Child of the Loch (Child of the Loch Series) by Elizabeth Delana Rosa Page A

you, as well.” As they spoke, I saw further into their bond as brothers and twins. They were of two bodies and separate but very much of one mind.
    Tine said in a soft voice, “I can only speak the truth. My mate is not here with me but if she were we would both swear ourselves to you. For now, you only have my sword and my gifts for your service.” I heard and felt the sadness in his voice; the despair at being separated from his beloved was nearly unbearable for us both.
    Following their vows of allegiance, I turned to Sean. I stood on my tiptoes and placed my forehead against his as I had with Hank. I wondered why I did such a strange thing but it felt like the thing to do.
    “Our connection is more than that of ceremony or that of allied kingdoms. From this day forward, I am pleased to call you friend.” Deep in my heart I whispered, maybe more someday, son of Chian .
    With ceremonies done, it was time to set up camp. The men went digging hole in the ground and placed large stones around it. Then they burned the body of the poisonous dead beast. I surprised them by gathering things from the baskets to eat and wheat for my new allies’ beds. A true born and bred queen of the Loch would have allowed herself to be served, while an ogre 10th in line to rule would serve the others higher up in the hierarchy. They didn’t know that I didn’t feel the entitlement of a queen. I was only JJ from a small Midwestern town, who happened to be heir apparent to a throne.
    At dusk, my father and I pitched our tents. I loved camping and I fussed as the Ogres trying to help snapped me with a tent rod. While my bruise cleared, we built a fire for light and warmth, careful not to ignite the wheat. Like friends on a camping trip we ate, drank and told jokes. We shared the stories of our lives and of our lands.
    Sean stayed silent staring into the fire so that his eyes took on an aura. The twins regaled us with their tales of training and Tine shared his gift. He took my hand and showed me the paths to the beautiful kingdom of Chian and the loveliness of his mate, Ella, that he left behind. I could already read his thoughts but we both sought familiar comfort. Sean huffed at our intertwined hands but I soothed him with a gentle thought. I had only offered Tine the support and friendship of a sister while he yearned for his mate.
    When the blue moon was high and full, the Ogres laid down on the thick beds of wheat around the fire. Sean’s bed, so close to my tent that if I reached to touch the nylon sides I would come in contact with a muscular shoulder.
    I laughed to myself at his protective gesture. I listened silently into the night. I heard the twins grumble deep in their heads, that they much preferred the tree and Tine’s heart was breaking more moment by moment.
    When we were all tucked into our beds, my father and I bade them all, “Good Night.” Each man would take a turn guarding our camp. Sean would take the first shift from his pallet. Those were our last thoughts before sleep took us all.
    I awakened with a panic. Something was creeping amongst the wheat. I heard cracks of wheat stalks and the animal’s gaffs. A large reptilian claw tore through the thin walls of my tent. I screamed in terror. All five men in the camp ran towards me swords drawn.
    Laughter erupted from them all. There were quaking shoulders and even a snort or two. My tent was literally torn to pieces and lying on the ground around me. A 7 foot dragon was curled up against me and sighing contently. It looked at me adoringly with cat-like brown eyes.
    Four letter words, unbecoming a queen threatened to jump from my lips. I flapped my hands not sure whether to pet the dragon or end it. I stroked its mind and found it to be a worthy being full of peace and good intentions.
    “Dragon, I will look after you because you decided not to eat me.”
    The dragon gaffed and snuggled closer, nearly pushing me into the ground with its massive head.
    “Stand up,