Fate of Dragons

Chapter Nine

Days upon days passed while they were in the caves. At least, Derol thought so. He didn't really know, for it was darkness all the time except when the lanterns were lit. Eriya and Fenn had stocked the cave with plenty of fuel, but they didn't know how long they would need to stay there, so they used it only when necessary.

Maira had finally returned, but without her dragon. The mages had followed him after they fought their way into the caves. Maira had flown down the mountain to make them think they'd fled. Then she'd had Torun drop her in lower Areth and told him to fly somewhere he could hide. After she'd delivered this information, she left under a heavy disguise. She said she'd be hiding in the Senemi neighborhood at the lower end of the city, near the gates, should they need her.

Derol waited alone with Astrid now in the silent, still air of the cave. Fenn and Eriya had gone with Maira to get help from someone named Amina. It was part of their plan. They'd consulted their maps for a long time before they determined how they would get down the mountain, and they said they would be back in no longer than three days. As if Derol would know when a day had passed.

The small dragon, Gypsy, had stayed in the cave with Derol and Astrid. It was too dangerous to risk bringing her. Without her, Fenn and Eriya might have a chance at pretending they were simply ordinary Arethians. In fact, much of their backup plan, should they get caught, hinged on that idea.

He was glad that Gypsy had stayed, for Astrid had something to do besides sit and wait. Derol wished that he could say the same for himself. From time to time, he would open Fenn's letter to see if Tesa had responded. She hadn't. Even if she had, what did he expect her to say?

A scuffling at the door caused Derol to reach for his knife. It was the knife he carried with him in the woods, and he had no experience using it against another person, but it helped him feel safer just the same.

Glowing yellow light from torches appeared near the door.

"Psst. It's us," came Eriya's voice. Derol relaxed and slipped his knife back into its sheath.

His eyes took a few moments to adjust to the light, for he and Astrid had been sitting in the dark. First Eriya, then Fenn, and then another woman came into the cave. This must be Amina. She was a bit older than Fenn and Eriya, probably around Derol's age.

Eriya introduced her. It was Amina, and from what they'd told him, she was a good friend of Tesa's, too. Her eyes scanned what little of the cave was visible in the dim light.

"Where are they?" she said.

"This way." Eriya started toward the back cave and Amina followed. Gypsy bounced around at her feet, so Astrid followed too.

Fenn went to the stack of supplies and began to replenish his pack.

"We're leaving this cave tonight," he said. "You should get your packs ready."

"Tonight? Right now?"

"Yes. We're headed to Trader's Row. Amina has a friend who is sending a load of wool downmountain in the morning. We have to have the eggs there before daylight." He looked up from his packing. "It might be our only chance."

Derol nodded and began to fill his pack from the provisions they'd stocked. He filled Astrid's pack, too, knowing that she would probably be helping to carry eggs.

Amina and the others came out of the cave, all bearing eggs. Astrid hugged hers tight, her expression earnest as she padded along behind.

"We have to hurry," she said to Derol. He shared a smile with Eriya behind her. So serious for such a small child. But she was right to be.