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Chapter 16

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Daisy had been dismayed when Lothinar pressed the golden button and disappeared. Staying as close to him as possible was her plan to become his new wife. She would be a better match for him than one of Argent's wretched family members, even if she were only his niece. Daisy was suddenly suspicious that there might be other competition for the position. It was going to be tricky working her way into his inner circle. She looked awkwardly at Siophra, Tundor, and Candasar. She knew convincing them she was best for Lothinar would be challenging. She sighed. Her new motto had to become 'Everyone Lothinar values is someone I need to convince.'

Daisy was sure that Lothinar was kind. He cared about others. If she couldn't convince him directly, she would work to ensure that the peer pressure of his friends made it far too damaging to his reputation to cast her aside easily. She looked at his friends and smiled. Tundor and Candasar smiled back. Siophra, not so much. She had been the one interested in Cantrell. Didn't she know that Daisy's strong passion for Lothinar ensured she was no longer a threat to her ambitions?

As to Cantrell, there was no way Cantrell would let Argent's predictably evil niece remain married to his friend Lothinar. It was just too risky for the kingdom. She would have to inform him of this travesty immediately. She straightened her dress and marched resolutely off to find him. She didn't have to go far. Cantrell was walking up.

"Daisy!" he beamed at her. "I heard you were a big help to my friends," Cantrell said. "Quite an adventure, eh? Uh, where is Lothinar?"

"He managed to get the transporter thing working again," Daisy said brightly. "I let him go alone because Lothinar assures me he thinks of Zinariya as more of a daughter. If he hadn't spelled that out, I would have been loathe to leave them unchaperoned. But not to worry. I believe Lothinar to be an honorable elf."

"I believe that as well," said Cantrell, smiling.

"So why," Daisy leaned in conspiratorily, "Are you allowing him to remain married to one of Argent's closest remaining relatives? You were so willing to grant me separation and a divorce in just such circumstances," she asked. "You must know that this... Ardwynn needs to be questioned and eliminated. There is no end to the trouble she could cause!"

"You have no idea," he mumbled.

Siophra walked past Daisy and approached Cantrell. She leaned over and whispered something in Cantrell's ear. It caused Cantrell to grimace.

"It's worth a try," he said, nodding. "I'll see to it that no one interferes." He turned to Daisy.

"I'm sure you're tired after your big adventure. Wouldn't it be nice to head back to the tower for a long hot soak and a shower?" Cantrell asked, seeming to completely ignore Daisy's recommendations regarding Argent's niece and her tainted bloodline.

Suddenly, Candasar and Tundor walked up behind her. That made Daisy nervous. They looked innocent enough until they grabbed her! Kicking and screaming, she was carried through the city and back to the tower. Strangely, other elves they passed seemed to look the other way. She yelled louder. It did no good. Once back in her room, Candasar summarily stripped her and threw her in a warm bubble bath. She held her head underwater for a few seconds, vigorously scrubbing at her beautiful blonde hair.

Candasar grabbed the lovely blue dress and undergarments she had worn, throwing them out of the bathroom.

"Make sure that gets burned!" She yelled to Tundor, who was waiting outside.

"This doesn't seem fair!" Daisy wailed. "Why are you doing this? I was hoping to make you one of my new favorite friends!"

Candasar was rinsing her off with the showerhead, but she stopped to answer her.

"It's for your own good! And for Lothinar's. I think it's probably too late after those kisses you made him give you. But we at least need to try."

Daisy's eyes narrowed. "You want him for yourself, don't you?" she asked suspiciously.

"I already have him," Candasar answered wearily, turning back on the water. "I was his first bond. Out of everyone who wants a part of Lothinar, I have had to learn to share the most. He's become a part of me. I may very well love him more than my mate Tundor. Please don't raise your eyebrows at me! I love him in an entirely different way! Unlike others, I prefer to breed in my dragon form. I've recently discovered it creates far fewer complications!"

Daisy involuntarily gasped. She hadn't realized the person squirting her down was actually Lothinar's dragon. Daisy knew the big white-haired elf was a dragon; He had flown into the courtyard and changed. But Candasar had been riding him and not that happily from the complaints she had made after landing. Candasar took a breath. She obviously wasn't finished.

