Just before the dragon released a wind blast, Raylan reached out to his winged friend's mind to call off the attack. Galirras was just able to use his wind power to push himself up in time, the guards below calling out in alarm as the dragon soared right over their heads. Two of the horses had bolted, their riders feverishly trying to regain control, while the other mounts trampled around nervously trying to keep an eye at the entire sky at once.
It had taken a few tense moments for Richard to calm the guards and properly introduce the group. After explaining the circumstances of their arrival, he managed to convince the guards they were returning from a special assignment and needed to contact the capital as soon as possible. Galirras was presented as a member of the squad, which went as well as could be expected considering they had introduced a talking mythical creature to a skeptical and cautious people.
But it was the request to provide Harwin with a healer’s attention that eventually pushed everything into motion. They were escorted to a meadow outside of the residential area, where the group was ordered to stay while Harwin, Richard and Xi’Lao were escorted away.
Raylan looked at the sky.
Almost midday, he thought before continuing his nap.
A stirring amongst the gathered people made him open his eyes again. The crowd split apart as a convoy of guards entered the meadow, accompanied by Richard and Xi’Lao. Behind them, several servants followed with a wagon of supplies.
“Comfortable?” said Richard.
“I figured if we’re waiting, we might as well get some sleep,” said Raylan with a grin. “Not to mention it makes us look less threatening.”
After his adventurous flight the night before, Raylan felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. And although it had not lasted very long, he found it a little easier to laugh again. He looked at Xi’Lao, who gave him a brief smile back.
Raylan tapped Galirras on the neck to rouse him.
“Come on. I expect you’ll want to hear this,” said Raylan in the dragon’s head, giving him a mental nudge.
While the servants started setting up tents, their squad gathered round to get the update they had been waiting for. The dark-haired guard from the beach spoke first.
“Gentlemen. M’lady,” said the guard, with a small nod to Xi’Lao. “The city of Azurna extends its apologies for making you wait, but as you might imagine, there was a lot to discuss. My name is Kenneth Whitflow, captain of the city guard. You'll be pleased to know the council of Azurna has arranged for your accommodations, as well as providing your meals during your stay, compliments of the Thyraulos family.”
That seemed to get everyone’s attention.
“Finally, we get to eat,” said Rohan, as if he had been starving for days.
“Is there any ale?” Kevhin asked hopefully.
“Shut it, both of you,” ordered Richard.
Raylan watched the two archers laugh off the warning.
“I wonder if they would have been so bold with Gavin still around,” remarked Raylan to Galirras.
Captain Whitflow gave Richard a disapproving stare. “Doesn't look like you run a very tight ship.”
“We’ve been on the road for a very long time,” apologized Richard.
“Well, you’re free to enter the city, but stay out of trouble,” said the captain. “The annual summer festival is about to begin, and my guards have their hands full with the festivities.”
Raylan noticed a twinkle in the eyes of Kevhin and Rohan. Beside them, Marek’s smile instantly grew wider at the mention of a festival. The young lad slapped Peadar on the back and whispered something in his ear. Raylan saw the young dragon healer’s cheeks flush.
A low “moo” drew everyone’s attention. Two fat cows were led onto the meadow from the road. Raylan felt Galirras’ stomach instinctively react to the presence of fresh meat.
“Those are for your winged companion there, and feel free to ask for more,” said Captain Whitflow. Raylan felt the dragon’s joy mix with his hunger. “However, since the city is already chaotic enough, please make sure the—the dragon remains within this meadow at all times. I don’t want to spread panic throughout the city during the busiest week of the year. He’s drawing enough attention as it is.”
The man directed himself to Richard again.
“I’ll leave you with that. You would probably do well to expect a visit from the council, or a member of the Thyraulos family. I’ll let you know as soon as we hear anything of your man Harwin; the healers should bring a report soon. Same goes for any message from the capital.” With a short nod to Richard and Xi’Lao, the captain headed back to the city gates, his guards following closely behind him.
