“Finally up, I see.” The dragon shifter had evidently been awake awhile, ever the early riser, and had some news to share. “While you were sleeping, we got a reply.”
“From the Talon Range guard?” asked Minx, sitting upright. “What'd they say? Did they agree? Will they help us?”
Kaleb nodded. “They've agreed to hear us out...”
The Fae huntress brightened at this, and threw her arms around Kaleb in a joyful embrace. “Really? That's incredible!” She stirred Mau awake. The dragons might be willing to help us! It looks like this plan wasn't so wild after all! They might join us in fighting against the Wuffs!
Kaleb hadn't finished, though. He clicked his tongue and wagged a finger at her. “Now, hold on. Though I can't say what they'll be with certainty, there are going to be conditions.”
“Conditions?”
“There always are,” continued the dragon shifter. “Did you expect them to do it for free? The problems between dragons and Fae have existed for a long, long time. They aren't going to get on board unless there's something in it for them.”
This tempered Minx's mood considerably. “Well, what could they want?”
“Turns out they want a dragon's hide, of all things,” he began with a wink.
“No, seriously!”
Kaleb continued. “They might ask for a new, revised treaty. Perhaps they'll want to draw up new boundaries, get a better deal. Things like that.”
Minx considered this. She wasn't in a leadership position and so couldn't ensure such accommodations. But the more she thought about the threats facing her people, the more confident she became that they'd be willing to negotiate in exchange for military aid. To resist the demands of the dragons would be to doom themselves to defeat at Valry's hands. The High Council would surely be willing to draft a new agreement with the dragons if it meant staving off this invasion.
“And, you know, they might try and request access to Heilo Lake,” added the dragon shifter.
Here, Minx leaned forward, her lips folding into a grimace. “What?”
“Access to the lake,” he reiterated. “I could see them asking for something like that. Would it be a problem?”
Her mother's voice sounded in her mind as she sat there. No one is allowed access to the lake. No one. The Council would budge on many things, would make any number of concessions, but this was not one she could envision them honoring. Heilo Lake was an important place for her people—protected by the Fae against the meddling of outsiders.
“I don't think that's going to work,” she admitted. “My people will never allow dragons to access the lake. It's the way things have always been. I can't promise them that in exchange for their help.”
“Even if it means the dragons sit this out and your people get wiped out?”
Minx stood, pacing feverishly about the camp. “What do you want from me? It isn't my decision to make! The High Council is never going to allow it, though. I can guarantee that.”
“Then I guess the High Council can have fun fighting against Valry's army by themselves. I don't see what the big deal is. In the meantime, let's get out of here. The weather's turning sour and I'd rather not sit around getting drenched.” He rotated his shoulders and stretched each of his limbs in turn. “I feel well enough to fly. No telling how far I'll be able to go, but I think I can get us to Pandling Grounds without too much trouble. Are you ready?”
Nothing appealed to her more than returning home. The possibility that they would arrive too late, finding the territory in ruins, certainly occurred to her, but as Kaleb took on his dragon form and invited her and Mau to climb on, she was determined to face things however she found them. If the army was at the gates of Pandling Grounds, she would give her all to turn them back—dragons or no dragons at her side. If the city had already been razed, she would work as long as necessary to rebuild.
Kaleb took flight, ascending to the clouds and gliding steadily past the rainier patches. Emerging on the other side of a storm system, they found themselves in relatively clear skies. Minx looked down upon the world, watching large swaths of plain and forest speed by beneath them. The meandering bends of rivers and occasional swells of hills entered into view as well, and all the while Mau clung to the dragon's back, paws splayed and claws buried in the seams of his red plating. When this is over, I'll never fly again. I mean it.
Compared to the sluggish pace of recent days, their coasting through the skies covered several miles per minute. Within a half-hour flight they'd already covered more ground than they had for the past four days combined, and they would have covered still more had not Kaleb's injuries prevented him from achieving greater speed. He took things easy, his wings poised to ride the upper air currents in a smooth glide. Flying long distances with passengers in tow tired him out at the best of times; maintaining even this leisurely pace tried his recently-mended wounds and required substantial focus.
