“He’s lucky,” he replied, glancing over his shoulder. The party was spread out but closing in on the village border. “And dangerous.”
“Bayzog, they were orcs. Since when are you so compassionate about orcs? You’ve told me countless horrors about them. Why can’t Dragon take them out? The best way to stop evil is to kill it.” Her jaw tightened. “I hate evil and so do you. It causes all the terrible things. Good for him, I say.”
“Sasha!” he said, neat brows lifted. “Watch what you say!”
“Well,” she said, flipping her hair. “Shum and Brenwar killed some of them, and you would have too if you were there. Why can’t Dragon?”
“He’s not like us,” Bayzog said with a sigh. “He’s different. He’s a dragon. The son of the King Dragon, and his standards are not ours. It’s complicated. But as I understand it, the more Dragon kills, the more danger for the world.”
“Well, I think it’s ridiculous. He’s so young, and that’s too much responsibility.”
“He’s over two hundred years old, Sasha. He has to do what dragons do.”
Sasha’s eyes got big at hearing how old Nath was, but she tried to cover up her surprise. “Dragons kill, don’t they?” she said. “I really want to see them. Those two yellow ones were so magnificent. I only got a glimpse of them. What were they called?”
Bayzog wasn’t fooled, but he let it go. “Golden flowers,” he said, “and, yes, dragons kill, I suppose. But Nath is not like other dragons. He’s a dragon born a man. He’s special. We have to guide him. You understand that, don’t you?”
“Uh,” she said, mouth open, her smile gone, “of course I do. I’m just talking to you, Bayzog. I’m not a fool.”
“Sasha, you know that’s not what I—”
She rode way, auburn hair bouncing on her head.
“―meant. Great Guzan.”
His Sasha was miffed. It happened, just not often, but when she was angry, she stayed that way awhile. He let her go. She’d be back to give him an earful. But if she didn’t come back within a reasonable time, then he’d better go after her or she might get even madder.
The drizzle turned into rain and splashed off his robes.
He sighed. “If I ever understand women, I’ll be the world’s most powerful wizard.”
Everyone needed to be on the same page. Everyone had to keep an eye on Dragon. He was changing. For all Bayzog knew, Dragon might be transcending into another age. From a young dragon into a mature one.
And Bayzog had already shared the secret about the Ocular. He’d told Sasha and Brenwar. If they were going to work together, they’d have to trust each other.
But they didn’t tell Dragon they were working together to keep an eye on him. They didn’t tell Ben and Garrison, either. What they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. They’d be leaving the company soon anyway.
He’d ridden onward alone for another hour and Sasha hadn’t returned.
A strange feeling overcame him. The plains were open, but no one was in sight. Lost in his thoughts, he must have fallen behind. “I better go after her,” he said to himself. He snapped the reins.
Another mile into his ride, the rain came down so hard it stung his face. Horse hooves splashed through the water. He couldn’t see a thing.
CHAPTER 30
Sasha’s horse nickered and they came to a stop. A heavy rain was coming and the distant trees were bending.
“Oh, great.” She tugged on the reins to turn around. Those cool raindrops might extinguish her temper. She rubbed her horse’s neck and spoke to it. “It’s not like me to get so upset. I’m sorry, but I’m glad you’re here. We women need to stick together.”
Her horse snorted and wriggled its long neck.
Sasha laughed a little. “Good to know someone understands.”
She felt a bit guilty. After all, Bayzog wasn’t the best communicator. She knew that. What he’d said wasn’t that bad. She’d just overreacted.
“He must think I’m a witch.”
Bayzog was normally calm, in control, intent on his studies. But now he was worried. And that worried her. It scared her.
She sniffed. Took out a handkerchief and blew her nose. “Dratted weather, always does this.”
Two riders approached, side by side. She smiled. It was Ben and Garrison. Ben was waving, hand high in the air.
“Sasha! Sasha! Storm’s coming!”
“I know,” she said, “Did Bayzog send you for me?”
Ben and Garrison looked at each other, then back at her.
