Page 84 of Dragon Mine (Dragon Kings 2)
Instead of walking back through the city, they opted to leave via Sateen’s back gate.
“Returning to Orgate was tougher than I thought,” Jeyra said when they were out of the city.
Vaughn didn’t hear Varek’s response since he was deep in thought. He kept going back to those born with magic on Zora. People shunned them because they feared the unknown, but those who hid usually did it together. It was easier that way since everyone watched everyone else’s back.
On the flight back to Cairnkeep, Vaughn flew faster, eager to return to Eurwen and see if she had woken. He didn’t wait for Varek or Jeyra as he landed before shifting and running to the cottage. When he opened the door, his gaze moved to the bed where Eurwen still lay unmoving.
He walked inside, his eyes sliding to Rhi, who sat on the edge of the bed. “Any change?”
Rhi shook her head. “Did you find out anything?”
“No’ as much as we would’ve liked. None of the mortals at Orgate have been hurt like Nundro or Eurwen. And given it was magic, it isna likely it was a mortal, since those who have the ability are no’ welcome within the city. But it could still be a human with magic.”
Rhi rolled her eyes. “You and I both know they could be hiding in plain sight.”
“Much like we do on our world.”
“Precisely.”
“Sateen will send word if she hears anything.”
Rhi moved so Vaughn could resume his seat. “That’s the councilwoman Varek and Jeyra talked about. What did you think of her?”
“I like her. She’s shrewd and straightforward. I understand how she got her position. I also believe we can trust her. She understands what’s at stake. After what I heard she did for Varek, Jeyra, and the dragons, and then speaking with her myself, I realize she’s trying to find a way that everyone can live in peace.”
Rhi sat in a chair, tucking her feet to the side of her on the cushion. “I don’t think that can happen. Everyone talks about it. It doesn’t matter what species you are. Everyone tells everyone else to just get along. Did no one stop and think that sometimes two different species and cultures aren’t meant to coexist? That the very thing that distinguishes them might be the very thing that’s harmful to someone else?”
“I doona know anymore. It used to be so clear. Zora wasna perfect. Eurwen and Brandr had issues to handle, things with the humans and the dragons, but it was damn near perfect in my eyes. Especially after everything we’ve been through.”
Rhi’s lips twisted ruefully. “I’d have to agree with you there.”
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”Con’s voice suddenly roared in Vaughn’s head.
He grabbed his head until the sound vanished. “Con? Where are you?”
“What is it?” Rhi demanded.
Vaughn shook his head as he jumped to his feet and headed outside. “I doona know. Con yelled. It was—”
“Anguished,” V said as he and Varek strode up, their expressions as worried as Vaughn felt.
Rhi lifted her chin. “Go to your King. Jeyra and I will remain and watch Claire, the bairn, and Eurwen.”
The last thing Vaughn wanted was to leave again, but something was seriously wrong. He nodded to Rhi and took off running, following his brethren to Con. In seconds, they were in the sky.
