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“It does take all of us. Because that is how we defeat them. They expect you to be alone and to cower. We won’t do that. We will not cower. We will fight if that is what we need to do.”
“We will. I’m hoping we won’t have to, but you never know.” Brayden seemed like he was about to get serious again, so Harden went to teasing.
“And perhaps I will battle from the back holding my baby.”
“Why not from the front?”
“Because, at heart, I’m a simple herder. I don’t want to fight.”
Brayden cracked up laughing, and he slapped Harden on the leg. “Of course you don’t. That’s my job. I’m the fire dragon.”
He knew that was true, but he didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Still, defenders and guardians did just that. They protected the clutches in the villages.
Sometimes to their own peril.
It had been a long time since one of the defenders of the Galinea Clutch had been hurt in battle, long before Cade and the legends told of it.
“Hey, you’re not smiling anymore. Where did you go?”
“I’m right here.”
“I know you are. Love, that was metaphorical,” Brayden said. “You were smiling and laughing for me and then all of a sudden you were deep in your thoughts.”
“I was thinking of the legend of the last Galinea defender who got hurt in battle.”
“Oof. That is far too serious for a beautiful day like today. We’re about to go swimming, visit our friends, and eat our weight in picnic.”
“Yes.” He straightened up, snapping the reins incredibly gently. “You’re right. I should not be so serious. It does no good, so right now I keep telling myself that, and yet I feel as though I have this worry.”
“It’s because you’re carrying a baby,” Brayden said, shaking his head. “That changes everything, love. You’re not just thinking about you or you and me anymore. You have to think of him. When I talked to Sloan, he says we’re welcome to come and he will contact Cade and Tyr.”
“Look at you talking to your brother without me noticing!” He was so proud of Brayden when he managed the mental communication without any kind of distress.
“I know. I thought I snuck that in pretty well.” Brayden sounded smug, but he had every right to. He was doing very well. “Poe says he just made a couple of pies, so he’ll bring one with him.”
“Oh, I love his pies. I hope it is fruit pie.” Obviously, he had had many pies before he met Poe but most of them had been savory with meat and vegetables. Poe made elaborate creations that were sweet and wondrous.
They made it to the river before their friends, and they spread out a blanket underneath a huge shade tree. A basket with mead, a wrapped cheese, and some cured meat — that was a good start to their meal. Soon there would be Tanya and the triplets, along with Melissa. They would have a little party.
Tyr, Sloan, and Melissa came first, Tyr bringing honey and bread and fruit.
Melissa wiggled and pushed and fought to get to Brayden, who immediately took her.
Sloan chuckled and rolled his eyes. “I cannot believe how she’s crazy for you and Riley both.”
“She knows we’re her uncles.” Brayden nuzzled into the baby’s jaw, and she squealed with joy. “Are the triplets coming?”
“Yes, Tanya, too.” Tyr went to give Harden a hug, smiling hugely. “I’m so glad to see you, and I’m so glad you’re looking so good now, not sick at all, hmm?”
“I still have my moments,” Harden told him. “But I do feel so much. better.”
“Good. Thank you for the invitation today. This looks so good and swimming will feel so nice.”
“Brayden and I thought we all needed something fun.”
“Yes, yes, it is the busy season, but it’s nice to come out and have a day of rest, a moment of joy. Everything’s all right, though?” Tyr gave him a questioning look. “I worry with Fredda and that little Penny dragon.”
“I had a vision.” He blurted out the words.
