Dragon Stones (Book One in the Dragon Stone Saga)

by Kristian Alva

  Chapter 10: The Useless Mage

  Duskeye and Tallin had been travelling for days. The sun had set many hours ago, and Duskeye was yawning.

  “Tallin, we should stop and rest, my friend,” said Duskeye, communicating silently with his rider. “I see a place where I can land.”

  Tallin’s face was white with strain. He was exhausted from maintaining his powerful cloaking spell. He had been holding it steady for two days.

  “Then we shall stop, my friend. Give me a moment.” Tallin closed his eyes and raised both of his arms. Instantly, mist converged around them and they were shielded by a thick fog. The fog got thicker as they touched down. They were in a heavily forested area with no caves. “We are near the city of Rignus. I recognize the area. There are old growth trees that will conceal us.”

  Duskeye pointed to a great oak tree with a hollowed trunk. Both of them could just squeeze inside. “It’s not ideal, but I will gather some branches to cover the opening. We will be safe here,” said Duskeye. The dragon collected some downed branches and placed them around the tree and on the opening. Then they both crawled inside, Tallin lying down on top of Duskeye’s soft belly.

  “I will take the first watch. Sleep, my friend,” said Duskeye. Tallin nodded gratefully; his eyes closed and he was asleep immediately.