Dragon Wing

Chapter Four

I grabbed another leaf. We use our paper sparingly, since we hadn't been able to scavenge very much since we had to look after Fern. I grabbed my writing scale and scribbled a note;

Dear Magnali, Galeah, and Fern,

I've gone on a quest. I'll be away for a while, and don't know exactly when I'll be back. If I haven't come home in a year, expect the worst and move on. I'm sorry I have to leave you all for a while, but I have to do this. And it must be alone. If not, it will fail. So please don't follow me. This is really important. I love you all.
     
I wish you clear skies and fair winds,
                                                            Kaylie

As I read it over, I grimaced at my lie. If someone were to come along, it wouldn't affect the outcome...much. But I needed to do this alone. I had to prove myself. I heard claw scrapes and quickly shoved the note under my bed. I took out a book and plopped down just as Magnali walked in.

"Hey," I greeted her as she walked in. "What's up? You never walk into this mess of a room unless it's absolutely necessary." I joked.

She chuckled. "You're right. You seriously need to tidy up, child. How do you find anything in this catastrophe?"

"Well, there's a pile for books, a pile for clothes, and a pile for other stuff." I answered. It's the truth!

The gray dragon snorted. "I still don't see how you do it...is something wrong, ? You look tense..."

   Crap! She caught on! Think, Kaylie! Think! I wracked my brain. "U-Uh...I didn't sleep well last night?"

Magnali looked at me skeptically, but bought the lie. "Oh. Well, I believe Galeah has something that works well for these kind of things. You should see her before you go to bed tonight."

"I will," That's an outright lie...

Magnali smiled, then touched the tip of her snout to my head. "I have to go to another meeting. I'll see you soon, Kaylie."

"Yeah," I said, pleading my voice not to waver. "See you soon..." Another lie. As she walked away, one tear broke loose. Why does this have to be so hard...? Then an idea hit me. I want something for them to remember me by if I...you know. What can I do...AHA!!!

The rest of the day I spent hunched over my desk, drawing on ANOTHER leaf. Thank goodness for the large trees down below out cave. I scrapped at least six drawings. This has to be perfect. When I got it just right, I pulled out my neatest sheet if paper. I carefully traced it onto the parchment.

Next, I got out my special colored ink, which I used sparingly. (It was EXSPENSIVE!) I also used my paintbrush, which I saved for special occasions. I colored the picture, not missing any details. My hand was cramping, but I ignored it. After five long hours, it was finished.

I stepped back, massaging my hand, to look at my work. I surprised myself.

On the paper I had painted the four of us. I was riding on Magnali's back, while Galeah and Fern swooped above and below us. We were all smiling, and pretty soon I did as well. I ever so carefully slid it under my bed, and began my normal nightly routine.

Even though I knew I wouldn't be sleeping.

I finished dinner early, and excused myself, claiming an upset stomach. Third lie today, Kaylie. You're on a roll! I quietly packed up everything I would need; some clothes, a winter coat, blankets, ink, a writing scale, and money. I grabbed my map and locating leaves and placed them inside. I would put some food in as I left. I was about to stash away the the bag when I noticed something.

   Oh yeah! I almost forgot! I ran over to the dragon carving on my cave wall. I placed my finger on the center of the dragon's wing, and pushed. The stone twisted to reveal a hidden compartment, which contained an iron dagger. The hilt was decorated with dragon scales (dropped ones, of course), and was an aqua blue, similar to my eyes. It had a dark blue sheath, carved with the symbol of the Four.

I took the two items out. No one knew about them, not even Magnali. I slipped the dagger into its sheath and shoved them under my bed, along with my bag. Galeah came in to say goodnight, for Magnali had yet to return. I made sure to hug Galeah extra tight, along with Fern, who bounded in along with his older sister. I then climbed into bed, and fell into a shallow sleep, preparing to awake at midnight.