“It seems news of Galirras is going around like wildfire,” said Xi’Lao.
It was the truth. A steady stream of onlookers poured out from the city as people heard about this never-before-seen creature lying just outside the gates. If things were to continue, they would have to post more guards to keep everyone at a distance.
Galirras did not seem bothered by any of it. His attention was drawn by the walking meat that was being paraded past them.
“What kind of animals are they?” Galirras asked Raylan, swinging his head low.
“Cows. People keep them for food and milk. There are probably tens of thousands throughout the kingdom,” said Raylan.
“Do you ride on them, too? Like the horses?”
“Hmm. Kids might if they’re fooling around, and some are used to pull carts for farmers, but they tend to walk much slower than horses. Stronger, but slower.”
“That means they are easier to catch, as well,” Galirras deduced. “I wonder what they taste like.”
“You’ll know soon enough.” Raylan added a small scratch above the dragon’s eye.
“A little attention never hurt anyone,” he said out loud in reaction to Xi’Lao’s remark.
“That might be true, and I am not worried about the curiosity of the common people, but how do we know who is watching? I am worried about the double language document that we found before, when we reacquired Galirras’ egg. It is clear that someone in the Tiankong Empire is providing information to the Stone King’s army; who is to say there are no spies in Aeterra as well?”
“She has a point,” said Richard.
“I can take care of myself. I grow stronger and bigger every day. It would be a foolish person indeed who thought that they could hurt me. I can simply blow them away with my wind blast,” boasted Galirras.
“But they would not necessarily attack you directly, would they?” said Xi’Lao. “They would try to weaken you first. Perhaps sneak up on you while you are sleeping—or poison your food.”
Both Galirras and Raylan looked at the two cows tied to a small fence at the edge of the meadow.
“That is a very dark way to look at the world,” Raylan said, absentmindedly regarding the cows.
“But that doesn’t mean she’s wrong,” said Ca’lek, who had listened to the captain and their conversation. “My father used to tell stories of a lizard that could take down prey many times its own size. These predators did not fight them directly, but merely snuck up to them and bit them once. The prey would slowly lose its health and the lizard would lazily wait for it to collapse, too weak to get up anymore. Then the lizard would eat it alive…”
“We must not make the mistake of thinking lightly of recent events. The way the Stone King’s army invaded our empire through the north; the invasion force in the harbor. Someone has been planning this for a very long time. They would need to have eyes and ears everywhere to make such a thing work,” said Xi’Lao.
“And from what we’ve seen and heard of Corza, I wouldn’t think it beneath him to use any means necessary,” said Richard.
For a brief moment, the image of Corza stabbing his brother flashed through Raylan’s mind. The knot in his stomach tightened. He swallowed the thought away.
“Corza Setra has made it clear through his actions that he w
ants Galirras under his control. From the start, he was hunting for Galirras’ egg; every time we encountered him, he tried to capture Galirras alive,” said Richard.
“True. It would explain a few other things, too. Like the fight at the stone arch. That has always bothered me, in a way,” said Raylan. “Why would he attack his own forces? But when I look back at it now, I believe he never intended for the egg to reach the Stone King. That other leader must have been loyal to their ruler. To get the egg for himself, he had to take him out first.”
“Which means that he will not stop there. As soon as he finds out that Raylan and Galirras are linked, he will come for them both,” concluded Xi’Lao.
“Can’t we leave tonight? Keep going until we reach the capital? We’ll be safe there, right?” suggested Peadar.
“What? D'you know how long I’ve been waiting to get some time to relax?” said Kevhin.
“And what about Harwin?” said Ca’lek.
“Alright, alright. Quieten down, all of you,” said Richard. “Ca’lek is right. We can’t leave until we know more about Harwin. Besides that, I think it’s best to wait for orders. Birds have been sent out to Shid'el. With a little luck, we should have a reply before the week’s turn, enough time to unwind, for those who feel the need. I’ll send someone to get us an advance on our pay; we’ll need some coin if we’re to spend time in the city.”
