Dralin

Chapter 23

When they entered the ruins, Hezzena led them away a short distance and set down Rizzith.  Then she turned and began casting another spell.  Magical wind whipped her hair back as she molded orange energy in front of her.  Pelya thought she was going to cast it forward, but instead, Hezzena inhaled deeply and breathed into it.  It acted like a spark for the dragon’s breath and orange flames ripped forth against the entrance.  The fire created a raging inferno over the stone and doors, melting them into liquid.  The girls covered their faces from the blazing heat.  There was no way anyone would be able to follow them.

When Hezzena was done, she led them back to the tunnel, their way lit by the supernatural orange fire behind them.  First, she picked up Rizzith and tossed him casually to the top, alarming the girls.  He landed easily on his feet and waited for the rest of them with a big grin on his face.  Then Hezzena picked up the girls and jumped.  She carried them to the hole and jumped back down into the sewer.  After setting them down, she held out her arms for Rizzith who jumped into them happily.  Hezzena used magic to close the access door and re-activate the runes on it.  At Ebudae’s questioning look, she explained.  “That will make it much harder for anyone to track us should they be inclined to do so.”

They walked back down the tunnel a ways until coming to different tunnel that turned south.  “Is this the tunnel that leads to the plains?” she asked Pelya.

“No.  It’s past where we go back to the academy.  It will be twice as wide as this one.  You’ll know it when you see it,” Pelya told her.

“Then you lead.”  Hezzena gestured for her to go.

“Wait, aren’t you going to take us back to the academy?” Ebudae asked in alarm.

“No.  You are guiding us to the plains.  I will not take a chance of being stuck under this forsaken city,” she hissed at them.

Ebudae began to cry.  Exhaustion, excitement and fear had taken their toll on both girls.  Pelya wrapped an arm around the wizardess’s shoulder and led her forward.  Secretly she was afraid that Hezzena might kill or eat them once free.

Pelya noticed when they passed the exit to the academy, but didn’t disturb her glassy-eyed friend with the information.  A short while later, they reached the larger tunnel leading out of the city.  She pointed.  “This is it.  It travels for twenty miles or so before exiting.  The further you get the wider and deeper it becomes in order to handle all the sewage.  There’s supposed to be a gate at the end to keep larger creatures from getting in, but I’m certain you can get through it.”

“I’m not so confident,” Hezzena disagreed.  “Lead on.”

Pelya stared at the dragon woman.  “Ebudae is tired.  We can’t go on.”  Tears were welling in her eyes again.  She was weary of crying even though it was acceptable for little girls to do so in such terrible situations.

Hezzena gestured and spoke more magical incantations.  Suddenly Pelya felt a burst of energy and Ebudae perked up.  “There, that will last for a few hours.  I was able to grab a snack before you opened the door.  The creatures in the dark aren’t very tasty, but it will tide me over.  We all feel wonderful now.  Let’s go.”

“You’re going to get free and then eat us or kill us,” Pelya accused, planting her feet stubbornly.

A low rumble emitted from the dragon woman.  “I am not going to eat or kill you.  It’s forbidden to kill humans and I was only able to get away with it back there in order to save my child.  Moreover, I would not kill someone who did me such a favor as the two of you have done.  I am good by nature.”

She could have fooled Pelya.  “Then how are we going to get home?” Pelya asked.  “We can’t come back through these sewers and to the academy.  It’s too dangerous.”  She folded her arms.  “Going into the city above ground is even more dangerous for us!”  Ebudae was hiding behind Pelya’s shoulder, not willing to enter the disagreement.