The Dragon Rider Vol. 3 Red Moon (COMPLETED)

Six

Running through the cave I made my way towards the weapons room. I could hear people shouting at me, and a strong feeling pushing its way into my mind but right now I couldn't see reason. Robert had died because of Toban, my father, and I wasn't about to sit here and let Toban get away with it.

Something needed to be done. I knew the longer we hid in these caves, more people would die. Pushing open the wooden door, I stormed towards the bows. Grasping onto a large metal bow with vine carvings, my grip tightened as I thought back to Robert. He was my true father, not Toban. Toban had done nothing for me, if anything I would've been used for his own gain. Robert was the only father I knew, and now that I thought back to my childhood they were the happiest times for me.

Closing my eyes, I could still see his eyes close for the last time and feel his arms around me as he hugged onto me one last time. Gritting my teeth, I turned to grab some arrows. Grabbing a black leather quiver from its shelf and strapping it to my back, I made my way towards the meeting room.

Turning the corner to the large meeting room, William and a few guards had Luca cuffed. A few of the elvish guards had their weapons drawn, as if Luca was going to attack them. Lunging forward, I heard Luca shouting.

Before he was able to do anything else, William hit him in the side of the face, the sound echoing off the stone walls.

"Stop!" Rushing towards Luca, I gently pushed one of the elves guards out of the way. I didn't want to hurt them. After all, these people needed my help.

Standing in front of Luca, I glared at the elves around us. "Un-cuff him."

Glaring down at me, William took a step closer. "He took you from the safety of the walls. He could've gotten you killed."

"He didn't take me. He found me by the water getting ready to leave. He joined me in order to make sure I came back safely."

Gritting his teeth, William gently gripped my arm. Pulling me towards him, I watched his eyes dance over my face. "He was one of them, Abagail."

Glaring up at him, I ripped my arm from his grip. Shock crossed his features but he quickly replaced it. "Luca did nothing but protect me. Now un-cuff him and show him the respect of a rider."

Frowning at my words, Williams eyes flickered to Luca. "Are you a rider?"

Pulling on the restraints, Luca glared at William. "He killed my dragon and cut my mark from me. Now you know why I want him dead just as much as you do."

"Where was your mark?" Questioned William.

Moving forward, I gently grasped Luca's cream coloured top. Glancing up at him for approval, I waited for him to nod. Gently tugging down on the fabric covering his shoulder, I watched fascinated as the dark angry scar came to light.

Taking a deep breath I gently ran my hand over the mark. "His dragon was taken from him. It was unjust, and no rider should be treated like this."

Turning my attention back to William, I watched his eyes flicker from me to the wound a couple of times. I could see behind those blue eyes that he was trying to think of what a King would do. Closing his eyes, I watched his chest lift and fall as he breathed. He was conflicted, anyone could see that.

Moving closer to him, I gently placed my hand on his arm. "Do what is best, William. But just remember, he is a rider like us too. He had no say in what he had to do and you know that. Toban is an evil and vile man who will kill anyone who goes against him."

Opening his eyes, I watched them move behind me. "Release him and take him to the healer to get fully checked."

The sound of metal hitting the floor echoed off the stone walls, before Luca was pulled towards the healer's room. Glancing back up at William, i was shocked to see his gaze already focused on me. Lifting his hand to my check, I felt his thumb gently move across my skin. My skin tingled where his hand sat, causing me to take a deep breath in. The feeling was odd but nice. I felt warm and safe when I stood in front of him.

Moving closer, William lowered his head slightly. Closing my eyes I expected to feel his lips on mine but instead, a soft gentle caress was felt on my forehead. "I was so worried I lost you."

***

Walking towards the healer's room I felt my mind drifting away. I wasn't sure what I would find on the other side of the door, or who I would find for that matter. Luca had been avoiding me since the incident in the hall. I hadn't seen him, and whenever I tried to find him it was like he had vanished.

Pushing open the wooden door, I peeked inside the room. Beds lined the side of the stone walls, with small metal trays beside each bed. The furthest bed from the door seemed to have someone in it, and as I crept closer I felt my heart leap out of my chest.

Laying there with her eyes closed was mother. She looked thin and many cuts and bruises stood on her body. "What did he do to you?" I whispered.

The more I gazed at the marks, the angrier I become. Each cut looked to belong to a whip. The long jagged marks were embedded deep into her skin. Clenching my fists, I felt my vision blur.

We will get him back for what he did.

"Aurora..." I whispered.

I am here, my rider. I will not leave you again.

Smiling, I gently sat down on the bed. "How I've missed your voice."

And I you.

A small groan had me snapping out of my thoughts. Leaning over her body, I couldn't help the smile that filled my face as her eyes opened. Mimicking my own smile, her hand gently feel against my cheek.

"My beautiful and strong, Abagail." She whispered.

Unable to hold back the tears I hadn't known I was hiding, I cried as I placed my head over her chest. I missed her so much, and to finally be back in her arms settled my racing heart. Everything that had happened seemed to disappear as her grip tightened around me. It was as if nothing ever happened.

Moving back, I gazed at her tear stricken face. "I'm so happy you're alive."

Frowning, she whipped a tear from my cheek. "What do you mean?"

Taking a deep breath, I explained everything that had happened after I woke. I told her how Robert and William had gone back to Knights edge to help people escape but were too late. The look on her face as I spoke about everything, broke my heart. Whenever Robert was brought up, he eyes seemed to glaze over.

I could tell she was grateful to Robert. He saved her and helped her move on, but yet I still felt like there was something she wasn't telling me. Either way, I knew once she was better there would be a lot of explaining.

After a while of talking, I was summoned to the meeting room. All the riders sat around a table, with a large map of the lands in the middle. Standing at the head of the table, William wore his silver armour.

Clearing his throat, I watched his eyes dance over all the riders before landing on me. "It's time we take the Kingdom back. In three days' time, we head to the Kingdom of Athena and take it back."