The Dragon Scale

Chapter 5

"Why are so mad at me?" Zachary said as they galloped through the woods.

"It's a silly reason, you know," Ella said, rolling her eyes. But she really didn't want to tell him the actual reason: jealousy.

"Tell me, Ella. If you don't tell me now, Elder's going to make you say it anyway when she asks why you threw a basket at her." Ella groaned.

"Fine. But you swear never to tell anyone, Zachary James Smith or I'll -"

"Okay, okay! I promise never to tell a soul -"

"Not even your horse!"

"My horse! What does my horse have to do with anything?"

"Zachary!"

"Okay, I swear not to tell my horse! But what if he hears it anyway?"

"Zachary!"

"Fine, I'll be quiet. Just tell me!"

Ella took a deep breath. She didn't know what his reaction would be, so she closed her eyes.

"I - I was mad at you because - because I was jealous." The last word hung in the air like a heavy fog. She took another deep breath. "I was jealous because you were spending so much time with Elder, because you knew everything, and I used to be the village favorite, Elder's favorite, my parents' favorite. I felt like I fit in when I was in the spotlight. But now, everybody ignores me. I feel -," she searched for a good word. " - I feel alone." She paused. They rode in silence for a while.

"Ella,"Zachary said so quietly that Ella had to lean close to hear him, "I had no idea you felt that way. Honestly, you could have said something. I feel terrible now. Maybe - maybe I'll just go. I'll drop you off at the village and find the next place. They'll probably take me..."

"No! Zachary, I didn't mean it like that!" She spluttered. "I don't want you to go! I just was a spoiled girl that's all, really. Don't leave me here! You'll just make me feel worse about myself. Please," she whispered.

After a pause, Zachary spoke. "Alright, Ella. But if you feel that I'm taking something from you, just tell me. We're here, now let's go see Elder. She's waiting for you," Zachary jumped off and helped Ella down. She took his hand gently. He looked down at her, surprised.

"I can't let you leave," Ella whispered, guilt weighing heavily on her shoulders. She looked at his face, to see any signs of regret as they walked to the house where Elder lived. She noticed that his brown eyes were actually a darker shade of hazel.

"Ella! You got back safely! Thank you, Zachary! How could I ever repay you?" Elder was saying from the mouth of her hut, her long white hair glinting in the sunlight. Ella's parents stood behind her, their faces stroked with tears. Zachary glanced at Ella and shook Elder's hand.

"Nothing at all, nothing at all. Here, take Ella back," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. Ella walked forward and took a deep breath.

"Hello!" she waved happily. "Sorry for running away like that, my temper got the best of me! Alright! Good bye!"

And she ran off to her cottage, leaving the adults - and Zachary, who was doubled over with laughter - behind her.

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Hope you guys enjoyed this short, sort-of-filler chapter! Remember to comment and vote! I'm going to try to set a goal for votes for my story, because I really want other people to read the adventures of Ella, Zachary, and Tom! My goal for votes? 10. I know, kind of small, but its a start! Please share this story with your friends and I will try to update soon!

Thanks!

~CB_1