“What about me?” said Galirras.
“He’s right. If the food offered can’t be trusted, he’ll need to hunt,” said Raylan.
“Good point. Little chance to do him harm if one can’t predict what he’ll eat,” said Richard. “I’ll talk to Captain Whitflow, arrange for Galirras to catch his own food. As long as you both stay away from any human settlements, I’m sure he’ll agree. He seemed like a reasonable man.”
“I suggest we all play it safe as well,” said Xi’Lao. “If we go into the city, make sure someone accompanies you. We might not be a target, but anyone close to Galirras should be aware of any possible ill intent.”
“Agreed. You heard the lady; keep your eyes and ears open and pair up,” Richard ordered.
The group split up, each getting back to business. Peadar, Kevhin and Rohan approached the servants laying the cooking fires. After some objections, the trio were able to convince them that the squad had no trouble preparing their own food, and quickly sent them on their way.
Marek tailed behind Richard, asking all kinds of questions about the city and other things that had been on his mind since they left the Dark Continent. Raylan saw their commander sigh as he tried to answer all the random questions from their team's latest addition.
Raylan looked at Xi’Lao.
“Thanks,” said Raylan.
“For what?” asked Xi’Lao, returning to the present from her own thoughts.
“For keeping an eye out for us all this time.”
“It is my duty, and an honor.”
“I know it’s more than that. I just wanted to say thank you. Galirras and I look forward to clearing your family’s name when we reach the Tiankong Empire.”
Xi’Lao gave a hesitant smile, giving Raylan the sense that he had said something inappropriate.
“Were you able to send your messages?” asked Raylan.
“Yes. They should reach Shid'el tomorrow, after which I expect them to be forwarded to the emperor’s court.”
“I wonder what kind of man the emperor is,” said Galirras. “I am sure he will be impressed with you when you introduce me to him.”
“I am sure he will be,” said Xi’Lao.
“You don’t seem very enthusiastic about it. Is something wrong?” asked Raylan.
“Wrong? No, of course not. It is just that there are still many dangers between here and the emperor’s court,” said Xi’Lao, before adding, “I made a promise to your brother to keep you both safe. I am just trying to figure out the best way to do so.”
As Xi’Lao walked away, Raylan had a gnawing feeling that he was not being told the entire story. It reminded him of their conversations before they had located the dragon’s egg.
“Raylan, may we hunt?” said Galirras.
Raylan looked at Galirras. The small vortexes in the dragon’s eyes were calmly spinning, changing colors.
“Do you have the feeling there’s something she’s not telling us?” said Raylan.
“If there is, I am sure she has a good reason for it,” Galirras said simply.
The dragon had never doubted Xi’Lao’s intentions. Raylan let out a sigh.
“I suppose you’re right. Alright. Let’s hunt.”
“Finally.” Galirras lowered himself. “Get on.”
Raylan felt himself break out into a smile again. He used Galirras’ front leg to quickly climb on to the dragon’s shoulders.
“Here we go.”
Galirras leaped into the air, a push of wind assisting the jump. The dragon’s wings unfolded and began to beat. Raylan watched the meadow and people shrink rapidly; he could not imagine ever growing tired of this. He noticed some of the guards started to shout and run around. Onlookers scattered in all directions, and somewhere in the middle of it all a child started to cry.
On the ground, Richard moved to intercept the guards, explaining their intentions with large gestures. Galirras circled until Richard gave the all clear sign.
“We’re good,” announced Raylan.
Instantly, Galirras launched them forward with a wind push, heading inland to find something to eat. As Raylan felt the sun's warm rays on his back, Galirras trumpeted with the joy of being in the air together again.
“Let’s find you some food,” Raylan added.
It was well after midday meal by the time Raylan and Galirras returned to the meadow. The field was completely transformed: the tents were now fully erected, and the meadow had been prepared for their squad's basic needs. Screens had also been placed to give Galirras a place to escape the public’s gaze.
