Welcome to Stories from Among the Stars.

You're listening to Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorn.

Narrated by Jessica Threat.

Chapter 21. Rana

It was a fun secret that the Arcandor,

Mage of Ages, was an absolute fool.

For someone who hated the stress of life-threatening danger,

it was dramatic irony, watching Keianth engage with the world,

staring in frustrated disbelief as she made enemies with the wrong people,

watching her test spells by leaping off the back of her high-flying griffin just to see if they worked.

And most recently, knowing the mage had drained herself of magic seven ways

to the summer solstice, yet still staggered back into battle. Raina didn't get angry often,

but she was livid now. Lilac's hooves thundered against the rocky ground as they approached

the rim of dragon country.

In the distance, a dragon. One of three, her beautifully stupid girlfriend had stopped, was spreading unsteady wings.

Another circled above, checking its progress. Neither seemed to notice her or care.

Serena ducked her head and urged lilac to gallop faster.

Her sword thumped against her leg as she braced herself in the saddle.

Toothpick or not, if one of those beasts was hurting Kianth?

If, her mind whispered viciously, and a stiff lump formed in her throat.

Raina was going to kill a dragon today. If there were two or ten or a hundred,

Raina would kill two, ten, a hundred. Keanth was coming home, safe, and sound. She'd make

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