Without Saying

Chapter 18 - Wingmaiden Island!!!

Just in case any of you didn't know who Atali was or what she looks like

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The urgent beating of wings echoed through the air as Eret, Heather, Ivar, Windshear, Skullcrusher, and Char flew at top speed to Wingmaiden Island. They left the Edge as soon as they received the distress message early that morning, and even though they were making great time in getting there, Eret couldn't help but worry that they wouldn't make it in time. What if the hunters had already attacked the town? What if they had gotten to the razorwhips already?! What if Atali or the other wing maidens where injured or worse?!!

"I'm sure they're holding their own, Eret. We'll get there in time."

Heather tried to reassure, but that only made Eret feel worse, knowing that she even felt the need to reassure him in the first place. He was supposed to be leading them! Sun never let his worry get to him!! Not once had Eret ever seen Sun show his concern. That was part of the reason he trusted Sun so much. He had to step things up.

"I see it!!!"

Ivar cried. Eret snapped his head up to watch the island come into view, but didn't know what to say. This was bad. The direction they were coming in from led them to fly right over the razorwhip nesting grounds, which were completely empty, and upon getting closer to the treetop village, they could see the boardwalks and hunts all occupied with hunters. There were no wing maidens or baby dragons in sight.

"Come on! Lets get 'um!!!"

Ivar urged, grabbing hold of Char's horns to prepare for a nose dive, but Eret stopped him.

"Both the nests and the village have been evacuated, that means they'll be hiding out in their stronghold and could need our help up there. We'll go there first."

The other riders nodded and followed the green dragon and its rider to the mountains on the Northeast side of the island. Near the top of one said mountain there was a small cavern opening, Sun had helped them create it with a couple of whispering deaths. They were created to be very difficult for flying dragons to enter and they had narrow opens to keep too much from entering the cavern at once. It was a good defensive position with many places for both people and baby dragons to hide. There were a few different human sized entrances across the cliffsides so the Dragon Riders flew their dragons to one and jumped off, giving instructions for them to wait there, before going in. Once they entered the cave, Atali was quick to greet them.

"Thanks for comin' ta join us?!"

She grinned. Eret and the others grinned back, but Eret still noticed her scrapes and bruises.

"As you can see, we've been holding our own, but they've still got us pinned down at the front entrance, and the skies are filled with patrolling guard dogs so escaping isn't very likely."

Atali stated bluntly.

"We can clear the skies enough to help you escape!"

Ivar suggested, but Atali shook her head.

"Most of our razorwhip hatchlings are too young to be trusted with that yet. The hunters attacked during hatching and release season, so most of our reliably trained ones were set free because they grew too large. Plus, we wouldn't have anywhere to live, if we left this place. Its our home."

She explained.

"Then we'll attack the armada, most of the fire power on the village is from there, and if we sink enough of their ships the hunters will have no choice but to retreat or be marooned here."

Eret thought aloud.

"Brilliant! And when the hunters leave they'll take the dragons with them!!"

Atali approved.