Candasar was very tired. She looked down upon the small house and larger barn that lay nestled high in the mountains about twenty miles from Delora Natine. There was a whisp of smoke coming from the cooking chimney. That probably meant that, as expected, Siophra was now staying there. More importantly that reassured her that her mate Tundor and the eggs she had left in his care were still in the barn.

The bungalow had been empty for many years before Ronniflass had used it as a refuge to steal away Lothinar in a fit of pheromone-induced passion. An unintentional consequence that had resulted from his accidental contact with her. Candasar aimed her weary wings and set herself down gently in the empty pasture with a tired groan. The big barn door was open. She caught a white flash of movement from inside and Tundor emerged.

“You’re back!” He said happily. They touched noses, and he looked into her eyes, smiling. He struggled to maintain eye contact after a few seconds as she swung her long neck around, trying to peer over his seemingly ever-growing body and into the barn. He laughed.

”No, you didn’t miss anything! They haven’t hatched. It has only been a month, my love. But go ahead and see for yourself. I need to stretch my legs and get something to eat. Enjoy the view. I will be back in a little while, and then you can tell me about your travels.”

She looked at him with the unspoken question. He laughed again.

”Don’t worry, I’ll bring something back for you. You must be very hungry after such a long flight.” He said, smiling. "Do you want deer, or... deer? he asked.

"Surprise me!" she said. "By the way, where are we getting water around here? That stream that we were using at the far side of the property seems pretty low. I saw that on the fly over"

"Yes, I'll ask Siophra to pull you a bucket from the well. She won't mind," said Tundor.

‘Candasar stepped around him and practically ran quickly through the open door and into the barn. There in a sheltered corner and nestled in the clean golden straw were three eggs. Her eggs. It had taken her whole life and unbelievable violent change to find herself here, but looking at them again, it had all been worth it!

Suddenly a shadow passed across the sunlight streaming through the open door and Candasar turned. A very beautiful blonde elf stood framed in the doorway. It was Siophra. She dropped a large bucket filled with water with a thump and ran to Candasar, throwing her arms around her neck and hugging the large blue dragon as best she could, considering the size difference.

“I’m so glad to see that you are back safe. You got the package delivered?”

“Lothinar and Ardwynn are in the capital of Sivantra. It’s a nice place. The weather’s a little hot. They are crazy about dragons there, so Firestorm is living it up.”

Siophra grinned, thinking about the perky little red dragon surrounded by adoring fans. Then she grew serious.

“How was it being around Ardwynn again? That had to be fairly creepy. I know how Tundor feels about her.”

”‘It’s strange. She feels like the old Ardwynn that I originally met again. She’s enamored with Lothinar. But it’s hard for me, scary actually. It’s like there’s a monster lurking under the skin.”

Candasar moved to the eggs and checked them to make sure they were still warm enough.

”She makes these little facial expressions when Lothinar’s not looking. I watch her eyes.” She continued. “She’s pretty uncomfortable in the warm weather there with the last half of her pregnancy approaching, so I might be wrong.”

"Lothinar decided that his child was worth the risk," said Siophra. "I was concerned that his new appearance might be a problem. It's quite a change."

"He's using illusion magic on his face and hair," said Candasar. "It's something that Ardwella taught him just before he left. She picked it up when she was traveling into places and assassinating Argent's magicians while you were locked up in his prison. It does take some magic to maintain it. He tried it out on Ronni before he left. She looked somewhat relieved."

"That kind of thing might be useful," said Siophra. "I'll have to ask my sister how it works."

"I can tell you," said Candasar. "Remember that Lothinar and I share most information through the bond. Spells for sure. It's a derivative of the invisibility spell we were using when we first tried to sneak back into Tasumakoji after Lothinar and Esmarilla restored my legs. It seems like so long ago now."

"Ronni's not here, you know," said Siophra. "She is still spending time with her sister, the Queen, and, of course, Cinnabar down in Delora Natine. She wasn't that happy when Lothinar went off to deal with Ardwynn. I can't blame her for feeling jealous. The bonding with Cinnabar broke the pheromone hold on her, but she still claims to love Lothinar, bald, strangely formed eyebrow ridges and all. We shouldn't be too judgmental if now that he is using the illusion spell, she is a bit happier about his appearance."

"Vanquish did a lot more than just change his hair and eyes, you know," said Candasar. "He is part dragon now. I can feel it and sometimes see it. He started growing again. He has put on at least an inch in height since he has been in Sivantra. His heart and lungs are bigger, as well as other things." Candasar coughed awkwardly.

"He's going to be very popular with the ladies, I'm assuming," said Lothinar's aunt with a laugh. "Good for him. Not that he needs any more trouble in that department. He will have to be vigilant his whole life to try and keep others from becoming unnaturally attached to him. Ronni was probably just the first to be accidentally swayed."

