Earth's Hope Read Online Free PDF

pants.
    “We will, we will,” other young voices chimed in.
    “The dark ones killed our sister,” the black dragon went on, his piping voice serious. “We want revenge.”
    “Mother won’t let us fight,” a green dragon spoke up. “She already said so.”
    “Father disagreed,” the red dragon who’d invaded Aislinn’s lap said.
    She’d gotten better at telling them apart, but it would be a relief once they named themselves. In all, there were two red females, three green males, the black male, and a copper male.
    “I fear all of us will get our chance in battle afore this is over.” Gwydion, flanked by Bran, walked into their midst. “Come with me. Time to give Aislinn a break.”
    “Will you tell us a story?” the copper dragon demanded.
    “Yes,” a red dragon clapped her clawed forelegs together. “You tell the best stories.”
    “I’ll be your bard tonight.” Bran made a sweeping bow. “Mayhap you’d care to hear about how dragons came to be.”
    “Yes!” the red female shrieked.
    “Follow Bran,” Gwydion urged. Once the dragons were in motion, some flying, some walking, he rolled his eyes and brought up the rear.
    “Thanks,” Aislinn shouted after him.
    “Ye owe me, lass,” he called over one shoulder.
    Aislinn leaned her head into the nook between Fionn’s neck and shoulder. “Would you like to walk a bit before we go inside?”
    “Aye, lass. Now ye mention it, I’d like that verra much.”
    “Do you suppose we could go as far as the sea?”
    “I thought we’d remain within my wards—”
    Bella flapped out of the darkness and landed on Rune’s back. “We’re coming,” she announced.
    “Of course we are,” Rune seconded. “My bonded one would never consider leaving me behind.”
    Aislinn stifled a snort. The bond animals had their own network and frequently shared things among themselves that they’d never tell their humans. Apparently Bella had complained about Fionn ditching her, and the wolf was reminding her of that in a less-than-subtle manner.
    “Since we’re all going,” Aislinn cut in before Fionn got into another argument with the cantankerous raven, “let’s do this. I sat for so long, I’m cold.” She wriggled out of Fionn’s embrace, reluctant to leave the warmth of his body.
    “Would ye like me to find you a warmer wrap?” Fionn asked.
    She shook her head. “I don’t want this to be a big production number. Mostly, I want to work the kinks out of my legs before we go to bed. Thank Christ Dewi will be back by the middle of tomorrow.”
    Fionn hooked a hand beneath her arm and guided her toward the wall that rose all around his manor. He’d had the mansion built in the fifteen hundreds to exacting specifications. Flat, gray stones comprised the outer wall; they fit together so precisely it was nearly impossible to detect their edges. The house itself was built from huge wooden beams and river rock. Five stories, with turrets and a tower and leaded glass windows, it looked like something out of a movie set.
    Aislinn fell into step beside him, grateful for her long legs that let her keep pace easily. They passed beneath one of four curved gateways set into the outer wall and out onto open moorland. Humans who’d been assigned sentry duty nodded as they passed. The salt tang of the sea deepened, tickling her nostrils. For a moment, she felt homesick for the dry air of the American west where she was from. Rune jumped to one side, jaws snapping, and came up with a small, wriggling creature.
    “I shall hunt too,” Bella declared and launched herself off the wolf’s back. The black of her wings melted into the shadows until Aislinn couldn’t see her anymore without magic.
    “Why’s she unhappy this time?” Aislinn asked.
    “What it comes down to,” Fionn replied, “is she doesn’t enjoy sharing me. Aye, she likes you well enough. Not like your mother, who she detested, but jealousy still gets the better of her.”
    “She’s good to have by