Destroyers and the Dragons

Page 3

     "I would just bring trouble to your tent flap," I say feeling deaths fingers creeping up my spine.

     "I know you think that, but you would help us immensely," he says.

     "I could lead our warriors, but I refuse to be chief," I say looking at him for some sign of what he's not telling me.

    "I wouldn't give you my title, I earned it," he says.

    "So I would be what; your weapon hand cutting down our enemies?" I ask, still kneeling ready to run.

    "Sort of," he hedges.

    "Spill it or I'll go to the plains with your corpse over a saddle," I threatened.

    "You'd be leading our warriors and the next tribes against the interlopers with their war chief, Nelax."

    "A marriage alliance between me and Nelax?!" I hiss, retreating as if my uncle has become a venomous snake.

    "It could be worse," he counters. "If you refuse then we will go to war against the interlopers without Nelax people."

    "I'll lead our people without Nelax and once it is over I will leave," I say.

    "We'll be slaughtered," Uncle Marion counters.

    "Not with me, I use different tactics than our old war chiefs," I say in a challenge.

    "And you would teach those too old men set in there ways."

    "If I have to, I can teach the young ones."

    "We must keep them in order to continue our line."

   "So I get to lead rigid old men to their deaths so we can all die in the name of a future. There isn't one, my future died years ago. I have no parents or siblings to carry on my line. It now rests with you."

    "Our clan will grow strong again with fresh blood."

   "Find some other mare to breed with Nelax," I say backing away. "I will lead if you wish, but I will not marry." I find the thought of marriage repulsive.

    "Fine, come with me, maybe Nelax will change your mind."

    "I want my bow and armor. I'm sure that Snow has it somewhere here," I say poking my head back into the flap.

    "Give me my armor and weapons and I will be gone," I say into the gloom.

    "Done," Snow calls out. We spend the night as honored guests of Prince Snow and leave in the morning on two of the plains finest stead's. It's been a while since I've ridden a beast that doesn't need a bridle, it takes me most of the day to figure out what to do with my idle hands. At night we find a place to camp and set up for the night. I quickly hunt and find several good things besides the rabbit for dinner. I make a succulent stew with the pickings and then lay down on the bedroll my uncle provided. I stare at the stars and wonder what I am going to do once I get home. On the fourth day, we finally make it to the spring grounds. All activity stops around the camp as we ride through. I figure they are excited that their chief has returned until I hear a whisper.

    "He rides with the Destroyer," one young boy says and makes a warding sign. It can't be a good thing that he had to find me for any hope of defeating the interlopers.