"Ardwynn was too, remember. She still is 'swayed'. That is a powerful effect. It's probably what is keeping her from trying to murder him right now in his sleep." said Candasar.

"They are not..... uh.. sleeping together, are they?" asked Siophra.

"Not so far. They have been sleeping in separate rooms and despite Ardwynn's constant attempts to try to sneak past Firestorm, he has been able to hold her off. That was always kind of the way she was in the first place. She has a very high sex drive. That hasn't stopped even with the pregnancy." said Candasar. It often made Tundor very amorous." Then she stopped and looked awkwardly at Siophra. "Not that I'm complaining about you being his bond....instead of her. I'm quite satisfied with Tundor’s drive"

"You, my girl, have been gone for a month. When Tundor gets back here with a deer, I bet he barely gives you time to eat it. I had better be prepared to take a turn in the barn with the eggs. I don't think he's going to give you much time to sleep tonight." she said with a smirk. "I'm anticipating a long nighttime walk in the forest for the both of you."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," said Candasar. She walked over to the bucket of water and drank it dry. Then she settled in for a quick nap next to her three eggs.

Siophra looked over at the blue dragon as she was nodding off. Two of the eggs looked extremely healthy but normal. It was usually hard to tell a dragon's color before they hatched, but the third egg shimmered softly with a golden light in the darkness of the barn."

"I wonder if she realized how very rare a gold egg is?" she thought to herself. "Genetic dragon royalty. Less than one in a million eggs come out that color. It's going to be very interesting around here when that little one hatches."

-----------------------------------

"Mama. Say Mama," said Queen Pricilla to the dragon. She was at the Ronniflass dairy for her daily time with her young dragon.

"Don't be ridiculous. You are not my mother," said Ivy the small green dragon female. "My mother died over five hundred years ago in flames and agony just shortly after she hid my egg with Ardwella's father Loren."

The Queen at least had the good sense to look embarrassed.

"How could you possibly know that?" asked Pricilla. "And what language are you speaking?"

"That's a good question. You spoke to me in human," said Ivy. "I replied in bond telepathy. My actual voice is pretty small and squeaky right now. The less I say out loud, the better. It's probably in human syntax, though, not elf. My parents seemed to believe that we would need to know that language. They imprinted me with the basic vocabulary. I can also speak elf. Since you are half-elf, it could also be that."

"My elf is a little rusty," said Pricilla. "I've been living with humans most of my life. I married one, in fact," said Pricilla through the bond. "Hey, this is pretty neat! We can have secret conversations!

"I think you need to have another talk with Ardwella or Muina about the many things dragons can do, Pricilla," said Ivy.

Suddenly, there was a huge roar, and Vanador, who had been resting in the shade cast by the nearby barn, jumped up and trotted out into the middle of the main field. Pricilla looked about and spotted a grey dragon winging in toward the herd of milk cows. There was roaring from the both of them but the grey quickly turned and sped away. The noise had been deafening.

"What was that all about?" asked Pricilla.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“It is a little sad, really,” Ivy replied. “Some of those grey dragons have a lot to overcome. They are the ones that had the flippers and grew up in the lake here. They have very little magic, and frankly, most of them are not very smart. They are also somewhat forgetful.” Said Ivy.

“Which one was it?”

"That was Clay, Tundor's father. He was coming in to try and snatch a cow. Vanquish and Vanador are watching the herd, trying to keep the numbers from dwindling too fast, as we need to save the cattle to feed all the little ones. Vanador told him not to be lazy and go out over the forest and catch himself a deer like everyone else is doing right now. "

"Why wouldn't he do that in the first place?" asked Pricilla. "The thrill of the hunt should be appealing to a dragon, I would think."

"It is getting harder as there are now so many of them. Lake dragons that have been given wings I mean. They are pushing the deer population farther and farther out every day. Fairly soon most of these grey dragons are going to have to cut ties with the lake and move into the mountains where the food is. That's more like it was in the olden days." said Ivy.

"Plus cows are very tasty animals. Elves are missing out." finished the little green dragon.

"Yes, I know," said Pricilla. I’m half human, remember?"

The little dragon blinked.

"I guess we are both still getting to know each other," Ivy said. "How about you go get me a cow and we can split it four ways. Enderline and his dragon Night-sky can have the other half."

"Enderline and I won't eat nearly that much, even though he is fully human. Maybe we can ask Cinnabar or some of the others to join us," said Pricilla. "But I won't be getting you a cow myself. I'll have one of the men at arms prepare it for you."

"Are Queen's considered wealthy?" asked Ivy. “You have servants, I mean. That seems odd to me, but I don't know much about human finances."

"My picture is on some of the money," Pricilla said, laughing.