Minx watched as the terrain below became more familiar. She came to recognize certain the land features, the boundaries of sprawling properties, and realized then that they were close. Within moments, the outlines of Pandling Grounds' gated front entrance became visible. She steeled herself as she studied its hazy silhouette on the horizon. Let's see how things are looking...
Kaleb gave his mighty wings a flap and began descending. The gap between dragon and Pandling Grounds closed precipitously as he dove through the air, seeking out a clear place to land. They hadn't known what to expect in seeking out the territory—whether the place and its monuments would be reduced to rubble, or whether the promised threat had materialized after Minx's week of folly had run its course. His final circuits through the air produced no evidence of invasion, and no signs of armies gathering nearby. Things were—for the moment—safe, and they were free to land wherever they pleased.
It was decided that they would touch down within a few hundred yards of the gate. This way, his appearance in the vicinity wouldn't frighten onlookers in the Trading Center. It was hoped, too, that they'd avoid detection by their growing list of adversaries if they landed a short distance from the gate and walked the remainder of the way.
It became clear as they touched down and appraised the edges of the settlement that little had changed since Minx's last visit. She was overjoyed to find the city walls and far-off buildings intact. No foul warriors clamored at the gates and no massive fires belched plumes of black smoke into the sky. “They're not here...” she muttered, looking for signs of the occupational forces that had promised to invade. A few wagon-drivers and horsemen came and went through the main gate, but none were Wuff, Krah or Plurn; only Fae and humans appeared, and they seemed uniformly calm. “I don't understand. Where's the army? They should have arrived by now. Did something happen to them? Did the Fae manage to fend them off without us?”
“Seems we've made it just in time,” said Kaleb. “The party hasn't started yet.”
Mau, too, shared tentatively in their optimism. Maybe the army turned back. A lot could have happened in the past several days. It's possible Valry lost her nerve. Maybe the hostages were even released.
For days, Minx had only known strain and anxiety. She'd wandered through the wilderness, tending to the injured, engaging in combat with more adversaries than she could hope to count and yearning to return to her people.
Arriving outside Pandling Grounds and finding the place as peaceful as ever was such a beautiful and comforting sight to her that she nearly wept. Her dreams had been peppered with scenes of destruction, her every waking moment spoiled by worry. Knowing that her people were safe, that the threat of ruin hadn't yet descended upon them, introduced an emotion that had become all too rare in her recently: Joy.
I thought we were out of time, thought Minx. Turns out the clock is still ticking. She knew better than to assume this peace would last; danger still loomed, and it was clear that the darkness would arrive before too long. The most vicious battles were still ahead. Regardless, she was thankful for this brief re
spite and took Kaleb by the arm, leading him toward the entrance gate. “Come on! Let's go and talk to my father. I need to know what's been happening here since I left.”
Mau purred as they advanced, delighted to be back in familiar territory. Is it possible that the Council found some way to negotiate with Valry? A compromise, maybe? I expected to see the army assembled here. The hunter that came looking for Alla planned to clash with the army, didn't he? You don't think he and those other archers managed to defeat the entire army, do you?
Not a chance, replied Minx. It's possible the army was delayed by something, though. It could be that the Wuffs encountered trouble... Maybe they ran into the dark army and were wiped out, just like in the visions. Or maybe their plans have simply changed. I just hope they haven't harmed the captives...
Kaleb sported a wide smile, strolling toward the entrance gate behind an excited Minx. “Things aren't as dire as we feared. All that worry was for nothing.”
“Not quite,” snapped the Fae huntress. “The threat remains, Kaleb. After all of the delays we've faced, I'm thankful that things are still steady here, but that doesn't mean we've won.” She allowed herself a touch of his optimism, adding, “Though... it's a good sign. We'll have more time to put together a plan of attack.”
