Michael Stackpole: When Dragons Rage

The man finished it for him. “And you don’t want to fail us and let us die, too.”

Kerrigan shook his head, unable to speak.

Crow drew him into a strong hug. Kerrigan hesitated, uncomfortable and desperate, then grabbed handfuls of Crow’s tunic and gripped them hard. He hung on tightly as Crow gently stroked his back.

“You listen to me, Kerrigan Reese. I know Orla told you to listen to me and to Resolute. She wanted you to stay with us. She wanted you to learn from us, and as she lay dying, she made you our responsibility. And we kept you with us until we left Caledo. Not because we thought you’d be in danger with the Freemen, but because we knew you would be far better employed with Alexia in Nawal.

“And you were. You saved lives. You did things that saved Prince Erlestoke and kept yet another DragonCrown fragment away from Chytrine. You defeated a sullanciri . The great things you did just confirmed what we had known: you are a good man, with a huge heart, and woe be to the enemy that you choose to fight.”

Crow released him and stood back. “So, if you think you need Rymramoch’s training, then you should stay. But when we need you…”

Kerrigan nodded. “I’ll be there. Thank you.”

Crow looked at the puppet. “You train him well, and keep him safe.”

The puppet cocked its head. “You’ll forgive me if a weaponless man’s threat sounds a bit hollow.”

“I remember where I left my sword. I don’t think you want me coming back for it.”

“No, indeed.” Rymramoch’s puppet bowed to all of them. “Travel safely and well.”

Kerrigan waved as his companions turned and climbed onto Dravothrak’s broad back. The green dragon gave him a little nod, made certain everyone was strapped in, then spread his wings and launched himself skyward. The young mage remained there, watching, until the dragon was but a small, dark speck in the morning sky.

Rym Ramoch’s gloved left hand landed on his right shoulder. “Crow was right. You were right. What you learn here will make you the most powerful mage in the world. We will be able to find the missing fragments of the DragonCrown and then, ultimately—with Bok’s help—we will find Chytrine herself.”

Kerrigan glanced down at the green urZrethi. “How are you going to help us, my little friend?”

“By sharing with you, Adept Reese, everything I know about her and her ways—which actually is considerable.” The urZrethi smiled as he straightened up and stood, cultured words pouring softly from his mouth. “After all, I am her father.”