The Clash of Land and Sea.

Chatper Seven, part A

Hayden did not respond at first, instead he stood there with his mouth open. He wanted to respond with words but he didn’t know what to say.

Hayden, it’s time. Draek’s thoughts came booming out of the silence, piercing Hayden’s frozen state.

Are we ready to go back? Hayden asked Draek.

Do we have a choice? Was Draek’s sad response rang in Hayden’s mind. Hearing the defeat and helplessness in Draek’s usually powerful voice made Hayden realize there was no escaping their fate. No more running, no more hiding, they were Metallic Riders again and it was time to answer for running away.

“Hayden did you hear me? It’s time to go they will be landing soon.” Kirin had tears in her eyes as she pleaded with Hayden. Seeing Kirin distraught caused Hayden to come back to reality and he shook off his shock.

There will be time for us to feel sorry for ourselves later, now is not the time. Hayden’s thoughts resonated in Draek’s head as well as his own.

Hayden nodded at Kirin, the first movement he had done since she had first told him that the Metallic Riders were coming, and looked over to Shane and Cass. Both Shane and Cass were still standing where they had stood moments before, neither of them moving as Hayden had done.

“Shane, Cass it’s time. Get your things and get ready. We need to pack fast if we are going to not keep our fellow riders waiting.” Hayden’s voice sounded like someone else’s to Hayden. Someone strong and not scared someone that wasn’t Hayden.

“There isn’t time to pack, once your meeting is over you can send for your things but right now we need to leave.” Kirin turned to run back to where their dragons had been resting.

“Fine but we must put our armor on; they must see us as Metallic Riders and not children that had run away from home.” Hayden commanded. He realized he was starting to sound a little like Draek.

“But we are children to them and we did run away.” Shane said, still making no move to go put his armor on.

“Yes but there is no need to remind them of that, now go and put your armor on, oh and make sure you bring your sword.” Hayden did not wait to see his friend’s response, instead he ducked back into his temporary home and almost doubled over, he had to hold himself up by holding his knees. He closed his eyes and took deep breathes, feeling his heart beat in his head.

Bump Bump.

Draek what are we going to do? He asked his dragon as he forced himself to sit on his bed.

Bump Bump.

We are going to do whatever we have to do. His dragon responded. Hayden could tell that Draek was getting ready for their flight and that the elves were putting saddles on all four of the dragons.

Bump Bump.

But what are they going to do to us? Do you think we could out run them if we fled now? Hayden asked in desperation.