What you are experiencing, though, isn't love. It's drugs and chemicals. A weakness and flaw occurred when the other powerful traits that Lothinar has were put in place. He hates this as much as I do. He wants you to be free!" She squirted Daisy again with the shower attachment. She rubbed her again with stinky soap and then squirted her some more. She was relentless in her aggressive scrubbing.

"Stop! Stop! It's fine. I'm fine. I think it's working!" Daisy cried, finally at last, soggy and sputtering. "I think you got it all!"

"Really?" Candasar asked. She looked hopeful.

"That Bastard!" yelled Daisy. "I am so angry! I know he didn't mean to do it. He was only trying to keep me from falling in the teleportation room, but... That Bastard!" she yelled again. "I just got out of a messed-up relationship. How dare he infect me with his sweaty skin! I'm so glad you made me wash it all off! Who would want to fall for an elf like him!"

"That's the spirit!" said Candasar. "Way to go, Daisy! I'm impressed!"

"Help me out of this tub and hand me a robe," Daisy said.

Surprisingly, Candasar complied.

"Now you and your big, muscly, white-haired companion must clear out. This is my room, and I've got some thinking to do. But thanks for the help. I appreciate it."

Candasar suddenly looked less confident.

"Perhaps we should stay. Just in case you suddenly have a relapse." she offered.

"And give me back my little card," said Daisy. "Cantrell gave that to me. Only he can take it back."

"Uh, sorry, Daisy, I already returned it to Cantrell. You will have to ask him for another one. He thought it was the best way to go under the circumstances. I mean." stammered Candasar.

There was a knock on the door. Candasar opened it. It was Cantrell. He looked a little upset.

"I need to speak with Daisy," he said. "Albarad just came back down via the transporter. He explained some things. Now even I know where the teleport activation button is." He glanced nervously at Daisy. "I have been told it’s only got a few charges left. Only Lothinar can charge it. I tried it myself and blew a penny right in half."

"The button seemed hard to find." Candasar said, "But Daisy knows how; I hope you have posted guards inside and outside the teleport room so she can't get back to Lothinar by using it."

"I have," Cantrell said. He smiled apologetically and watched Daisy’s face, but she remained impassive.

"Like I care about that." she huffed.

"I've only done this, Daisy because I understand just how compelling this addiction to Lothinar can be."

He returned his attention to Candasar. "As you probably know, Lothinar and your daughter will stay at the station just a little longer. They are trying to make sure everything is set to run automatically. Marg is still a significant unknown factor, but the moon will be stable for quite a while. Albarad.is waiting for you with Siophra in the courtyard. He nodded to Tundor, who was still standing in the doorway in case Daisy was faking her cure. "I'm sure Tundor can handle the three of you on the return trip to the lake. Esmarilla will be staying here with me."

‘The white-haired elf nodded. “Of course.”

"Even with them leaving later, Zinariya and Lothinar will probably beat you back to Ardwynn's." Cantrell finished. "Daisy will be in my care."

Candasar looked a bit concerned but agreed. "Okay, Cantrell. It's your show now," she said. "Be careful!" They walked out, shutting the door.

Cantrell didn't say anything for a while. He just stared at Daisy sorrowfully.

"So somehow I got infected," Daisy said awkwardly.

"I am aware," said Cantrell sadly. "It's entirely my fault. I should have never asked you to show them around. I don't know what I was thinking."

"Candasar washed me quite thoroughly," Daisy said. "All better now! I couldn't care less that stupid Lothinar doesn’t want..." Her lip quivered.

Cantrell moved closer. He paused before reaching for her.

"I'm going to return that hug you gave me," he said. "Is that alright?"

"That hug seems like a long time ago, right now," Daisy said.

He smiled. "Believe it or not, it was only this morning," he said.

"Candasar said that you also got trapped like this. How did you beat it, Cantrell? It isn't easy at the moment. Lothinar is all I can think about."

"I had some excellent help from a friend," he said. He seemed to be contemplating something.

"The only thing I can offer you is to return that hug." He said. "With interest. Perhaps if I'm interesting enough, I can make you forget about Lothinar."

