Heart of a Berserker: Hope (School of Dragons)

Chapter 13

"When you become detached mentally from yourself and concentrate on helping other people with their difficulties, you will be able to cope with your own more effectively. Somehow, the act of self-giving is a personal power-releasing factor." – Norman Vincent Peale

Chapter 13

The Flame Whipper learned quickly. By the end of the following morning, I felt comfortable enough to let her roam on her own. I thought it was about time for my to relax, but then I spotted Skulder heading in the direction of the lookout.

"Hey!" I called to him as I ran after him, making him stop.

"Oh, hello, Brennda," he said.

"What are you still doing here?" Though I asked, I had an idea.

"I thought I would check up on Phlegma and see how she's doing."

I smirked. "You seemed to enjoy working with her a lot."

Skulder smiled. "Oh, yes. She is excellent in what she does, and I dare say we have become friends."

My smirk widened. "But you want to be more than friends."

Skuler paled. "Wh-What makes you say that?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not blind. I see the way you are with her."

He frowned. "Even so, she probably wants someone much stronger and braver than me."

"You're plenty strong and brave in your own way. She might like you for your own special qualities. You won't know unless you ask."

Skulder waved his hands back and forth frantically. "I - I couldn't do that! It would be too embarrassing. Besides, it would never work. She's a botanist who needs to stay in one place, and I'm an archaeologist constantly moving around. Our lifestyles are too different."

I crossed my arms and raised my eyebrows in disbelief. "You lifestyles are too different? Really? You're going to pull that one on me? You know nothing about incompatible lifestyles. Trust me, you've got it easy. You're just scared. But I'm going to help you."

"You are?"

I grinned. "You bet I am. Now, checking up on her is a good idea, but you know what would make it even better? If you went back to the cenote on Impossible Island and brought back some of those flowers for her to study."

Skulder's eyes widened. "But that sounds dangerous!"

"Exactly. It'll be sure to impress her. Now come on." I pulled him along as I went to find Bolt. He was reluctant at first, but he did agree to my plan.

We flew to Impossible Island together on Bolt's back. I had Bolt drop Skulder off at the cenote while we surveyed from above. Everything was fine at first, but then the adult Flame Whippers got riled up. I urged Bolt to swoop down and save my friend.

"Thank you Brennda," he said once we were safely in the air. "I did manage to get the flowers. I do hope this works."

Bolt dropped us off at the lookout. I checked to make sure Phlegma was at the greenhouse and then went over the plan with Skulder.

"Do not leave after giving her the flowers," I said. "Find some reason to stay."

"Like what?" he asked, fidgeting nervously.

"I don't know. Ask her about her plants... or suggest a walk on the beach."

Skulder nodded. "Alright. I can do this."

"Yes, you can."

I waited, but Skulder stood there, seemingly frozen in place.

I frowned. "Skulder?"