Rihkard chuckled. “For you, maybe. I’m not much of a rider myself. I’ve been bit one too many times by the blasted things.”

Once they arrived at Hazaam, Rihkard was little surprised to see the City teeming with activity. Rihkard looked at all the beautiful dark-haired people around them and wondered, again, as he did last time he was here, if his father had been a Nerombian. His mother had always been rather vague about his father, so he had no idea really. But he saw many people around him with skin similar in color to his own and smiled to himself, convinced that if not full Nerombian, there must have been Nerombian blood in his father’s background somewhere.

Rihkard’s thoughts were distracted by Odarin stopping his progress, looking deep in thought. Rihkard was about to ask him what the matter was when Odarin said, “I sense them.”

Odarin, in excitement, grabbed Rihkard’s arm, staring into his eyes, and continued, “The other dragons. Come on. They went this way.”

Rihkard had to trot at times to keep up with Odarin’s progress through the throngs of people. Rihkard thought, So, Odarin can sense these people. What kind of special powers did Odarin have to be able to do that?

Odarin seemed to slow and Rihkard heard him, just barely, mutter, “Sasha.”

Rihkard looked at Odarin in question, seeing almost distress on the blond man’s face. Odarin said, “I was wrong. It’s not my enemies. The scent belongs to Aleksander Odarin—my little brother.”

Odarin sounded little pleased by this and Rihkard wondered what kind of relationship he had with his little brother.

Odarin headed straight towards an inn called, The Crystal Orb. Rihkard was suddenly startled by Odarin yelling out, “Sasha!”

A beautiful young man that had just emerged from the inn stopped dead in his tracks. He had a companion in tow that looked similarly surprised, but seemed to contain a laugh. Sasha stared at Odarin in fear as Odarin closed in on him.

“Aleksander! How dare you! Stupid, foolish boy! To come here, of all places! You don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into, you little fool! Damn it, Sasha…damn it!”

Odarin actually grabbed the young man by his shoulders and shook him, surprising Rihkard by the use of violence. Up until now, Odarin had seemed very gentle, and Rihkard thought, Better not get that one mad.

Rihkard laughed inwardly as he saw Mikael straighten his clothes for Odarin’s sake. Rihkard admitted to himself that Odarin was an impressive figure, and anger seemed to make him more so.

“Don’t be mad, Kostya. What did I do wrong? I haven’t gotten into any trouble this time—at least not yet. I just wanted to have some fun. What’s wrong with that? Elendor is so boring, and I’m so sick of all my friends there, too. Look. I’ve got a new friend now. This is Mikael. He’s not a dragon or a mortal.”

This was getting interesting. Elendor? Dragons? Not a mortal? He had heard rumors about Elendor, but never paid too much attention. Was Rihkard’s companion a dragon?!

Odarin greeted Mikael, “It’s nice to meet you.” Rihkard couldn’t help but notice Mikael’s composure weaken a little when Odarin spoke to him. Rihkard nodded his greeting to both young men.

Odarin continued, “Listen, you two. Is there a place where we can talk? I need to tell you something, Sasha. And we need to rest. Where are you staying for the night?”

Sasha, seeming overwhelmed, glanced at his companion for rescue. Mikael, startled into action, said, "We just had dinner at the inn behind us but decided not to get rooms there because it's too expensive. We were on our way to look for another inn."

Odarin nodded, then lead the way as if he were frightened someone would see them all together. Rihkard sensed that Odarin’s outburst of anger was based in concern for his younger brother, so guessed that concern was behind his quick steps as well. After a few minutes of walking in silence, Mikael pointed to a building in the distance with a large sign over the door that read, The Firefly Inn. "It looks like that place might be a little more reasonably priced."

Mikael fell in step with Rihkard as they neared the inn and introduced himself, “I guess you overheard Sasha say that my name is Mikael."

Rihkard nodded and smiled, “My name is Rihkard.”

Then suddenly the young man seemed to stumble over his own feet and Rihkard, acting without thinking, stopped his fall.

Mikael, looking a little sheepish, smiled and said, “Thanks. Guess that last glass of wine did a number on me." Rihkard laughed along with him. Immortal or not, the young man was a bit on the wasted side. Rihkard wouldn’t mind to lose himself to that kind of revelry again. It had been so long since he had an opportunity.

