Eulia And The Butterfly Dragon

Chapter 28 Just Visiting

Jacob and his companions waited quietly in the inn dinning room. "They seem to be running a little late," he said to his companions moments before Eulia, Phoebe and Jo walked into the inn. He noticed they were all wearing rather conservative long dresses but had their hair up in a bun.

"They all have shoes on!" David whispered to his companions. He waved at the girls, the girls saw the gesture and walked over to the table they occupied. They were each carrying a moderately sized carpet bag.

"We dropped the girls off at Mabel's," Eulia said as she sat in the chair Jacob pulled out for her. "We brought a couple of changes in clothes." Jo and Phoebe had taken the chairs and the three couples sat together.

"We noticed you all had shoes on," Jacob teased. "Are you staying for the weekend?"

"That and a couple of days extra," Eulia said, "we're just visiting."

"I can't tell you how much I missed you Euly," Jacob whispered.

"Kiss me Jake!"

"Out here...in public." Not waiting for his response Eulia kissed him. "On the other hand we are in the republic now. So no restrictions on public kissing." Jacob kissed her again.

"You said these meetings would only last a fortnight," Phoebe said pouting, "It's been six weeks."

"How's the village doing?" David asked. "We are about finished, it has taken a lot of time. There was a lot of problems from the imperial days to iron out."

"Fine I guess," Phoebe said softly, "The village is doing well. The surveyors have been through for the railroad and the route has been formalized. We should be linked to the rest of the system."

"Hugh and John are back," Eulia said offhandedly.

"The village granted them and a few others a full pardon," Phoebe said.

"I don't trust those bastards," Eulia said fiercely.

"You might have to shoot them again," Jo teased.

"You shot them?" Jacob said surprised. Eulia responded with a devious smile.

"Forgot to mention that, and only John, that is him that I shot."

"Where and when?"

"The head of course where it did no real damage." Eulia went on to explain the entire encounter. "Hugh and John delight in spreading rumors about us. The village was beginning to accept us. Now I don't know. They all know we are dragon riders and several have seen the butterfly dragons, especially Pinkey who has gotten quite bold."

"We will deal with them when we get back," Jeremy said firmly.

"No violence Jere," Jo said softly.

"They are cowards," David said, "We'll just let them know we are on to them."

"They have taken to following us around and taunting us." Phoebe said.

"I'm so starving!" Eulia said, "let's order lunch." Jacob laughed then signaled the server.

Phoebe leaned her head on David's shoulder, "Then I'll need a nap Davey, will you join me?"

"OH GOD FEE," David added in a whispered voice, "but don't expect to get much sleep." Phoebe gave him a devious smile.

"What have Hugh and John been saying?" Jacob said softy with concern apparent in his face.

"I rather not say," Eulia whispered. Her face was red and she avoided Jacob's eyes.