The flight had been grueling, stretching their endurance to the limit as they pushed to reach Menthanla before the night closed in. Lanni felt exhaustion weighing her down, and her relief was palpable when they finally landed, the familiar hum of magic filling her senses. The dragon forms they’d taken shimmered back to human, and they touched down in Grywell, a bustling dwarven city. Several dwarves emerged from the nearby buildings, curiosity etched on their faces at the rare sight of nine dragons landing, one of them their prince-general. After a brief exchange of formalities to calm the dwarves, Lanni turned to gather her group, her hands trembling from the residual surge of magic. She was just about to cast a transportation spell when Azlos reached out, halting her. “Lanni, no,” he cautioned. She frowned, holding up her hand to show the telltale tremor. “I need to cast. I’m shaking,” she insisted. “If I don’t channel this magic, I’m going to combust.” Azlos shook his head. “That’s exactly why you shouldn’t. You’re too over-energized right now; you’ll miss the mark and probably land us all back in Yarba.” Midta stepped forward, laying a gentle hand on Lanni’s shoulder. “Mom, don’t try to do everyone at once. Take Jahree and the refugees. Start small. Ket, Ter, and I can handle the others.” Jahree slipped an arm around her, his presence calming. “They need to cast, too. No one has been able to in days. For some, it’s been months.” Lanni glanced at the others and realized he was right. She nodded, acknowledging the appreciative look Azlos shot at Jahree, making a mental note to remember the moment. She turned to the group, taking control. “Alright, let’s meet in New Trito at the Dragon Castle barracks in fifteen minutes. If anyone misses, reach out to Midta. We’ll send someone to help. I’m sure the magic eater didn’t do anyone any good.” The refugees looked nervous, their eyes darting about the unfamiliar surroundings. She took Jahree’s hand and picked up Shri. Then she gestured to Sifa and Lamin. “Touch either my arm or Jahree’s hand; it makes transport easier.” Sifa, looking hesitant, put her hand on Lanni’s arm and took Lamin’s hand. Lanni took a deep breath, casting carefully. She made sure not to use too much energy, balancing between control and Jahree’s magical resistance. There was a blinding flash, and they appeared in the exact spot she’d aimed for. Midta smiled when they appeared, a look that told her he’d intentionally chosen this group to encourage her to exercise caution. Lanni gave him a faint grin in response. Azlos gathered the group, dismissing the dragons who had accompanied them, then addressed the others in his commanding tone. “I’ll need to debrief each of you individually. Enlisted first, captains next, then the civilians and refugees. Generals, you’re last. Afterward, you’ll have five days of leave. Return for duty here in town after that. As for you, General Tercala, I’ll need an explanation for your disappearance.” Loka spoke up before Azlos could continue. “General, after you’re done with him, he needs to see the healers. Perhaps let him go for now and discuss the matter with Tilla.” Lanni raised an eyebrow at Loka’s suggestion. She couldn’t tell if Loka was using Tilla as a shield to protect Ter or if his condition was genuinely concerning. Azlos took the hint, giving Ter a nod and gesturing for him to go. Azlos turned to Jahan, who stood waiting in line. “Jahan?” “Sir,” Jahan said, saluting. “While you’re waiting, there’s someone who’d like to see you.” Azlos beckoned, and a page led forward Nalli and Gallin. “Daddy!” Gallin cried out, sprinting across the room to fling himself into Jahan’s arms. “Shri!” Jahan pulled them both into a hug, a smile breaking across his face. “What are you doing here?” Nalli explained, her tone calm but affectionate. “After we last spoke, I realized you might not have had the chance to report on the magic eater, so I made sure Gallin was with my folks and got your dad to escort me here. Prince-General Azlos had me stay, sent your dad home, and brought Gallin to join us.” Jahan hugged her tighter. “You may have saved our lives.” Azlos rolled his eyes, muttering, “Oh, kiss her already. She’s your wife.” He then turned back to the group, all business once more. “When you’re done here, report to housing for assignment. Marn, I’ll see you first.” Marn shot the others a teasing look as he followed Azlos, making a mock face like he was about to get in trouble. *** Later, Lanni, finally done with the day, made her way to her quarters in the castle, where she slipped into bed beside Jahree. She’d seen each soldier off, sending them home to visit family while they had the chance. Marn, Jahree, and Jahan were exceptions. Marn had found an inn nearby where Areen could stay until they married, and they’d located housing for the refugees. Krina stayed with Shan until Shan was called to speak with Azlos, promising to return after reporting to his own people. Lanni sighed as she nestled against Jahree. He’d hesitated to join her in her castle quarters, but she reminded him with a grin that they were married now. He chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. “I thought you’d never get done.” She groaned. “We’re not. Tilla stepped in so I could rest, but Azlos still needs to talk with me about Ter, and I need to scry Rantar to let him know about Shri.” Jahree raised a concerned eyebrow. “And what about me? Should I be worried about those gambling charges?” Lanni reached over, resting her hand on his. “He hasn’t brought it up yet. Don’t worry about it tonight.” He stroked her hair thoughtfully. “Will you be okay tonight? Do we need to put up knives?” he teased, though the concern was genuine. He knew her magic could be unpredictable, especially after so long without using it. She smiled, nestling closer. “The bed has built-in lightning rods. We’ll be fine.” She leaned up, kissing him softly. “Good night, my love.” He returned the kiss, pulling her closer. “Good night.” As they drifted off, the weight of everything that lay ahead seemed to melt away for a few precious hours, leaving them only with the comforting warmth of each other. The End #fantasy #magic #dragons #hiddenlands