“No,” Ben said, “we just saw you riding alone and thought you might want some company. Besides, we humans need to stick together. We don’t live forever like the others.”
Sasha giggled. Ben had a strange charm in how he said things. And he was right. The others tended to take their time about things.
She brushed her hair from her eyes and yawned. “I don’t guess there’s any way around this storm,” she said. “Do you think we can make a ride to town? Where are the others?”
“I hate storms. I hate being wet,” Ben said. “You’d think you’d get used to it, but the Legionnaires insist on sleeping out in the rain. They say it makes you tougher. I say it’s stupid. Why would you be wet or cold if you didn’t have to be?”
“I agree, Ben,” she said. “And what’s your opinion on all this, Garrison?”
He shrugged. “It’s not so bad, I guess. Ben just complains too much.”
“I do not!”
“Do too!”
“All right,” Sasha said, “let’s find the others. Maybe they have a plan. They couldn’t be too far, right?”
“Shum said to just whistle and he’ll find us,” Ben said, putting his fingers between his lips.
Garrison pushed his hands down.
“We’re almost to the village. Let’s just ride through the rain and find shelter. They’ll catch up with us there. Come on, it’s less than a league away.”
“What do you think, Sasha?” Ben said.
She squinted her eyes and looked around. There was no sign of Bayzog. It riled her anger up again. He should have come after me by now.
Ben looked at her kindly. “I think there’s no chance of avoiding the rain either way.” He patted his stomach. “And I have a feeling there’ll be some warm food cooking. And I’m ready to eat. The elven bread’s tasteless. Needs some salt and pepper. I’m sick of it.”
“Come on,” Garrison said, waving after them. “Let’s ride right through it. We’ll be safe together. After all, we’re Legionnaires.”
Ben lifted his eyebrows at Sasha. “He’s right, you know. I say we go.”
“And I say,” Sasha said, “last one to the village is buying our meals!” She dug her boots in. Snapped the reins. “Yah!”
They’d raced the first mile when the hard rain hit. It soaked Sasha to the bone, but she liked it. She’d been indoors so much she’d forgotten how much fun the outside could be.
“You all right, Sasha?” Ben called out.
“I’m fine, just stay close. How about you, Garrison?”
The young man motioned with his hand from up ahead.
She squinted to see him. “Lead the way, Garrison.”
They moved at a trot. The rain was heavy to ride through, and they didn’t want to slip on the rugged spots. Besides, there was no hurry. They’d see the warm torchlight of the village at any moment.
“Well, we’ll make it before dark, anyway,” Ben said.
“It’s pretty dark now,” Sasha said. “I wonder how long this rain will last. Seems like it’s been raining forever.”
“Like I said, you never get used to it.”
“If you were a rock maybe,” she said.
“Or a river?”
“A pond,” she said.
“A fish.”
“A kraken.”
“A dwarf,” Ben said. “I bet Brenwar is just fine with it.” He cupped his ear. “I think I can hear him singing a cheerful song right now.”
He started to work his elbow and sing:
“Dwarves smell bad—Hoy! Dwarves smell bad— Hoy!
We like to stay mad—Hoy! We like to stay mad—Hoy!
Being sad makes us glad—Hoy! Being sad makes us glad—Hoy!”
“Hahaha,” Sasha said, holding her belly. “Ben, only you could find humor in this rain.”
“Well, it’s just part of soldiering, is all. Making up silly songs to lighten the mundane,” he said, beaming. “But I thought of that one myself.”
“Well, you have a gift for it,” she said. “Whoa!” Her horse nickered and stopped. “What is it, girl?” Both horses stomped their hooves and nickered again. “Ben, do you see Garrison?”
“No,” he said.
The heavy rain started to feel like ice, and Sasha’s nose tingled.
“Stay close to me, Ben. I’m going to cast a little spell,” she said. “I think we need some more light in the darkness.”
Ben’s horse reared up and neighed. A dark, hulking form emerged from the rain. It was bigger than a man. Black wings spread over its back.
“Sasha, get behind me,” Ben said, whipping out his sword.
Sasha’s words froze in her mouth.