Galirras descended to a spot deliberately left open for him. Raylan noticed a small group of people moving their way; their clothes were official looking, with slight differences in color and decorative patterns between them. A few had put up their hoods against the sun, but most looked like they were enjoying the open air. Richard and Xi’Lao accompanied them.
“Milord, please allow me to introduce Raylan Stryk’ard and Galirras,” said Richard as soon as Galirras had folded his wings. “Raylan, Galirras—meet the council of Azurna, as well as the chair—and head of the Thyraulos bloodline—Lord Algirio Thyraulos.”
“You can even fly the beast. Wonderful!” exclaimed Lord Algirio.
Raylan wanted to correct the man for calling Galirras a beast, but before he could say a word, the lord disappeared behind the dragon. In contrast to the other members of the council, Lord Algirio was dressed in eccentric, colorful clothes. Galirras swung his head around to follow the lord’s movements. The other members of the council closely followed the man and politely listened to the comments his lordship was making.
“Such marvelous color. Could you open your wing? Oh, my. The wingspan is amazing. And who would have dreamed such eyes existed in the world!”
It went on and on.
While most of the council members seemed to share the lord’s enthusiasm—or at least pretended to share it—one man kept a fearful eye on Galirras. The balding man’s council clothes were more faded than the others’.
Galirras’ tail twitched under the unusual inspection. Raylan had seen the different reactions people had to his presence. Sometimes they ran away screaming—which he had to admit was justified on some occasions—while others gawked at him. However, none had yet dared approach him to get acquainted—unless Raylan was present, of course. But this was an entirely new level of enthusiasm than he had previously encountered.
Galirras looked perplexed as he continued to observe his exuberant examiner. It was quite a comical sight to see; a dragon, who had surpassed the size of a man many weeks ago, looking so
intensely at a human, who had no idea he was being observed in turn. Raylan remembered the first time that he realized he could no longer wrap his arms around Galirras’ head anymore, so it came as no surprise to him that several of the council members were visibly startled when Galirras suddenly leaned in very close.
But Lord Algirio remained unmoved by the curious creature, even when he noticed the large mouth and rows of sharp teeth. The man stood his ground, showing a calm smile as Galirras moved his head around him and his council members.
Galirras sniffed at the strange clothes, no doubt intrigued by the bright colors; they were completely different from the armor sets and practical working clothes that he had encountered up till now.
“Galirras, what are you doing?” whispered Richard, obviously afraid of offending Lord Algirio. The lord was one of the most powerful men in the city, and although none of them had expected the man to come with such an extravagant personality, Richard clearly did not want to risk ending up on Lord Algirio’s bad side.
Galirras swung his head around to look at Richard.
“Well, they were studying me up close with such intensity, it only seemed polite to return the favor,” said the dragon.
Everyone seemed to hold their breath for a moment. Then Lord Algirio’s mouth broke out into a smile and he started to laugh. The rest of the council joined in, except for the balding man, who still seemed too nervous.
“Wonderful deduction,” exclaimed Lord Algirio, clapping his hands once before resting his index fingers together against his lips. “It seems you have brought back quite the unique and intelligent creature from the Dark Continent, Mister Stryk’ard.”
“Thank you, milord. We’re indeed fortunate to have him in our midst. Without him, I don’t think we would be standing here.”
A messenger walked up and whispered something in Lord Algirio’s ear before quickly departing again toward the city gates.
“Wonderful! It seems preparations are almost complete, so allow me to officially extend the invitation. All of you are invited to attend our festivity dinner at the castle, where your squad’s braveries will be honored and celebrated during the summer festival opening feast. I have arranged an exquisite meal for Galirras here as well, of course,” said Lord Algirio. “I wish your friend could join us at the castle, Mister Stryk’ard, but Captain Whitflow urged me to keep the dragon out here to prevent mass panic amongst the people of our fine harbor city. He says it is already bad enough having it flying around the countryside; as I understand, Galirras prefers to hunt for himself?”
Wavebreaker (Book II of the Stone War Chronicles): Part 1 - Trickle Page 14
