Mystic

Chapter 8; Matthew

Matthew was already awake when the sun rose. He kept waking up to the sound of the princess talking in her sleep. Having seen that trying to sleep was pointless, Matthew had started kicking around a small stone in the clearing. He had been at it for the past hour. He kept thinking about his research on the divine arts. Not many people still practiced magic, and those who did were forced to do it in secret. In many countries, the practice of magic was outlawed to prevent mishaps such as the Shadow Plague over two-hundred years ago. Too many died consequently of one person's mistakes. That didn't mean that all magic was dangerous, though. That was why Matthew was out there, to help people understand the world around them, and to help them see that there was no need to be afraid, but he knew how the world can be.

The princess stirred, then opened her eyes sleepily. She stretched, then slowly got to her feet. She looked around, as if trying to remember where she was.

"Let's get moving, we're already a few hours behind." Matthew said.

"Behind what?" Amira asked.

"Schedule." Matthew answered, matter of factly.

"I'm guessing we can't stop at a river to freshen up a bit?"

Matthew threw his bag over his shoulder once more. "Don't think so. Not on the path we're headed. Besides, this is a pretty dry place. I doubt you'll find a river anytime soon."

"Can we at least have breakfast?" Amira whined. Matthew sighed.

"We have to conserve food. There won't be many opportunities to resupply, so we have to make every bit last."

"Whatever." Amira stalked ahead, and Matthew shook his head. He knew she wasn't used to hearing many disagreements, but she should realize that everyone must make sacrifices to survive.

Amira stopped and turned. "Is your dragon coming?"

Orion bounded happily through the grass to catch up to Matthew. When he caught up, he nudged Matthew with his nose playfully. Matthew stumbled for a moment, then smiled, and shoved Orion back.

"You do know he has a name?" Matthew asked.

She seemed deep in thought for a second. "Yes. What was it again? Was it Otis? Ofasa? Or was it--"

"It's Orion," Matthew replied sarcastically, "But thanks for trying though. Then again, Ofasa fits him well, Doesn't it?"

They both looked at Orion, who snorted regally, then realized what Matt had said and gave him a disapproving look. Amira laughed. "Ofasa it is, then! Although, I think you just ruined his good mood!"

The two of them stopped and laughed, until Orion growled in annoyance. Matthew saw Amira's expression of fear but then went over to Orion to show her everything's fine.

"Don't worry, it's just his way of speaking. Besides, he's just like a big puppy, see? Orion, sit. Give me claw!" Matthew held his hand out, but instead of taking it, Orion patted Matthew on the head as if to say: "Nice try."

"Do you have to embarass me?" Matthew muttered, then shoved Orion playfully when he did somewhat of a weird laugh. Orion growled in a way that sounded like he was mimicking Matthew, then took off into the air as Matthew tried to elbow him. They both squinted as dust swirled from the impact of Orion's wings. Matthew smiled up at the sky, then realized again that Amira was there, and abruptly stopped. He still didn't feel comfortable around her, and wasn't sure he ever would. He was never good with people. He was willing to let his guard with Orion, but--

"Where did you find him?" She asked in the silence that followed.

"What? Oh. I found him in the woods, near the lonely mountains." Matthew said.