Tracking Trisha

Chapter 3-2

It was dark by the time they transported down. They decided it would be better to use the cover of darkness. The darkness did not affect them. They simply let their dragon come to their aid as it could see in the dark just as well as during the day. Kelan studied the meadow where Zoran landed initially. He had to practically tie his dragon down to keep him under control. The only thing that worked so far was the threat of not leaving the warship and sending another in his place. Only then did his dragon finally calm down and behave himself. His symbiot walked around the meadow exploring in a slow, disinterested manner.

Kelan noticed a change in his symbiot lately and was concerned. He never heard of a symbiot losing its will to live, for its very essence was attached to his own, but his was spending more and more time simply lying around watching the other symbiots and their warriors. It no longer actively sought the company of the other symbiots on the warship like it did before.

He made a mental note to ask Zoran to look in the Archives of Knowledge to see if there was any reference to the symptoms his symbiot was displaying. Zoran, as ruler of the Valdier, was the only one to have access to them because they were said to explain the origins of the symbiot.

Kelan walked over to where Trelon and Zoran were. He was so deep in thought he didn’t notice the immediate change in Zoran until Trelon made a comment. Glancing at his older brother, Kelan studied his face trying to see if there was any difference in him now that he had a true mate.

“Zoran, all is well?” Trelon asked.

From the dazed expression on Zoran’s face followed by the fierce relief and joy, he would have to say yes; there was definitely a change. He had never known Zoran to be anything but stern and reserved. Now, his whole face changed as he responded to Trelon’s question.

Zoran looked at Trelon as if coming out of a daze, a huge smile on his face. “She has returned.”

Kelan grinned at Zoran. Trelon must have also noticed the same change because he was wearing a huge grin as well. Kelan fought back a chuckle as he watched Zoran’s dragon fight to come out. He wanted his mate.

He isn’t the only one who would like to see his mate, Kelan’s dragon said sarcastically. Kelan barely hid his jerk of surprise. Since when had his dragon learned how to be sarcastic? What in the hell was going on? First, his symbiot was walking around looking like he had killed its best friend. Now, his dragon was giving him lip.

Since when did he start losing so much control over the other parts of himself? He never lost control! He was known for his strict self-discipline. In fact, his ability to remain in command in any situation, no matter how difficult or dangerous, was still discussed with awe among the warriors. And he was known for his skill at handling any challenge, no matter how impossible it seemed. He proved himself time and time again before, during, and after the Three Wars.

Yes, but none of those skills have helped you find us a mate, have they? his dragon retorted angrily.

Shut up, will you? Kelan thought furiously. Just keep your focus on getting Zoran and his true mate off this planet, or so help me, I won’t let you out for a month once we get back.

It wasn’t much as far as threats went, but it was the only thing Kelan could think of to shut his dragon up for a few precious seconds of peace. Kelan’s symbiot just walked over and lay down at his feet, ignoring the conflict going on between Kelan and his dragon.

Zoran’s face creased into a smile, and he said in a relieved tone, “Soon you will meet my true mate.”

Kelan watched as his younger brother picked on Zoran. When Trelon playfully punched Kelan in the arm, wanting him to grab Zoran, Kelan just shook his head with an answering grin. It had been a long time since they had wrestled with each other.

All five brothers were very close growing up, often getting into trouble together. Their father and mother tried futilely to separate them on more than one occasion when they had been particularly mischievous. That never stopped them, though. They simply shifted and took off for the dense forests that covered their world. Kelan chuckled when he saw Trelon reaching for Zoran. Zoran suddenly became very still, frowning in concentration.

“Abby will not be returning alone. There are three females with her,” Zoran grumbled.

“Perhaps she brings our true mates to us,” Trelon teased. “I, for one, am not ready, but perhaps Kelan, Mandra, and Creon might appreciate having one. I still have much to taste before I settle for one female.”

Kelan choked out a laugh and grabbed Trelon around the neck, imagining it was his dragon’s when the damn thing roared out excitedly at the idea of meeting its potential mate. As Kelan fought to control his dragon, he couldn’t resist ribbing Trelon. “You believe yourself a bull dragon to satisfy so many females. It takes that many because none could ever put up with you for long.”

Trelon responded to Kelan’s comment, just as Kelan knew he would, by trying to take him down. Kelan may have been slightly taller and a year older than Trelon, but Trelon was definitely broader and more muscular. Kelan had just twisted to break the hold Trelon was trying to get around his neck when he heard Zoran’s roar of rage. In a flash, he shifted and called to his symbiot. Golden armor swiftly covered his arms, legs, and chest. He rose into the air, prepared for battle.

* * * *

Kelan listened intently to the conversation between his two brothers. At first, he regretted sending the other warriors back to the warship. If necessary, he could call to them to return. Until he knew what the issue was, he did not want to endanger any of his men’s lives.

When Zoran explained his true mate had been attacked, he began forming strategies to get her back. It appeared there was only one male involved that they knew of. There was no need to call for additional support. One primitive male would be no match for the three skilled warriors. Kelan notified the V’ager via his symbiot to be prepared for a swift departure and to prepare medical just in case it was needed for Zoran’s mate. He was not concerned about the welfare of the male who had taken her. That one was already dead as far as Kelan was concerned.