The Return of the Dragonhawk

Chapter 15 -- The Rebirth of the Dragonkeeper

Agrys opened the stable door a crack and peered into the pre-dawn gloom. "They be coming!" His voice was trembling like a fidgety horse anticipating a race. "There be shadows on the move this way!"

Rhoz tensed and listened, but heard nothing. She thought that she would burst with excitement. She yearned to rush out to search for her grandmother. But the less movement in the night, the better.

It seemed like an eternity before Agrys opened the door for Arabelle and the companion who leaned heavily on her, shrouded in a black cloak.

"We have him," Arabelle announced, catching her breath as eager hands relieved her of her burden. "Take him to the tack room and find him something to wear."

There was a flurry of conversation and activity. Rhoz could feel the atmosphere warm with hope.

"Where is Hekla?" Agrys asked.

"She was right behind me-- " Arabelle began.

Without bothering to listen further, Agrys charged into the night. Rhoz followed him, her heart beating frantically, all thought of caution forgotten.

Agrys ran like a man possessed, leaving Rhoz behind. She caught up with him at the mouth of the tunnel, where Hekla lay unconscious. The stablemaster swore softly as he heaved Hekla over his shoulder. "Out of my way!" he growled at Rhoz and began to re-trace his steps with long, vigorous strides, showing no signs of being burdened by the weight he carried.

Rhoz lingered to replace the brush that concealed the hole at the base of the wall. Everything seemed perfectly quiet, except for the hooting of an owl. A real owl, or a secret signal?

Dear Mistress, let it be the Shadow Warriors.

*

"I warned you!" Agrys said for the fourth time as he knelt beside the unconscious form of Hekla laid on the floor of the tack room. Gynella was squatting on the other side, holding her bright dagger blade under Hekla's nostrils. Arabelle stood beside her, looking down impassively. Half a dozen women crowded close, offering their sympathy.

Rhoz was watching Alyx the Dragonkeeper. He was sitting with his back against the wall, his eyes vacant. He had not spoken or responded in any way when the women dressed him in a brown tunic and pants left behind by one of the stable boys, except to flinch when the rough fabric scraped his sunburn. Even though they had armed him with a fine sword and dagger, he had nothing war-like about him.

How will he ever muster the strength for battle? she thought. And fight he must, if he expects his men to do their best.

"She lives!" Gynella exclaimed. "See - the metal is fogging!"

Arabelle's frozen face relaxed almost imperceptibly. "Thank the Avatar!"

Daryn burst into the room, no more an awkward maid, but a fighting cock ripe for battle. "It is almost time," he said, speaking to Alyx. The Dragonkeeper did not even turn his head.

"Come! We are waiting!" Daryn's voice had an edge of panic. With a final despairing look at his unresponsive lord, he disappeared into the passageway.

Gynella rose, sheathing her dagger. She looked questioningly at Arabelle, who could not take her eyes off Hekla.

"I should never have let her go," Arabelle murmured, her eyes bright with tears. "I promised her that she would end her days in Helion -- but I kept putting it off."