Joey climbed out of his tent and looked around. Brinelock was gone, but Aydahar was quietly waiting for him. “What now?” asked Joey, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “What am I even doing? What does it mean to be a Dragon Keeper?”
Your purpose has not yet been revealed to me. Perhaps the Dragon Keeper’s guild will have wisdom.
“Okay, but where are they? How do I find them?”
They are in the Golden City. But we cannot be hasty. You first need a sword.
“And how do I get that?” Joey leaned against a tree. Why did it have to be so complicated?
You are a Dragon Keeper. You are young, yes, but still immensely powerful. Many merchants and mercenary bands would be willing to hire you. They get protection at a cheaper price because you aren’t very experienced, and you get money and much needed experience.
“No need to be rude about it.”
Joey stretched and walked to the fireplace. A small bag was sitting on a stump nearby. He picked it up and heard the jingle of coins. Joey pulled it open, and sure enough, it was filled with small silver discs, with a width a bit bigger than his thumb.
“Is this enough for a sword?”
Only if you want one that will shatter as soon as it hits a reasonably hard substance.
“Ah, what do you know? You’re just a baby dragon. How do you know about finances?”
Technically, I mature as soon as consuming the golem’s power.
“Technically, I have more experience than you. Who left this here?”
I don’t feel like telling you.
“Please? I’m sorry. You’re a great dragon.”
Umm, Maybe after a little food. I’m so hungry.
“What do you want?”
How about some turkey. Why don’t you buy me a turkey with that money.
“Can’t you just hunt?”
My legs are so tired… I’m still recovering from that wound.
“How much is a dragon saddle? I think both of us will need that.”
Fine. A dragon saddle is about half of that. There’s still enough for five turkeys.
Brinelock left that money in case you care.
“I don’t trust her.”
Why not?
“I can’t trust anybody after what Joe did.”
Do you trust Mitkrlyc-Shon?
“Yes. She saved me.”
So did Brinelock.
At that moment, Ray bounded in from a hunt. He pulled behind him two large rabbits. “There. Here’s your breakfast.”
Aydahar ate one rabbit, and Joey cooked the other slowly over the fire. He had seen his mother do it many times. When the outside was brown, he cut and served the meat, but it was tough and cold.
You need to turn it slowly to cook the insides as well.
“Why do you even know that? You ate yours raw!”
Successfully nourished, the small group left for Riverfall.
Dragon Hunters
Chapter 24: Draconic
Joey opened his eyes. He saw everything in Soul form for a split second, then felt something like a punch in the stomach as he fell back into his body. He opened his eyes and blinked. Joey suddenly collapsed, exhausted.
Aydahar tensed, looking up at Brinelock. She was still turned away. Brinelock must have done something. Aydahar gently picked Joey up in her mouth and moved him toward the fire. He was very cold. Brinelock turned and opened her eyes. Aydahar stared at her. “Ko nes madiz?” Her rough voice echoed in the copse. She had never spoken out loud before, and this was her native language, Draconic.
In response, Brinelock tossed the small canteen of healing water. “Na khet.”
Aydahar narrowed her eyes. Brinelock stared back. She was telling the truth. Aydahar spread her wings and slowly walked toward Brinelock. “I nos na haryka.” Her gaze never broke as Aydahar walked closer. Aydahar lowered her wings. She was telling the truth. Brinelock didn’t do anything. But if the healing water wouldn’t help, what was she supposed to do?
Brinelock fumbled with the Draconic words. “Na karne. Illkire.”
Aydahar turned. A reaction to the Soul Plane? “Whak I nos?”
“Na haryka. Thera.”
All Aydahar could do was wait.
Joey suddenly gasped for air and opened his eyes. Aydahar was standing over him. Joey reached up to hug Aydahar’s neck, as well as he could. But his arms felt limp. Good to have you back. Aydahar said. Joey smiled. It was all he could do.
“That was a reaction to the Soul Plane. I should have warned you.”
Yes. You should have.
“No problem I guess. What happened?”
“You ran out of energy.”
“I didn’t even see anything! How am I supposed to use this if I go unconscious immediately?”
“Do it again. Eventually, your body will learn to handle it.”
“Ugh. Okay. What time is it?”
“Bedtime.”
“Fine.”
Aydahar spread her wings, and Joey and Ray curled up next to her. Brinelock spread a small tent and put the fire out. It began to rain. Joey’s eyes closed, and for the second time today, didn’t open.