The trio entered the Trading Center, passing through the massive gate and starting through the bustling network of street vendors still doing business there. The merchants, dealing in various sundries, didn't look particularly anxious—this struck Minx as a positive thing, more proof that the forces of darkness had not yet threatened the peace of the locals. They walked past the many stalls and tables, moving swiftly toward the town's center, where members of the High Council could be found. The Council maintained a small base of operations on the fringes of the Trading Center which allowed them to mobilize in the event of a trade or legal dispute, and it was filled at all hours with at least a few representatives and several guards.
Minx shot through the crowd, running at full-tilt, and finally arrived at the front steps of the command center. Two of the Fae guards, armed with longswords, took notice of her as she began hiking up toward the entrance, and wasted no time in opening the doors for her—a small gesture of respect for one of the Royal Fae line.
Kaleb and Mau had fallen behind, and so decided to stay put, having a seat near the smooth stone steps of the command center. “May as well let her spend a bit of time with her old man, eh?” He pet the Faelyr and stretched, crossing his legs.
Mau, thankful for the opportunity to rest her paws, didn't protest and settled down beside him.
Within the command center, which was buzzing with armed guards, Minx found the doors of the meeting chamber locked and maintained by two additional swordsmen. “Let me in,” she ordered, pointing at the door as she hastily approached. “I have news for members of the Council—for my father, if he's in.”
The guards complied without a word, unlocking the imposing door of the chamber and dragging it open. Within, three members of the Council—her father among them—stood from their seats to appraise the newcomer.
“M-Minx?” Her father stepped away from the large circular table cluttered with documents and maps, eyes nearly leaping from their sockets. He looked threadbare, with disheveled hair and bags beneath his eyes. It was clear with a glance that he'd been burning the candle at both ends.
Dropping all pretense, Minx flew to her father, wrapping him in a tight embrace. “Father, I've missed you! So much has happened... I thought we would be too late, that the territory would be overrun by now. Have we made it in time?”
Her father studied her ruddy face and windblown hair with paternal admiration and invited her to sit. The two of them took seats and the other Council members excused themselves temporarily, giving father and daughter privacy. “Things have changed since you set out, Minx,” he began with a great sigh. The preceding days had robbed his face of all warmth and color; though he'd been managing things from within the comfort of Fae territory, it was clear that he, too, had faced many struggles. “Days ago, we sent a handful of men as infiltrators. They paid off some of Valry's lackeys and learned more about the army's plans and movements. The situation is graver than we could have expected, however...” He sat up, patting the back of her hand. “The dragon's hide... did you manage to procure one, Minx?”
At this, her heart fluttered with shame. She could not bring herself to respond audibly, but simply shook her head. In her years, she had seldom disappointed her parents in anything, and to admit, during this terrible situation, that she'd failed to come through for her people left her devastated.
“I see...” His posture faltered and he settled against the back of his chair. “I see...”
“I have another plan, though,” she began, eager to rouse his spirits.
“I'd like to hear it, of course, but the fact remains that our situation is very poor at this moment. We've received word of a new enemy, Torrent, who has joined with Valry's forces. I'm afraid the coming battle has only increased in difficulty; compared to that Wuff vixen, we are now facing a truly monstrous foe.”
“T-Torrent?” she stammered. A chill ran through her as she recalled how easily the fiend had dispatched both her and Kaleb. “What's he have to do with this?”
“That's what we're trying to determine,” continued her father. “He appears to be closely collaborating with the Wuffs. Our informants tell us that his aims include certain individuals—those of Fae and dragon ancestry. He has need of them, and is supporting the Wuffs in exchange for their service. It is likely for this reason that Valry and her forces have been delayed in arriving. Their collaborations with Torrent promise of a much stronger threat than any we'd previously imagined.”
Minx's blood ran cold. “Half-Fae... half-dragon?” She tensed. He came for Alla, and he's looking for more innocent victims like her. What could he possibly want with them?
