Page 22 of A Lick of Flame

The human walks farther and farther away, her head held high. I wish she’d trust me, even just a little. I wish the same of Delphine, who is still giving me the scaly shoulder. I guess I will have to earn their trust. I need Delphine if I have any hope of winning this war. Make no mistake, it is a war, and I intend to find the others and beat Snow. As for the human, the coming days will be much easier if we are working together.

10

Maya

As I walk toward the cabin, all I can think is that I want this to be over. I want to go back to being a teacher and a caregiver to the children. I’m not cut out for this. My heart feels heavy, and we haven’t even really left yet.

Only, we will have to travel together to find this witch, and once the tether is broken, we can go our separate ways. How I long for that day.

At the same time, I hate the thought. There is something special about a dragon choosing a person…their person. Like Raila chose me. That’s…it’s amazing. It’s a pity that I’m not strong enough to ultimately accept the bond. I wish I could.

I arrive at the cabin, which is bigger than it looks from up the valley. I note that a section is blackened, and the roof is burned on that side, but otherwise, all seems to be clean and neat. To the right of the house is a shed. Thomas has a hammer in his hand, and Frangelica seems to be holding the door in place for him.

“Hello,” I say. “Sorry to come unannounced,” I tell them, giving a wave.

“Hi, Sister,” Thomas says with enthusiasm.

“Welcome.” Frangelica smiles broadly, her whole face lighting up.

“Don’t let go, love,” Thomas tells her. “One more nail should do it.” He looks over at her. “Just a second, Sister.”

“Take your time. Better yet, let me know how I can help.”

“Not at all.” Thomas positions the nail and then hammers a few times at the top hinge. “There.”

Frangelica lets go. She takes a step away from the door. Thomas tests it by opening and closing the door a few times. He nods and smiles.

“You did it.” Frangelica giggles.

“I did.” He beams, and she looks at him like he hung the moon and maybe the stars, as well.

“Maybe we are cut out to be farmers after all,” she tells him.

“Maybe we are.” Thomas kisses Franny right on the lips. She puts her arms around his neck and returns the kiss. My cheeks heat all over again at observing this intimate moment.

I clear my throat and turn away.

“We’re being rude,” Franny says, giving Thomas a swat on the arm.

“Sorry, Sister,” he says. “I forget the whole world sometimes when this woman is near.”

He hooks his arm around her waist, pulling her against his side.

Frangelica giggles. “You are a louse.” Then she looks over at me. “What brings you to the farm? Come on in. We were just due a break. I have fresh water from the spring, or I could make you some lavender tea. And there are some leftovers in the pot.”

“Thank you, Frangelica, but this isn’t a visit; I can’t stay.” I feel terrible about lying, but I don’t have any other choice. “Mother Trinity sent me since I’m the only one who can ride horses. She asked me to fetch two saddled horses and some men’s clothing.”

Frangelica frowns with confusion. “You can call me Franny, Sister.”

“It’s Maya.” I smile.

“Why in the world do you need horses and men’s clothing?”

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t ask. I just do what I am told. Someone arrived late last night. I heard a deep voice. I suspect a man.”

“Really now?” Franny lifts her brows. “That’s odd.”

“It is, indeed. Mother Trinity was insistent. She said that we would bring the animals back as soon as possible with coin for the clothing. We’ll be needing an oilskin coat as well.”

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