Air Warrrior

In the Woods

*Christophers POV*

I quickly made my way to the infirmary, running through the castle. I arrived out of breath. The doctor had David's shirt off, he was covered in bruises and had small scrapes, likely from the fall off the horse. The doctor had his hand pressed to his side. The white cloth was covered in blood. "How is he?" I asked catching my breath, watching his expression as he worked.

He looked up at me, "He has a few cuts and bruises, I removed the arrow from his side. It doesn't appear to have hit anything of important but, he has lost a lot of blood and he is very dehydrated. I am giving him a blood transfusion; he should wake in the next few hours, sir." He said as he stitched the wound on his side shut. I grabbed a cloth and dipped it in the water as the doctor looked at me. He smiled and nodded as he grabbed a cloth, and we began to clean his body and wounds. 

I sat in a chair beside his bed, staring out the window as I waited. Claire had come in to check on me and to give David some fresh clothes. After a few hours had past, I heard him clear his throat slightly as he groaned. I got to my feet and rushed to him. "Hey, take it easy. You're okay. Drink this." I handed him a cup of water and he sat up slowly taking it from me. He drank it in one gulp and swallowed as he stared at me.

"I_I'm sorry sir, I should have made her go..." He spoke with guilt on his face. 

"Wher_where is she?" I asked him, afriad of what he was going to say. He looked at me with a confused expression.

"She's not here?" He closed his eyes and shook his head, "I must have passed out along the way, she told me we should take shelter in one of the caves for the night and wait for the guards to abandon the search. She said we would head south in the morning towards the village." He opened his eyes, "that's the last thing that I remember." He said in a soft voice. 

I grabbed his head, "It's good to have you back." I smiled at him as he turned his head towards the night sky. 

"How did I get here?" 

I let out a small laugh, "I don't think you'd believe me if I told you..." He looked at me curiously as his brows scrunched together. "A dragon." I stated causing his eyes to widen. "It flew into the castle walls with you on its back... and then just left." 

"I_ I thought I was dreaming... the dragon was real?" I nodded. I talked with him a little bit longer about the things he could remember about where he last saw Sky... I didn't want to ask him what happened. I didn't want to stress his body too much, he needed to rest. I left him and headed towards the stables.

"Going for a ride?" A voice behind me echoed out into the night. I turned to face my father who was waiting for me. "I know you want to go look for her but, it isn't safe right now. Wait until morning and then take some men." I knew he was right but the thought of her being alone out there in the night... scared me. I nodded, reluctantly going to my room. I lay awake staring at the ceiling until I drifted to sleep.

*Skylar's POV*

I sat on the ground, taking a moment to finally breath. As I breathed in a sharp pain shot up my body. My body ached, I could barely see out of my left eye, and I could feel the dry blood cracking on my bruised face. I gently touched the burn on my neck that had blistered up filling with puss. I winced as my brought my knees to my chest, pushing on my ribs. I sat there, waiting for Kilo to return. 

After a while, I heard the hustling of leaves outside and got to my feet. I stood in a fighting stance and relaxed when I heard the flapping of his wings. He landed in the cave, the ground shaking as he crawling to the back of the cave. He curled up next to the nest, letting his tail wrap gently around the eggs. "Thank you..." I nodded to him as he laid his head down.

"Get some rest. You will need it for your journey." His voice rang in my head. Without even thinking, I walked toward him and laid down, resting my head against his body. I expected him to be cold, but it was warm and comforting. 

I closed my eyes, allowing myself to relax. "Goodnight Kilo."

I was forced awake as my body hit the ground. I groaned as I rolled over. I looked up and saw Kilo staring at me. "What was that for?" I yelled shooting him an angry look.

"You must go, you have a long journey. If you wish to reach the castle by nightfall." I could see a slight smile on his face, or as close to a smile as a dragon could give. I got me my feet as I approached him. 

"Will I see you again?" I said, a hint of sadness in my voice. He didn't answer, instead he let out a low roaring sound that sent a breath of hot air into my face. I coughed a little as he spoke.

"I have given you the gift of communication. You can hear me no matter where you are, and I will hear you. Whenever you need me... Just call young Air Warrior." I smiled and hugged his snout, and he nuzzled his head against my body, causing me to laugh. "Follow the river south, stay hidden." 

I nodded and then looked toward the two eggs he was protecting. "I hope they hatch soon." I smiled at him and then headed outside. 

The sun hit my face; I could see my breath as I exhaled. I tucked my hands under my air pits, shivering a bit as I walked. I followed the river walking for what seemed like days. My feet were hurting, and I was hungry and thirsty. I had to stop several times to catch my breath and regain my strength. I looked around at the trees, searching for a sign I was heading in the right way... the truth is, I had no idea where I was. The river had ended, and I was lost. I sighed, sitting down against a tree. I leaned my head back as I closed my eyes, my body was tired... it was almost nighttime, and I couldn't keep walking anymore.