As they waited to be seated, Rihkard watched the two brothers in front of them speak to each other in hushed tones. Rihkard felt Mikael lean in close to him, "Have you guys been in Neromba long? We just got here a little over an hour ago and neither one of us knows a damn thing about the place except that they eat insects and like to drink snake's blood. Did you ever try that crap? It's got a real peculiar kick to it."

Rihkard smirked, “Can’t say that I have. But I’ve heard about it. No, we haven’t been here very long, actually just arrived. I’ve been here before, but only a short while. Didn’t stay long enough for the bugs.” Rihkard smirked. “Odarin will tell you everything in a moment, I’m sure.”

Rihkard smiled at the brother’s standing in front of them, “So, they’re brothers? And, am I mistaken, or did Sasha hint at something when he said you weren’t a dragon? Are they dragons?”

Mikael seemed to look at him in surprise that he didn’t already know these things. Rikhard gave him a small smile, “We’ve just met.”

Mikael just managed to affirm that yes, the brother’s were dragons, when a man with a full beard and braided hair appeared to lead them to a table in the center of the bustling room.

It was a nice inn, but low key, with wooden tables marked with time and a crowd that looked serious about their eating and drinking. Rihkard thought he might order himself some wine. He was very tired, but he looked at the brother’s with interest, wanting to know more about them. Rihkard was willing to put up with a few more hours without sleep if it meant that he would learn more about his companions. Might as well enjoy himself while doing so.

A part of Rihkard wondered what he got himself into, but he was also very excited by what was already becoming one of his most interesting adventures.

Rihkard, catching Sasha’s eye finally, the young man’s nerves beginning to settle in his brother’s presence, smiled at him and held out his hand across the table. “My name is Rihkard. It is nice to meet you.”

Rihkard ordered some wine when a server came to take their order and listened as Odarin began to fill in the two young men with them.

Sasha: 5-2-05

Sasha had to practically jog to keep up with his brother. Kostya, who was three inches taller, had a naturally long stride, but right now he was moving as if his tail were on fire. He stayed silent at first, his thin lips still pursed in anger, his sky blue eyes staring straight ahead. Sasha sighed. He was in so much trouble. You’d think the chances of them running into one another in a foreign country on a foreign plane would be practically nil, but ohhh no! It just had to happen. What lousy rotten frigging luck!

He glanced back at Mikael, walking alongside his brother’s companion, almost as if for reassurance—but whether for himself or for his friend, he wasn’t sure. Mikael was a little high, actually, and didn’t look as if anything in the world would bother him at the moment. Once he actually stumbled against the man next to him (whom Sasha had heard introduce himself as Richard or Rissard or something like that). He bristled inwardly when the man offered a friendly, supporting arm to Mikael, who then gave him a sheepish look of thanks. For some reason, it bothered him that the prince might begin to be more friendly with someone else besides him.

“Sasha...”

He started and glanced at his brother, who had finally decided to start talking to him again. Kostya didn’t slow his pace any, but he now wore a more thoughtful look on his face. Which was a good thing, since Sasha had no desire to be shaken so roughly again. He was already going to have a neck ache from the first time, he just knew it.

“I came here for a reason,” his brother continued.

“You mean to Neromba?”

“No, to this world. I followed someone.” Kostya looked like he might say more, but then sighed instead. “I wish you hadn’t come, Sasha. You don’t know what you may have gotten yourself into.”

Sasha rolled his eyes, not putting much stock in his brother’s usual attempts to preach to him. Everything was doom and gloom with Kostya, every time. He was in danger; he was a fool; he was doing the wrong thing, again, blah, blah, blah. Sasha had to grit his teeth to keep from replying. He didn’t want to get into a shouting match with his brother, not in front of Mikael.

Luckily, Kostya seemed content to save the rest of his explanation for later. A few minutes later, Mikael pointed out a small tavern called The Firefly Inn. It wasn’t a bad looking place, just not as fancy as the Crystal Orb. Sasha sighed, thinking he would’ve liked lying on a nice fluffy, feather mattress tonight. Obviously, that wasn’t going to happen tonight.

After a while, an ugly bearded man approached them and brought them to a table. Sasha slouched in his seat and tried not to look petulant. Why did Kostya have to suddenly appear out of nowhere to ruin his first exciting adventure on this world? Now, not only was he probably due for yet another three hour lecture, but he would probably be hauled back to Elendor as soon as possible. He doubted he would be allowed to take Mikael with him, either. That just wasn’t fair! For all his joking talk about becoming bondmates and ruling the world together, Sasha really did like his new friend a lot. He would be very upset to have to tell him good-bye so early in their relationship.

