The Final Storm (Part 3)

Attack of the Evil Bunnies

“You’ve searched the perimeter? Every single girly shopping store there is? Everything?” Lauri asked, gritting her teeth in annoyance.

            “Everything, ma’am,” Ryan said tersely, patting Thistle on the nose, “We couldn’t find hide nor hair of either of them. They’ve disappeared without a trace!”

            “It’s been almost five days now!” Lauri held her hands up, “Where could a galumphing huge dragon like that be hiding?” She turned away and marched up the stairs when she heard the familiar drawn out whooshing noise of a giant wyvern touching down on the courtyard. “ I swear,” she mumbled to herself, “When I find those two it’s going to be hell to pay.”

            Between her and the fountain, a brilliant white wyvern was bending down for his Rider to get off, his brilliant gold eyes easily taking everything in. “Please tell me you’ve found him,” Lauri said hopefully, pulling up to the tall dark man.

            He shook his head, his deep soulful eyes looking sad. “Not a trace. Renaldi and I circled the whole city along with part of Vulnaire- Renaldi blended in with the clouds fine. Unfortunately, still nothing.”

            Lauri was just about ready to tear her hair out. She screamed and stamped her foot, her eyes alight in fury, “Where the heck is he? That little good-for-nothing scheming little scamp! I’m going to kick his sorry butt so bad that he won’t be able to walk for a week! If I find him dead on a branch somewhere I’m going to kill him! Agh!”

            Ezekiel placed a large hand on her shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly, “We’ll find him, don’t you worry,” he said, his deep voice so soothing that Lauri’s tense shoulders slumped, “Me and Renaldi are good at that. How about you take a break the rest of the day? I’m sure a swim will take your mind off it.”

            She sighed, “Yes I could use a break. Thanks, Renaldi, Ezra.”

            Ezra gave her such an intense stare that she looked away sharply. She was aware that he had always had feeling for her. She was aware that it had probably been a big mistake inviting him. But with the threat of Felinus heavy on their heads, she had no other choice. And she found herself happy that he was here. But she knew that in her heart she was not ready for him. She may never be. Not after… the incident.

            He seemed to understand and stepped back to give her her space. Renaldi watched her with those golden eyes seeming to stare into her very soul. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable she walked away stiffly towards the lake, summoning her dragon.

            Yes, the water may clear her mind but Ralem was still going to get it.

Not that far away…

            “I was hoping you’d have someone with you… for your own sake,” the man snarled, his one eye seeming to bore holes into Frederick. The man was tall and lean with long blonde hair pulled back into a pony tail under a dark, angular hat. One eye was hidden under an eye-patch and half of his face was missing, revealing his dark red gums and flaring white teeth. The nose was barely intact and whistled as the man drew in a sharp breath, advancing towards the shivering man with practiced, fluid movements.

            “I… I gave him the pie. He ate it.. ate it all,” Frederick whimpered, edging away. His wispy mustache shivered.

            “Oh yes and you’ll get your prize,” the man said, his voice smooth but deadly. He was very close now, close enough that Frederick could feel his warm breath on his neck.