DragonKnight - Donita K. Paul [133]
Bardon heard the beat of Regidor’s wings and put a hand on Kale’s arm to stop her. In a moment, the meech dragon landed in front of them, immediately folding his wings and retracting them under his cape. The minor dragons perched on Kale and Bardon.
“Well,” said Kale when Regidor didn’t speak, “what did you find out?”
The meech dragon looked pointedly at Bardon’s hold of Kale’s arm. The squire frowned and stepped down the path a few feet.
Kale looked from one male friend to the other. Bardon thought she would make some comment, but she surprised him by staying focused on the rescue.
“Where is the tumanhofer?” she asked.
“Unfortunately, they have taken him back into the warrens.” Regidor clapped his forefeet together, producing a table, chairs, food, and drink. “Shall we? I’m sure you’re as hungry as I am, and we have time to make plans over a succulent meal.”
Fried fish, a large loaf of dark bread, corn, pnard potatoes, and crisp salad greens lured them all to the table. Regidor hurried to pull a chair out for Kale. Bardon stopped to stare.
Now, why did he do that? Of course, I would have done the same in a more formal setting. It’s not as if I’m unaware of how to treat a lady.
Kale flashed a smile at Regidor and then frowned at Bardon. “Aren’t you coming?”
Bardon sat down without saying a word.
Regidor bowed his head, as did Kale. The squire followed suit a second and a half later.
The meech dragon’s low voice rumbled his petition. “Wulder, we acknowledge Your sovereignty, we thank You for our meal, and we ask that You strengthen our friendships, even making them new. By Your might and grace, may all things be done.”
Just as he opened his eyes, Bardon caught a look passing between Kale and Regidor.
What is going on between those two? And what did Regidor mean by making our friendships new? Should I ask?
No! We’re here to rescue Bromptotterpindosset. We’re here to rescue the knights.
The squire knew the meech dragon would rather report on his own time, but he was tired of the delays and all the nonsense that seemed to be interfering with their purpose. “Regidor, what did you find out as you followed the grawligs?”
Regidor wrinkled his nose in distaste but complied with Bardon’s request for information. “The band that most recently abducted Bromptotterpindosset were the Gar-hoo. And, they were the ones who abducted him from our camp. The Bor-bor then ambushed the Gar-hoo and stole their prize. The Bor-bor then invited the Nastrek to join in a celebration. To them, successfully grabbing the Gar-hoos’ loot is of great consequence. Also, having in their possession an otherlander increases their prestige, so of course they wanted the Nastrek to be witness to their triumph.
“As long as the clans do not lose interest, Bromptotterpindosset is fairly safe from becoming a meal. These grawligs like to play with their food and don’t actually cook them until the novelty has worn off and they have become bored.”
Kale had buttered thick slabs of bread and placed them on each plate. Now she poured a cool, clear, red juice into tall goblets and passed them to her companions.
“Thank you,” said Regidor.
“Thank you,” echoed Bardon and tried not to choke on the bite halfway down his throat.
What is this? Some kind of contest? My manners are just as polished as the manners of a meech dragon from a swamp!
He bit into the fish and found it salty, crunchy, and delicious. A savory sauce covered the pnard potatoes. A light dressing glistened on the salad greens and tasted of delectable herbs with a hint of garlic. The fragrance alone soothed Bardon’s frazzled nerves. He soon forgot his irritation over Regidor’s odd behavior toward Kale, and he ate heartily.
When they each leaned back in