Rise of Fire: Dragons Reborn [COMPLETED]

Chapter 12

Nico watched their progression with a mixed sense of apprehension and boredom. He found himself at war mentally, torn between respecting the dwarf named Bromyr and keeping a professional distance from him. He didn't want to like the man, or to appreciate him. Yet as the day continued he couldn't help it.

Talia's condition remained relatively stable throughout the journey, however she would have moments of seizures and temperature spikes. Bromyr would always stop Jax, dismount, and spend some time lowering her temperature and slowing her spasms. Once she was quiet again he would lift her up to Jax's back and re-mount.

The more time Nico spent watching the more he could see her horse's reactions. When she would stiffen, he would tense. When she would slump, he would gentle his stride. He was paying just as close attention to her as Nico was. And Bromyr noticed it too. Every time Jax would start to dance Bromyr would stop the progression. By early evening Bromyr could get Talia on the ground before the seizures would start and get the spasms to calm in no time at all. It was impressive, who knew the tiny little men had intuition. It was nice to know they didn't have rocks in their heads.

As dusk approached they came upon the outskirts of the town and it was time to start switching off. The dwarves would hide and he would meet Madora at the inn, he had left her specific enough directions he hoped dearly she was able to make it in such a short amount of time. If not he would have to do the best he could while waiting.

As he circled the road he watched the dwarves band up, those on foot had fallen slightly behind and had to catch up while Bromyr dismounted. As he gathered the horses reins Nico descended to the ground, swapping wings and feathers for arms and legs. He never did enjoy the physical act of changing shape, but he enjoyed his human form and his raven one equally.

Once he was on the ground he grabbed Jax's reins, hoping to keep him steady so that Talia wouldn't fall. Bromyr stretched out his arms and legs, groaning as he moved.

"I think I would have preferred walking." The dwarf spoke wearily. Nico didn't respond, instead he crawled onto the back of Jax and made sure Talia was secure.

"Now you get to." Nico smirked, but the dwarf didn't seem to mind. He smiled, walking up to his comrades and checking in with each of them.

"We're going to head into the mountains towards the old mines. We'll make camp there for a few days, I'm sure you can find us when you need to." Bromyr addressed Nico directly while keeping his underlings squarely behind him. Nico shrugged, he had his fill of them already.

"Fine by me." It was all he said before he kicked Jax into a canter as he headed for town. He didn't bother to watch the dwarves push up into the forest, he was sure that real danger would stay away at least for a few more days. And even if danger did come Nico wasn't a fighter. He couldn't protect them like Talia could. Her sheer strength alone could be enough to see them to the dwarven mountains safely. Of course she had to be awake for that. She had to be alive for it too.

The last leg of the journey passed quickly. They received strange glances from the humans of the town but no one dared look too long. Talia's reputation was a dark one even if she was currently unconscious. By the time he arrived at the Inn most people had cleared away, wary of the assassins and unwilling to tempt them into wanton murder.

Astor stepped out of the entrance to his Inn with a gaunt and hollow expression. His eyes were listless and nearly dead, Nico could sense the strength in the man was quickly waning. He felt a little pity as Astor rushed forward to help Talia down, his thin lips pulling into a frown as he took as much of her weight as he could muster.

"I'm guessing this ain't nothin to do with drink then?" Astor coughed as he let Talia lie on the ground. He was far too weak to carry her into his establishment.