Page 9 of Scaled Hearts

“What’s a dragon?”

Old Agatha shakes her head as her mouth quirks up in a rumpled grin. “They’re large, fire-breathing lizards, great beasts with wings and claws. They flew the skies a long time ago, before the vrakken went underground. They were said to be the only enemy the vrakken feared.”

Now I know she’s telling stories. Everyone knows the vrakken are a myth. Agatha must be getting a bit dodgy in her old age.

Besides, the idea of giant, fire-breathing lizards is purely crazy. It’s almost impossible to wrap my mind around. Lizards are tiny creatures who hide under rocks and cling to the walls of the mines. They certainly don’t fly.

“No one on Protheka has seen them in a long time. They all fled to an island north of Kaynvu, called Fouuer Island.”

“I’ve never heard of that,” I frown.

“You wouldn’t have. It’s more commonly known as Bloodstorm Peak, for the volcano. Sailors use it as a landmark.”

“So you think the dragons there can help me?” I ask, unable to believe her story.

“I think that’s your best shot. Unfortunately, even though I have a magic touch, even I can’t help with a disease I know nothing about.”

Magic touch? Right. I almost can’t contain the chuckle that wants to emerge. Instead, I take a sip of my tea now that it’s cooled a bit. Dragons. Mysterious islands. A mythical race.

I take my leave after a while, intending to check on my sister. I bid Agatha goodnight and walk back to the hut, the stories swirling in my head.

Unfortunately, Kara seems weaker. I sit by her side, stroking her forehead as I come to a decision.

I would do anything for her. Even if it means leaving her behind to hunt down these mysterious dragons. I don’t know if I can believe Agatha but I don’t have much choice. If she can’t help me, I need to go where this island is, to see if I can find these creatures who can help me find a way to save my sister.

Later that night, I gather Kara up in my arms and bring her to Agatha’s hut. “Will you look after her?” I ask. Agatha doesn’t look surprised to see me, her bed already made for Kara.

“Good luck,” she says as I kiss Kara’s forehead after laying her down. “Don’t worry. I’ll do what I can to help.”

I clasp Agatha’s shoulder, squeezing it before heading out. It’s dark, so I use the cover of darkness to steal a hoqin. I’ve only brought a small satchel of supplies so I hope the journey isn’t too far.

With one last look at the village, I set off for the distant shore.

4

Kelly

The ride to the shore isn’t as long as I expected, only a half hour from our village. I’ve never been here before though, always too busy working or looking after Kara to enjoy a day of pleasure at the beach. It’s rocky, with cliffs running along the edge, the sand mixed with stones.

I pull the hoqin up to one of the cliffs, looking out at the waters below. The sky is too dark to see anything along the horizon, so I’ll have to barter for information and a compass. I’ll need a boat as well. And more food, just in case my meager supplies aren’t enough.

As I stare at the waters, I realize just how rash and impulsive this decision was. For the sake of my sister however, I seem to be pulling one crazy stunt after another.

Whatever I have to do, I’ll do it. Watching Kara grow weaker, more sickly, more pale and wane is eating at me. I conjure her face in my mind now, the sight of her sallow cheeks and lifeless eyes all the image I need to spur the hoqin along the cliffs, down towards the sands below.

There’s not many people here at the shore. It’s mostly dark elves. Merchants are loading ships while some traders are out, bargaining with the sailors. I know of other races, from the stories that Old Agatha had told us, but I’d never seen one up close before. They’re all beautiful, in an eerie sort of way.

A group of merchants sees me as I approach on hoqinback.

“Ho!” I call out, pulling up in front of them. They’re traders, from the looks of things. They wear fine clothing, though the garments have clearly seen better days, and they all sport plenty of jewels. The group looks at me with narrowed gazes and pursed lips.

“I need help!” I call out from atop the hoqin. “I’m seeking assistance.”

“You’re not a runaway, are you?” one asks, tilting his head. His dark emerald eyes gleam at me in the bright moonlight.

“No, I’m not a slave,” I say, reaching into my satchel and pulling out my bag of coin.

It was all the money in the world that I’d managed to save. I didn’t even leave anything with Kara. I was so desperate that I brought it all.

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