"Are you suggesting that if you woo me tonight, you might undo my addiction to Lothinar?" Daisy asked. "Under different circumstances, that would be a great pickup line. Unfortunately, I know how you feel about being disloyal to your wife."

"I have ways of disassociating myself from feelings of guilt about things these days, and in this case, I'd probably tell Mavis. She might even understand. She's the one that helped me when I was in such a state."

"You're a sweet elf, Cantrell." Said Daisy. "But I believe that I will need to wallow in this misery for a while. I'm going to try to solve this problem with time and soapsuds."

Daisy tried not to notice how relieved Cantrell seemed to look.

"Hey," she said. "Don't look so happy about me turning you down. We would have been great together. I know how to please."

"That's what I was probably the most afraid of," Cantrell admitted.

After Cantrell politely left, Daisy cried herself to sleep. Part of it was that her skin felt scratched and abraded away by a bristle brush. What most certainly hurt more was her unfulfilled longing for Lothinar.

The following day, before dawn, she went down to the stables. She needed to talk to a dragon.

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Lothinar was looking at mysterious flashing lights, buttons, and displays. He was searching for something and muttering to himself. She had questions about this station and its reason for being here, but for now, Zinariya was content to allow the operation of this mysterious technology to be Lothinar's problem. She was concentrating on filling her magical channels with his abundant ambient energy. It was strangely satisfying. While searching, Lothinar was munching on some cookies he had found in one of the station cupboards. Zinariya observed that he wasn't being conscientious about crumbs.

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"I think I've absorbed enough power from you now for me to teleport us back down safely," Zinariya said. I feel like if I take much more of your energy, I might pop.”

"Good! Because these cookies are terrible!" he said vehemently. You said you saw Xerxes eating them, but I don't understand how he could even choke them down. Oh my! Look at the date printed on this bag! I think these cookies are as old as my mother!" Lothinar complained.

"Ardwella probably baked them." giggled Zinariya. "She has many skills you are unaware of."

"No," he replied almost instantly. "I've eaten her cookies, and these are not..."

Lothinar got an awkward look on his face.

"You know, we can talk about it if you want," said Lothinanr. "Or not. The time that you spent living in the bodies of my mother and aunt. If it's too awkward for you, I can always look back at your memories from that time. I haven't yet." he clarified. “I've been pretty busy since we bonded."

"Do you really want to relive all that? It was a difficult time for me," said Zinariya. "Your mother was far more troublesome than your aunt. I have to admit to liking Aunt Siophra quite a bit better. But they are both crazy, you know."

Lothinar choked a little.

"Sorry," said Zinariya, "But it's the truth."

"Oh, it's not what you said. You're not wrong," said Lothinar. It's these terrible cookies. Do you want one? Come on, help a guy out. I hate just to toss them.”

"Not a chance," said Zinariya, grinning. "Funny thing. When I'm around you, I don't think I seem to need food. I suppose that's a nutritionally short-sighted strategy, but my energy requirements seem naturally satisfied. I wonder where the power you're giving me actually comes from?"

"Where does the power that powers this station come from?" counted Lothinar. "There seem to be some things we don't yet understand."

"You weren't here, but I had to put a big red fuel bag in a chute. It was just over there." She gestured to the window. "I can show you where I did it if you want. As far as I can tell, nobody's putting fuel in your slot, but something must be giving you energy anyway. I've barely seen you eat!"

"What about these cookies? They're food. I also had part of a steak the other night before Marg got nasty." he countered.

"Compared to the power I've personally taken from you, that's nothing," said Zinariya. "And you gave energy in the form of legricity to the transporter machine in the capital. Where is it all coming from, Lothinar?"

"Honestly, I think it somehow comes from gravity itself," Lothinar said. "When I'm really using and consciously thinking about it, I see planets revolving around each other in a strange cosmic pattern."

"Gravity?" Like the thing that pulls us down to the earth? That gravity?"

"I'm afraid I don't have a better answer," Lothinar sighed.

"That's just weird," said Zinariya.

"Firestorm also said something similar about absorbing my energy," Lothinar said, shrugging off her comment. "She's growing rapidly since my last evolution. I'm quite surprised she hasn't been hounding me through the bond to get back down there. Those dozen or so steaks she ate at the house yesterday must have been enough to keep her satiated while I'm gone. It was nice for Tundor to bring them. By the way, please remind me to thank him and Siophra. Firestorm's capacity to eat them impressed me. I could see a dragon eating that much, but I've never seen an elf eat that way, especially a female."

