Dragon Wing

Chapter Five

Around midnight, I peeked open an eye. I slipped out of bed, and just stood there, listening. My whole plan relied on silence, stealth, and a crap-ton of luck.

I had the escape planned out. There was a rock slide not too long ago, creating a staircase, albeit a dangerous one. After that, I would head Northeast towards Ellsmare Village. A mile south from there is a giant waterfall. That's where the map began.

There wasn't a sound, save Magnali's snores. Yes, the Great Dragon of the Sky snores.

I took a deep breath to steel myself, and pulled my satchel out from under my bed, along with my dagger. I slung the bag over my shoulder, and attached the blade's sheath, dagger inside, to my belt. It was made of black leather and small gray scales I found in Magnali's room. I wore an aqua blue, three-quarter-sleeve tunic, dark blue pants and tall, brown boots.

Next, I brought out the note and painting. I made up my bed, and placed them on top, note above the drawing. I gazed at the scene for a while, wishing life could be as simple as what was displayed in the picture. Flying together with huge smiles, not a worry in sight...

Be strong, Kaylie. It's for the best...I turned, choking back tears, and walked away, repeating those four words over and over. When I reached the cave entrance, all of my confidence vaporized. Voices were arguing in my head, back and forth.

What am I thinking?! I can't do this! I'm just a 14 year old girl-I'm not cut out to be a legend!

Then why does the book accurately describe your life? This isn't for you, idiot; Dekra might come back. Dragons are turning rogue. You are doing this to protect your family.

I stood a little straighter. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. I turned back towards the cave. My home. My family.

Take care, you crazy bunch. I'll miss you.

* > * < *

'It's been five days since I left the dragons. Food hasn't been a struggle to find, but that will change when winter comes.

     ...I miss them all so much already. I miss Magnali's smile, Galeah's laugh, and Fern's shining eyes. But this is all for the best.
-Kaylie'

A single tear splashed onto the small page. I had brought a notebook to document my journey, 'someone' to talk to. The fire I had set last night burned low, almost reduced to embers.

A twig snapped nearby. I jumped up from the rock I was sitting on, hand flying to the hilt of my dagger. "Who's there?!"

A rustle. My eyes darted to a large bush nearby, but caught no movement. I slowly walked over, crouched in a fighting stance. "I said..."

"...Who's there?!"

I pushed away the shrub to see nothing. I swore someone was there...A quick movement caught the edge of my vision. I whipped around, quick as a snake. I pulled my blade out of the sheath.

"If someone's there they'd better show themselves this instant!!" I shouted. This...thing was starting to scare me. But everything was silent.

I slipped my knife into it's cover, and walked back to the stone. I picked up my notebook. Five pages. Five tear stains.

I slammed it shut, and stuffed it in my bag, along with my writing scale. I rolled up the blanket and shoved it in on top. I yanked on the pack and kicked dirt over the fire.

    Why is this so dang hard? Every step feels like a mile I'm putting between me and everything I've ever known...I checked the position of the Sun, and kept heading Northwest.