Defeating Dragons

Chapter 8 - The Portal

"When can it be fixed?" I ask, my feet almost walking straight ahead to the table. Vaneesa pulls me out a chair before I can trip over myself.

They look each other in the eyes before Chieftain coughs. Then he says,

"It may take a few days. Our scientists will work as quickly as possible. For now, though, you should be able to call Caelestis." He nods to my armband.

I clench my fist.

"Ky-"

I push the green button.

A whir.

Some static.

Silence.

I push the green button again. No response.

Slowly, I look up to the group.

If I can't talk to Kyle, I can't talk to Uncle. I won't be able to function then, and Aunt will worry too much. Uncle too. I need to see them soon!

"How do we fix it?" My voice is higher than I intended, but my panic can probably be seen in my eyes anyways, as I quickly look between the 4 at the table.

Vaneesa sighs, "Get him to help with the portal charging rocks."

The chieftain nods, "We may be able to check the connection there."

"I'll guard him," Turmec adds, "Plus, there shouldn't be any more monsters around for a while. Scared off by the large one, and that one is dead now." He chuckles, "Should taste good though."

"Well, the still viable bits," Vaneesa adds. I tilt my head, she explains.

"When corrupted by the dragon, basically," she thinks for a moment, "some parts are poisoned for anyone wanting to eat the monster. Stories from the past include Kukulkan purposefully adding their corruption to the monsters in order to poison us as we eat them. A bunch died, but we worked out which bits are ok to eat, and which are not."

A moment of silence.

Turmec's stomach growls.

"Righto, kid Cody. Let's get you to the portal," the Chieftain nods.

Turnec gets up and starts heading down the stairs.

"Follow him Cody," Vaneesa says, "He will take you to the portal grounds and you should meet Hadwin there."

I nod and follow Turmec.

Kirsec was waiting outside the door of Vaneesa's place, along with Akna and Itotia. Kirsec is grumbling at Anko, while she laughs, an almost yellow line appears in her laughter, but it's not that deep yet. She must be a cheerful fellow.

Itotia is a step away, specifically with Akna between her and Kirsec. I guess she is either scared of, or just doesn't like, Kirsec.

"Kirsec, you are here to steal the Travellers time again today," Turmec goes to wallop him on the back, but Kirsec sidesteps him and wacks him on the back. Turmec laughs. Kirsec clicks his tongue. Itotia had readjusted her position behind Akna to keep out of direct sight from Kirsec. She bumps into me and immediately apologises, bowing,

"Sorry, Traveller!" Then stands up, looking me in the eye, "And good morning."

Akna puts her arm around Itotia, "Welcome again Traveller Cody. We'll join you heading to the portal."

"We haven't said where we're going yet," Turmec booms.

"Hmph, as if you would be allowed to take him anywhere else right now," Kirsec grouches.