Waving Hess’s attempt to pour him a cup of watered-down wine, Kaen sat in a chair, glancing around the rare empty room of the Dragon Rider’s Inn.

“Why are you out here?” Kaen asked, noticing how age had finally caught up with his dad.

“The office is stuff, and when I sit out here and close my eyes, I can remember the good times we have had here. I remember the day we arrived in town and sat in that booth,” Hess stated, pointing at the one booth that had never changed in the entire remodel of the inn. “I remember how you wowed the people with your story and stood on the bar like a fool.”

Letting out a chuckle, Hess took a small sip of his drink before setting it down on the table they sat around.

“So what stupid thing do you have planned? Pammon won’t tell me what it is, but I can feel something, and the way you’re sitting tells me you won’t be here long.”

Snickering, Kaen grinned slightly and leaned against the table. “Let me tell you what happened the last few days, and then I’ll tell you my plans. After that, you can tell me if I’m right or wrong in my decision.”

Refilling his drink, Hess nodded and shifted in his chair to get comfortable. “Will my opinion change what you are going to do?”

Smiling, Kaen shook his head.

“Well, then, Dragon Rider Kaen, tell this old man a story worthy of being told in this inn.”

Hess picked at his teeth with his tongue. The wrinkles had started appearing a few years ago on his face, and his age was evident after the injury to his arm. Folds of skin made mountains as he frowned, not happy with the results of the cave collapse or the plan to seek out the orc king’s domain.

He scratched his head for a moment, considering the plan and options before them.

“Do you really think you can find it?”

Shrugging, Kaen pointed at the map he had placed on the table a few minutes ago. “This is the only section we haven’t explored, and I’m not sure where else it could be. None of the reports from our spies in Luthaelia mention an actual kingdom of orcs there. They have told us about groups seen taking people away previously, but always to the south. That points to this area.”

Hess nodded, studying the map and never losing the partial scowl he now wore.

“And Ava?”

Chuckling, Kaen shook his head as he crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair. “Aldric asked me the same thing. Why does everyone seem to think this will be an issue?”

“Because she is pregnant and your wife. I know you seem to think she understands you must do certain things because of who you are, but that doesn’t mean she will be excited or content to let you do this.”

“So you don’t agree with this plan then because of her?”

Hess groaned and stood up, shaking his head, stretching as he rose. “No, your plan is one of our few options. You and Aldric are right. If this doesn’t end soon, we will see disease and starvation become our biggest problems.” Hess pointed his finger at Kaen and gave a weak smile. “Just remember to ask her about this instead of telling her. It will go better.”

Standing up, Kaen nodded, moved to where Hess was, and embraced him. Even though Hess was still taller, Kaen again realized how much time and all this work had taken a toll on his mentor and dad. His massive body had shrunk enough that, for the first time in a long time, Kaen realized the truth of something he had missed while lost in his concern for his past mistakes.

Hess is getting old…

A chuckle came through their bond, and Kaen smiled as they broke the embrace and gave Hess a gentle tap on his shoulder.

“Love you, Dad. Thanks for the advice, as always.”

Cocking his head to the side slightly, Hess studied Kaen’s expression and slowly began to nod as he smiled. “I doubt you’ll listen, but I’m glad I could offer some. Love you to Kaen. Be safe.”

Rolling up the map, Kaen began to move toward the door. He winked, and Hess groaned when he saw it.

“Don’t you dare let him do that!” Hess shouted as quietly as possible.

Through their connections with Pammon, a thrum began to grow, and even with the noise-dampening runes, the cup on the table vibrated.

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“Holy dwarf balls, Kaen, Sulenda is going to kill you!”

Running to the door to the inn, Kaen laughed, moving to where Pammon was waiting outside.

You better get out of here.

Or what? Sulenda won’t hurt me. Only you and Hess have to fear her.

Leaping into the air, Kaen watched as the few people who had stopped and watched from a distance waved at the two of them, giving a slight cheer.

Take me home. I need to talk to Ava.

A groan came from Pammon, and Kaen could feel the dread at that statement.

You’re not afraid of Ava, are you?

Only one person besides you can hurt me; that is her, and you know it. Please don’t make me suffer because you are an eggling. Hess was right. Ask, do not tell.

“Why are you asking me? Usually, you don’t do this?”

Kneeling next to her as she sat in a soft chair, Kaen kept the same smile he had since he walked in the door. “I didn’t want to tell you what I was thinking of doing. I wanted to know your thoughts and whether you agreed with this decision.”