Kostya asked the waiter for a bottle of wine and four glasses since they’d all already eaten. Then he turned to Sasha and started to say something, but Rissard spoke up first.

“My name is Rihkard,” he said, leaning over the table to offer him his hand. Oh, Sasha thought. Rihkard. “It is nice to meet you.”

He shook his hand but didn’t smile back. “Sasha,” he supplied. Kostya stared at him from the corner of his eye, a look of annoyance crossing his face. He then turned to Mikael and offered him a nod.

“And my name is Odarin. I’m Sasha’s brother.”

Sasha was not entirely comfortable with the way Mikael was staring at Kostya. The prince looked as if he were in heaven—and then it occurred to him that he must be seriously freaking out, realizing that he now sat before not one, but two dragons. He also remembered him saying that only gold and platinum dragons bonded with the royals of Solartis. That made him frown.

“The people I’m following destroyed my village,” Kostya said, turning to him again without further ado. His brother didn’t waste much time making social niceties, that was for certain.

“Everyone was killed,” he continued calmly. “I followed the murderers here, to Variance. I was lucky enough to meet Rihkard, who thinks he may have spotted them in Jana-Qit, which is somewhat north of here. Now, Sasha—it’s your turn to tell me how you came to be here.”

Sasha was too stunned to answer at first. All those villagers…murdered. He didn’t so much care about the individual deaths of the people as he did about how his brother must have taken it. Kostya loved those villagers, and they, in turn, practically worshipped him. Who would’ve hated him so much that they would kill an entire village just to spite him?

“Wait a second—what’s this?”

He looked up when he saw Kostya reach for the leather thong around his neck and draw out the little ring hanging from the end. He saw for the first time that his brother wore an identical ring around his own neck attached to a small silver chain. Obviously, Adonis had given them the same means of returning back to Elendor.

Abruptly, his brother dropped the ring and turned away from him, a look of sheer rage passing over his features. He dropped his face into his hands, as if to hide the expression from his companions. “How am I to look after them,” he muttered, seemingly to himself, “if he just…keeps…”

Sasha rolled his eyes again. “Come off it, Kostya. I’m 84 years old; I don’t need looking after any longer. He might, but I don’t. Besides, you should be happy I left Elendor. You can’t complain about the influence of my friends if they’re no longer around to influence me. Mikael is my friend now, and he—

“Sasha,” Kostya said, lifting his head quickly and cutting him off with a glare. “Use your head for once. If my enemies know you’ve followed me to Variance, do you think they would hesitate to kill you, too? Don’t you think they know that would affect me a thousand times more than the loss of my village?

All of a sudden, Sasha felt all the blood draining from his face. But…he thought Kostya had implied that dragons had killed his villagers. No dragon would actually consider murdering another dragon! But then…what sort of person murdered an entire village of mortals, anyway?

“I’m not afraid,” he heard himself saying. He caught Mikael’s gaze with his own, and suddenly smiled. His friend the prince would never be afraid of such a silly little thing. He was probably used to the thought of assassins—he was royalty, after all, and royals were always getting knocked off for some reason or other.

“Well,” continued Kostya, “I am. Which is why I’m not letting you out of my sight until I find them and kill them.”

Sasha met Mikael’s eyes again and nearly wilted. Oh, great—just great! So much for the exciting treasure-hunting adventure in Neromba! Having the great, all-powerful Konstantin Odarin along for the ride was a surefire way of canceling out any potential pleasure that might have been eked out of the experience. His brother would be breathing down their backs, calling them out, lecturing them at every given opportunity, and forcing them to accompany him on his little revenge trip.

Sasha slouched even lower in his chair and huffed under his breath. “That,” he muttered, “is just so, so, not cool.”

Mikael 5-2-05

A slight frown eased its way across Mikael's face when Rihkard told him they'd just arrived in Neromba. He'd hoped they'd be more familiar with the nation and able to reveal where ruins containing hidden treasures might be found. I guess I'll have to question the residents. Of course, he would probably have to dish out money in exchange for any information and that aggravated him since he didn't have the royal treasury to fall back on. If only he knew how to manage money better! Back home he didn't have to worry about such menial garbage. His tutors and manservant took care of his every need. Now he had only himself to rely on.

