At the right time of day, the castle cast a uniquely shaped shadow directly over the town of TallHillde. The shadow of a bat with outstretched wings, or maybe a vulture, or maybe a dragon. There was some debate. The aged ones called it the vulture, privately amongst themselves, although it wasn''t clear if that may have been an indictment against it''s inhabitants as much as anything.


    In fact, some parts of the Vulture were so old that they just randomly fell down or crumbled apart, causing a work order to be put in for an eventual repair. It was a great employer for the area. In fact the castle in general was one of the largest employers in the whole of TallHillde, second only to the mines. As long as no one important was injured or killed by the falling stone, it was basically brushed off as a normal part of life in the castle.


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    Elwin went to him, and reasonably tall boy though he was, only the top of his head was even with the window ledge. "Oh no, its not that. Its just, a man should not be in here. Especially a strange man, my gods! If there are any repairs to be made up here, I must be around while they are working." he said firmly. And a man should not be touching you, or lifting you. But how to explain the black hearts of men to someone so sweet. And he didn''t want to scare him. "Some men . . ." He started, glad that the prince could not see the expression on his face. "I''m not saying . . . "


    The prince patted Elwin gently on the top of his head. "The world must be an overwhelming place. You are full of anxiety."


    Elwin laughed. "Never mind, never mind." He reached up and lifted, as carefully as possible, knowing the risks, Prin into his arms. He weighed no more then a bundle of blankets.


    Prin put his arms around Elwin''s neck. "I''m glad you are here." His black curls brushed the side of Elwin''s face, as soft as a bird''s feather, and the cheek that brushed his own was hotter then he had expected.


    Elwin sat him down on the bed. "Have you had medicine today?"


    "No, I don''t think so." Prin said. "Do you want to talk about dragons?"


    "Yes." Elwin said. "Let me prepare your medicine first." He noticed the glass of water, cut fruit and a bowl of broth on the table. So he hadn''t eaten breakfast yet either. The one who had brung it was not very attentive.


    Prin clapped his hands together. "Oh good! Chapter 439 of The Dragon''s Revenge is ready. You are going to love this one, El."