Chapter 16

Ruins of ancient Dracaenae enclave, Continent: Barat, the Year 2041, Planet: Grimoire

When he'd chosen this place for his retirement and hideout to just get away from people, Clarence hadn't realized it would become a brief haven and sanctuary for a pair of fledgling griffins. He snorted in disgust. An old acquaintance of his, Maximum Dott, had warned him that this could've happened. "You were right, Dott, old fellow. I did become something of a pushover." Clarence was amused at his friend's foresight. "Though you forgot to mention I'd be attracted to one of those fledglings." He was beginning to figure out why he was angry at Chester because of his apathetic reactions to everything around him. There was no reasonable basis for such a strong reaction. It could have to do with finding a mate. That was something other than what he found to his taste, however. "He'll have to get more independent and able to handle all kinds of situations before I go anywhere near him."

Clarence shook his head wryly. "I'd better go check on them." When he considered just how contrary Chester was, Clarence winced. "Just from sheer frustration with this situation, Chester might decide to disappear into the wilderness."

Clarence shook his head with a sigh. From what he could tell, Chester needed the thorough survival training that Firenze possessed. That was how they'd wound up in such dire straits, to begin with, when getting lost earlier.

Firenze was overjoyed that he'd be able to speak with Grifton after such a period had passed. He would have to keep the message short, though. So, what should he write to him?

On the other hand, if Firenze had to notify someone to act as a proxy, it should be Lamberton or Darmono. A sigh escaped him. He disliked either option, but Grifton would be less frightened in this case. "So, who should I contact in that case?" Firenze had forgotten that Chester had accompanied him to the room.

He jumped when Chester grumpily told him. "If Lamberton is the first person you swore an oath to as a merchant, get in touch with him first." His suggestion was reasonable. "Then, because Commander Darmono was your unit leader, get in touch with him second." Chester shrugged when Firenze regarded him in silence. "Depending on how they respond, it should give you something to work with when contacting Tinroy."

Firenze thought his advice was sound. "Thank you," he hesitated since he could tell something was bothering Chester. First things first, Firenze decided to deal with his obligations first.

Firenze sent a carefully worded message to Lamberton. His immediate response was to tell him to teleport home as fast as possible. Firenze grimaced. That didn't sound good. Then, he sent a message to Darmono, whose response was less urgent than Lamberton's. However, it was clear that Firenze needed to return immediately. Neither man indicated that Grifton would be angry at Firenze for not getting word to him. Had they notified Grifton as soon as he contacted them? That was possible.

Firenze took a deep breath, exhaled, and sent a simple message to Tinroy. The message gave a thumbnail depiction of what Firenze had gone through and why he hadn't been able to send messages to Grifton.

Grifton's response: "Please come home. Here are attached pictures of our kiddos."

Firenze almost cried when he saw the pictures of the newborns. They weren't cute, but they weren't ugly either. He wiped the tears away. "I have to go home now."

"Can I see?" Chester peered over Firenze's shoulder. "Uh, how many are there?" Now Chester appeared horrified. "No wonder they want you to come home and take responsibility."

Firenze laughed and swatted at Chester. "This was the entire reason I didn't want to leave!"

Not evading the light blows, Chester winced. "Yes, I get it. This is all my fault." He folded his arms and frowned at Firenze, who hesitated at his reaction.

Chester shook his head. "Now, go to Clarence with your information." He smiled, though his eyes held envy but no animosity towards Firenze. "He'll send you home in a blink of an eye." Chester seemed resigned to not being in good graces with either his family or Clarence Delarosa.

Firenze grunted. "You're welcome to go back with me," he offered. "As it turns out, the Commander and Lamberton want to get to know you." He had a feeling Chester might decline the invitation, though.

Chester shrugged. "I'll think about it, now go. I have to send off some messages of my own." He rubbed his jaw. "Depending on the responses I receive, I'll either follow you or go off on an adventure of my own." Chester waved him out of the communications room.

Well, this was turning into a strange situation. Clarence was thoroughly baffled as to what he should do next. He should obviously send both of the brothers packing because their situations were clearly none of his business.

On the other hand, since one of them had a mate who was an extremely rare and talented dragon, Clarence could see why Tinroy could use guidance from a dragon of his experience. However, Clarence thought Tinroy probably wouldn't welcome meddling from an old dragon at this point, especially not one that had gone against him in wars.

A sigh escaped Clarence as he considered his somewhat limited options. He'd gotten to the point of allowing Firenze to send three separate messages to Darmono, Tinroy, and Lamberton. Clarence was bemused because he also recognized Darmono and Lamberton, who were dragons. "Funny how names of old acquaintances are showing up now."

There had been a time when neither of them were enemies. A sigh escaped Clarence. "I do wish there was a way I could converse with both of them without feeling the need to instigate a war." Of course, now that he'd left Naxos behind, it might be possible to chat with them as war veterans but no longer enemies.

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