AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My vow seems to calm him, because he does not bring it up again.
When we finally reach Arganth, my jaw drops at how different it looks from when we left. There are several tents along the outskirts of the city, at the edge of the woods. I suppose King Davin’s army is much too large for Arganth to provide housing for them all.
A stone wall has been erected around the entire city, adding a layer of protection in case of attack.
Aurdyn circles above the inn we stayed at when we were here. He touches down so lightly, I’m not even sure we’ve landed until he carefully sets me on my feet. He shifts into his two-legged form and wraps a possessive arm around my waist.
King Davin rushes toward us, his mouth gaping as our warriors begin to land in the snow before us. He turns to Aurdyn. “You’ve not brought any tents?”
“You sing to stone to build your structures,” Aurdyn says, narrowing his eyes. “I expect you to make accommodations for your people.”
“My people?” Davin’s head jerks back. “What are you talking about? We’ve got the inn and the tents.”
Aurdyn crosses his arms over his chest. “We will take the inn and the tents. While you and your kind sing to the stones to build your new shelters.”
Davin’s jaw drops but he quickly snaps it shut, face turning red. I half expect him to argue, but instead he spins on his heels, muttering about insufferable Dragons before barking a series of orders at his men.
Placing my hands on my hips, I turn to Aurdyn. “Was that necessary?”
A slight smirk twists his lips. “No. But it was amusing.” He loops an arm around my waist and pulls me close. “And it got you a warm bed, and plumbing, did it not?”
Try as I might to be cross with him, I cannot help the faint smile that tugs at my mouth as I nod. “Yes, it did.”
CHAPTER54
AURDYN
Aurdyn instructs our warriors to take rooms at the inn and the tents before we enter the tavern. Garvin’s face pales as we approach the bar. “I—I’m sorry, but we are full up. There are no rooms to let. We—”
He halts as he sees several Dwarves filing down the stairs, with their belongings in hand. He frowns and Aurdyn leans on the bar. “The Dwarf King promised us these rooms.” He smiles, flashing his dangerous white fangs. “He will be covering our accommodations and our tab while we’re here.”
My head whips to Aurdyn. His eyes dance with barely restrained amusement, and although I know the right thing would be to demand he give the Dwarves back their accommodations, I have little time left.
Selfishly, I’d rather spend it as comfortable as possible rather than sleeping out in the elements.
As we make our way up the stairs, I turn to Aurdyn and give him a pointed look. “It’s one thing to force the Dwarves from their beds, but another to have King Davin pay for our warriors to sleep comfortably while his men are out in the cold.”
Aurdyn pulls me into his arms. “Do not worry, my T’kara. I will compensate him once this is over. And I’ve instructed our warriors to hunt this night, to procure enough meat for ourselves and the Dwarves.” A smile quirks his mouth. “But I do hope that I am nearby when Davin receives the bill for our stay.”
Despite trying to keep it in, laughter escapes me, and secretly, I hope I’m around as well to see Davin’s face when he finds out he is paying for our warriors.
Just as we step into our room, a voice calls from down the hall. “King Aurdyn, wait!”
We both turn to find Olmar huffing and puffing as he rushes toward us, a thick comforter, furs, and towels balanced in his arms. His face is beet red as he pushes past us, changing out the towels and the bedding.
When he’s done, he walks over and gives a short bow.
“Thank you, Olmar,” I tell him. He nods quickly, trying to smile even as he wheezes, trying to catch his breath. “Are you all right?”
He lifts his hand, extending his forefinger in a silent bid to give him a moment as he steadies his breathing before answering. “My father told me you and your warriors were going to be taking the rooms. So, we rushed to bring you new bedding and towels.” He pauses. “As for food, it’s very scarce right now.” He gives me a worried look. “We’ve been having to ration since the army got here and the soup is more water than… anything else, but I will have someone bring you up—”
“No need,” Aurdyn cuts him off. “Several of my warriors are out hunting right now. Fire up the kitchen and be ready to receive the meat they bring back. There will be enough for everyone, including Davin’s army.
Olmar’s eyes fill with hope as Aurdyn continues. “I will expect the first two servings to be brought to us immediately. Do you understand?”
“Of—of course,” he replies, bowing again. “I’ll let the cook know.”
He quickly turns and sprints back down the hallway, his voice echoing up the stairs. “We’re saved, Father! The Dragons are bringing back food!”
