Page 50 of Dragon Keeper

“I would like a baby larparca, yes.”

“Then in the spring, you will have a baby larparca of your own. I have decided this.”

Sloan’s eyebrow rose. “So we’re becoming an animal farm, not just bees?”

“One larparca does not make a farm. One larparca is friendly.”

“Well then, I suppose I should make a little barn for it when it comes in the springtime.”

His life was so good to him. “Thank you, mate.”

“Of course. You know I would do anything for you.” Sloan bumped hips with him and bounced the baby in his arms. “So what do you wanna trade for this larparca, Harden?”

“Hmm.” Harden stroked his chin. “I think I would like for your brothers to go and help me bring back a couple of animals from another village.”

“Ah. Well, I would need to talk to them?—”

“I’ll do it.” Brayden strode into their circle, laughing when Tanya ran to hug him. “Such a lovely naiad! I’ll go with Harden.”

“Wonderful.” Tyr just rolled right along before Harden backed up and changed his mind. “Sloan and I will watch your animals, along with Poe.”

“Then it’s a plan. Hello, all.” Brayden beamed at the assembled friends. “Anyone heard from Riley?”

“Not today.” Sloan sounded rather sad about that, and now was not the time for sad.

Tanya nudged Brayden with her elbow. “I have candies.”

“Do you?” He tucked a wild black curl behind her ear, her hair the color of the deepest night. “What kind, little love?”

“Honey ones. I also traded for gora fruit ones.”

“Well, I heard there was a party going on where we bartered, so I brought some taffy from the seaside.”

“Ooh! Want to trade?” Her eyes lit up.

“Of course! Bring it on.”

She opened a little bag and pulled out a couple of colorful, dyed bone buttons. A candle that smelled like flowers. A small number of coins that were stamped with things Tyr didn’t recognize. And a pretty blue rock. She took that from her bag. “For your hoard?”

“That in itself is worth a whole bag of taffy.” Brayden produced a hand-sized bag from the pack on his back, and Tanya took it, running off to show her friends.

Brayden watched her for a second, a fond look on his face, then turned to Tyr. “This is from your sister. She says to tell you she misses you.”

Brayden handed him a set of shell plates big enough to serve on. They were shiny and sparkling, blue and green and pink on the inside.

“How wonderful!” He juggled them and the baby, but Sloan caught them in one big hand and put them in the wagon. He hugged Brayden with one arm. “Thank you!”

Brayden squeezed him, then pulled back to frown at him before hugging him again. Then Brayden sniffed him.

“What?”

“Hmmm?” Brayden gave him an innocent stare.

Do I smell bad? Did I step in something?

What? No. You smell particularly luscious. Like honey that’s been warmed in the winter to put on toast.Sloan’s eyes glowed for him a moment.

Oh.He melted a bit, his heartbeat speeding.I’m so glad. I worry…