Fifty-One

Jaron watched the Reen Dorema sail from Haeven. The mountain foothills north of the harbor provided him with an excellent view as the ship unfurled its sails. Under him, Gambler shifted. The stallion’s ears perked forward as it watched the ship with the same intensity as its rider. Ivy flexed her wings. The bracelet around her neck gleamed. The dragon often scratched at it as if making sure it was still there. She didn’t let anyone else touch it, not even Jaron. Her tail curled around his arm as she shifted. He wondered if she missed her unexpected playmate. Dak and Gellert sat astride their horses on either side of him, watching the ship. Neither of them spoke for quite some time. Meeting the famed Princess of Milagros had taken both by surprise, but finding out Jaron had a history wi