Regent

by Brian Rathbone

  * * *

  Holding his ribs, Chase took one step at a time. As he turned a corner, he found his way blocked by what had been the Upperton Apothecary, now a large pile of firewood partially obscured by the body of a dragon. Fear overcame Chase, even knowing the beast was dead. This was a super-predator, a killing machine. He would need to learn as much as he could about these feral dragons as fast as he could. Climbing over the dragon's tail was terrifying and painful. He didn't think anything was broken, but he was severely battered.

  Beyond, he saw a very alive Kyrien supporting Catrin with his maw as another man fell to the ground. The bodies of dragons, men, and demons littered the valley floor. Amid the chaos, Morif brought order. Already the wounded were being loaded onto litters and carried up to the hold. Chase's second in command stepped in to support Catrin, who was now standing on her own. Chase moved faster despite the pain, tears gathering in his eyes.

  "We need help over here," Morif shouted and Chase almost laughed; leave it to a one-eyed man to see him first. Morif always found a way to surprise him, and this day was no different. "Are you all right, sir?"

  "Sort of," Chase said. "I think I'll live."

  Morif grinned. "A little pain is a good thing. It reminds us not to be reckless."

  Chase had often uttered the maxim himself, and he couldn't deny the truth of it.

  "It took you long enough," he said when he reached Catrin.

  She almost smiled.

  "Prios is back!" came Millie's shout from above, and Catrin did smile briefly. The destruction around them defied optimism.

  "You have that look on your face," Chase said to Catrin. "What is it?"

  "Kyrien is injured," Catrin said. "We've got to figure out a way to protect him. If the ferals come back, he'll be defenseless."

  "They will come back. There's a big one that has claimed this as his territory. We're not sure where he sleeps, but during the day, he keeps a constant watch on this valley. The people call him Reaver."

  "All the more reason I need every able person down here now. We need to build fortifications around Kyrien to protect him."

  "There are no fortifications we can build that will keep them out, Cat."

  "Well, we have to do something!"

  "The only things that've worked so far are spears and fire. I'll get people working weapons and training. In the meantime, we need to get you back in the hold. You look horrible."

  "You're not looking your best either," Catrin replied. "And I'm staying here. Kyrien needs my protection." Chase looked Catrin in the eye and knew that arguing would do no good. Then he saw a look of pain and guilt flash across her face. "Sinjin?"

  "He's fine," Chase said. He saw relief in Catrin's eyes, but the guilt was still there. "And Durin as well."

  "That ornery rascal could survive just about anything, I do believe."

  "Get back in here. I don't care who you are. You need rest!" Millie's shouts drifted down to those below.

  "I believe that would be your husband coming now."

  Chapter 7

  Followers are like leaves before a strong wind. Leaders are the wind.

  --Morif, soldier