you and why have you woken us?”
“Dad?” Upalo surged forward. “Is it really you?”
The crimson dragon sniffed Upalo’s human form. “You smell familiar. What is your name?”
“Upalo.”
The dragon blinked and sniffed again. “Son?” He scooped him up and hugged him tight.
“Yes. I’ve searched everywhere for you. These are my friends, well all but him,” he pointed at me. “He’s one of the guardians, the big protectors, and he’s mated to Ronan. Can you believe it?”
“You’ve mated an infant?”
“Whoa, no. Never. Ronan is an adult.” Dude was about to beat my ass. Well, try, at least, but still. Getting into a fight with an in law was a hard pass for me.
The other dragons stirred, one by one adjusting to being woken.
“Where is your mother? Is she safe?”
“We haven’t found her yet. Any ideas where she might be?” Upalo asked.
“Protectors, you say. As in the Primordial Protectors of Clan Denarius?” He eyed me as though he didn’t believe it, even though I towered above the others, including him.
“Aye,” I held a hand, out. “Odem, middle brother. Two others are outside the cave. Ionus, eldest and our leader along with our youngest brother, Quint. You’ll meet the other two as soon as we get you back to our compound.”
He shifted into human form and gripped my forearm.
“Kaelith. I’m assuming this is what remains of my clan, Blackburn.
We are in your service, protector,” Kaelith bowed.
“Son, I feared I’d never see any of you again.
We fought as hard as we could and lost many friends and family in the process.
They banished us here under a tightly warded sleeping spell.
Your mother was with you and your infant brother when I saw you last.
Infant…gotta get the man to let that go. Maybe after he sees Ronan and our eggs he will.
“No, Foley cast her out when she refused to step aside and bow to his wishes.”
“Then I hope she returned to the water dragons.”
“Water dragons?”
“Aye, her clan are water dragons. Do you know of them?” Kaelith asked.
“We’ve met a couple as of recent, but there are many spread worldwide, as I understand.”
Brothers, we found Ronan and Upalo’s father. He said his mate is a water dragon.
Upon your return, I’ll return to the sea and search for her, Mattias said.
I’ll join you. I knew Caro wouldn’t miss that mission for anything.
Ionus, Quint, are you well?
In the tunnels searching for you. Daigle somehow got away.
Fuck.
“Ionus and Quint are near. Mattias and Caro will search the seas upon our return for your mate and other clans that may be hiding.”
“And what has come of Daigle and his army?”
“Army?”
“Aye, there were many that had fallen under his spell.”
“Great.”
“Brother?” Ionus booming voice echoed through the cave. When he glimpsed the newcomers he shifted to human form and introduced himself. “I’m Ionus, leader of Clan Denarius.”
“And I’m Quint.”
Introductions were made as we helped the others gain their footing after having slumbered for as long as they had. More than twenty years had passed since they’d seen the light of day and while this mission was somewhat of a success, a long road ahead of us remained.
“Can we see Ronan now?” Kaelith asked. Ionus and I deferred to Raven.
“Kaelith, I am Raven, High Priestess of Clan Denarius.” First time she’d ever introduced herself that way. Gotta say, felt pretty damn good to hear it. “Ionus, they bear no leech markings.”
“Leech markings?” Kaelith questioned.
“Aye,” Ionus began. “That is how Daigle controls the others. He’s infused his beloved leeches with black magic and turned them into his mind controlling pets. Those infected with them are under his command and do his bidding for him.”
“We shall proudly join your fight against his evil,” Kaelith bowed. “I pledge my allegiance to you, Protectors.”
“Aye,” the others we’d awoken readily agreed.
“Alright, friend,” Ionus clapped Kaelith’s shoulder. “We’re happy to hear that. Now, let’s get you back to Dragon City, clothed and fed.”
“Then I may see my other son?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’ll also see our two beautiful dragonet eggs he just laid.”
“What a glorious day this has turned out to be.” Kaelith was all smiles now, hugging Upalo again. “Once my mate, Cynda, is reunited with us, our family will be as one again.”
Hope was becoming a real thing for our family. If Cynda was dead, Kaelith would know. He’d be the first to feel the loss and would have followed her into the afterlife, never to awaken from his slumber.
“Hey,” I whispered to Upalo, “don’t tell Ronan about your father. I’d like to surprise him.”
He smiled. “One of many things I’ve grown to love about you, Odem. My brother and I know Opal and Ruby will be the same, but they always come first with you.”
“And they always will. Now, let’s go reunite your family.”
On our way back to Dragon City. Need to get them processed and fed first, then we’ll be home. All is well and everyone is safe.
The girls and I miss Papa.
And I, you. Love you.
Love you too. Hopefully we will find our parents soon.
I sent warmth and love through our bond, leaving it at that.
It took the Blackburn dragons a few minutes to get their wings sorted. Sleeping for that long caused the muscles to atrophy and it took a bit to work out the kinks so they could fly.
“If you tire at any time let us know and we’ll stop,” Ionus said. “It’s a couple hours flight.”
“Won’t the humans see us?” Kaelith asked.
“Our wonderful High-Priestess will cloak us. Ready?” Kaelith nodded and Ionus shifted, standing nearby while Kaelith got his dragon sorted.
The return flight was slower. We didn’t want to lose track of the new dragons and kept to a slower pace. By the time we arrived at the station, Larkin had food and clothing waiting for their group.
“Larkin, this is Kaelith, leader of Clan Blackburn. He’s Ronan and Upalo’s father.”
“That’s wonderful. Raven took care of things?” Larkin asked Ionus, meaning the Daigle controlling sitch.
“Aye, all are good to go. We’ll take this lot to the compound.” Where we would put them, I hadn’t a clue and hoped like hell Ionus did.
“Thank you, Ionus,” Upalo smiled. “I know Ronan and I will want to have Dad close. Kes was moving in with Mattias today anyway, so his room is empty.”
That was news to me. Unexpected? Nope, just wasn’t sure when that was all taking place. Perfect timing for sure.
Several of the dragons were interested in law enforcement in their new town of Dragon City. Larkin was more than ready to expand his force, given the rapid growth. Hmm, maybe he had housing options for them.
Either way it was camp sleepover at Casa Denarius.
“Alright, everyone got clothing?” Murmured yeses answered Ionus’ question. “Let’s head out then.”
You’d think it was Christmas morning with as excited as I was. Ronan was going to be over the moon. When we landed on the pitch, Mattias and Caro were waiting along with the remaining Drakemyres. Introductions were quickly made as we dressed, then it was time for the big reveal.
“Look at you, bouncing on your heels,” I teased Upalo. “Need to run a few laps, puppy?” He lightly punched my arm, but that damn smile of his was blinding. “Ouch!”
“Right, like that even hurt you. I’m so damn excited. I got my brother back, have two beautiful nieces coming, and now our dad. I’ve waited so long for this.”
That part, I understood more than he knew.
“Well, come on then. What are you waiting for?”
Upalo hollered. “Come on, dad, let’s go see Ronan.” The two of them sprinted off ahead of me, straight toward our house. A home so full of love, mirroring my heart, that I nearly cried.