Soar

Chapter 32

The messenger dragons had brought the news that Umreo had crossed the river. While King Niloth's warriors scrambled to beat back the enemy at their door, others had slipped past the thin patrol and into Hasarmon. The world at large was once more aware of dragons.

Vedis had heard about trouble along the river and had gone for Tryven in Hasarmon. Together they had returned to the capital in search of me and Runedan. After a little hunting they figured out where Hedyr and I had gone. Then one of Darriad's scouts had met them on their way north.

Tryven was careful not to ask too much about what all had happened after we had parted ways at the river. Not that we had much time for talking; after only one night's rest, we were all put to work.

"There is not telling what Umreo intends to do," Darriad told us over breakfast.

Jurisa sat beside him, a little girl on her lap and a boy at her side. "We need more riders," she said. "We have the dragons, but so many of our people do not have enough of Shaderi blood in them. We need the riders to deal with Umreo's riders."

"You have us," Tryven said. "We can help."

Darriad smiled softly. "So you keep telling me. But I will not beg for your help if you do not wish to fight." His eyes shifted to me. "This is not your fight."

I lowered my head and picked at the bit of bread in my hands. "It was my parents'."

"Azadryn," Jurisa said softly. "Your parents were heroes; never doubt that. You have their strength, but this is not your war. No one would think any less of you for not joining it."

I could only nod. Soon everyone had finished their meals and all but Hedyr left, but he did not speak. I was lost in thought. Tryven would fight, I knew, and Vedis, without a moment's hesitation. Now that he had finally flown with a dragon, I felt Hedyr would not be far behind them. This was their home and they wanted to protect it.

"What are you thinking?" Hedyr murmured after a while.

I let the remains of my bread – all crumbles now – fall from my hand. "This was their home - my parents'. They belonged here." I looked at him, furrowing my brow. "Shouldn't I care about it? Shouldn't I feel like I belong here, too?"

Hedyr laughed gently. "You have not even been here a year, Azadryn. You barely know the place."

"But I should have been born here."

"But you weren't."

I opened my mouth to argue. Hedyr turned and set his hands on my shoulders, dipping his head to catch my eye.

"Listen to me." He waited until I met his gaze. "You are not your parents. Do you hear me?"

"But-"

"No. Honor their memory, yes, but stop letting it dictate your life."

"I don't-"

He gave me a little shake; just enough to stop me. "I haven't finished. I've heard what everyone says. I know you listen. The king, Darriad, even Erizar – they never stop reminding you who your parents are." He lowered his hands. "You are not your parents, Azadryn. You are yourself. That is more than enough. If you have to fight, fight for yourself."

"But I am their daughter, Hedyr. I cannot just forget that."

"So don't forget it." He sat back and spread his arms. "Fine, be proud of it. But give these people a better reason to remember you than what your parents did." He watched me until I nodded, then pushed to his feet.

"What will you do?" I asked.

"I will fight, because this is my home. You only know the wrongness, but I have seen the good. I intend to fight for that." He drew in a deep breath. "Promise me one thing."