"Get two cows then. I'm throwing a party for all my friends," said Ivy. “Cows are delish!”

-------------------------

Mavis and Cantrell sat at one end of a very long dinner table. Mandel sat at the head on the other end. He had a very fancy chair. To his right sat Myron. To his left, Myron’s sister Sahar. Spread out between them were fourteen female elves and their twelve remaining husbands. They were all that remained of Argent’s living daughters. It was a family reunion of sorts but with a dangerous purpose. Cantrell reached for his napkin and delicately wiped the remnant of the desert course from his lips. He stood and held his glass of elderberry wine. He felt Mavis reach out and grab his unoccupied hand dangling below the table. She smiled up at him and gave his hand a little squeeze before letting it go.

”I would like you all to join me in a toast.” He said boldly. “To Mandel The First. The new Emperor of the Elven Empire”

Myron immediately joined Cantrell, rising to his feet, glass in hand. Mavis followed and stood next to Cantrell. There were nervous looks around the table. Four of the daughters immediately stood with their husbands.

“Who are you exactly?” One of the still-seated daughters asked Cantrell while beginning to rise with her glass.

”I am Cantrell the historian. Mavis, who you presumably know, is my new wife. I was there and observed the battle in which everyone who brought arms against the dragons was either killed outright or was lucky enough to be granted a surrender. I am also recording the peaceful transition of government from your father, Argent, to the dragon friend Mandel. Mavis and I, ourselves are bonded to dragons. I am bonded to one of the last remaining ancient dragons. She was hatched even before the beginning of the dragon war. She is Esmarilla the Black. Being immortal now and bonded with her, I will never forget the specifics of how you all responded to my toast tonight.”

The remaining sitting elves hastily jumped to their feet, glasses raised. Cantrell smiled.

“To Mandel the First. Our new Emperor. May your reign be long and peaceful” He downed his glass. Everyone followed but one. It was Byzinth. Cantrell had done his homework. He knew who she was. She was the only remaining sister of Byron. She had come alone, having outlived her husband by over a hundred years. Cantrell suspected that at least one egg had been involved.

She sat down her full glass and said loudly, “I will never accept this!” She then quickly moved to walk out of the room. There were guards positioned at the door, but with a small shake of his head, Mandel signaled them to allow her to pass. The guard opened the door for her but then held it that way. Byzinth could be heard swearing and shouting as she left the hallway and stepped into the flagstone courtyard.

“One elf female coming your way, Esmarilla, “ Cantrell sent to his dragon, who had posted herself outside only after the dinner had begun.

“Only one?”She asked. “That’s better than we thought.”

”The others are either going along with it or will soon be trying to kill Mandel in his sleep,” he replied “I don’t want his job”

There was a roar of flame, and a dancing red light could be seen through the open door. There was a sudden unpleasant smell of something burning. The guard hastily closed the door.

“We appreciate so much your support,” said Mandel to those still standing and holding empty glasses. Their eyes were very wide.

“You will keep your titles and your lands. There may also soon be an opportunity for some expansion. Please contact me if one of your properties is adjacent to the one recently vacated by Byzinth. We sincerely hope that no further consolidations prove to be necessary. Dinner is concluded.

“I recommend that you leave by the West exit.” Said Cantrell. “There was some unscheduled maintenance that needed to be performed in the Eastern courtyard. We will have your carriages and horses brought around shortly.”

The assembled dinner guests quickly collected their things and headed for the west exit. Cantrell turned to his beautiful wife.

”That went well,” she said. “I’ve already asked Mo-Rung to grant safe passage through the west gate. He’s staying in view, however. We don’t want them getting any ideas.”

Cantrell picked up the still-full glass of elderberry wine. The dark red liquid shimmered in the candlelight He dumped it out on the floor.

”It is a rare kingdom that can be founded without the spilling of much blood, “ he said sadly.”But I find that I don’t seem to mind so much when the blood is Argent’s. I must be getting hard-hearted.

“I think what you are feeling is me,” said Esmarilla. “You and Mandel are going in too soft. I don’t think anyone from Argent’s line is going to let this go that easily. You should probably have gotten them all while they were in the same room. Now we are just going to be waiting around for one of them to try and stab Mandel in the back.”

“What about Ardwynn?” Cantrell asked softly. “And her unborn child. They are Argent’s blood too.”

“Technically not,” said Esmarilla. Initially, we had some hope for her. Remember, she is not Argent’s daughter but that of his brother Tempton.

“But her mother was Ulaire! She was the one who gathered the eggs for Argent. She was pretty bad too.” Said Cantrell reminding her.

”She was very uncooperative during interviews and severely unrepentant for those actions, yes.” Said Esmarilla

“Ardwella believed that Ulaire’s personality flaws were most likely not genetic but environmental. Self-entitled disregard for others can be learned easily in an environment that rewards such behavior as Argent did.”