"So, they’re brothers?" Rihkard asked. "And, am I mistaken, or did Sasha hint at something when he said you weren’t a dragon? Are they dragons?"

Brothers? Mikael shrugged, having no idea if they were related or merely friends. "Yeah, they're both dragons." He was about to explain that he had a special affinity for dragons and could sense one if it got close enough but fell silent instead when a man came to escort them to a table.

After Kostya ordered a bottle of wine, Mikael grabbed the server's arm before he could leave and asked for a large mug of java. He was feeling quite high from the Ocol Weed and didn't want to risk getting completely shit-faced in front of a gold dragon he was trying his best to impress. Since he happened to be blessed with a natural ability to recuperate quickly, he should be close to sober by the time he finished the java. Then it'd be safe for him to indulge in some wine as long as he didn't heighten its effects with another special cigarette.

He leaned back in his chair, a smile plastered on his face as he stared at the beautiful golden-haired man sitting across from him. This was the first time in his life he'd ever gotten this close to a gold dragon. He'd seen his mother's gold flying high above the palace a few times but it never landed, preferring to lounge around on some nearby cliffs. The massive courtyard was reserved for Grithore, his father's platinum, and no one but the king dared go near him. Mikael used to stare down at him from the window of his large suite and dream of the day when a dragon would come to claim him as its life-mate. He'd always hoped for a gold because he found them much more awe inspiring than the colder, more aloof platinum dragons.

"And my name is Odarin. I'm Sasha's brother."

Mikael pulled his head out of the clouds and focused on what was being said. So they are brothers after all! That sent a rush of excitement through him. Since Sasha was his friend, he'd probably be more than happy to tell him anything he wanted to know about his gorgeous brother.

He took the mug of java from the server's hand and sipped from it while listening to Odarin's tale of the destruction of his village. Apparently he'd come to Neromba to hunt down the murderers and Rihkard had offered to help him. He glanced at the rugged, dark haired man sitting to his left and smiled. They definitely had one thing in common; neither happened to be a dragon.

Although Rihkard was quite a bit older than any of the humans he'd dealt with on Variance the past 5 years, he was pleasant to look at and had the bearing of an experienced warrior. He reminded Mikael a little of Dalan, the human bodyguard that had been chosen to accompany him to Variance. Sadly, Dalan didn't survive the journey through the void that connected both worlds once the psychics fused their powers to open a portal.

At first, Mikael had been terrified to find himself on a strange, new world without a protector, especially since his psychic powers were still in the infant stages at the time. But luckily, he encountered only loud mouth thugs who couldn't wield magic and who relied solely on their fists when it came to fighting. At least he didn't have to worry so much now that he had more power to play with, but it would still be nice to have a personal bodyguard, preferably one that would work for free!

He watched Odarin draw out a ring hanging from a leather thong around Sasha's neck before dropping his face to his hands and muttering something. There was definitely something going on between the brothers but he had no idea what it was and had a feeling Rihkard didn't either.

"Come off it, Kostya," Sasha said, his voice tinged with anger. "I’m 84 years old; I don’t need looking after any longer. He might, but I don’t."

He? Mikael wondered who the hell they were talking about. Suddenly he felt like he was eavesdropping on a private conversation and that left a bad taste in his mouth. He leaned closer in order to whisper to Rihkard. "Maybe we should leave them alone and go sit at the bar for a while." Before Rihkard could reply Sasha spoke up again.

"I'm not afraid."

Mikael met his eyes and grinned. He hoped his new friend realized he'd rush to his aid if he ever needed help. They were a team now and nothing would stop him from doing his best to protect Sasha.

"Well I am," Odarin said. "Which is why I’m not letting you out of my sight until I find them and kill them."

Mikael met Sasha's eyes again and noticed he didn't look too happy about his brother's words. "I don't see why we all can't travel together," he blurted out. "They say there's strength in numbers." When he saw the anger in Sasha's eyes, he decided to try something. Using his psychic energy, he sent a message into the dragon's mind. "Calm down, Sasha! The sooner we help them find those people the sooner they'll leave and then we can head out on our own again."

