The Last Dragon

Chapter 13 - Unexpected Allies

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when a large hand shook her awake. Ilia stumbled through her morning routine and packing up. Everyone was silent as they ate, though the knights looked far too perky for this early hour. Eri helped her get her pack on, and they headed out into the forest. After walking for hours, Ilia finally felt awake.

"How do you do that?" Ilia stared at the small leaf, levitating just above the big knight's hand. It floated freely and pointed in the direction they headed.

"It's a compass spell. I hold a picture in my mind of what I'm looking for, or where I'm heading, or even a direction. This time, I'm focused on the direction you showed me on the map. The leaf will point in that direction any time I hold it out. Try it. Find a leaf with a definite point. Slender leaves work better."

Ilia scanned the forest floor. It was too early for most leaves to have turned or fallen, but a few damaged branches scattered the forest floor. Ilia selected a leaf from one and plucked it free. She held it up in her palm.

"Now, say these words and picture what you want." The big knight taught her a chant, letting her repeat it until she got it, which didn't take long.

She imagined the nest as the dragon showed it to her and chanted softly. The leaf rose from her palm an inch and turned to point in the direction they walked. It matched the big knight's leaf.

"That's a good sign. We'll have a fast lunch and be on our way."

Ilia sighed as she settled on the grass. She stretched her legs out as the knight portioned out their meal. Everyone ate quietly, and they were on their way again. Within a couple of hours, way too many hours of walking for her taste, she saw something through the trees.

She smiled and sped up, walking past the big knight. A large lake stretched out before her, the sun shining down on the water and grassy banks where the trees didn't block the light. The land beyond grabbed her attention, just past the forest.

"That's it. That's where the nest is." Ilia pointed at the hilltops ahead of them.

Knight-Master Brannon followed her gaze. "We'll be there tomorrow at this pace. You're sure?"

"I'm certain. That's what she showed me."

They stopped for a drink and a quick supper before heading out again. It wasn't far to the edge of the forest now, and the hills were just beyond. With her destination in sight, Ilia relaxed and looked around as they walked.

Small animals darted around, looking for food, little mice and squirrels, and more. Birds flitted about and chirped, heading back to their nests after a day of foraging. She noticed the edible herbs everywhere, it seemed. This part of the forest was full of abundance. It helped keep her mind from her tired legs.

"We'll camp here. Quick camp, no tent. It's a warm night." The big knight lowered his pack to the ground.

"I'll get some herbs for the meal." Ilia dropped her pack to the grass.

The big knight made a quick firepit, but instead of a fire, a magical flame burned in the middle. Eri helped Ilia gather some berries and herbs. She handed the bounty to the big knight, who mixed them into their rations. Ilia watched him tend the magical flame with finger motions, warming or cooling the heat as he needed. Could she learn to do the same?

With supper eaten and their campsite tidied, Ilia tucked herself into her bedroll. The stars twinkled above her, shining brightly without the moon up yet to hide their light. She saw so much new magic today. Would she get to learn more? Master Silvan concentrated her education on healing spells, but the world was so much bigger and more diverse than she imagined. What else would she discover out here? Was a lifetime enough to see it all?