Prior

He and Nika had declined to ride on Seshi’s back, and instead took horses. As a result Danna and the Dragon flew high above them and landed to make camp ahead of them.

“I’m glad you came,” Prior said. Nika looked at him. They’d ridden for a week. There was probably one more until they reached the border. They’d already entered the borderlands, Harran’s domain, Brea’s. He had no idea if Nika could feel her sister’s magic in the land and air. Tristan had mentioned once he could always feel Marina’s and he knew the sisters were similarly linked.

“It’s time,” she said with a shrug. “She’s going to be so angry.” Prior laughed.

“Harran and Anders will keep her in check,” he assured her. She nodded and tightened her veil. “And there’s the boy.” She exhaled.

“Rory,” she mumbled. “I am excited to see him.” She paused. “When he was born,” she looked down.

“Marina was there,” Prior said gently. Nika nodded. “She insisted.”

“Of course she did,” she exhaled and spurred her horse on. They reached the place where Danna and Seshi had landed and stopped. Danna was standing with a tall, light haired man, with tan skin, wrapped in a plain brown leather vest and a pair of soft brown pants, tucked into boots.

“Anders!” Prior called, dismounting and walking over. Nika followed him.

“You did it,” the other man shook his head. Prior grinned at him. “My Lady,” he bowed to Nika.

“Don’t do that,” she ran into his arms and he hugged her close.

“I was just talking with Mistress Finn,” The Prince of The Borderlands smiled, “And Lord Seshi.”

“He said you were friends?” Danna asked. Prior nodded.

“You are Appan’s rider,” Seshi said, “I have called for him.” Anders nodded, unsurprised.

“I will be happy to see him again,” Anders said. Prior frowned. He’d kept that to himself. “Don’t look at me like that, I half thought I dreamed it. It was right after Rian.” Anders had carried his younger brother’s body back from battle. It had made his once light and easy friend dark and serious, nearly impossible for a time. He healed a little every time Prior saw him.

“Of course,” Nika said softly. Unlike his other brother and Nika’s sister, Anders had never held Rian’s death against her. They quickly began setting camp while Seshi went to hunt. Danna was unpacking her bedroll and Prior walked over to kneel down and help her. She glanced over at Nika and Anders.

“Are they lovers?” She asked. Prior laughed.

“You like gossip,” he said. She shrugged. “No, he used to want them to be. He actually wanted to marry her.”

“Why wasn’t she interested?” She asked.

“Nika doesn’t like men, though I always got the feeling that if she were to make an exception, it would be for Anders,” he said. She nodded. “Did you know that my friend was a rider?”

“No,” she shook her head, “I knew that Appan had found his rider, but I didn’t know who it was. Dragons are very private,” he hand met hers as they smoothed the roll. She drew hers back. “Thank you, for helping me.”

“You’re being very brave,” he said softly. She met his eyes.

“I don’t know if brave is the word,” she said. “I should have killed him.”

“Maybe,” Prior said, “but it’s alright that you couldn’t.” Stop, Wyatt please, he heard Aunt Morgan pleading, he remembered his hand reaching for his sword, and then stopping. She looked at him. “He won’t have anywhere to go. The Guilds won’t take him back.” She frowned.

“You seem very sure,” she said, “in my world men like Cole tend to wiggle out of things.” Prior sighed. He didn’t know how to explain it, that for his grandchildren Carland Dumanis would move mountains, and that they would take Prior at his word about Cole.

“Danna,” he said softly, she looked away.

“Thank you for your help, Commander,” she said. He took the dismissal. She wasn’t ready, even if she ever was, it might not be with him. And he needed to get used to that idea.