Of course he really didn't have a problem with spending time with Odarin since he really wanted to get to know him a lot better but Sasha didn't need to know that. Mikael turned away from his friend and glanced from Rihkard to Odarin. "Sasha didn't tell you this, but I'm not human. I'm of the Solar race and come from an alternate world called Solartis. I'm not good with a sword but I've got other weapons at my disposal."

After moistening his mouth with java he continued. "Basically, I use my mind to create things from the energy stored within my body. And I guess I better tell you now that I don't think my energy can harm a dragon. On my world, psychic energy heals dragons. And dragons that are bonded to a member of the royal family can use the energy of their life-mate in much the same way as the psychic can except that they can kill another dragon with it."

When he noticed everyone staring at him he shrugged. "Okay, maybe I'm going too fast for you guys. The bottom line is I don't think my inbred powers will hurt dragons so somebody better give me some sword lessons and turn me into a fucking expert quick if I'm going to be of any help to you."

Rihkard: 5-7-05

As Rihkard waited for the wine, he couldn’t help but notice the stiff manner with which the young man had greeted him. It puzzled Rihkard, but then he guessed Sasha’s behavior was in response to being confronted by Odarin in such a harsh manner. The young man, or dragon, seemed a bit put out, bristling and pouting.

Rihkard was having a hard time alone with the fact that both of these men were dragons. And the other an immortal! He had never had an encounter such as this. What was his mistress, Fate, planning for him now? Rihkard thought back on a life full of one intrigue after another and thought, Obviously something really big this time.

But something else struck Rihkard as he watched everyone around him. Sasha didn’t seem to like the way Mikael was reacting, quite openly in delight, to Sasha’s brother. Rihkard sipped at his wine to hide his expression. He wondered what dragons were like when they were jealous.

In the midst of this thought, Rihkard felt Mikael studying him as well. Rihkard let him do so unabated.

Odarin’s next words told Rihkard what was behind this journey. “The people I’m following destroyed my village. Everyone was killed. I followed the murderers here, to Variance. I was lucky enough to meet Rihkard, who thinks he may have spotted them in Jana-Qit, which is somewhat north of here.”

Rihkard winced inwardly. It was a story told all too often for Rihkard’s liking. Rihkard thought back to his encounter with those at the Tavern in Jana-Qit. He thought of their cruelty, how they delighted in making everyone else around them uncomfortable, how they had looked on the verge of starting something truly wicked, and Rihkard nodded to himself. They were the type to take lives with little thought. They delighted in inflicting pain.

“Wait a second—what’s this?”

Rihkard turned to watch as Odarin pulled a ring hanging off a chain around Sasha’s neck. Odarin seemed to lose it then as he dropped his face into his palms. Sasha was about to argue with his brother over his reaction, when Odarin said something that sent a chill down Rihkard’s spine.

“Sasha, use your head for once. If my enemies know you’ve followed me to Variance, do you think they would hesitate to kill you, too? Don’t you think they know that would affect me a thousand times more than the loss of my village?”

Odarin was right. Poor Sasha went pale at these words and Rihkard felt sorry for him. He looked, despite being in his 80’s, to be very young and Rihkard imagined that for a dragon that he was quite young. He seemed like he was here just to have fun, and now he had to fear for his own life. Well, Rihkard would be damned if he would let this young ma..., erm dragon, be killed for nothing!

Rihkard’s thoughts were interrupted when Mikael leaned in to say, "Maybe we should leave them alone and go sit at the bar for a while." Rihkard didn’t even have time to think the suggestion over when Sasha spoke.

“I’m not afraid,” Sasha said, mustering bravery as he looked to his friend, who gave him a reassuring smile in return. Rihkard couldn’t help but smile as well.

Odarin seemed little impressed. “Well, I am. Which is why I’m not letting you out of my sight until I find them and kill them.”

Rihkard sipped from his wine. Well, it seemed that they had companions from here on out. Mikael’s next words confirmed this.

"I don't see why we all can't travel together. They say there's strength in numbers."

Although Sasha seemed to calm down at his friend’s words, he still pouted and said, “That is just so, so, not cool.” Rihkard contained a laugh. Yes, Sasha was young.

Mikael spoke to Odarin and Rihkard then, "Sasha didn't tell you this, but I'm not human. I'm of the Solar race and come from an alternate world called Solartis. I'm not good with a sword but I've got other weapons at my disposal."

