Page 18 of Dragon Valley
And the way Caden’s blue eyes lit up and smiled at me did nothing to shake that desire.
“I’d say we’re doing well. A bit slow-moving since so many of us are injured. Those of us who are more able-bodied are doing what we can to keep the others comfortable. But as you can see, there’s a couple thousand coming through a narrow pass. It could be another two days before everyone is past the barrier and settled.”
“I see.”
His sharp eyes caught my unease and he shot me a look of concern. “Nadiyah, is everything alright?”
Normally, I could say exactly what was on my mind but hesitation clammed me up. Why was I so nervous to tell him the doubts I just felt while flying?
“I don’t want to seem like I’m complaining about your people,” I began.
“Nadiyah, tell me.” His face grew stern as he leaned in closer, placing a hot hand on my arm that sent tingling sensations to my core, where Azel filled me to the brim with pleasure last night. “We are guests in your home and you should have nothing but our deepest gratitude. If someone treated you disrespectfully, let me know and I will put an end to it.”
“It’s nothing like that,” I protested, finding myself leaning into the weight of his hand. “It’s just, when I was flying, some of them looked like they didn’t want to be here at all. They looked angry. Like if it was up to them, this would be the last place in the world they would be.”
Caden’s gaze softened. He released my arm as he looked out over his people surrounding us. Some ignored us as they moved further into the valley or began setting up their camp nearby. Others shot me dirty looks but quickly glanced away when they saw I was talking to Caden. Dusa wrapped her long body around me protectively, growling a low warning to everyone passing by.
“Give them some time,” Caden said softly, observing everyone with me. “Everyone here has lost something in this war, whether their family, home, friends or all of the above. Some lost them by death, others found their loved ones were loyal to the other side. Whatever the case, they’re finding it difficult to trust strangers.” He turned to me. “Once they get to know you like I have though, I’m sure they won’t hesitate to call you a friend.”
“Oh?” I lifted my gaze to his. “After one day, you know me so well as to call me a friend now?”
With a soft smile, his eyes flickered down shyly. His long eyelashes were the color of dark sand.
“This is certainly the start of a friendship between our people, or at least I hope so. If I can callyoumy friend, that would be even better.” He lifted his eyes to the golden dragon wrapped around me. “You too, Dusa.”
She let a soft roar and nudged her head into his side, nearly knocking him over.
I laughed at the shock in his face. “She really likes you, so you may be in luck there.”
“The feeling is mutual,” he said, recovering quickly.
A warm feeling of delight settled over me. Dragons were usually very slow to trust strangers. To see Dusa take to Caden so quickly lifted my spirits about working with the outsiders. As one of their leaders, hopefully his people would see his example and come around as well.
“Can we help you move anything?” I asked. “Dusa can lift large pieces of equipment in her claws. She’ll be careful not to damage anything.”
His eyes lit up again and a wave of flutters bloomed from my chest. Why did he have such an effect on me?
“Well, since you ask, that could help us get settled in a lot faster. Let me talk to Captain Aron and see if he needs any large items moved.”
Over the next few hours, Dusa flew back and forth carrying everything from trunks of weapons and armor to tent poles and cooking equipment. She would only take orders from me, so Caden let me know what they needed and where, and I directed the dragon where to go.
The shift in reactions from the soldiers was like night and day. The same ones who looked at us with scowls on their faces smiled and said thank you when Dusa gently dropped their equipment at their campsite.
“See? Progress already,” Caden smiled, wiping sweat from his brow. “You’ve saved us half a day at least. Thank you, Dusa.”
“The best way to her heart is with treats,” I chuckled, playfully shoving her big, scaly head away. “Any charred meat will do but her favorite is rabbit and lamb.”
“I’ll remember that.” Caden reached out a tentative hand to pat her head and she nearly barreled into him with a dragon-sized nuzzle again.
I threw my head back, unable to contain my laughter at the sight before me. Dusa was practically trying to curl up in his lap like a dog and watching his struggle with the horse-sized dragon brought tears to my eyes.
“Some help you are!” Caden cried out, his voice muffled from Dusa attempting to snuggle roughly into his arms.
“Oh, just wait until she gets really big.” I gasped for air, wiping tears away.
“What do you mean, really big?”
“Dusa’s a juvenile. She’s only ten years old.”
