Spirit of War (Bk 2 of Mudwings of JMA)

Chapter 6: Escapees

Dreamspeaker shuffled uncomfortably as he watched Cattail, Prim, and Ember do last minute checks on their packing. Cattail stopped what she was doing and sighed. "We're not all mindreaders so spit it out." Dreamspeaker looked at her in horror for her bluntness. Ember tripped with a loud thud, but said nothing, figuring that she was the only one left out of the information anyway. Prim, already aware, didn't react accept for a slight flinch. She gave him a 'told you so' look and he copied her sigh.

"Me and Inkscale-"

"Inkscale and I." Cattail corrected automatically. Dreamspeaker glared at her. Cattail had apparently spent too much time with Chasm recently.

"Inkscale and I were talking... and we may have another theory on the sibling elements part."

"And what would that be?" She questioned curiously. On the other side of the room Prim pricked up her ears, clearly eavesdropping on the conversation.

"Well, we both heard a story before we left. It was about the first Dragon to ever exist and they were based off of the four main elements. And well, long story short, they're royal bloodlines were cursed and died out but there was a prophecy." Cattail had to resist the urge to groan. He gave her a pointed look and continued. "It said that four siblings would eventually take the rule of the kingdoms. We think that the story could have something to do with it." Cattail was about to say something before there was an impatient roar from down the hall.

"ARE YOU SNAILS BRAINS READY YET?!" The whole room simultaneously groaned.

"We're talking about this later." She told him before they rushed off down the hall.

Prim seemed to be brooding as they walked down the silent, dark hall. Cattail slipped to the back and whispered to her friend. "Okay, spill it. I know you were listening and now your pouting. What are your thoughts?" Prim frowned before answering.

"It's just... I've heard that story. It's an impossible folktale. I don't see why they think it could have anything to do with our prophecy."

"They're just trying anything that could possibly explain it." Cattail soothed. "I don't see why your so worried. It's just another theory. It'll probably be just a dead end." Prim still didn't seem satisfied and her scales still looked like a ticked off storm cloud, swirling, black, and angry.

"So, we just walk out?" Dragonfly questioned incredulously.

"Pretty much. I mean, it's not like there are guards. It's a school, not a prison. Who are they afraid are going to sneak out? Failing math students? I doubt it." Mirage snorted. "Besides, I've been doing some planning. I know somewhere I can explain it. Follow me." She whirled around, forcing the others to follow.

****

They were all seated under a thick grouping of trees a little way off from Jade Mountain. Mirage drew sloppily on her geography class provided map. "Just to be simple, there's too many of us and too much to get done. So, for the first part we're splitting up. Obviously we need to know who the 'Queen' is, which requires my specialty, gossip. And I know where gossip from everywhere ends up at some point. The Scorpion Den. Also, we need someone to do research, check myths, stories, anything that could be helpful. Finally, we need someone to go the Sky Kingdom and find out where Poinsettia might be. I have a feeling she has more to do with this than we think." Mirage started. Everyone started at her, astonished at her organization. "What? So I can plan?"

Mirage was clearly in her element. She was built for life or death situations, to command soldiers, and plan attacks. She was built to withstand the pressure and take the adrenaline rushes. She would be a great commander if she decided to. Or, you know, lived through the whole prophecy business. "Okay, It's me, Rattlesnake, Avalanche, and Delta going to The Scorpion Den." Mirage checked off. Cattail visibly stiffened.