"Basically, I use my mind to create things from the energy stored within my body. And I guess I better tell you now that I don't think my energy can harm a dragon. On my world, psychic energy heals dragons. And dragons that are bonded to a member of the royal family can use the energy of their life-mate in much the same way as the psychic can except that they can kill another dragon with it."

Rihkard smirked as he watched Mikael’s eyes sparkle in Odarin’s direction -- Mikael didn’t waste any time.

Rihkard then realized, with Mikael’s next words, that he had plans for him as well. Rihkard almost coughed when Mikael said, "Okay, maybe I'm going too fast for you guys. The bottom line is I don't think my inbred powers will hurt dragons so somebody better give me some sword lessons and turn me into a fucking expert quick if I'm going to be of any help to you."

Rihkard smiled, the wine making him feel relaxed. “Well, I can teach you, if we’ve got the time. Odarin? How do you want to do this? Should we try to take a few days to get ourselves ready for Jana-Qit? Or should we just go there straightaway, first thing in the morning? It seems like Mikael can be of great use to us, but I need time with him first.”

Rihkard thinking further on it added, “And you know how our funds are. If we go to Jana-Qit and find that these people are long gone, it means another journey. I’m sure, the way they were acting, we’d easily find the leads to follow them, since people will more than likely be ready to tell us what they can about them -- they were such a nasty bunch. But I know that I’m going to be hard pressed with what little I’ve got. Maybe we should find a means of making money here first?”

Odarin: 5-9-05

Odarin was a little surprised to learn that Mikael was not only not human, but that he was from another world, as well. Judging from the smug look on Sasha’s face, his brother was proud of his new friend’s heritage. Odarin felt himself reluctantly admitting that he was, for now, equally pleased as well. Although he’d wanted Sasha to make at least one non-dragonic friend, he’d also been concerned over his forming an attachment with a human or any other short-lived mortal, since such attachments were usually very bittersweet for the immortal dragons. He had never heard of the Solar or of Solartis (assuming Mikael was telling the truth about himself) but he hoped for Sasha’s sake that they were a generally long-lived people.

He listened more intently when Mikael additionally revealed that he was also a sort of psychic. The powers he spoke of, and the effect they had on (at least Solartis) dragons, as well as the bond he mentioned that existed between a Solar and his dragon, brought to mind for Odarin another dragon and pseudo-psychic pair: his nephew, Tristan, and his friend Marz. Together, Adonis had assured him that they were virtually capable of almost anything (though they neither of them had yet seemed to realize their potential). But of course, Tristan was also half wizard, and Marz was gods knew what. In comparison, Sasha had no magic in him at all, and it seemed hardly likely that Mikael, despite being a Solar (whatever that was) could possibly be as powerful as that arrogant young fool, Marz.

Belatedly, Odarin realized he was making a fairly illogical comparative leap, especially since Sasha and Mikael were not only obviously just friends, but that they couldn’t have even known one another for all that long. But there’s time for them to form a bond of some sort, he thought, not pausing to think how rather cold and calculating it was for him to use his brother and his friend in such a way. If they could form a bond and become even half as powerful as Marz and Tristan, the others wouldn’t stand a chance against them.

He became suddenly aware that he was staring blankly ahead, his mind busy with plans for the future. He blinked and snapped out of his reverie, a smile curling onto his face when Mikael remarked on their seeming inability to completely follow what he was saying. “The bottom line is,” he continued, “I don't think my inbred powers will hurt dragons so somebody better give me some sword lessons and turn me into a fucking expert quick if I'm going to be of any help to you.”

Odarin disregarded the boy’s concern about his own powers’ ineffectiveness against dragons. He’d also pointed out that a dragon bonded to a psychic could easily harm another dragon—that was definitely the key.

“Well, I can teach you, if we’ve got the time. Odarin?”

Once again, Odarin snapped out of his daydreaming and faced Rihkard, who had offered to train Mikael and was now asking him about their travel plans.

“And you know how our funds are,” Rihkard added. “If we go to Jana-Qit and find that these people are long gone, it means another journey. I’m sure, the way they were acting, we’d easily find the leads to follow them, since people will more than likely be ready to tell us what they can about them—they were such a nasty bunch. But I know that I’m going to be hard pressed with what little I’ve got. Maybe we should find a means of making money here first?”