“We don't know precisely when this dark army will march on our territory, but we're running out of time...” He cleared his throat and smoothed out his tunic, leaning forward. “Now, if not a dragon's hide, then what is this plan of yours, Minx? Where have you been during all of this?”
She hardly had time to describe everything she'd been up to; from her meeting with Kaleb, to their slow progress back to Pandling Grounds, there would simply be too much to cover. Instead, she gave him as brief a summary as she could. “I've made a powerful friend—a dragon. He believes he'll be able to convince allies of his, the dragons of the Talon Range guard, to fight alongside us. Together, the dragons and Fae should be able to repel the threat.”
Her father's expression clouded over at this. He furrowed his brow, falling deep into thought. “Minx... our peoples... they have not been on the friendliest of terms, you understand. I doubt that these dragons would be willing to risk themselves to aid us.”
Minx stood up. “I don't think they'll do it for free, but they're the only chance we have at this point, father. Please, let me try and see this through. My friend, Kaleb, is outside. He'll take us to Talon Range and I'll speak to the leaders myself. Will you let me attempt it, at least?”
Lacking a concrete plan of his own, her father could only acquiesce. “Be careful, my dear. You'll have to be hasty, and I admit I don't have much faith in this course. The dragons and the Fae are natural enemies. But... if this friend of yours is honest, then perhaps there's hope yet.”
Minx wrapped her father in another embrace. “I'll be careful, I promise. And as soon as I hear anything, I'll be sure to come back and tell you.” She pulled away, ready to rush out the door, but paused. “Is... Is mother still all right? Have you heard anything?”
“We're uncertain,” came the sorrowful reply. “The status of the hostages is currently unknown. They're being very closely guarded. Our informants couldn't learn anything about their condition or whereabouts. We're trying to remain hopeful, but considering who we're dealing with...” He paused. “That's the best we can do—hold onto hope.
If I should hear good or ill, I'll certainly let you know.”
Minx nodded firmly. “I'll be back, father. As soon as I can. And I'll bring some powerful friends with me. When I return, we'll force back this army and rescue all of the captives.” Her steely expression faltered a little. “I... I won't disappoint you again, father.”
Her father planted a kiss atop her head as she turned to leave the chamber, and he presented a warm smile. “You'll never disappoint me, my dear Dragon Hunter. Just be safe.”
With that, Minx stole out of the chamber and rushed back to the street, where Kaleb and Mau were still idling. “Hey,” she said nudging both of them at turns. “We need to get moving. The situation's gotten worse, if you can believe it.”
“Oh?” Kaleb stood up. “What's happened now? You need three dragon hides or something?”
Minx offered only a single word in reply as she led the way back toward the gate of Pandling Grounds. “Torrent.”
Torrent? How's he involved? asked Mau.
“Is he working with the Wuffs?” asked the dragon-shifter, trying to appear unbothered. His body still ached for the pummeling he'd received at Torrent's hand, however, and his uneasiness was plain.
“He is. And he's looking for more people like Alla, who have both Fae and dragon blood. I don't know why, but... we're not dealing with a ragtag army anymore. This just got a lot more serious.”
“Perhaps this is the start of that army of darkness we've heard so much about... All right,” said Kaleb. “Next stop, Talon Range. It's going to be a long ride.”
Chapter 18
The flight to the Talon Range was a lengthy one; Minx and Mau spent more time huddled against Kaleb's back than ever before as they glided over distant territories. They passed over towns and frontiers that Minx had only ever heard about in stories and sailed over the course of hours into the realm of dragons. Though their flight lasted well into the night, Minx could hardly find it in herself to sleep, too possessed by a fiery energy to shut her eyes. Mau, still terrified of flight, was lulled into a kind of stupor as the hours of darkness ticked by, and spent the bulk of the flight in petrified silence.
How to Kill a Dragon (Heir of Dragons Book 1) Page 15
