Dragons of the Valley - Donita K. Paul [48]
Maxon and Taeda Bel both grabbed semistraight sticks and began a fencing match of sorts. Tipper and the two tumanhofers enjoyed the showy antics of the kimens. Their performance combined elements of dance and acrobatics.
They all laughed, but Tipper noticed that Bealomondore gradually grew quiet. She peeked over her shoulder to find his face serious and his eyes glued to the swordplay.
He became aware of her scrutiny and gave her a nod. “I think I can do that, Tipper.”
Librettowit turned toward them. “I know a little about keeping myself alive in the middle of a fray. I’ll help.”
He focused more sharply on Tipper and Bealomondore. His eyes settled on the younger tumanhofer’s arms wrapped around her waist. Bealomondore loosened his hold. Then the stalwart friend of Tipper’s father glared at the spot where her head rested against Bealomondore’s chin. She sat up a bit straighter.
Librettowit cleared his throat. “In my role of chaperone, I think it’s time Bealomondore and I make camp.”
Taeda Bel and Maxon burst into laughter, dropped their stick weapons, and did somersaults until they landed in front of their audience.
“Yes, let’s,” said Maxon. “Then we’ll have food, song, dance, and lessons in swordsmanship and tomfoolery.”
“Tomfoolery?” Bealomondore said as he struggled to rise without disturbing Tipper.
Taeda Bel rubbed her hands together in glee. “Right! That’s when you dazzle and befuddle your opponent to his confusion and your advantage.”
First on Tipper’s comrades’ agenda was to make their injured princess as comfortable as possible. They succeeded to the point that she curled up against the cushions and blankets and fell asleep.
The smell of frying fish woke her. She sat up and surveyed the neatly erected campsite. Both tumanhofers worked over the dinner. The kimens were nowhere to be seen. Rayn raced from his perch on her leg to sit on her shoulder, snuggling against her neck.
She giggled and petted his smooth scales. “You’re the most affectionate minor dragon I’ve ever met. And the most interesting.”
She felt his pleasure wash through her own body. She breathed deeply, enjoying peace and contentment. Paladin had given her the chance to really bond with someone. The someone was a dragon. Was she not ready to bond with a person?
Where did that thought come from?
She picked Rayn up and held him in front of her so they stared eye to eye. His intelligent expression filled with humor. His skin had mottled with blue and green splotches.
“What talent does a dragon of this color have?”
He chirruped as he did when he found something funny.
“How’s your foot?” asked Taeda Bel at her elbow.
Rayn dove below her covers and disappeared.
Tipper jumped. “My foot?”
Taeda Bel’s natural surprised look doubled in intensity. “You broke your foot. You forgot?”
Tipper’s eyes shifted to the blanket lying over her. One bulge at the bottom of the pallet was twice as big as the other. “It doesn’t hurt at all. Rayn’s work. But look at it. It must be swollen to the size of a melon. Oh my!”
Taeda Bel snatched the blanket away, revealing a grinning Rayn. The green dragon partially hid a slightly swollen, slightly green and yellow appendage. Rayn stood and stretched, circled the foot as if doing an inspection, then raced up to cuddle under Tipper’s chin.
Tipper flexed her ankle and cringed. “Ow! It’s not good as new, but it sure looks like an old injury. Was I asleep for a couple of weeks?”
Taeda Bel shook her head. “Two hours.”
Tipper stroked her dragon friend. “Thank you, Rayn.” She breathed deeply. “He says that he’s done all he can do for now. I’m not to walk on it.”
Bealomondore brought over a bowl of soup. Tipper took it and closed her eyes as she smelled the appetizing spicy fragrance.
Grinning as she looked up at her tumanhofer friend, Tipper gave him an exaggerated wink. “If you ever decide to leave your paints and brushes for the culinary arts, you’re going to be rich.”
“Tonight I will be exploring the art of the