The dragon shifter continued, taking a few paces toward the gate. “Well, it wasn't all bad. While I was out, I managed to stumble upon a few common dragons. I've brought them along—they'll help you repel any unwanted visitors. They aren't as vicious as us royals are, but they'll do the trick. The Wuffs will think twice about tangling with these guys.” Outside, a handful of small fire dragons—each of them scarcely larger than a grown man—ambled about the grounds. They looked something like Kaleb's dragon form, but in miniature. Their reddish coloration was duller, and their scales didn't seem as hard and impenetrable as his did, but they were ferocious-looking things, with long fangs and imposing horns. “How were things here? Looks like the walls are coming along nicely.”
“We got attacked,” replied Minx flatly. “We handled it, of course, but they're going to smash these walls before we even get them rebuilt at this rate.” She remembered the pain that had assailed her chest and rubbed at her breastbone as if to keep it from returning. “I wish the hunter would show up here—let us get it over with. He's talented, no doubt, but let's see how he fares against the Fae on their own turf.”
Kaleb laughed to himself. “Slow down, Minx. I just told you, he put me in a tight spot! Better that he stay far, far away while we get these walls repaired. Tell you what—see if the builders need a break. I'll try my hand at bricklaying as soon as I've spoken to your father and briefed him. I have a bit of time before my next patrol starts.”
“All right...” She watched as Kaleb sauntered off, admiring the swagger in his step. He looked as tired and filthy as everyone else did, but despite the wear of recent skirmishes he still had an air of confidence about him. She made the rounds and spoke to the wall-builders, who reacted enthusiastically to the offer of Kaleb's help, and with Mau's assistance managed to drag more of the freshly quarried stones across the square. The Fae workmen were diligent; now that the threat of battle had passed, they unanimously threw themselves into their work, measuring, shaping the large stone bricks as necessary and meticulously mixing their mortar. So long as Torrent kept his distance till the work was through, Minx imagined walls of this quality would stand for hundreds of years. She was filled with pride as she watched her people work, and made small-talk with a few of the resting stonemasons till Kaleb returned.
When the dragon shifter came back, running a hand through his black hair, he had a peculiar look on his face. He approached Minx and nudged her arm in an almost conspiratorial manner, urging her away from the workers to a then unoccupied corner of the square. Minx left Mau with the laborers and joined him in the dim corner of the Trading Center square, curious about his expression. The furrowing of his brow and the pursing of his lips lent him something of the vaguely troubled, the uncomfortable.
“Minx,” began Kaleb, “is your father all right?”
The Fae huntress cracked a weak smile. “Huh? What are you talking about?”
Kaleb hesitated.
“You just spoke to him, didn't you?” She motioned across the square. “Of course he's all right. I saw him just a little while ago myself. Why do you ask?”
“It's just that...” He laughed and tossed his shoulders. “You're right, it's probably nothing. When I spoke to him, he seemed a bit... off. That's all. Forgetful, frazzled. You know what I mean?”
Minx cocked her head to the side. “I'm not sure that I do. When I spoke to him he seemed very much himself—perhaps a bit worn out, sure, but I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.”
“Right, of course.” Kaleb shook his head. “I'm sure you're right. The stress has been getting to all of us. I'm sure that's all it was. It's just, he seemed a bit out of it and I was concerned.” He put on a broad smile. “Forget I mentioned it, I'm probably imagining things.”
The last thing I need to worry about is my father! He's bearing a heavy burden right now, overseeing the reconstruction, commanding troops and coordinating with the High Council! Of course he seems a little out of sorts—we're at war! Minx cleared her throat. “So, what did my father tell you? Are you going to keep patrolling, then?”
Kaleb nodded. “Yes, I'll take up a new patrol within the next few hours. This time, I think I'll keep my distance from the larger forces—else my new role might be short-lived.”
“Good idea.” Minx led him back to the stonemasons, where they spent some time assisting with the rebuilding efforts. This lull in battle proved extremely pleasant; Minx and Mau helped haul materials and equipment while the dragon shifter attempted—clumsily—to lend a hand with the bricklaying. He did little to advance the project, but his stumbling through the process brought the workers some much-needed levity.
Finally, when the time came for his next patrol, he thanked the stonemasons and started through the main gate. “OK, it's go-time.” He shot Minx a grin before donning his dragon form and leaping into the sky.
“Be careful!” she warned, calling to him through the bars in the gate.
The ruby-colored titan gave a bob of his head and then spread his wings, gaining altitude on a powerful gust that swept across the plains. She watched him as he mingled with the clouds, tracking his movement till he fully vanished from sight.
With Kaleb gone, so too was Minx's joy. Though she and the Faelyr remained close by to assist the workers, the smiled dropped from her face and she found herself slumping in the shade, anxiously awaiting Kaleb's return. She knew the threats he faced beyond the borders of the Trading Center, and understood, too,
