The Rider's Greed Trilogy: Book 1: The Black Heart(On Hold. This Book Will Not Be Updated, I Am Writing The Manuscript For This Series)

Chapter 2 Dragon Flight

The air pressure on the Hollow ceased and Daira could fully open her eyes. Sanon had landed in one of the golden wheat fields. He was still and his forelegs were bent so his Rider could dismount. The Sky Warrior jumped from the back of the dragon, and patted him on the shoulder. Sanon buried his snout into the man’s chest and in return the Rider nuzzled him affectionately. Shortly after the exchange, the warrior walked away confidence in his stride, leaving his dragon in the field, pacing. His heavy feet flattened stalks of grain and his forehead seemed to be creased with concentration. He loosed a large puff of smoke in frustration, for what, Daira couldn’t understand.

                The pressure of people against her sides was lifted as the people dispersed from the Hollow. Conversations had exploded around Quyl and herself, some talking of the Warrior, others discussing the issue of the escorts. The heavy buzz of talking in her ears was almost too much to take, and she was forced to cover her own ears. Quyl pressed against her side, a feeling of warmth a safety washed over Daira like a wave and she uncovered her ears just as soon as she had concealed them. Daira began to walk forward, towards the path in the forest, but Quyl caught her on the shoulder, and she backed towards him.

                Soon, the Hollow was empty, and the only sound was the birds. Quyl was again fiddling with something in his pocket, and he was red faced.

                “I was wondering, your father gave me permission to take you with me, do you want to come with me the rest of the day, hunting?” Daira stiffened, she wanted to go, and she knew Kirek had given his permission, but the truth was she was scared to be alone with Quyl. Why, she didn’t know. Part of her knew it was because of the way he was fiddling in his pocket, how her father was willingly letting her skip work, and the way he acted when she mentioned the quest.

                “Thanks Quyl,” she struggled to name an excuse. “But Dracoa promised to give me a ride tonight. He rarely ever gives me rides, I wouldn’t want to miss getting the chance.” Quyl sighed, “I see.” Daira knew he was disappointed, but she couldn’t admit to him why she didn’t want to go with him.

                “I see,” he repeated, a mundane expression across his face. He dug his hands deeper into his pockets, and started to stroll away with a seeming forced limp. Daira caught up to him, staying about two feet behind him, to give him space.

                The sun was approaching its height, and the temperature was beginning to grow hot as well. Daira wanted nothing more than to be in the shop with Narist and her father; above Quyl and herself hung a painfully awkward silence. The two exited the Hollow, clogging onto the dirt path of the woodland.

                Now, the forest was silent, as if encouraging Quyl to stay quiet.

                Why must you make this so difficult? Daira growled to my confused emotions. You have the hardest time letting me be happy. She trudged on behind him, the hairs on the back of her neck were standing on end. Her muscles were stiff and her blood went cold. What had she done? He obviously wanted to tell her something and she wasn’t listening. She quickened her pace and finally matched Quyl’s.

                “Look,” she said. “Thank you for taking me to see the Rider, I really enjoyed that. I just really want to fly with Dracoa tonight. How about I go with you into the forest tomorrow?” Quyl looked taken off guard and his eyebrows lifted.