Goblin's Hollow 4 The Vampire's Quest

Chapter 19

 Chapter Nineteen

The three of them climbed onto the dragons, getting situated quickly. The minute they were, both dragons bolted into the waiting morning skies. Going full force, Madrid led them to the portal. Depending on the situation it shouldn't take more than a day or two. Every so often the dragons would fly side by side, in and out of the cloud banks together. It warmed Ralvania's heart to see them have a little fun. After a few miles, she peered down, watching as they passed over forest terrain, mountains and streams. She always enjoyed flying with Soranto. It helped knowing they wouldn't reach the dark realm portal in the next hour. It gave her time to mentally prepare for a quest for vampires. Still finding it hard to believe and accept that they were on a quest to go break into the underworld. Almost wishing they would get lost out here somewhere and not have to do this, she rolled her eyes at the thought. Once they'd been in the air more than a couple of hours, she poked the dragon.

"What was that for?" He said, irritated.

"Everything okay? You're not getting worn out are you?"

Madrid giggled, winking at him. He in turn winked back.

"I'm fine, so is my Kadrid... It's not been three hours since we left the castle."

"Oh, I thought it had been longer, sorry."

Leaning back, she opened the thermos and poured a half cup, taking a slow sip, much better..

Soranto and Kadrid kept flying together, in perfect formation. When he went higher above, she'd fly under him. For the most part Ralvania didn't worry, letting them have their time in the skies. That is until they played cloud tag, even too fast for her.

"I'm not trying to be a pair of wet wings, but the loops in the air are making me light-headed."

"Oh, we're sorry." He said, slowing down along with Kadrid.

"How's the flight?" Salem called from across her.

"Oh I think I'll be fine."

"How long have we been flying now?"

"Five hours, give or take."

"Wow Kadrid can fly."

"Soranto, too."

"Kind of you to notice, Mister Salem," Soranto piped in.

"Do we need to land soon?"

"Kadrid will in the next hour, I'll need to stretch my legs," Pandora said.

Ralvania nodded, sipping on the travel mug of pixie brew and stared at the sky in front of them. A half hour later, she felt Soranto lower altitude, until eventually landing near Kadrid, who'd beaten him by a few seconds. The three of them climbed down from the dragons. The Empress looked around the forest and mountains where they had landed; then she saw a long winding dirt path.

Madrid knew the area well, and gave out the fair warning to them all. "Don't go anywhere near that path."

"Why not?"

"The locals call it the beaten path, I'm sure it's named that for good reason."

"I think this time, I'll take your word for it," The Empress replied.