The next morning, Aeron prepared to leave for the nomads, just as he had said in the war room. He moved out of the castle and walked down toward the dragonlair, where Draco stayed.
As Aeron reached out to him, a voice came from behind.
"You don't actually think I'd let you go to those ruthless people alone, did you?"
Aeron turned quickly, and there stood Nyella. She was dressed and ready, with her sword at her side, prepared in the same way she always was when leaving the kingdom.
"You know you don't have to," Aeron said softly.
"Yes, I do," she replied at once. "You need someone with you. How could you even think of going alone? What if they try to hurt you?"
"I have Draco with me," Aeron said with a faint smile. "Who would dare hurt me with him by my side? Together, we are unbeatable."
Nyella's lips curved, though not into a smile. "Yeah, but tell that to the Bone Hydra."
Aeron's eyes narrowed slightly. "I am looking forward to it," he said.
