Dragonheart

TWENTY

Igen Weyr, Evening, AL 501.3.18

“I will miss you so much!” Fiona cried as she buried her head once more against Mother Karina’s chest.

The last of the traders were gathered in their caravan, ready to return to their depots.

“It is likely you will never see me again,” Karina told her softly, causing Fiona’s tears to redouble in intensity. Fiona resisted as Karina pushed her away from her, forcing her to look her in the eyes as she said, “My life is richer for knowing you, child, and knowing that you will be there in the future to protect my children and their children.”

“And theirs,” Fiona vowed, her voice strong even through her sorrow.

“And theirs,” Karina agreed, hugging Fiona tightly once more before parting again. “Do you know what a gift that is?”

Fiona shook her head and wiped her eyes free of the latest rain of tears.

“You will, one day,” Karina foretold. She shoved Fiona toward her dragon and the assembled dragons and riders.

Fiona paused and turned back, pulling the heavy leather jacket off her shoulders.

“I almost forgot,” she said, as she handed the Igen Weyrwoman’s jacket to Azeez, who stood with an arm draped over his mother’s shoulders. “Would you put this back in the Records Room for me? It belongs to the Igen Weyrwoman.”

“I’ll put it back for you,” Azeez said, raising his eyebrows to add emphasis to his double meaning.

Fiona shook her head at him ruefully. “The next group will be from Benden Weyr. They’ll probably trade with you, I’ve left a complete Record behind.”

“They might trade,” Azeez agreed, waving for her to join the waiting dragonriders. “We’ll be certain to give them the chance, and we’ll leave them goods to start with, as we agreed.”

“Fair trade?”

“More than fair,” Azeez said with a smile. “We are in your debt.”

“If you get the chance, come visit us at Fort Weyr,” Fiona begged.

“We will visit you,” Azeez replied, his expression strangely smug. “Tenniz has seen it.”

Fiona found her lips curving upward in the first happy expression she’d had in a sevenday. “I’ll look forward to it!”

She gave him one final hug and turned away, racing toward Talenth.

At her orders, wing by wing, the healed dragons and riders of Fort Weyr rose and took their positions above the Star Stones, ready to return to their future, their duty, and their fate.

Fiona spared a moment for one final wave to the traders, then took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and told her queen, Let’s go, Talenth!

Above the Star Stones, the dragons blinked between, leaving only the wind and stars to guard the silent, empty Weyr.