Mersae was the old dragon-shifter language, which in modern times was only used for special occasions or when they didn’t want humans to overhear a conversation. “That’s grand, but if you think I’m going to wait here while you dig up some more ancient rubbish, then you’re in for a surprise.”
Max picked something else up out of the dirt. “Take me back gently, so as not to damage my finds, and I’ll go quietly. These pieces might be enough to convince the government to protect this spot from the money-hungry bastards who would merely sell it to a rich toff.”
“Who would buy that?”
“I’m starting to understand why there aren’t many dragon-shifter archaeologists. You lot don’t seem interested in learning about the past.”
“We are, but possessions hold less meaning. We’ve had everything burned or destroyed many times over.”
Max waved a hand. “Still not a good enough excuse.”
Grant clenched his jaw. He could toss the human across the way without breaking a sweat, but he seemed unconcerned. How Max had survived this long, he didn’t know.
His dragon’s voice was tinged with amusement when he said, The human diverts me.
I don’t care if he wins your heart and you wish to sign over your unborn child. He’s put the mission in danger. I won’t let it happen again.
You’re just grumpy because you want to kiss Faye’s skin some more.
You don’t want the same?
A few minutes observing the strange human won’t hurt anyone.
Placing his hand on Max’s shoulder, Grant ordered, “Stand up. We’re heading back.”
Max gently wrapped his pottery shards in some cloth and placed them in his satchel. “Remember what I said—you need to be gentle with me. These finds may change the history of Inverness.”
Grant was doubtful, but refrained from commenting. “Then don’t try to run away. I will tackle you to the ground, if necessary. And you’ll be responsible for destroying history.”
As he guided Max away from his dig spot, Grant made a loud, high-pitched whistle.
After a minute, Faye’s blue dragon form landed in the middle of the hill.
Once Grant and Max were close enough, he said, “Find and signal the others that I found Holbrook. To stop his whining, I’m going to take him back by car.” She gestured toward his naked body. “I have some trousers in my satchel. We’ll return to the B&B as soon as I can manage.”
With a nod, Faye jumped into the air and slowly ascended into the sky. Before Grant could maneuver Max toward the trail that would lead to the bottom of the hill, Max’s voice filled the air. “She flies strangely.”
He had no idea how Max could tell Faye was a she in the darkness unless he’d been purposefully staring where he shouldn’t. Grant pushed until the human started walking. “That’s none of your concern.”
“Was she born that way? Or was she injured? While it’s not my specialty, I’ve always been fascinated by dragon bones. However, I’ve had the devil of a time studying the bones of dragon-shifters on my own. There weren’t any reliable books I could find, just rubbish ones about the magical properties of ground-up bone. I could use any instruction you could provide.”
His dragon chuckled. Yes, you’re such an expert. Why don’t you help him? Imagine if you told him that we did have magic bones. Who knows what he’d do then.
Grant knew as much about bones as he did baking, which was nothing. They aren’t magical. Shut it, dragon.
He lightly pushed Max’s shoulder. “Just keep walking. Talking wasn’t part of the bargain.”
Max continued as if Grant hadn’t said anything. He gestured toward the sky, where Faye had gone. “Maybe she’ll let me take a look. She’s much friendlier than you.”
“Friendly won’t necessarily save you. Irritate her and she may kick your arse.”
“So she’s a feisty one. Much like the purple dragon from before. I never learned her name.”
“Iris. And I’d watch out for her, too. She was close to dropping you into a loch.”
“I’m not sure why. I was waxing on about gender roles of dragon-shifters through the centuries and how females were once the fiercest warriors. She should’ve enjoyed that.”
He grunted and picked up their pace. He wasn’t going to encourage the human.