Dragon Child

II-i

The roars of the beasts echoed throughout the hallways. Fear sparked through any living being within the mountain. There was a silence between the group. No one said anything. There wasn't anything that really needed to be said. Cyra and Orchid's feet were the only ones that were silent. The dwarves made noise with every step, although they were the most protected. As the six walked through the hall of treasures, Cyra continued collecting as much gold as she could. Eventually the piles of treasure began to shrink, and the wide hall became narrow. The walls faded from their polished, gem-encrusted, golden colors to a faded black granite. There were flecks of gold in them, causing the hall to sparkle. Silence came from the other end, lit by no light.

"There is an exit over here," Orchid spoke, "I wouldn't be able to fit through it, unless I was in my other form." The four dwarves understood what she was talking about. From the moment she transforms, they wouldn't be able to speak to her.

King Azrem nodded, "guide us then."

"As you wish," Orchid replied, bowing respectfully. Cyra stayed close to Orchid as they ran through the tunnels, the passage becoming narrower and narrower. Orchid was having to bend over, her back brushing against the top. Eventually, Orchid's silver light returned. It consumed her body, reshaping her form. Where she was standing before was now a silver cat. Her tail flicked, her fur beginning to let of a silver light. It reflected off the gold on the walls, illuminating the path a little more than before. Orchid lead the other five deeper, until there was a light on the other side.

Deadly roars echoed behind them. The Tyrans wouldn't be able to fit though this passage, so for now they were safe. Cyra was still scared though, although she remained silent. Wind rushed past them as they crawled out of the small opening. It was covered in leaves and branches, tall trees surrounding them. They had come out into the forest in the South side of the mountain. Which was to their side, it meant they didn't have to walk around the mountain to find the Dragon. Cyra looked around, feeling more comfortable under the cover of the trees rather than the cover of rock. Orchid transformed back into her elvish-looking form. Her silver hair still shone with a light light, although it was being dulled even more by the sun.

Attacked in broad daylight.

"We should hurry," Tyson spoke sadly, "there isn't much that we can do." The injured king looked back at the small opening in the mountain, frowning.

"If only we had some sort of warning," he whispered, Cyra being the only one who heard. King Azrem sighed, and turned to Orchid, "do you think you can keep charge of-"

"I will not be traveling with you, my King," Orchid interrupted. Everyone froze, as Orchid would have been a great addition to their travels. A few seconds of silence continued before Orchid continued, "I must stay here and help any others out of the mountain. I plan on sending them in the direction of the elves' home for now."

The king nodded, "understandable. I wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you," she replied, and turned to leave. She stopped and looked at Cyra, who was looking back up at her with her green eyes. Orchid smiled softly and bent down to her level, "take care of yourself. The world outside is unforgiving. Just remember, everything is spinning in nature, eventually it will turn around." Cyra nodded, allowing Orchind to give her a swift hug before standing. Her light once again returned, before the little form of her cat disappeared back into the tunnel.

"We should get moving. Awen keep a look out for any plants that would be of use to us. Farven look for food. We need to stock up while we can," Tyson spoke. He looked at his king for permission. When he nodded, Tyson continued, "Olan stay with the King. I'll keep track of Cyra." Tyson put his hand on Cyra's shoulder. The five began walking through the bushes and tall grass. The trees stood tall, casting uneven shadows on the group below. Awen paused every so often to bend down and pick up a plant or two. There weren't any animals around, as they were scared away by the panic in the mountain. They trudged through the forest, and no one spoke. There was no words that could ease their pain and worry.