"Real elves generally don't eat meat anyway, Lothinar. But I think I might be able to eat that much if it impresses you."

"I wasn't trying to make it a contest between you and Firestorm Zinariya."

"Hmm." said Zinariya. "Perhaps I'm naturally competitive. How did you cook the steaks? I'm probably more used to my beef on the raw side."

"Marg cooked them," Lothinar replied. "They were quite tasty."

"Oh, I see," said Zinariya, scanning back along Lothinar's recent memories. "Everything was going along quite pleasantly. I can see it all here in your mind. It gets rather messy at the end of the dinner. Wow, skipping ahead...Firestorm was savage. How did things go bad so fast with Marg?"

"It was rather surprising," he admitted. "Marg is a paradox. She's Vanador and Esmarilla's mother, for one thing. I owe both those dragons a lot. She also stepped up firmly to help us undo the damage that Argent's daughters and soldiers inflicted on Delora. That was a big plus in her favor. I thought we had made a genuine friend. A mighty older dragon who would help us, like Vanquish was. However, Esmarilla's reaction to seeing her mother again was not what I expected. Esmarilla seemed wary of her and almost afraid of her. That alone should have been a sign that we needed to handle her carefully.

"Then Marg sensed that I had bonded again. She demanded that I give you to her," Lothinar said. "Although she was a little confused about your actual type. She incorrectly assumed you were a Platinum. Supposedly, only one golden dragon can exist at a time."

"That's interesting. You know, it might have been easier to give me up." the young golden dragon said. "Trade a weak young dragon for the favor of a strong older one."

"You were already up here at the station, and I wasn't going to tell Marg that. It would also have broken your mother's heart."

"You did all this for my mother?" Zinariya asked, just a little peeved.

"Well, I also hate bulies," said Lothinar. Then he smiled. "Seriously, I love your mother. I'd do anything for her, and I'd like to think she feels the same. Well, I know she does. We aren't in the kind of relationship she shares with your birth father, Tundor, and we both intend to keep it that way. Yet, somehow, miraculously, we've had a child together. That's you, by the way. I wasn't going to give you up to anyone."

"So that's it then. I'm your child. Is that really the path before us?"

"Well, you'll have to share me with little Harvey," he said. "I suspect he's going to be a handful. I will need you to be mature about me not being fair with my time. At least while he's so young."

"Hmm." said Zinariya. "I don't feel young anymore. Perhaps it's because I've shared bodies with a couple of old lady elves. It could also be all the information and life experience my connection to you keeps supplying me, but I feel quite mature."

"I'm sorry that I was in Silvantra when you were hatched and wasn't there for you," Lothinar said sadly. "Traumatic events led to your innocent youth being stolen from you. "

Despite her trying to impress him, Zinariya felt herself tearing up. He noticed. He reached out and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm going to ensure you get the chance to have an actual childhood," he vowed. "You should have never been asked to do some of the things you had to do."

Zinariya felt her heart go ker-thump. She quickly attempted to shield her mind. She didn't want her true feelings to show through the bond. He either didn't notice or acted like he didn't care. It was a hollow victory.

Her traitorous tongue betrayed her.

"Hey! What about Firestorm? She's pretty young? You kissed her."

"And Ardwynn, Michelle, and Daisy. " Lothinar reminded her.

"Daisy?" Are you including her in our family already?"

"It wasn't planned, but I might have to," said Lothinar. "It's not her fault that I infected her. Look at my memories of how I handled Ronniflass. I'll need to check with Cantrell and see how Daisy responds to the treatment Candasar just gave her. Your mom gave her a pretty thorough scrubbing."

"I can only imagine," Zinariya said, giggling again.

"It's quite a serious situation," Lothinar said.

"Hmm," Zinariya said again. "Being bonded with you is surely going to be interesting."

"Right now, it's too interesting. We need to put the station in automatic mode and get out of here before Marg shows up. Having to fight her here on the station would be a terrible idea."

"Can you imagine?" asked Zinariya. "If you think Mo-Rung knocking down a bedroom wall was bad...."

