Page 25 of Henry & the Dragon
Henry knew of many women who’d been taken by soldiers, and some of them had been with child. He wondered if that could have happened to Constance, but it wasn’t something to discuss.
“I’m sure your mother had her reasons. Perhaps she didn’t want you to be sad as well.”
Dmitra said nothing, but Henry noticed she seemed to be drifting off. He could understand. The sun was directly overhead now, and the day was getting too hot to continue riding. Henry directed the horse to a small stream, then helped Dmitra down, before he followed behind her. The horse slaked its thirst in the clear water, while Henry lay out the blanket they’d sat on, and set a few skins with some of the food. He and Dmitra supped quietly, each seemingly lost in their own thoughts.
In an instant, day became night as an immense shadow passed over them. Far above came a cry so loud, Dmitra droppedher jerky and covered her ears. Then a wind was whipped up that blew away the food and threatened to knock down trees. The horse whinnied nervously. Henry peered into the sky, and it was there he saw it. When he’d seen the dragon by the woods, he’d thought it large, but now in the clear light of day, it was monstrous. Easily big enough that it could destroy most of the buildings in Innernook simply by landing there. Dmitra threw herself into Henry’s arms, and buried her face against his chest. He stroked her hair, murmuring she was safe, but not truly believing it.
When the dragon disappeared over the horizon, Henry feared for Kai’s safety. Surely something that large must have a huge appetite. He grabbed Dmitra’s shoulders.
“Dmitra, I must journey forth.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew the remainder of the gold and handed it to her. “If I do not return, travel on and find a village. Tell them to use this money to provide for you until you can—“
She crossed her tiny arms over her chest, her lower lip jutted out. “No.”
“What?”
“You said you wouldn’t leave me. You promised,” she cried, sounding terrified.
“I have to go where the dragon is,” he insisted. “You would not be safe.”
“Nor would you!” She clutched his hand. “Please, don’t leave me.”
Whether he took her with him or left her on her own, Dmitra wasn’t safe. If she ran into bandits, they would kill her for the gold without a thought as to her age. Or they could do far worse. Henry needed to find Kai, but he also had to protect Dmitra. In the end, there really wasn’t a choice.
“Promise me you will do exactly as I tell you.”
“I will,” she vowed, eagerly nodding her head.
“Then let’s go. The dragon flew toward the setting sun, so that’s where we have to go.” He lifted her into his arms. “Dmitra, you mustn’t fail to do as you’re told. If something happens to me, you have to run. Do you understand?”
Her eyes widened. “But—“
“No. You must run as far and fast as your legs will carry you. Come to the horse, and see if you can get on him to ride away.”
She shook her head. “He’s too big.”
“Then stay on him, and I’ll go myself.”
“You said—“
He reached out and took her trembling hand in his. “I know what I said, my darling, but Kai needs me right now, and I need you to be safe. I cannot decide a way to ensure both happens, so you will have to work with me. If something happens, you must go.”
“No, I won’t,” she said, a stubbornness crossing her features. “Mama put me with you for a reason, and I know it’s because I can help you.”
Henry was further torn. Did Constance foresee Dmitra as helping him? If he sent her away, would Kai die? It was so maddening, because no matter which path he took, it held darkness. There was no lesser problem here, because he couldn’t lose Kai, and he wouldn’t lose his new daughter.
“Please, don’t go without me,” Dmitra begged.
He’d once heard the phrase stuck between a rock and a hard place. That was where he was at now. It was better for him to keep Dmitra with him, instead of trusting her chances in the world on her own. “Very well. We shall face our destiny together.”
Her smile showed Henry that bit of light he’d been seeking, and it emboldened his heart. They got up onto the horse, and directed it the way the dragon had flown. He could sense thenervous energy coming from Dmitra, but it steeled Henry, and drove him on. One way or another, they would find Kai, and the three of them would return to Mother’s farm and they’d all be a family once more.
“Henry?”
It warmed him to hear her call his name. He’d never thought of having a child, and though this wasn’t the way he would have wished for one, it still sent a thrill through him that he was now responsible for guiding Dmitra. “Yes, little one?”
She was quiet for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts. “I realize you don’t know me, but I’ve dreamed of you.”
That was news. “Oh?”
