Destroyers and the Dragons

Page 49

     "I did all the work on it, during my last job," I say.

     "The job with the dragon King?" she asks. I nod.

     "Since when did the Destroyer, embroider hearts?" she asks. I grab the tunic from her and look at the design and then blush.

     "I really wasn't paying attention to the design," I say tracing the vines, and hearts crossed with swords.

     "I put swords on it so it can't be too feminine," I retort blushing harder as she laughs.

     "You have finally grown into a woman," she says hugging me. A horn sounds and I grab my sword and knives before ducking out of the tent. It is the sign of unidentified riders. I watch with baited breath as they draw near.

     "We are looking for one among you answers to Destroyer," the man says. I step forward.

     "I am she," I say staring the man down.

     "We are to accompany you back to the castle of the Dragon King," the guy states.

     "Under whose authority?" I demand.

     "Here, this will explain it all," the man snaps throwing a sealed letter at me. I catch it and quickly retreat to the tent. I open it carefully and read through the letter.

     "I must leave immediately," I tell my aunt. "The King has need of me."

     "When will you leave?" she asks watching me.

     "It says to leave immediately."

    "Does it say why?" my uncle asks ducking into the tent. I shake my head no and try not to dwell on what could have happened in the last month. My aunt quickly packs my bags and my uncle saddles my horse while I pull on my armor again. I mount my horse and smile.

     "I'll be back before you truly miss me," I say from my horses back. I follow the men through the night as we ride back to the castle. The sun is just coming up as we enter the courtyard. I dismount wearily and look around for any signs of trouble. Pine appears a moment later and hugs me.

     "I was worried you'd be out hunting," he says.

     "What is the emergency?" I ask, pulling off my helmet. Pine grabs my arm and pulls me through the castle to my tower rooms. He throws open the door and I am shocked to find a very thin, and haunted Evergreen sitting in a chair.

     "What happened to him?" I demand.

     "The different councilors have slowly worn him down to this," Pine tries to explain.

     "What can I do to help?" I ask.

     "He misses you," Rose says from behind me. "As have I."

     "You look better than him though," I retort smiling.

     "Hey lazy ass, get some food!" I yell to get Evergreens attention. His head whips around and it is the first sign of life from him.

     "Am I dreaming?" he asks.

     "No I got an urgent letter that I was needed here. I expected siege or something horrible, not a love sick King," I retort and his haunted look fades a little.