"Exactly," said Lothinar.

Firestorm has already verified that Marg is not where Esmarilla left her. If she's not nearby, Vanador has some ideas about where she might have tried to go. Can you take us to the yard in front of Ardwynn's house? We can meet up with them there."

"I told you I was ready," said Zinariya. "But it's not just Ardwynn's house anymore. It's our house. I'll be staying there now. With you."

He gave her a warning look.

"In another room, of course," she said, grinning.

"Exactly," he replied.

"At least for now," she added.

"Look Zinariya. If you want to stay with us, you must listen to and follow Candasar's rules. It would be best if you tried to get along," Lothinar said seriously. I won't accept anything like what happened before between you two."

"Well, you had better prepare us to argue silently inside your head, Lothinar. Because we're not going to agree about a few things."

Lothinar flipped a switch on a panel. "Finally! Here it is. I'm glad Ardwella taught me to read old Elvish. It's the one that says 'unattended operation.' I've just set it to 'ON.'

"I don't know," said Zinariya. "I've enjoyed having you all to myself for a few hours. I don't think I will get that chance too often down below."

"You might be right, but I really need to get something better to eat than these cookies," said Lothinar. Firestorm's back and says Heirwynn just finished making dinner. It's Mung Beans! I'm so happy!"

"Heirwynn is staying with us too, I suppose," said Zinariya, sighing. You didn't mention her name earlier."

"She's just the nanny," said Lothinar.

"Sure she is. My mother is right about this much. When it comes to females who want you, you are oblivious."

"It seems to work, most of the time," said Lothinar. "Why change now? It's a pretty solid defense."

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Michelle stepped off the Starfish and onto the dock. She held Enderline's letter in her hand. She handed it to her father. He took it but didn't even look at it, which did not surprise her.

"You're the last person I expected to see on this boat," he said. "What happened to the Sinspirilla and Enderline?"

"The flagship had to turn back. It's all in the letter, father," she said. "Don't be too disappointed. I didn't end up marrying him."

"But what about the baby?" he whispered cautiously, looking around.

A single line of dragons began streaming down the gangplank. That caught her father's attention.

"Dragons!" he yelped.

"Yes. I brought Dragons to Silvantra father. These are the only babies I will be concerned about for a while." she said. "When you read that letter, you will see that I am starting a school."

"A school for dragons?" he asked incredulously. "What makes you think you can teach dragons anything?"

"Because I am one!" She flared her eyes from green to glowing blue. He stepped back in shock. "I see, he said, narrowing his eyes.

"I will stay in the Ambassador's residence until the school is constructed. That is a priority project, by the way. The dragons and their bonds will bivouac on and about the premises. We won't need anything fancy. Tents with good mosquito netting and some basic supplies."

"Did that Elf Lothinar do this to you? Is my daughter still in there at all?" he finally asked.

"I'm still in here," said Michelle. She let her eyes drift back to green. She smiled at him, but it was half-hearted. "I will come by later. I will tell you more, but right now, I have to get these dragons settled."

She strode off down the dock and stepped onto the island of Silvantra. She was home. It was the last place she had ever expected to see again. Right now, she missed Lothinar terribly. The line of dragons followed her uphill, past the town, and through the gates of the Ambassador's mansion. The Cook opened the door as she walked up the steps to the porch. He looked out over the stream of dragons and their humans still crossing the yard.

"I'm going to need to buy groceries," he said. "A little warning would have been nice."

"Don't worry, you're not feeding the dragons," Michelle said. "I've got an angle on a whole tribe of tasty goats. The little dragons will think it's just part of the adventure."

"It still looks like over a hundred hungry humans out there." said the Cook.

"A big order of franks and mung beans will suffice. We'll serve them campout style out back. We will spread out blankets and call it a picnic."

"Don't try and tell me my business." said the Cook. "I can manage better than that, even on short notice. My professional reputation is at stake."

"Knock yourself out," said Michelle. "Just know that I'm not doing dishes. Get paper plates."

"This illustrious manor does not have 'paper plates, ' the Cook said brusquely. We have held parties with guest lists in the hundreds. We have twelve sets of fine china, one for each holiday during the year. In just a few hours I can have a full staff of waiters and servers to take care of our guests. It will be a meal they will not soon forget."

