Page 26 of Drakhana's Secret
“Baba told me that it’s okay for us to make mistakes. All we need to do is own up to them and find a way to fix the damage that’s been done.”
I think about her words for a long moment. We have become leaders of this clan with two opposing viewpoints. How can we come together for the good of our people?
As if she read my mind, she says, “We have to take things one day at a time. One step at a time. It’s all we can really do.”
“How did you become so wise?” I kiss the top of her head.
“I think it has to do with spending so much time with Baba. She rubs off on you.”
“She’s a great lady.”
“That she is.” She snuggles closed against me and I tighten my hold around her. “It’s heartbreaking to think that our worlds had to fall apart just so that we can find each other again.”
“I don’t want to think of it that way.”
“Then how do you think about it?”
“No matter the circumstances, I believe that we would have found each other again no matter what. It might have taken a little longer than expected, but this is right where we will land eventually.”
Seventeen
Sapphire
Gallant and I both rise before the sun. He gathers the troops while I help prepare provisions for them. The dragon gods only know how long they will be gone or what they will need. I have the cheeses and hard bread divided among them.
Baba also sends with them tiny ampules of strength recovery serum should they need it. I know they will. They will need all the help they can get and whatever we can do to aid them we will provide.
I lift my chin and barely keep my tears in as I watch them fly off. We all pray to the dragon gods and our ancestors for their safe return to us. Then I turn to Baba.
“I know there are other earth dragon villages around Purple Mountain,” I say.
She nods. “There are a few communities, I believe. Why?”
“I need to see if they are still there and if anyone needs help. When I asked Arthur to go on rounds with the other warriors a few days ago, they didn’t have time to return with anyone since the ice dragons attacked. I want to make sure that we didn’t leave anyone behind.”
“Are you sure it’s safe?”
“All I know right now is nothing is for sure,” I say. “But I promise to be careful. As soon as I see that it’s too dangerous, I will turn back around and head here.”
“It’s a good thing you’re doing, checking on our people.” She touches my cheek.
I lean into the touch. “Can you hold down the fort here while I’m gone?”
She nods and pushes a satchel into my hands. “This is an extra pack that I made in case anyone still decided to join Gallant. Take it. It has everything you might need.”
“Thank you.” I clutch at the pack gratefully.
“May the dragon gods be with you.”
We lock eyes for a long moment before I have to force myself to turn away. As one of the leaders of my clan, I must see if all my people are all right.
I find a clearing and call on my dragon. Soon, I fly in the opposite direction that Gallant and our forces went. I have to keep looking forward, willing myself not to look back. They will be alright.
Once I draw closer to the base of Purple Mountain, I fly low, calling on the power of the earth to mask myself from any foe wishing to do me harm. So far, I haven’t seen any signs of ice or fire dragons. Could it be that they have left our land alone?
I bury the hopeful thought. I don’t want to become complacent because of it. I need to stay vigilant incase they are just lying and waiting for a chance to attack once again.
The scent of fires burning draw me toward them. I find the first destroyed village that isn’t ours. There are indeed earth dragons there.
