Page 19 of Enamored
Worse than their frightening appearance, the dracos had breath containing a combination of chemicals that caused things to combust. Like the canopy overhead. While most flying lizards ate small mammals and reptiles, the largest of the species were known to swoop down and capture bigger animals. Once in a while, farmers along the Blood River complained of losing sheep to the creatures. The old tales told of the flying lizards even carrying away women and children.
Whatever the case, the one attacking us today was wreaking mayhem. And we had to do something to keep the royals safe.
As the flames crackled against the canvas, Torvald lunged for the queen, shielding her with his broad body. At the same time, he shouted at me, “Protect the princess. And follow me. We need to get the queen and princess into the forest under cover. Anon.”
I couldn’t agree more. As the canopy burned, it would weaken and eventually collapse. We couldn’t be standing underneath when that happened.
Elinor was already on her feet, peering out at the destruction. I grabbed her arm and drew her close, my pulse starting to pound with the need to find safety for her, especially before the draco breathed on the tent again.
Torvald hastened the queen out from underneath the canopy. But another screech filled the air, and a bush nearby exploded, knocking several noblemen backward and throwing them to the ground.
With Elinor tucked against my side and my arm draped around her, I halted at the tent’s edge even as the flames soared in the air above us and pieces of canvas began to fall. If we moved out onto the open hilltop, we would exchange one life-threatening danger for another. But what choice did we have?
Torvald rushed the queen toward the dense forest area. Others were also running for the woods, as if there they might find safety within the brush and trees. But if the draco was intent upon gaining a meal, the woodland might slow it down but certainly wouldn’t prevent it from capturing anyone within sight.
As I guided Elinor away from the canopy, I crouched low, continuing to cover her as best I could. Several servants were freeing the horses, which would allow them to seek shelter rather than face death by fire. I lauded their compassionate efforts, since we had no hope of outriding a flying lizard.
The king seemed to be well guarded by the Knights of Brethren, and the noblemen were doing their best to assist the other ladies. There was naught else to be done except ensure Elinor remained safe. I guided her after Torvald and the queen, running as best I could, glancing over my shoulders to gauge the position of the flying creature.
All the while, my mind replayed the ride up into the hills, searching my memories for a place more secure than the woodland. What about the outcropping of rocks we’d passed on the last part of the climb? The cleft would provide shelter. The way there would leave us exposed longer, but in the end, we would find better protection under a rock than a tree.
I shouted to Torvald, but the noise from the chaos prevented him from hearing me. With the smoke rising from the various fires burning around us, I could hardly see him anyway.
As the draco circled overhead, a volley of arrows flew through the air. The knights were doing what they could to thwart the creature. I prayed they would succeed in sending the hungry reptile on its way. But at the very least, the lizard’s distraction with the arrows might allow everyone to scatter.
“Where are you going?” Elinor slowed her pace and struggled to veer back toward the queen and Torvald. “Should we not head into the forest?”
“On our way up the hill, we passed by several large boulders. We’ll be safest there.”
She began to question me but then inhaled smoke and was overcome with a fit of coughing.
“’Tis not far, Your Highness.” I picked up my pace and was half-tempted to haul her up into my arms and carry her. But I also sensed that if I did so, she would only struggle against me all the more. “Trust me, Elinor. I remember seeing a place.” I wasn’t sure if she could hear the fear and earnestness in my voice, but she ceased her resistance and stumbled along beside me.
After descending the hill partway, we came upon the rocks. Tucked out of sight as it was, I doubted the others would have seen it. But I’d been trained to notice details most people didn’t.
As we scrambled to reach the spot, a shadow with an enormous wingspan swirled overhead. I glanced up to find that the draco had sighted us and was now diving our way. My pulse picked up speed. “Make haste, Your Highness.”
At the telltale screech, I dragged Elinor the last of the distance. I wrapped my arms around her and dove under the rocky ledge, positioning her on top of my body while my back took the brunt of the impact against stone and earth.
I hit hard, and the air swooshed from my lungs. But as the shadow hovered closer and a screech sounded nearer, I scrambled backward, bringing Elinor with me until we were within the tight crevice of the cleft and out of sight of the draco.
For long seconds we didn’t move. Only our labored breathing filled the air, along with the heavy thud of my heartbeat against my chest.
When I could ascertain no further shadows or sounds, I attempted a normal breath.
Above me, Elinor peered down, her eyes tender with concern. “Are you hurt, Maxim? You landed quite hard.”
I shook my head but felt a sharp pain and warmth trickling from my scalp. I lifted a hand to a spot behind my ear, and when I drew it back, blood coated my fingers.
She pushed up against my chest but bumped her head on the jagged ledge above us, causing her to wince.
“Careful,” I managed.
“You are the one who is hurt. Let me examine you.” But as she bent in, the tight confines limited her movement. Even so, she gently probed. “Here.” She fingered a sharp rock next to my head. “You must have scraped your head here.”
“It can’t be too severe. I’m still conscious.”
She narrowed her eyes on the spot. “’Tis bleeding quite profusely. But I do believe you are correct, that ’tis not a deep wound.”
