ON HOLD (EDITING) Rise of the Dragons: Beginning

Chapter 18

"That was my idea, actually." Rivildor piped up, from behind me. 

"Excuse me?" I spun around, my eyebrows raised in disbelief. 

He smiled at me. "It was a test! I wanted to-" 

I interrupted him, anger lighting up my face. "A test! I could've died."

He stepped forward, expression placating. "I wouldn't have allowed that to happen, E'scarlit. I was ready to step in if needed." 

Do you really think I wouldn've done that if, I wasn't sure you'd be safe, young one. Erdior stepped up next to me and nudged my shoulder. 

A picture of Rivildor crouched, eyes fixed on me, and Eridor hovering in midair, half turned towards me, flashed in my mind. Grudgingly, I let it go.

"Fine." I huffed, crossing my arms, and walking away from them towards the treeline. I leaned back against a tree, and gingerly touched my injured hand.

I'd forgotten about it with the adrenaline rush, but now the throbbing pain was returning. 

"Hey." I looked up and froze, when I saw Aldren standing in front of me. I knew that he was Rivildors' friend, but I didn't really trust him, after what he did earlier.

"That looks pretty bad." Motioning towards my inured hand. "Do you want me to take a look at it? I'm good at stuff like that." 

He flashed me a hesitant smile, and I gulped. "Um..." 

"Its okay." He urged, smiling gently.

He slowly reached out for my hand, but as soon as he brushed it with his fingertips, I pulled back sharply. My back hit the tree and I pressed back against it, cradling my hand to my chest and away from him. 

Eridor was suddenly right there next to me, growling softly, baring his teeth.

Aldren, raised his hands up in front of himself, and took at cautious step back. "Its okay. I was just trying to help."

Eridor followed his step back with a step froward, putting himself completely in front of me. I peeled myself away from the tree, to stand level with his right front leg. 

Eridor raised his wings slightly, curling them half around my body like a cloak.

Eridors' head was arched downwards so it was just over Aldrens', and he was growling lowly. His eyes were hard green gems as he towered over Aldren. 

Edward slowly moved up to stand beside Aldren. "Aldren was just trying to help, Eridor." He placated. 

Eridor ignored him, keeping his fierce gaze locked on Aldren. Young one. Show me what he did earlier. 

I frowned nervously. I was pretty sure that Eridor would just about kill Aldren if he saw what happened. I didn't trust Aldren, but I also didn't want him dead. 

"Its fine Eridor. Just drop it." I answered, looking at Aldren who was watching me. 

Rivildor strode towards us, and stood in front of Edward and Aldren, a barrier between them and Eridor, but said nothing. 

Eridor turned his head towards me. His green eyes, which softened as soon as they settled on me, looked at me imploringly. 

Show me, young one. 

I shook my head. 

Show me.

"No Eridor." I murmured softly, shaking my head.