Zuun

Grayswandir and Cora strode side by side past the seller’s booths. Unlike most of the Inverness Clan, they didn’t mind the Festival of the Plague flight. After all, a festival was a festival. Even if it wasn’t their favorite.
Plus due to the lack of interest from most of the clan of the Riot. They didn’t have to be on call to keep watch of any of the other members. They could relax somewhat.
Cora looked at her mate and grinned. “What are you thinking?”
He grinned back and in his worse Jenka impersonation said. “Hy tink maybe Jenka gang maybe kausink trubbel. Giff us problems later.”
She laughed, “Most likely. I bet that’s why Nala has kept the Cross in port and has not allowed her crew shore leave.”
“I won’t take that bet. I’m sure that’s her reason.”
Just then a blue Wildclaw hatchling with Light flight eyes trotted up to them.
“Mother, father there you are.” Both Grayswandir and Cora gave him a confused look. But before they could respond.
“Just go with me okay?” The hatchling said under his breath and with a more mature inflection.
Gray recovered first. “Uh, yes uh, son where have you been? We have been worried.” Then under his breath. “Who are you and what is your game?”
He replied, “My name is Zuun. I'll explain everything.” Out loud in his younger voice he said. “I’m sorry but come and see what I found.” He started towards an inn, “Come on this way.”
He beckoned then to follow. Grayswandir shrugged.
“Might as well.”
“I am curious.” Cora agreed. They followed Zuun cautiously.
Once the three reached the safety of the doorway and out of ear shot of most of the market.
Zuun turned and offered his hand to Gray and Cora.
“Thank you so much for giving me the chance to be heard.”
They accepted and introduced themselves.
“Inverness clan, huh? I’ve heard of you. But, from where I’ve come, it's not all good.” He grinned broadly at their responses. “Allow me to explain. I’ve been a training drone for a Plague clan. I bribed a guard and escaped.”
“That’s horrible using someone so young as a drone” Cora stated.
“I only look young. I actually hatched before the first Drakeharvest. I’ve witnessed the awakening of the Gaolers and others ancients. “ He saw that their questions were beginning to form.
He nodded his acknowledgment and explained. “I’m master level and I was overpowering too many of the trainees. So instead of killing me, too valuable I guess, they cursed me.”
“Made you smaller and more defeatable.” Grayswandir concluded.
Zuun nodded, “So after awhile and as soon as the festival began, I bribed a guard and left.” He shrugged.
“But why chose us?”
Zuun was amused and saw the same amused look on Cora’s face.
“How many non Plague Wildclaw couples to you see in the bazaar?”
Grayswandir sighed. “Point taken. But what do you expect from us? We can’t help you escape without causing issues.”
He shook his head. “No issues, my former clan did a cursory search for me. But, they ran out of time and had to return to their lair.”
“Didn’t they report your absence?”
He grinned. “No. It would be too much of an embarrassment. Better to just leave me behind, which is what I was hoping.”
Grayswandir turned to his mate. “What do you think?”
“I’ve been around Calysta enough to know how she would feel. I say we help Zuun get out of here and to Lulungomeena. Then let the leadership decide.”
He nodded. “Sounds good.” Then in a voice just loud enough for those passing by to hear. He said. “We told you not to wander off.”
“But.”
“No buts. You’re going back to the ship and staying there until we leave.”
“What?!”
“That’s final!” He grasped one of Zuun’s horns and began to lead him away. Just as Grayswandir had thought bystanders looked away and tried to ignore the encounter. As the three walked towards the docks. Grayswandir grinned slightly to Cora.
“What?” She asked quietly.
“Oh just thinking how pleased Jenka will be to hear that we’re the ones ‘kausink trubbel’.”