Odarin frowned. “You have a point,” he admitted. He was unused to having to live so frugally. “We are a little low on funds.” He fixed both Sasha and Mikael with a questioning look. “Unless either of you two…?”

Sasha shook his head. “We spent it all to come here. Oh, and on some really great spa back in Dara. There was a hot tub, massages, and everything. Pricey but totally worth it.”

Odarin gritted his teeth but said nothing. Now was not the time to yet again lecture his brother on how to create and maintain responsible spending habits.

“Well,” he said, “Before we get into any of that, let’s look at how far Jana-Qit is again. We need to find out how much it will cost for us to board a ship from here to the island, too.”

“Excuse me, Effendi.”

He looked up at their waiter, who had paused by their table and now hovered humbly at his side. “Yes?” he asked.

“Forgive my interference. But I heard you say that you intended to sail for the island of Jana-Qit. Surely you must have heard, however, that all ports are closed.”

Odarin sat back in surprise. “Closed?”

“Awya, closed. To prevent the plague that has taken hold of the city of Medina al-Afyal from spreading.”

Odarin quickly pulled out his map and squinted down at where he knew they were supposed to be. He pointed to a city just north of Hazam and tapped his finger against the piece of parchment. “This, what’s this say?”

“Fayhas,” Sasha supplied. “What a funny little name for a city!”

“This Fayhas,” Odarin continued, looking up at the waiter again, “Are its ports also closed, or still open?”

The waiter shrugged. “Maybe. I do not know, Effendi.”

Odarin sighed, then nodded before finally thanking him for his help. He bowed and murmured, “Afwan, afwan,” which he supposed meant “you’re welcome.” The waiter then left them to continue waiting on the other tables.

Odarin sighed again before he could stop himself. “Well,” he said, unable to completely disguise his disappointment, “This does drastically alter what I had intended to do. We’ll have to continue in the direction of Jana-Qit by land from here, at least until we reach Faydas.”

“Fayhas,” Sasha corrected with a grin, but he quickly erased the expression from his face when his older brother gave him a look.

“Since we will be traveling by land,” Odarin continued, “My guess is that the easiest way for us to both travel and earn some money would be to sign up to guard any outgoing caravans, as I’m sure there will be a sudden great need for a decent caravan guard, and we are at least three of us more than qualified to fulfill such a position.” He nodded at Mikael. “We can take turns training you along the way. You ought to be competent enough then by the time we reach Fayhas.”

He glanced at all his companions to see if they were agreed to this plan. Seeing the weariness in poor Rihkard’s eyes, however, and even the growing sleepiness in the younger men’s expression as well, made him realize that they should probably put a halt to anymore planning until tomorrow. He said as much before then suggesting that they rent rooms for the night.

“You and Mikael can share one while Rihkard and I share another,” he said to Sasha, who smiled as if inordinately pleased by this suggestion—but then, his brother had a habit of smiling that same sort of smile no matter what was happening around him. In a very rare and cherished moment of brotherly intimacy, Sasha had once confessed to him his fears that he would one day grow mad, just like their sister had. Seeing him smile like that, as if he had some strange, delicious secret, tended to make Odarin wonder if there really was any merit to his brother’s concerns.

“All right,” he said, draining his wineglass before standing, “I’ll fetch us a pair of keys then.” He left to make his way over towards the bar to do just that.

Rihkard: 5-9-05

When asked by Odarin if they had any money to keep the group until a trip could be made to Jana-Qit, the young pair replied in the negative. Odarin looked little pleased by the response but said nothing.

When Odarin was about to plan out their route to Jana-Qit, he was informed by the waiter that all ports there had been closed. Rihkard winced audibly.

“Awya, closed. To prevent the plague that has taken hold of the city of Medina al-Afyal from spreading.”

Odarin then decided they should journey to Fayhas instead. Rihkard had not traveled there so had no idea what it was like. He supposed that by the time they got there, the ports to Jana-Qit could be reopened by then.

“Since we will be traveling by land,” Odarin continued, “My guess is that the easiest way for us to both travel and earn some money would be to sign up to guard any outgoing caravans, as I’m sure there will be a sudden great need for a decent caravan guard, and we are at least three of us more than qualified to fulfill such a position.” He nodded at Mikael. “We can take turns training you along the way. You ought to be competent enough then by the time we reach Fayhas.”

