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“Whatcha doin’?”
“Recording this. So people know it’s possible.”
“Oh. Good idea. I’ll explain how it all functions and how to build it for you too, later.”
Luka flashed him a warm smile. “They will all appreciate it.”
Well, he’d let him film and do the thing. He wanted to help with the repairs and such.
This building housed six dominant repair golems. At a glance, they looked like nothing more than carved statues in a rectangular shape jutting out of the floor. Amaru activated each one in turn with nothing more than a slap of his hand against the tops of their heads. They whirled to life, each part of them unfolding, arms coming up and out, heads extending onto necks, four wheels at the bases popping out and gaining traction.
Cameron was now swearing, turning the air blue as he stood next to the door and watched each of them expand, gears rolling.
“Robots. You have robots.” Cameron looked almost green with envy. “I want magic robots.”
“I’ll show you how to make them, too,” Amaru promised. Ah, this reaction was priceless. So amusing. Bless Luka for recording it. “They’re a bit complex, but I think once you get the idea, it’ll be easy enough. I sent them out to repair any of the utility systems, like the sewage and water lines. That way my new allies don’t have to worry about it.”
A voice called from outside, “CAMERON!”
“That’s Alric.” Cameron stepped halfway out of the building and waved a hand. “Here!”
Oh, the Fire Dragon King was here too? Not just his consort? Wow, they really were invested in helping.
“Did you see the golems?” Cameron asked his husband, voice high with excitement.
“Yes, I saw the golems, why do you think I’m looking for you? What did you do?”
“Not a damn thing.”
“I thought you were in the building earlier with Nikki trying to figure out what the building was for. You kept saying there was magic in the stone.”
“There is. I had no clue until Amaru showed me. Turns out it’s for the utilities of the village—water and sewage, to be precise.” Cameron made a face. “Nikki will be smug when they learn about it. Nikki was sure this building did something. We just couldn’t figure out how to turn it on. We couldn’t figure out its kinks.”
Finally, the dragon king stepped into view. Amaru got his first good look at him and pursed his lips in a soundless whistle. Handsome, that was his first thought. With that short, powerful form, white wings in his dark hair, and chiseled features, he was quite good-looking. He and Cameron looked beautiful together as a couple.
Alric’s arm automatically came around Cameron’s waist in a hold, which was sweet, like he’d missed his husband even in that short separation. Only then did he take notice of Luka and Amaru—mostly Amaru—as he looked him over curiously.
“You know Luka, I think, and this is his mate Amaru of Sousa.” Cameron did the introductions. “Amaru, my husband, Alric.”
Amaru had this whole handshake thing down pat now. He offered a hand, not surprised by the firm grip he got in return. “Nice to meet you. On behalf of my clan, thank you very much for all the help. I’ll do all I can to repay the favor.”
Alric gave a genuine smile in return. “I’m very glad to meet you, too. And look forward to how we can help each other. I know my mate would love to learn everything you just showed him.”
Cameron nodded in fervent agreement.
“And I’ll teach him. As well as heal your Jaeggi mages.”
Alric’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “I was told you can do that. Please. I don’t like seeing my people suffer.”
“Consider it done.”
“Thank you. I’m actually glad to run into you like this. I have a somewhat delicate question to pose.”
“I might have a blunt answer, but go ahead.” What could he possibly ask?
“It’s been reported to me that the Tupã princess is still alive and well. That she’s on her way here even now. I thought it appropriate to host a ceremony to crown her queen.”
“Oooo,” Amaru breathed, caught up in an inner vision of said ceremony. “That would be fantastic. Frankly, we all need a good party.”
“I thought as much. Also, I want to recognize her as a fellow leader. Support her as I can. I thought this was a good way to get that message across, that I’m her ally.”
“Do it.” Amaru nodded fervently. “Absolutely do it.”
“Good, I will. Second question.” Alric slowed, visibly phrasing this. “I know that to all of you, the loss of your clan members is still very fresh. May we do a funeral rite for all those lost?”
And now Amaru understood why everyone spoke so highly of Alric Burkhard. The man truly did care about people and knew how to support them in their darkest hours. If Amaru had thought it appropriate, he would have hugged him on the spot. That was how happy he’d just made him.
