Jahrra flushed again and shrugged. She didn’t think much of her behavior towards Rohdann. In her mind she saw it as a rash decision to provoke him when she could have just as easily walked away.
Kehllor grinned, his look softening even more. “Not many, dragon and elf alike, could stand up to Rohdann like that.”
Jahrra winced. What had she started this time? She had felt compelled to defend Jaax though it was clear he had no trouble defending himself. She sighed, wishing she had been more prudent with her words. Perhaps Rohdann and Shiroxx would team up against them somehow and make trouble. Jahrra didn’t want to think about it any longer.
“Thank you, Kehllor, but I think I might have caused more damage than I meant to tonight.”
Kehllor stood back up to his full height and sniffed. “I wouldn’t worry about that. I think you might have actually frightened him.”
Jahrra laughed again and allowed Kehllor to escort her out to the plaza where Phrym waited. Most of their party had cleared out by now, a few groups gathering just outside and under the glowing lanterns. The stars were very bright and Jahrra noticed that it was far past midnight. She wondered why she didn’t feel tired.
“Congratulations, by the way, on your promotion,” she murmured. “I had no idea you had been speaking with Jaax about it.” It was only a half lie, Jahrra told herself.
Kehllor nodded. “It was rather sudden, truth be told.”
He grimaced and looked back down at Jahrra, his blue eyes apologetic once again. “I meant what I said in there, about being asked to spy and then changing my mind. Jahrra, I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am and after you came to me, offering your friendship,”
He stopped speaking when Jahrra held up a hand. “I understand Kehllor, and yes, I was shocked and hurt at first but all is forgiven. You made the right choice by telling Jaax and everyone just now.” She smiled brightly. “And it shows what strong character and honesty you have. You will do well in your new position, I am sure of it.”
Kehllor breathed a sigh of relief. “You sound like Lord Jaax.”
Jahrra warmed at the compliment then released a giggle. Kehllor lifted an eyebrow at her. She waved him off. “Oh, two years ago that statement would have been the worst insult I could ever imagine.”
Kehllor’s eyes widened. “I meant it as a compliment.”
Jahrra laughed again. “I know, but I didn’t always see Jaax as someone to look up to; to respect. We fought a lot more when I was younger.”
The golden Tanaan dragon ducked his head, as if acknowledging he understood her, and the two fell back into a companionable silence.
As they approached the oak where Phrym was tied, Kehllor slowed to a stop. Jahrra had been so distracted by her own scattered thoughts that she hadn’t noticed the large figure waiting for them. It was Kehllor’s deep inhalation of breath that drew her attention back to the present. There, hidden in the shadow of the oak, was Jaax. He was as still as a statue and if Jahrra hadn’t known any better she would think he’d fallen asleep in that position.
“I think I’ll say goodnight,” Kehllor mumbled.
He nodded his head at Jahrra and continued down the stairs onto the lower plaza and into the night. Jahrra watched him almost mournfully. If Kehllor had stayed then perhaps Jaax wouldn’t be able to chastise her. Then again this was Jaax she was thinking about. He was never one to let proper decorum keep him from exacting justice.
Jahrra sighed and pulled her coat tighter. It was nearing dawn; she could see a pale gray flush starting on the horizon and the air was colder than when she had first arrived. Had the meeting really lasted all night? Phrym stared back at her with imploring eyes, whickering softly in inquiry, wondering why Jahrra was taking so long to come over to him.
Do you not see the formidable dragon that is perched just next to you, waiting patiently to harangue me for my disobedience? she wanted to say to her semequin. He just blew out a breath of air and shook out his mane. Trusting fool, Jahrra thought. Phrym never seemed to notice Jaax’s ire.
Taking one more deep breath, Jahrra walked over to the fence where Phrym was tied. The lamps still burned brightly as did most in a city this size. She decided she would ignore her guardian as long as she could, keeping her head low and her eyes turned away. Eventually she reached Phrym, quickly checking his saddle and other tack before climbing on top of him. She kept waiting for her guardian’s harsh, sarcastic voice but he never said a word.
Jahrra paused for a moment, wondering if he was testing her again. Then she realized she didn’t really care. She clicked her tongue, giving Phrym a tap with her heels. The semequin descended the few stairs that separated the upper plaza from the lower.
It was only after Phrym was walking on flat ground did the Tanaan dragon speak.
“I will be keeping my eye on you girl, and that pompous guardian of yours who thinks he can keep you hidden away.”
Jahrra’s hands tightened on the reins and she felt her face go white. How could she ever have mistaken Rohdann for Jaax? And how had he made it to the oak tree before her? He must have slinked past when she was distracted by Kehllor. Despite her wariness, Jahrra pulled Phrym to a stop and turned in the saddle. Yes, it was Rohdann alright. She could see his pale eyes glittering with spite, his black color standing out more now that the sky was growing lighter.
“Threaten me, Rohdann, and you threaten the well-being of Ethoes,” she said rather boldly.
The dragon stood and made his way over towards her and Phrym, his walk languid and haughty.
Jahrra refused to flee. If she ran from Rohdann then all of her talk and bravery from earlier would mean nothing. Squeezing Phrym with her knees in nervousness, Jahrra held back. Phrym, confused by what Jahrra wanted, turned his head and eyed her.
“Hold on, Phrym,” she whispered, reaching a hand down to pat his neck.
Rohdann moved as close as he dared to Jahrra and Phrym, then lowering his head to her level he whispered, “How do we know for sure you’re even the human prophesied by the Oracles so long ago? It’s only on Jaax’s word that everyone believes you are what he says.”
A chill ran through Jahrra then, one that made the hair on her arms stand on end. Did Rohdann really doubt she was human, and if he did then how many others thought the same? This was not good. She had to tell Jaax, if he didn’t already know. But right now she needed to get rid of Rohdann.
“Jaax wasn’t the only one to determine that I’m human,” Jahrra insisted. “The elves of Crie found me and can vouch for what I am.”
Jahrra felt very ridiculous defending her humanity but wanting to keep up her cool manner and unbothered attitude, she sat as tall in the saddle as she could.
Rohdann on the other hand stepped away from her slightly. His eyes still held irritation but the wind from his sails seemed to have faltered.
Before he could come up with a response Jahrra kicked Phrym in the ribs, sending him forward and putting as much space between them and Rohdann as possible.
-Chapter Twenty-Two-
A Surprise Encounter
The city was just waking up as Jahrra and Phrym made their way home. She was grateful it was the first day of the weekend for she didn’t think she could make it through a day of classes after staying up all night. Despite her exhaustion, however, Jahrra felt edgy and awake. Rohdann’s behavior unnerved her and she knew that Jaax would be waiting to dig his claws into her when she got home. She needed to work off some of her unfettered energy first.