Ben struck. The creature was faster and ripped Ben out of the saddle. It tossed him through the rain and out of sight.
Sasha fumbled with the locket on her neck and tried to speak, but her tongue was tied.
Thunder cracked.
The monster spread out its thick arms and snatched her up. Smothering her in its powerful arms, it leaped from the ground and flew up, up, up.
Helpless and tongue-tied, she couldn’t even scream. Arms pinned at her sides, she couldn’t do a thing.
CHAPTER 31
The village hall was rebuilt but not finished. Water dripped through the cracks in the incomplete roof and soaked the rafters of the wooden structure. Several lanterns gave them all the illumination they needed, but it was still dim.
Inside, Bayzog paced back and forth. A dozen villagers dwelled there for now, riding out the storm, still eager to finish their own homes. Their offers of food brought him no comfort. Ben, Garrison and―most importantly―Sasha, were missing, or perhaps lost. Back and forth he went, hands locked together, thumbs circling one another. This is my fault.
Dragon, Shum, and Brenwar had been with him when they entered the village just before dark. They’d waited almost an hour for the others to arrive. Every minute of that hour had become more miserable than the previous.
“I must go look for her,” Bayzog had said. “Something is wrong, I know it.”
Dragon’s voice had been so reassuring. “They’re fine, Bayzog. I’m certain they’re just waiting out the storm. Probably found shelter somewhere close. They might be here in one of the homes. I’ll send one of the villagers out.”
“Do as you wish,” Bayzog had said, “but I’m heading back out.”
“Tell you what,” Dragon had suggested, “let the three of us go. We’ll find them.”
“No, I insist. I wouldn’t feel right not searching for Sasha myself,” Bayzog had said, “and my magic can be of assistance.”
Dragon had put his hand on Bayzog’s shoulder and smiled. Nath had a soothing way about him when he wanted to. He voice was convincing. Smooth. “You need to be here when she shows up and we’re still out searching, getting our boots full of mud. Things like this always work out that way. Trust me.”
Bayzog had reluctantly agreed. More than two hours ago. He’d been in torment ever since.
I should’ve gone. I should’ve gone. I should’ve gone.
“Please, Elven One,” a village man said. He was older, with salt-and-pepper hair and big brown eyes, “have some honey tea. It will soothe your worries. I promise.” The man held a mug out to him, his hand shaking a little.
“Why do you tremble?”
“Er, well … you’re a wizard and an elf. We’re not so used to that. We fear that if you get too upset, things will explode.”
Bayzog sighed and took the mug in hand. “Is it that obvious?”
The man nodded.
Bayzog took a sip. It was good, soothing like the man said. He had a seat on a bench and leaned back. “Perhaps I am overreacting,” he said.
The man sat at his side. Another man pulled out a small set of pipes and played. It was upbeat, but not fast. The children clapped. The women and men swung arm in arm and danced.
“I must admit,” Bayzog said, “you people certainly have a way to overcome dreariness. Such a great spirit among you.” He drank the rest of the cup. “Refreshing actually.”
“We’re used to hard times,” the older man said. “Life’s filled with the good and the bad. You just have to deal with it. The rainbows will come again. The crops will grow. They always do.”
The front door banged open. The room jumped and gasped. A large, cloaked figure filled the doorway and stepped inside. A man was in his arms. It was Ben. Bayzog jumped to his feet when the figure removed his hood. It was Dragon.
“Is he—” Bayzog started, but he didn’t want to say.
“He’s wounded, but he lives,” Dragon said, laying him down on a table. “Find something for him to drink.”
Ben’s face bore a nasty gash, and there was a large purple knot on his head.
“What happened?” Bayzog said. “What about Sasha? Did you find her?”
Dragon shook his head and held out something in his hand. It was her locket. The chain was snapped.
“Nooooo!” Bayzog slumped to his knees. He punched Dragon in the arm. “What happened?”
Two more figures made it inside and shook off the rain. Brenwar and Garrison.
Garrison’s arm dangled at his side. His face was pale, and he shivered.
“Get him something to drink,” Brenwar ordered.
