Page 34 of Dragon Valley
“We knew this would happen, lads,” another man said. “We’ve displeased the Gods and now they’ve come to rid the world of all corruption, including us!”
Caden, I could use your help right now.
My eyes darted around as my confusion grew. I had no idea what they were talking about and tried to bring them back to the truth.
“We’re from Dragon Valley and we’re helping the rebel army,” I said. “We’ve come to provide aid to the villages that have been looted and ransacked. The only people we want to get rid of are those coming in and harming you.”
“Dragon Valley?” another man repeated. “No one’s gone there in twenty years.”
“That’s my home,” I said, meeting his eyes. “The Dragon God allowed the rebel army within our borders because they came with offerings and respect for His children. Treat us and our dragons well and we’ll extend the same courtesy to you. Poke her or me with your spears and you’ll be burned to a crisp. It’s as simple as that.”
“You speak with a lot of confidence, miss.” The man’s curled lip and the way his eyes traveled over me indicated that it wasn’t a compliment. “Who allows you to talk this way? Your father? Husband?”
“I have neither of those,” I said, lifting my chin. “I’m a Dragon Rider. I belong to the sky.”
“That explains it,” he sneered. “No man around to show a woman her place. Why don’t I—”
He began to step forward and was quickly met with Dusa lowering her head and roaring a warning in his face. She was so close, he stumbled back and coughed from the smoke curling from her mouth.
“It may be worth listening to the lady,” a younger man said, lowering his spear. “If we want to live, that is,” he added, darting a nervous glance up at Dusa.
“Your comrade is smart,” I said, smiling him. “You should listen to him.”
Everyone slowly lowered their spears and backed away. I let out a breath that felt like it had been in my chest since I came out here.
Turning to Dusa, I spoke in a low voice to her only.
“Stay far away from the town for now, girl. Enjoy the fields and open sky for a few days. These people aren’t ready to have you around yet. But I’ll call to you when they’re ready.”
She growled a small protest and butted her head against my shoulder. We were usually attached at the hip and I felt the same discontent and longing at being apart for a few days. But Caden told me we had to work slowly with these people. We couldn’t build trust if they were constantly cowering in fear at the dragon flying overhead.
The rebel army came to us when they had nothing left, and they still found it possible to be humble and give up more as gifts and offerings to live in our home. Now we were in their home and it was our turn to give a little to prove ourselves trustworthy.
“Go on, girl,” I said, pushing on her horns. “It’s not forever, just a few days. Enjoy the freedom of having no one on your back. Remember to stay away from people.”
With a reluctant grunt, she turned and headed in the direction of the charred corpses in the field. Then we all watched in awe as she took flight, pushing off with a powerful beat and soaring majestically into the distance.
“Where’s it going?” asked one of the men.
I turned to him. “She is off to prove to you that the world is not ending. Not yet anyway.”
13
CADEN
“Ladies, please,”Again, I pushed away the many hands trying intently to remove my clothes, “I need to find my companion, the Dragon Rider. Does anyone know where she is?”
“You need a bath, my lord,” the blonde giggled as she pulled me into one of the rooms at the inn. “And then a hot, satisfying meal for your bravery.”
Her two cohorts pushed me forward from behind, their hands slipping under my filthy, bloody shirt again before I slapped them away.
“I can bathe once I find my partner,” I growled, becoming more annoyed and short-tempered by the minute. I was exhausted, hungry, and filthy, but I told Nadi I’d come get her. She shouldn’t be alone in a strange town like this where she didn’t understand the customs.
“But you’re already here, my lord.” The blonde bent over the large porcelain tub with a sultry smile. Her breasts nearly fell out of her bodice as she poured the water in. “Undress and get in so we can wash you.”
With an exasperated sigh, I set my sword down. “Fine.”
I quickly shed my clothing and three pairs of eyes widened when my cock bounced free. Ignoring their heated gazes, I stepped into the tub and sat down in the few inches of water.