Tapping her finger against her lips, Ava studied Kaen for a moment before turning and looking at Pammon, who was sitting inside the massive area of the room she was in. “Hess… you talked to Hess first, and he told you to ask, didn’t he?”

A thrum came from Pammon, and Kaen saw Ava smile as he lost his. “Perhaps my dad gave me some marriage advice.”

Snorting, Ava shook her head but never stopped smiling. “At least you listened. I guess I shouldn’t be too upset about that. I’d make you promise not to get injured, but we both know how well that last promise happened. Are you sure you’re not rushing into this after losing the others in the cave?”

Wincing from the reminder, Kaen shook his head, seeing Ava realize her comment had struck home and hit a nerve.

“No, but we all know what happens if another six months or more of fighting occurs. Food is our greatest threat now, and if we cannot stop the flood of orcs for good…” Kaen paused, putting his hand on her stomach and smiling. “Besides, this child needs a place to be born where his father isn’t always flying off.”

“His?” Ava asked, leaning her head to the side. “What makes you think this baby is a boy?”

Laughing, Kaen held up both hands in mock surrender. “I’m just saying. It could be a girl, but we have both seen how much trouble Callie is.”

Groaning, Ava nodded and took a deep breath before letting it out. “That is not my fault. Some people continue to spoil her.” Turning her head toward Pammon, she rolled her eyes. Some dragons even spoil her.”

Do you expect this child will be any less spoiled?

“Oh, I expect them to be spoiled beyond all things imaginable. However, my dearest husband is right. I would prefer him to be here for the birth and would like to believe there might be a moment of peace again for us all to enjoy.”

Turning her attention back to Kaen, she cupped his cheek with her hand, stroking the beard he now sported. “Go and come back to me. Your child and I will be waiting.”

Nodding, Kaen leaned forward and kissed her stomach before standing up and kissing Ava on her soft lips.

Stop thinking those thoughts… We don’t have time for that.

Both Kaen and Ava laughed as Pammon grumbled.

“Fine, let’s go get ready.”

Years of combat had provided Kaen with one of the greatest tools in life. The harness system he had for Pammon was constantly evolving as his dragon grew and the needs of combat shifted. It took less than ten minutes to put on the straps, saddle, and four baskets filled with arrows.

I need to thank Hess and Herb for really streamlining that process.

As Herb said, necessity is the mother of invention. Now, then, how quickly do you want to get there?

It’s been a few long days, and I’m actually planning on sleeping a few hours, if you don’t mind. Are you good on food?

Yes… My displeasure of nothing but orcs and goblins has well surpassed its limits.

Then, just fly toward the spot we talked about. You pick the path. I’m going to rest.

Are you asking me or telling me?

Groaning as Pammon regained altitude, Kaen patted his friend's neck before leaning back in his saddle and lying flat along his ridge.

Do you mind if I sleep for a little bit?

Oh, I don’t mind. I just wanted to make sure that I got the same treatment as Ava.

Sometimes, I think you get the better treatment. Besides, Amaranth and Glynnis always listen to you.

Pammon began to thrum, shaking violently as he flew.

I’m sorry. Are we talking about the same two female dragons? They don’t ever listen to me. Every discussion turns into a battle of wills, and I never win, even when I get my way.

But it always looked like –

Trust me, I never win. I often envy how you and Ava discuss things, and you always come out ahead.

It was Kaen’s turn to laugh as he lay against Pammon’s back, shaking his head.

I guess we both don’t get our way… Does Hess…

At the same time, both started to laugh, Pammon thrumming louder and Kaen starting to tear up slightly.

It is a good thing we can escape for a few days.

You did see how Amaranth acted when I left. Needless to say, had Glynnis been there, I’m not sure she wouldn’t have come with us.

But someone needed to guard the eggs since we weren’t sure how long we would be gone.

Exactly!

Both of them said nothing for a moment as Pammon reached the altitude he would fly at. Beneath them, the world came alive as the sun appeared in the east.

We should appreciate the fact both of us are suffering together. Not that I would have it any other way.

I can’t imagine having two babies soon… the thought of two egglings…

Pammon shuddered, his spine lurching momentarily as it traveled through him.

I’ll do my best to spoil them like you will spoil mine.

We are in trouble, aren’t we?

Yes, Pammon…. Yes, we are.