“And afterward, we’ll see to it that a protectorate of riders is established,” Hannah said.
“And that you are groomed for your seat on the throne,” Anders added.
Hannah nodded and wished them safe travels. She returned to the mismatched pair of dragons and riders who they’d managed to heal.
As they flew north to return to their people, Maija asked, “You don’t think you’ll change your mind and decide to remain King?”
Anders shook his head, “I won’t. Besides, Hannah is better suited for it. I’ll keep my word and abdicate the throne to her in six months.”
“We have a lot of work to do. Do you think Kirsten will want to keep the position you’ve created for her?” she asked.
“We’ll see how she does. If she likes it, then she can stay. I can’t think of very many people who would be better suited to be the Warden of Westland. With Hensal and Helga set to govern the local politics and me giving the crown to Hannah, we’ll want a trustworthy person seated in Grandwood while we’re training the new order of riders.”
Maija nodded and without another thought, flew away from the sight of their army's last stand. They had their work cut out for them in rebuilding each of the nations after Merglan’s destruction.
Chapter 101
The Summit
Anders leaned forward atop Zahara as they soared over Kingston alongside Maija and Raffa. He looked to his side, toward the ocean, and glanced down at the port. Interspersed among the merchant ships, he saw several Rollo Island long ships and five elven ships carrying both the elves and dwarfs.
Maija’s voice sounded in his mind, Kirsten and Thomas decided against sailing?
Unless they got a ride on a merchant ship, Anders replied. Before we left Highborn Bay, Kirsten told me they might fly down with some of the new riders. She said something about giving them more practice with long distance flights.
I wonder if she’ll show up with the Norfolk lad and his green dragon? Maija said.
The one Thomas says is ruggedly handsome? Anders asked.
Judging from the way he was eyeing her during our last practice at the new facility in Grandwood, I wouldn’t be surprised if he offered her a ride.
Maybe she’s ready? You know, to be a little more vulnerable and try to make a friend, Anders said, referring to Kirsten’s sadness after the battle where they lost Bo. What do you think, Tarron? You're being unusually quiet about all this?
Gregory is the lad’s name, Tarron started.
Really? I thought it was Roy? Anders said.
That’s his nickname and what I know about him is strictly from a teacher’s perspective. He will make a fine rider for our order. He and his dragon, Boldari, show more promise than the rest of the half a dozen that came out of the North.
I wonder how Natalia’s trainees are coming along? Anders wondered.
We should go to Cedarbridge soon. When we last saw my family, I didn’t get to introduce them to Raffa, Zahara chimed in.
I was so wrapped up in trying to help Nadir get the city back to its original state, I didn’t take the time to even say hello to your family, Anders said apologetically.
That’s perfectly fine. They were just happy to be returning to a community where nobody was trying to kill them or recruit them for war, Zahara answered and then angled down toward the castle courtyard.
Flapping a bit, Zahara landed light on her feet in the Kingston Castle courtyard. Anders saw that Hannah and Inama were already waiting for them. Anders and Maija climbed down from their saddles and greeted Hannah and Inama.
“Anders,” Hannah said, taking his hand in greeting. “I trust you and your bride-to-be had fine skies for your travels to the Kewian Islands?”
With a nod Anders replied, “We did. Getting to see where Maija was raised was a treat for me.”
“Are the beaches as nice as they say?” Hannah asked.
“You wouldn’t believe how white and soft the sands are. You should go sometime. They aren’t far from here,” Anders said.
“That’s one place I’ve been hearing a lot about lately,” Hannah said, then looked toward Zahara and Raffa. “Perhaps your dragons would like to fill their bellies on deer in the forests while we prepare for the summit?”
I have an appetite for seafood, Raffa’s voice boomed in their minds.
We’ll be fishing if you need anything from us, Zahara said. The two dragons flapped their wings and took to the skies, sending a gust of wind through the courtyard.
Anders turned to Inama and greeted her in the Southland native’s tradition, this time not blushing. “How are you and the Lumbapi?” Anders asked.
“We are thriving, thank you for asking,” Inama said. “What did I hear you say about the Kewian Islands?”
“Oh, just that I hadn’t been before and they were beautiful,” Anders said.
“We should really go there soon, Na,” Hannah said.
Anders glanced at Maija as she raised a questioning eyebrow. “Na?” he asked.
“That’s what she calls me for short,” Inama said, taking Hannah by the hand.
“I like it,” Anders said with a smile.
“I see you have been enjoying your time here,” Maija said to Hannah, bowing her head in greeting.
