Torin the dragon rider (TOME 12 of the TIAMAT'S WARS SERIE)

Black night

It was pitch black and we were moving forward under the glow of the stars and we were moving through a meadow along the path that would take us to our parents and then, the next moment, there was a gasp and a pressure.

My comrades were terrified, but Rubix and I recognized the presence.

Valtrax!

She cut us off and whispered in draconic.

"Rubix. don't take another step... they are waiting for you!"

Rubix was surprised and turned around. Manu, Beth, Saphie,Henri and Cedric were lying on the ground or behind me.

"Ddrr ddrr Dragoon!"

Me: "Shh... That's my friend..."

Rubix looked up at my statement

"Mother says stop! danger! We have to go to the secret camp! Quick!"

Valtrax folded her wing so that everyone could climb up. But we could hear dogs barking in the distance. A pack.

Me: "Hurry. Get in! Are you dragon knights or not? "

They took their courage and everyone went up except Rubix who followed behind.

From above, we could see my house on fire, knights around and neighbors kneeling for questioning.

Dogs turned and hunted after a scent to find tracks but everything stopped at the stream, a boat gone...

"They must have fled across the creek!"

And the riders got back in the saddle and rode down the creek in order to catch possible runaways. My heart sank and I wanted to dismount to see but Valtrax landed near the secret cabin.

And, to my surprise, Mom and Dad were there! They were waiting for us and we threw ourselves into their arms.

Saphie and Beth were there too. Esme and Ragul thanked Valtrax for warning and saving them.

They knelt before the dragoness and began to pray to her like a deity.

She told Rubix, that she had done this for Torin, but not for Ragul. No need for translation, the non-verbal communication was clear.

Ragul asked Valtrax for forgiveness again and put his forehead on her paw in total submission.

Valtrax: "HMph..!"

Then she turned her head towards the brazier that was their home. So much happiness and so many memories...But fortunately Blizzard was there too with her little one (who was not anymore) and her mare.

Father and mother were holding each other's shoulders and crying.

Ragul: "It was bound to happen sooner or later as long as those scoundrels were in power. We are lucky that we are still alive...and that they are here safe and sound."

Ragul took Manu by the hand and motioned for him to sit down.

"Valtrax saw Ravenus come out of Father Damien with an object. He reeked of human blood... You were lucky you didn't stay there."

Manu wanted to struggle to run to the temple but Ragul cornered him.

"No... they are waiting for that. They need culprits and the guillotine is waiting for you! Don't give them that pleasure! You will have to be brave!"

Manu broke down in tears. Esme held Beth's hands and made her sit down. And, as Manu did, she began to cry and wail.

Esme: "Your father, Iolo, was arrested for plotting against the regent. He is in the jails of Britannia. Your mother managed to escape and is with Dupre in Moonglow, they are both in hiding.