Chapter 17
Ruins of ancient Dracaenae enclave, Continent: Barat, the Year 2041, Planet: Grimoire
Even though he was excited about the news, Firenze had some trepidation when going to seek out Clarence. Some of the messages he'd received from Lamberton and Darmono surprised him. They enquired about the dragon's health and mental state. So, they'd known him in their youth and now worried about him? Why hadn't they mentioned this connection before? Firenze was bemused. He also noticed they were okay with him being in Clarence's presence. So that meant they did trust him.
Firenze had been relieved when getting reassurances from both men.
"He's an honorable man," Darmono wrote. "He'll keep what promises he made, especially if it means teleporting you home safely."
Lamberton also gave Firenze reassurances. "Grifton is sick with worry over you. The babies know something is wrong. Please come home soon. There are nine of those little runts, and they're driving us all crazy." He'd grumbled at Firenze. "I did let Grifton know about you contacting me and Darmono. In fact, I know Darmono already notified Grifton. Now, all you must do is tell Grifton succinctly what happened." He paused and added. "If Chester does return with you, he can stay at my residence or Darmono's. On the topic of Clarence Delarosa, he must've been thoroughly disillusioned with the current king and queen that he just left without warning."
That wasn't a good advertisement for Naxos' current affairs. Firenze sighed in exasperation. When would the stupid wars of attrition end? Would it take the continent's collapse into the ocean for the end of useless wars of conquest? He truly hoped that wouldn't be what it took to end the wars in parts too close to Shantu for comfort.
This place was a labyrinth. Were all dragons obsessed with this type of tricky maneuvering? It must be in their blood. Lamberton's buildings had similar setups regarding different floors and how to access them.
"Ah, I found him at last." When Firenze discovered Clarence sitting quietly, staring out a window into encroaching darkness, he hesitated and knocked on the wall. "I have news. What do you want to hear first?"
Clarence roused from his contemplation of the night. "So, how was the result of the messages you sent?" He gave Firenze a faint smile. "I assume they didn't trash me to you, did they?" He clearly knew Darmono and Lamberton very well indeed.
This was going to be much easier than Firenze thought initially. "Yes, I am to immediately return home." He sighed. "I'm the proud father of nine." He showed the picture sent to him.
A smile softened Clarence's mouth. "You have a charming family indeed." He rose to his feet. "Come with me." He headed toward a shadowy portion of the sitting room. "I already set it up in advance." Clarence paused. "Do you have the coordinates?"
Firenze nodded. "Yes," he hesitated, "I know my brother has been a bit of a nuisance, but please bear with him." he was hesitant to request a favor of this kind from Clarence.
For some reason, Firenze thought that if Chester remained here longer, he might learn some wisdom. That is if Clarence permitted him to stay. "This is the most content I've seen him in a while."
Clarence shrugged. "Only if he wishes to remain." He looked around. "I confess, I think this is no longer a safe haven. It hasn't been in a long time." He had been exploring deeper into the ruins and found something unsettling.
Firenze didn't choose to push further. "Well, I won't bother you more on that subject since I know it is rather presumptuous of me to even bring it up in the first place." He handed over the coordinates to Clarence. "These are the coordinates that Lamberton gave me."
Clarence received them and grunted. He put them into the portal's keystone. "Interesting choice." He waved for Firenze to step inside.
Firenze did so, and there was a brilliant flash of light. The next thing Firenze knew, he was inside Lamberton's personal office.
"Err, hello?" Firenze blinked in shock when he saw who was there. Darmono, Lamberton, most of the dormitory staff, and Grifton were surrounded by small, dark shapes. The babies? Firenze didn't have time to examine them further.
"Welcome home," Grifton said unsteadily as he rose and walked toward Firenze. He opened his arms to Firenze and gave him a hard hug.
"I'm back." Firenze returned the hug and sighed in contentment. "What have I missed, other than the birth of the children?" Clearly, a whole mess of new complications had arisen in his absence.
Firenze regarded all of them with concern. "I just hope I'm not too late in being able to do something about potential problems."
Darmono and Lamberton exchanged glances. "We've got a proposal for you, Jesso." Darmono said at last. "though it may not be anything you want to hear right now."
A sinking sensation in Firenze's gut warned him he wouldn't like hearing this. "If I have to leave right away, I refuse. I want to have some time here with Grifton before doing so." Plus, he wanted to get to know his children. "Just how long have I been away?" That's what concerned Firenze the most.
"Eight months," Lamberton informed him. "During that time, Grifton gave birth."
Darmono added. "We've had to fend off fifteen kidnapping attempts." he shook his head wearily. "I think it would be best to remove the targeted ones," Frustrated, Darmono glanced at the babies. "I can't provide as much security detail for them as I would like to."
Firenze winced when he heard the news. "I see." He looked at Grifton, who appeared beyond exhausted. "Were you the ones guarding them without rest this entire time?" Firenze was horrified at the rundown shape Grifton was in. It reminded him sharply of those homeless years. That wasn't something Firenze ever wanted to see him as again.
Lamberton cleared his throat. "I was also guarding them as his uncle." He folded his arms. "Now, I need you to take up some responsibility." He scrutinized Firenze and smiled slowly. "Found your inner griffin, did you?"
Firenze nodded. "Looks exactly like her," he gestured to Lizette, who preened proudly. "All right, so what do I have to do now?" So much for a peaceful homecoming. At least he'd returned before a tragedy occurred. Though that was little comfort for him right now.