"But can you do that day in and day out for the rest of the year?" asked Michelle.

"What's the budget?" asked the Cook.

"Most of these human folks are soldiers. They don't need anything fancy," said Michelle. "I think they were afraid they might have to eat horse meat on the voyage here. They didn't. The beef jerky held out, but the dragons did. Throw together whatever you have for the humans tonight. I'm about to go back over there and try to describe where to find goats to over a hundred hungry baby dragons, and I can't fly them over there to show them. I'm sure it will all work out. We can get as fancy as you want tomorrow."

"I beg your pardon, but you are not as nice to work for as Mrs. Lothinar," said the Cook, gritting his teeth.

"I'm sorry, I'm half dragon." Said Michelle. "My manners are probably pretty atrocious. The other half of me is Regent Courtney's spoiled rotten little girl. I'm used to getting what I want."

"I see." said the Cook. "Will Regent Courtney be by later? Perhaps I can discuss the food budget with him?"

"I'm sure he will be by." said Michelle, "But I have letters from the King authorizing a more permanent relationship with these humans and their dragons. We will be starting a school."

"I see," sniffed the Cook. "So my genius is to be relegated to.... cafeteria food, then."

"No, but I am interested to see what you can do with a goat," she said with a grin.

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The black dragon opened one eye. Despite her concerns, she responded to the question.

"What makes you think I can get in touch with Lothinar?" Esmarilla asked. "And even if I could, why should I help you?"

"I met your brother Vanador," said Daisy, trembling a little at the audacity of waking up a dragon. "And you're Cantrell's bond. I figured out that much. I know that you share information. He's far too kind to allow you to eat me.”

"Blech! You have no idea how disgusting that sounds," said Esmarilla. "I don't mind killing elves that much, but don't worry, I won't eat your body." She rolled over and put her back to the elf. The sound of obviously fake snoring began immediately.

Daisy walked over to her substantial black backside and gave Esmarilla a little kick. The snoring stopped.

"You're pushing your luck, elf!" came a dangerous low growl. Now go away!"

"I'm trying to save Cantrell's marriage here!" Daisy said in an urgent whisper. "You obviously know what he offered to do with me last night! I'd consider this a matter of national importance, wouldn't you? I'd hate for word of something like this to get out! It might shatter a delicate political situation, People could talk. The wrong sorts of people."

"You remind me of someone," said Esmarilla flipping back over and stretching out her wings. Who is it? Ah! You said that you had met my brother. I bet he was quite taken with you. He's always had a soft spot for a blonde elf named Siophra. She's a nice lady, I have to admit."

"She didn't seem very nice yesterday," said Daisy with a grimace.

"Of course not. You're a threat." said Esmarilla sagely. "Siophra has had it bad for Cantrell for a long time."

"Cantrell know this?" Daisy asked, surprised.

"What do you think? Of course, he does. But Cantrell doesn't do crazy. He might go as far as very eccentric, which you are closing in on fast, by the way. That's halfway to crazy. Mavis is eccentric. You need a little spice."

"I need a ride," said Daisy, growing impatient. "To wherever Lothinar is."

"There are some very nice horses right over there," said Esmarilla. Go ahead. I don't think anybody will miss one. Saddles are hanging right there on the wall. You're welcome. Let's talk again sometime."

Daisy just stood there with her hands on her hips. Glaring.

"Damn. You really do look like Siophra." Esmarilla said. "Fine! I need to hunt anyway. Nobody brings food down here anymore. You would think my bond would remember, but no, he's got 'important stuff' on his mind these days. Climb up. You know, I just did this flight yesterday!"

"Thank you," said Daisy. "I knew I could count on you."

"It's not just you," said Esmarilla. "I'm sure Lothinar would never forgive me if you got ambushed and raped by bandits or fell off your horse and broke your neck on your way to try and find him. He takes his responsibility to those he infects quite seriously."

"That's what I thought," said Daisy. "I was counting on it. And you have a very vivid imagination."

"When you've been alive as long as I have, you don't need much of an imagination anymore," said Esmarilla. "I just have an excellent memory. Now hold on, I'm in a hurry."

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