With a flicker of movement, Orion appeared before the elders.
Tarn, Rendall, and Rockwell were the first to react, bowing deeply in respect. Then Erythros, Grulbane, Torvald, and Taran turned, all moving to perform the grand salute.
"The younglings are the main characters today, not me," Orion said with a wave of his hand. "I'm just here to crash the party and grab some food."
A surge of his supernatural power formed a field around him, gently preventing those who were about to kneel from doing so.
To show their support for their younglings, the elders had all brought treasures from their personal stores. The bonfires roaring in the square, the massive cauldrons bubbling with stew, and the sizzling barbecue racks were proof enough.
"My Lord," Tarn said respectfully.
"You've matured," Orion said, looking at Tarn — who had become an elder himself after returning from the human kingdom and starting a family of his own.
"Are you also here to see the dragon?"
