430 Infernos Plans (1/2)

[Whisper: Tai'Qui to Nix] Everything happened so fast that I forgot to thank you for representing me again Jargon Kane.

[Whisper: Nix to Tai'Qui] You're welcome. Know what's in these vials?

[Whisper: Tai'Qui to Nix] Draconian Element.

[Whisper: Nix to Tai'Qui] Hmm... Sound's kinda important.

[Whisper: Tai'Qui to Nix] It very valuable to dragons, I've heard that it can mutate a very strong dragon spawn into a dragon. However, I can't substantiate the claim.

[Whisper: Nix to Tai'Qui] Know what my new heritage rings do?

[Whisper: Tai'Qui to Nix] Those are entry passes, Nix. I can't really say more without violating an oath. Secure them in Haven, or you'll have dragons after you.

Deidra walked toward Nix and placed a hand on his shoulder. ”Thank you. For defending my Krelandur choice and freeing my son. I will send payment when I return to my sanctuary.”

Nix nodded. ”Take care of Elan. Let me know when you will be coming to Haven.”

**********************

Although it had already been an eventful day, it was only a bit after sunset. Inferno decided to grab a quick meal and then meet back at the Turtle House after dinner.

Nix entered through the front door, Fajii was holding on to his hand while discussing the many possible uses for Nether rats. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the first level. Hyai and Shae were sitting at the Kitchen Island.

Shae walked around the island to greet him with a hug, she did the same to Fajii with a big smile. ”I hear you went on another Rat-Raid.”

The alchemist nodded happily and started telling them all the details. Nix chuckled at seeing the reserved Aquarion so animated. After noticing that both ovens were being used, a quick peek told him that they were having shepherd's pie for dinner. ”I don't mean to interrupt, please tell me you put that goat in this.”

Hyai shook her head slightly. ”It's too much work to bring that animal here.”

Nix frowned at the redhead. ”Next time we eat at the ranch, I'm barbecuing that bastard.”

A few minutes later, Hyai pulled two loaves of bread out of the oven. Nix cut them in thick slices and slathered butter on one of them. Hyai pinched him when he took a large bite.

”So impatient. Grab some plates.” Hyai rummaged through the utensil drawer for silverware while Shae used the Tap to pour everyone drinks.

”You didn't mention how your fight with House of Kane's champion went.” Shae had claimed the seat next to Nix, her leg would brush against his whenever she moved.

Fajii shook her head. ”Did you see how strong Morti looked?”

Nix finally realized what was bothering him, their Desert Fox guest was missing. ”Where's the girl?”

”Lucid came by and brought her to HQ,” Hyai replied.

”How'd that go? Lucid can be a bit scary.” Nix finished the rest of his dinner and shook his head when Shae offered him a ghost pepper.

”She was in human form.” Hyai smiled broadly. To her knowledge, no one had seen Lucid as anything other than a scorpion.

”That's good. Lucid will start the process by making friends. We need to grab the rest of Kia's people and bring them to the temple.” Nix said it with confidence, if they could awaken dormant bloodlines, the Titans of Everspire would start to regain their old strength.

”No rat-raid?” Shae's pretty face showed her disappointment.

Nix shook his head. ”I'll sneak in and get an eye on our targets. After that, we'll see what's necessary.”

”Tai will be coming to the meeting.” Hyai had spent a large portion of her morning talking with the Earth dragon. ”She said her scouts should get back to her today.”

Nix was hoping for a chance to hit Khione, anything they could do to slow down her preparation. ”That's on the agenda, the restoration quests, and my departure.”

All three women frowned at him. He would have to recharge the Phoenix Totem for the Krayven Clans. He also promised to visit his sister at Loki.

”You always take on too much.” Shae shook her head slightly. ”No more solo missions. You are way too important.”

”The three of you will be way too busy to worry about me.”

*********************

An hour later, the officers of Inferno were seated or standing around the kitchen island at the Turtle House. A 3-D topographical map of Khione's stronghold was on display, the earthworms that Tai'Qui sent in had completely their scouting mission. The earth dragon was explaining the layout.