Dragonvein - Book Three by Brian D. Anderson

replied. “She’s in pain.”
    Lylinora frowned. “Is there anything we can do to help her?”
    Ethan shook his head slowly. “She was cursed for a long time. Now that it’s gone, she’s changing…and it’s painful. There’s nothing we can do. It just has to take its course. That could take weeks...months...or even years for all I know.”
    “When she’s healed, do you think she will help us?” asked Markus. “A dragon would be one hell of an advantage.”
    “She might,” replied Ethan. “To be honest, I haven’t thought about it much. It might all be over long before she’s healthy enough to do anything.” He took a long breath and cracked a smile. “Look, I don’t want either of you to worry. The elves won’t kill me, and Martok won’t take over. The best thing you can do is get Jake and Val ready for what’s coming.”
    “Great advice,” said Markus. “It would be even better if we actually knew what that was.”
    They returned to the porch and waited for Renald to call them inside. A short time later, Val and Jake strolled up. Jake gave them all an embarrassed smile.
    “Sorry for blowing up like that,” he said. “Seeing people who aren’t human was a bit more than I could deal with at first. I should have acted better.” He nodded over at Keira, who was still sitting beneath the tree. “Is she angry?”
    “I don’t think that one has enough emotions in her to get angry,” said Markus.
    At this, Keira glanced over and rose to her feet. As she approached, her eyes were fixed on Markus.
    “I am more than capable of anger,” she said. “And you should be aware that elves can hear very well indeed.”
    Markus sneered. “You should be able to hear a whisper from a mile away with ears like that.”
    Ethan thought he saw a flash of irritation in Keira’s eyes, but it was gone before he could be certain. “Are you staying here or coming back with us?” he asked her.
    “My duties demand my return,” she replied. “I am to see you safely to Elyfoss.”
    Markus took Lylinora’s hand. “If you’ll excuse us.” The couple wandered off in the direction of the lake.
    “Yeah, and I need to wash the dust off before we eat,” said Jake. He and Val quickly followed the same path as the other two.
    “I do believe I have upset your friends,” Keira observed.
    “They’ll be fine,” said Ethan. “You’re just not what they expected to see. And as far as Markus is concerned…well, you know about that.”
    “Do you think they would feel better knowing that I am just as uncomfortable as they are?” she asked.
    Ethan chuckled. “They might. But I wouldn’t worry about it too much.”
    “When do you want to leave?” Kat asked Keira.
    “If it was possible, I would return this very moment,” she replied. “Though I realize this may be impractical. I’m sure you need time to prepare. But I would urge you not to delay a minute more than you must. Plans are already in motion. And much depends on you.”
    Ethan walked toward the porch chairs, gesturing for the others to follow. “Like what?”
    “I don’t know precisely. My father was not forthcoming regarding his intentions. All I know is that he is determined to speak with you.”
    As they took their seats, they could hear the clatter of pots and dishes along with irritated grumblings from Renald. Keira knitted her brow and shifted in her chair for a moment before standing up again.
    “We’ll leave as soon as King Ganix and his people have set off on their search,” Ethan told her. “From what he said earlier, that won't be very long.”
    As he finished speaking, another screech from Maytra caused him to wince.
    Keira regarded him for a moment. “You feel its pain, yes?”
    He nodded 
    “And you hear its thoughts as well?”
    “Not in the way you might think,” he replied. “I hear her intentions. Her feelings. But dragons have no language you would understand.”
    “I think you may be surprised by what an elf can