The Golden Rider Book 1: The Golden Traitor

Chapter 3.9

Chapter 3.9

True to his word Bates was up by the time I went back to his room. He was sitting on the edge of his bed lacing up his boots. His hair was sticking up all over the place.

"What did Mikey say?" he asked.

"No more brain damage than usual, and he thinks I may have some residual Affinity for healing because my arm is healing faster than average." He whistled.

"That's good news then. If Liam had that,  his bruised rib would be all healed by now." I laughed.

"You should tell him that when you see him. I bet he'll appreciate it."

"I wouldn't appreciate receiving a bruised rib ever again. I did that once back when I was in the Academy. Every breathe hurt, and that crazy sword instructor Viktor wouldn't even cut me a break. I've been avoiding him as well as several others since my return."

"Have you seen him around?"

"He was in the dungeons with Headmaster and a couple other professors. Honestly I didn't even know the Academy had dungeons." I shivered.

"I did," I quietly said.

"Oh, I'm really sorry about bringing it up Val."

"It's fine. Old memories of before. Come on. Let's get going." Bates stood up and cracked his back before following me out to the courtyard where Adonis and Cain were already waiting for us. Jacey stood there next to them.

"Leaving already?" she asked.

"Of course. It's time for me to get back to working on our strategy. Can't take too many days off."

"Will you be back later tonight?" Jacey asked me.

"I don't think so," I said. "I have to stay at our base and take care of everyone." Jacey frowned.

"What about everyone here?"

"Jacey-"

"You're more than welcome to come with us later. If we are to add the students at the Academy to our mix, we'll need to know about everyone's strengths," Bates suggested. Jacey's face lit up. "Of course, that's after you finish being Headmaster's errand girl." She stuck out her tongue.

"I'll kick your butt later Batten," she warned and headed off back into the Academy.

"Thanks Bates," I said. He shrugged.

"No problem. I know how much you've missed her, and I'm sure she's been having a hard time too." We hopped on our Dragons and headed back to camp.

How was your night?  I asked Adonis.

It was just peachy. I had to share an already small stall with two other Dragons. No leg room. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm looking forward to spreading out on the ground tonight.

So dramatic.

Hey, you got a room all to yourself, so I don't even want to hear a peep from you. I laughed and rubbed the scales on his neck. He wiggled his neck and squeaked. Stop tickling me.

I'm not tickling you.

You KNOW I'm ticklish right there.

I know, and it's weird.

Your face is weird.

We landed in a clearing near where the Metallic Warriors had made camp. Things were progressing much smoother than before. There were makeshift tents and sleeping bags rolled up to the side while many people were already out sparring or fixing their damaged weapons. There was a easy-going atmosphere as people were able to laugh and relax for the moment. They nodded to Bates and I as we passed, but unlike at the Academy, we didn't receive the constant stares. We have all fought together and in return while we called Generals, we were just like them: constantly risking our lives for the sake of peace. We were all heroes to the Lands.