The villagers did so. Someone threw a blanket over the young soldier.
“Thank you,” Garrison said, taking the first hot sip, wincing. “My arm hurts.”
“Dragon,” Bayzog said, “what is going on? What happened out there? Where is Shum?”
“I’m here,” Shum said, stepped through the door and closing it behind him.
“Anything?” Dragon asked.
Shum shook his head. “All the tracks are washed away. Assuming there were any.”
“What do you mean by that?” Bayzog demanded, rising to his feet.
“Tell him what you told us, Garrison,” Dragon said. “Recount it all again.”
Bayzog’s mind raced. Maybe the ettins came back. Or the orcs followed. What in the world could it be?
Shivering, Garrison said, “We decided to make for the village. Slog through the rain. I was leading when the horses stamped and screamed.” He winced. Adjusted his arm. “Something knocked me from my horse and I landed hard on my shoulder. I couldn’t see much in the rain, but I heard Ben scream, ‘Sasha, get behind me!’ That’s when I saw it. It grabbed Ben and flung him like a doll out of sight. It grabbed Sasha ...” He swallowed and his eyes watered.
“Go ahead, Garrison,” Dragon said. “You’re doing well.”
He sniffled. “It was horrible. Fanged. The wings spread out and it just scooped Sasha up and leapt into the night. I-I-I was terrified.” He looked right at Bayzog. “I’m sorry. I wanted to help, but I was too slow. And I was scared. That thing’s eyes were pure evil.”
“Sansla Libor did this!” Bayzog said, pointing at Shum. “You know it!”
“We don’t know that,” Shum said.
“Don’t you dare defend him!” Bayzog shouted. “He’s a murderer. And knowing you and your Roamer kin, you probably had some idea he was near. Well, I’m going after her.” He bumped past Shum and slammed open the door. “No thanks to you!”
Brenwar wrung out his beard and said, “Now that’s my kind of elf. Humph.”
***
I’d never seen such emotion from the elf, but I reminded myself that Bayzog was part human. And even though my friend was angry, it was good to s
ee a little color in his cheeks. I checked the wound on Ben’s head. It was ghastly but not fatal.
I sighed. Ben had been through much since coming to know me. The young man had fought a jackal-were, even killed it. Almost been sacrificed by the Clerics of Barnabus. Battled ettins. Been punched out by me, and now this. Flung over the rocks by the winged ape.
“Sometimes, Ben, I wish we’d never met,” I whispered, handing a vial to one of the village women. “Rub a couple drops in his wounds every hour or so.” I put my clawed hand on Garrison’s head. “You, take care of that shoulder.”
“Wait, where are you going?”
“After Bayzog and after Sasha.”
“But I want to go. I can help. I’ve seen the monster.”
“And lived to tell about it,” I said, walking away. “Live storytellers are better than dead ones. Share this adventure with your fellow soldiers.”
***
Garrison watched the dragon, elf, and dwarf depart and hissed in relief. He’d fooled them. There’d been a moment when he doubted himself. When Dragon looked at him. His eyes. Those golden eyes he swore saw right through him. But as he’d been taught, it’s easy to hide a lie with a layer of truth.
He drank his honey tea and closed his eyes.
Garrison hadn’t lied about one thing. The winged monster had terrified him. He’d rather face the ettins than face it again. It was evil. And even though he’d known it was coming and had led them right into the trap, he still hadn’t been ready for what he’d seen.
It wasn’t Sansla Libor.
It was a winged draykis.
What they don’t know might kill them. Heh. Heh.
He dabbed a damp cloth on Ben’s head. He felt bad for him. For the second time, he’d almost gotten the young man killed—once by Dragon, again by the monster—yet Ben still lived.
“You’re different,” Garrison said. “Lucky and unlucky. But it’ll catch up with you sooner or later.”
He thought about Bayzog. The look on the elven wizard’s face when had heard about the winged ape. Almost made that elf cry. Now that was a performance. He checked the figurine in his pocket. It was time he sent word to his master. The last trap was about to be sprung. He just wished he would be there to see it.
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