Cantrell glanced at his bride, Mavis, who once again gave him a warm smile. He then walked over to shake the newest Emperor’s hand, not for the first time being very grateful that the elf Albarad was the real father of those twins.

————————

“I don’t understand.” Said Ardwella to her sister Muina. “You almost seem disappointed that I’m not angry at the both of you.”

”Let’s say I am just surprised,” said Muina. “I thought you might be more territorial about your husband sleeping with me again.”

”Why? I love you both and was certainly in agreement with it happening the first time. I think it’s going to turn out very well, in fact,” said Ardwella with a smile.

“I told you she wouldn’t mind.” Said Albarad. “You had nothing to worry about, Muina.”

”You are not even telling us to stop?” She asked.

”I suppose that will be up to you and Albarad. With his daughter getting bigger inside me every day, I appreciate the help you can provide to keep my lover satisfied.” Ardwella said sincerely. “And I hardly expected you to live the rest of your life with your own needs unmet. I know how other males have reacted to you due to the stigma of Argent.”

Ardwella stepped over to Albarad and gingerly reached over her own very pregnant abdomen to hug him. Then she kissed him. She stepped back and turned to face her sister and twin.

”In fact, knowing Albarad the way that I do, I would have almost expected nothing less. When you shared your pain and loneliness with him and the reasons for it, he was almost obligated to help ease that.” Said the very pregnant elf. “It’s a wonderful part of what makes him the very best husband and, by the way, the best possible father of elves thought to be in consideration for the next emperor. It’s also probably why your daughter Mavis rescued Cantrell from me. My pheromones, at least. However that did have unforeseen consequences regarding Esmarilla.

Muina had slowly been developing a pained look on her face. She looked down. Albarad quickly went to her and took her hand. He grabbed the second one and then looked into her eyes. His touch was warm. It made Muina tremble slightly.

“Do not think that the affection and passion I have given to you is somehow out of just mercy or obligation.” He said. “You are worthy of anyone. You’re heroic as well as very beautiful. I am very honored that you showed interest in me.” Then he smiled.

Muina nodded and smiled back. She was relieved that Ardwella’s jealousy was not going to be an issue in this unusual relationship. Now she just had to worry about her own.

—————————-

The Elven ambassador's home in Sivantra was a much larger version of the bungalow in the mountains that Ronni had taken him to when his memory had been compromised. Lothinar was equally impressed with the decorative designs. The motifs of dragons and sailing ships abounded. It was technically the Queen’s second residence, but she hadn’t stayed here for a long time. She had been living in the Royal palace. The letter that the Queen had provided in way of introduction had insisted that the Kings’ s regent make the house available to them. The house was still staffed and well-maintained. No one had been living there except for the caretakers, and it was relatively private.

It had beautiful gardens, both decorative and functional. Most of the leafy greens and vegetables that Lothinar was accustomed to could be sourced fresh there. There were also plentiful farm animals on the property. Firestorm had been very excited to discover furry animals called sheeps. Or maybe it was sheep. Some oddities of speaking human still puzzled him. How could many of something have the same spelling as one? It didn’t matter. Firestorm had assured Lothinar that sheeps were delicious. That was surprisingly becoming a problem.

‘Like most Elves, Lothinar had been a vegetarian his whole life. He was alarmed that he found himself craving meat. Vanquish had done something to him inside when she changed his eyes and hair. Lothinar thought about Ardwynn’s father, Tempton, before Candasar burned him to the ground with dragon fire on that fateful day. Tempton had been extremely large for an elf.

Whatever Vanquish had done to his insides had triggered a similar build in Lothinar. He was correctly proportioned but getting larger every day. Many of the human men could get considerably larger than elves so finding clothes thus far had not become a problem. What was a bigger problem was his craving for lamb chops. Right now he wanted one even more than mung bean soup. The human chef in the kitchen had earnestly told him that he knew a great recipe for a lamb and mung bean stew. He would love to make it for dinner. Lothinar just couldn’t say no.

Ardwynn had been fantastic. Helpful, sweet, compliant. She constantly looked at him with love in her eyes. When he stayed cool and aloof, he could see how much it disappointed her. It would be so easy and try to forget what she was capable of when not under the sway of his formidable pheromones. They still slept in separate rooms. Firestorm made sure of that. She was constantly stopping Ardwynn from trying to sneak past her at night to join him in his room. It was strange because, on one level, Ardwynn seemed to understand what she had done and that there must be consequences for it. The other Ardwynn just wanted to go back to the way that they had been before. Part of Lothinar did too. After the baby was born would come the extremely hard decisions. Tonight the crisis was the lamb.