Eulia And The Butterfly Dragon

Chapter 14 Becky's Birthday

"Good morning birthday girl," Eulia said as a sleepy eyed Rebecca walked to the table."

"Is it Noctowenby already?"

The twenty-fourth day of November, and a day to celebrate," Eulia said. The others gave her a hug and wished her a happy birthday. "We have a special surprise, we're going to fly our dragons to the train station in Houston-Whittier and then ride the train and visit Granny Mable."

"Mama promised me a train ride to visit Granny after the orange harvest."

"Let's have breakfast then we can pack. We have your favorite, scrambled egg with cheese and bacon."

"Those chickens I liberated from the farm have came in handy," Eulia said.

"Yes, eggs and meat, we'll need to resupply a few more once we get back," Phoebe said.

"Mable knows your coming?" Agnes asked.

"The village innkeeper has kept our whereabouts secret and posts letters for me once a week. I've kept up correspondence with Granny Mable. She is excited we're coming."

"You're taking a risk traveling so openly," Agnes said.

"I know, you're welcome to come too," Eulia said.

"I think I will, a group of women traveling with a child will give you cover. Wear your hooded capes, the red oilskins. Once we're free of Orange County we can relax a bit. I had no idea Abner was in on our secret."

"Many of the village folk know we are hiding in the swamp," Phoebe said, "Not all are kissing up to the empire."

"Besides Abner is Mari's cousin," Eulia added.

"I think most secretly pray for the rebellion hoping to be free," Phoebe said. "I'm so proud of David because he is willing to risk everything so we can have a home, my brother too, they are brave men."

The dragons flew them landing in a wooded ravine north of Houston-Whittier. The dragons carried their travel bags in their front hands as they were not wearing saddles. "Thank you Mari," Eulia said, "when we get back I'd like to try the saddle and go for a wild ride."

"That would be fun," the dragon said softly.

"We look like tourists," Phoebe said, "and Euly even has shoes on."

"It's part of my clever disguise," Eulia teased.

"Did you remember your pistols?" Agnes asked.

"It's strapped to my thigh," Eulia said. "Between my slip, both petticoats and my long dress it's well hidden."

"I so much prefer our short dresses," Phoebe said in a loud whisper.

"It's harder to get caught free-buffing in a long skirt," Eulia teased.

"When did you get caught?" Phoebe asked surprised.

"John got a very good view up my skirt standing under the ladder."

"Those two have always been pigs."

"It probably kept him from simply throwing the ladder down with me on it. So I'm OK with his peeking if it kept me from breaking bones."

"Peeking is all those bastards will ever get!"

"Agnes, red hooded capes are very popular, we'll blend in well," Eulia said.

"Just keep your hair covered Euly, and we will be fine."

They approached the ticket booth and purchased four tickets and boarded the train without incident. Rebecca was excited and was given the window seat. She slid the window to the open position. She waved out the window as the train pulled out of the station. Much of the land between Houston-Whittier and Dexter was forested with areas of cultivation as they passed through numerous small villages. Rebecca happily pointed out deer and the occasional farm animal as they traveled. It was late afternoon when they arrived in the outskirts of Dexter.

"Does Grandma live here? Rebecca asked.

"She'll be waiting for us, there's her wagon over there," Eulia waved and shouted, "Wilbur! Here we are."

"So nice to see you Miss Eulia, who's with you?"

"This is Wilbur, he's a cousin and Mable's youngest grandson. He helps run Granny Mable's farm," Eulia said, "These are my friends Phoebe and Agnes and this is the birthday girl herself, Becky."

"Happy birthday Miss Becky," Wilbur said, "just hop aboard the carriage and we can go. It will take about two hours to get there."

"I've been to Granny Mable's house before," Rebecca said, "But I was very little then."

"I remember that, you were two and a half if I recall," Wilbur said. "We are all aware of you current difficulties with the empire, but you can relax no posters were circulated this far north and our township is secretly aiding the rebellion."

"That's good to know, we were a little frightened to travel," Phoebe said softly.

The wagon stopped in front of a large farm house. A short plump gray haired woman was happily waving from the porch. Eulia was the first one out of the coach and embraced the woman, kissing her cheek and crying.

"Why the tears girl?"

"So much has happened, and I'm so sorry about Ian and Mari...and I was afraid..."

"Afraid that I'd love you any less, put those fears away. You're family forever. Now this has got to be Becky!"

"I'm five now!" Rebecca said holding her hand up with all her fingers straight." Mable hugged her then kissed her.

"You have got to be Fee, Euly told me all about you," she said to Phoebe then hugged her. Then smiling, "Sister Agnes, it's been a long time."

"Yes it has Sister." Both women hugged. Eulia was staring, her mouth open in surprise.

"Come in please, lets have dinner and talk," Mable said.

They sat at the table. Grace, Wilbur's wife had prepared the meal and Eulia and Phoebe helped set the table and put the food out. "Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob!" Wilbur said, "truly comfort food."

"Our children will most likely drop buy once you get a chance to settle. All of them want to thank you for helping Mable," Grace said.

"I was happy to help," Eulia said. They ate dinner and after finishing the washing of the dishes Mable, Agnes, Rebecca, Phoebe and Eulia met to talk privately.

"Becky did you know your mom named you after Euly?" Mable said.

"How, I'm Rebecca?"

"Rebecca Mae, named after Eulia Mae."

"I didn't realize that myself," Eulia said surprised.

"She loved you," Agnes said softly, "both of you."

"You obviously guessed Agnes and I know each other."

"Yes, but how?"

"We are both former dragon riders. I introduced Agnes to Mari to help with her health and that worked out well."

"I didn't know that either," Eulia whispered.

"You and Fee have been chosen. Your destiny, though not certain, is part of a great struggle. I'm very proud that I got to play a role in this."

"Has this anything to do with the butterfly dragons?" Eulia asked.

"They are a part of it as is Boo and Mari."

"You know about my dragons?"

"Yes," Mable eyes twinkled as she smiled at Eulia and Phoebe. "Now I believe Grace has the cake and ice cream ready. I hope you like chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream, Becky."

"I love chocolate!"

"Well we have a birthday to celebrate!"