Rihkard nodded. That was a good idea. From what Rihkard remembered of his trip here last, as he had waited to board the ship there had been numerous merchants that went from man to man to ask if they were for hire for just such a job. Rihkard thought they probably could make quite a bit of money as it seemed the demand was rather high.

Rihkard let out a yawn, that although he tried to contain it, Odarin noticed. When Odarin suggested renting rooms for the night, Rihkard raised his glass to him.

“You and Mikael can share one while Rihkard and I share another,” Odarin said to his brother. Then Rihkard noticed a look of concern flit across Odarin’s face as he looked at his brother. Rihkard felt for him. It had been a long time since Rihkard had someone to care for and he did not envy the unease one felt worrying over those they loved.

“All right. I’ll fetch us a pair of keys then.” And then Odarin made his way to the bar to get the keys.

Rihkard smiled at the two young men. Sasha still seemed a little stiff with him, but Mikael remained genial. Rihkard yawned again, drained his wine and stood up to meet Odarin as he approached their table with the keys.

“Well, Gentlemen. I had better get to bed before I pass out. I guess I’ll see you both in the morning.” He nodded at them and headed with Odarin up to their room.

* * *

Up in their room, Rihkard watched at Odarin prepared for bed. Rihkard was already in bed, tucked away under his covers.

“Look, it wasn’t too long ago that I saw them and if the ports have been closed for even a little while, there is a chance they could still be there. If anything, this plague will make travel for them just as hard as it will for us. It will at least stall their progress. It may be a blessing in disguise.”

“And traveling with a caravan will be the best route. Not only will it pay well, but it will get those two on their feet and moving. Merchants do not dilly dally on the road. And forgive me, since Sasha is your brother, but he looks like he could use a fire under his tail every now and then.” Rihkard smirked, his arms crossed behind his head.

When there was a lull in conversation, Rihkard’s thoughts starting to fragment from weariness, Rihkard ventured a question, “So, a dragon, eh? Would you have told me had we not run into your brother? I’d understand if not. Just curious is all.”

“I have to admit, you are my first dragon. I’ve heard of dragons looking as humans, but I’ve always, I’ll admit, thought it was some old tale that people told to pass the time. Don’t mind me, I believe you are what you say you are. I’ve seen too many things in my lifetime not to believe this. But I’ll let you in on the secret that I do find this journey a bit more interesting because of it.” Rihkard smiled at his companion, watching his reaction.

Rihkard soon drifted off to sleep, right in the middle of something Odarin was saying. Rihkard didn’t want to be rude, but his weary mind had decided for him.

* * *

Rihkard walked into the room and found Eleanor gasping and grunting in the throes of what seemed a very fulfilling sexual experience.

“Sorry to disturb you.”

The man on top of Eleanor leapt off of her and right out of the bed. Eleanor only stared at Rihkard in silent shock, her mouth opening and closing repeatedly. Rihkard, under normal circumstances, would have found the look on her face funny. But these were not normal circumstances.

Rihkard stared death at Brandon, another mercenary that had been peddling his wares around the village. Brandon was more than a mercenary, though. He delighted in causing others pain, and threw in “free” jobs wherever he could, out of boredom, Rihkard supposed. He was a nasty piece of work. He was...

Why him?

Rihkard felt the pain of Eleanor’s betrayal acutely, but nothing compared to the sick feeling inside as he stared at Brandon before him. Knowing what Brandon was...

Of all people, why him?!

He remembered, just two nights prior, having to rip the bastard off of a young girl as he raped her in the ruins of her family home, her family members’ lifeless bodies lying all about her. Rihkard distinctly recalled that the girl had been staring into her dead mother’s face as the bastard Brandon had raped her.

He had told Eleanor all about it! Yet still, here he was. How... could she?

Rihkard thought he would be sick, but nothing prepared him for his reaction to the defiant way that Eleanor stood up from the bed and clasped hands with the twisted bastard in front of him. She shook her hair back from her naked shoulders and said words that burned in his mind -- words that he would never forget.

“I’m having his child Rihkard. I love him.”

* * *

Rihkard sat bolt upright in bed, his body shaking. He stared at a startled looking Odarin through frightened eyes, as he tried to separate dream from reality in a dimly lit room, the pounding of his heart the only sound he could hear.

“I’m sorry to have disturbed you. It must have been a nightmare.”

Rihkard held his head in his hands as he tried to steady his breathing.

Would these damn dreams ever stop?