Page 16 of Hidden Dragons

She didn’t realize she was crying until strong arms wrapped around her gently from behind. She was turned into a strong chest, covered in dark fabric. Robert. The dark twin to Bear’s sky blue raiment.

“It’ll be all right, sweetheart. I promise. No matter what happens in the coming days, you will always have a place at the Lair. You will be welcome there. You’ll see.” He stroked her hair as he spoke. “We’ll watch over your home. No one from the village will molest your homestead, but if skiths come, this is no place for you, sweetheart. We need you to be safe. I could not bear it if you were hurt.” His whispered words helped calm her, though the fear wouldn’t leave her.

Battle was imminent. People would be hurt and might even die. Skiths were probably going to destroy much of the village, and perhaps the only true home she had ever known. But while Robert held her in his arms, she felt stronger, as if what he hoped would truly come to pass and everything would work out all right.

Hugging him, she sent a prayer up to the Mother of All for his safety. He was such a special man. She hadn’t known him long, but she admired him greatly. He was strong and loyal. He’d done so much to see to her comfort already. He was facing untold danger in the coming hours and yet he spared a few minutes to offer her comfort.

“You’re being so nice to me,” she whispered, rubbing her fingers over his chest as she snuggled into his embrace.

“You’re easy to be nice to,” he countered. She could hear the smile in his deep voice, and she felt the kiss he placed on the top of her head. “Now, go with Bear and settle in safely at the Lair. I’ll be back there tomorrow morning.”

She drew back from him and looked up into his eyes. “You’re not coming with us?”

“Sweetheart, it’s almost dark. That’s when Growly and I do our best work.” His smile was a little mischievous, which didn’t really reassure her. “We have to stay here and see if we can learn more about the enemy’s plans.”

When she realized he would not be dissuaded, she made a decision. “Mrs. Nethins. The cook at Cleef Mantell’s place. She is no friend of her master. If you tell her I sent you, she will talk to you and tell you all you want to know.” Isabelle reached up to undo the catch on the only necklace she owned. It had been her mother’s and she wore it at all times. “Show her this.” Isabelle put the necklace, which consisted of a small silver medallion on a fine chain that was much stronger than it looked, around Robert’s neck. “It was my mother’s and Mrs. Nethins was a good friend to her, and to me. Warn her about the attack, if you can. She does a final check of Mantell’s chicken coop right after dinner.”

“I cannot take your mother’s charm,” Robert protested.

“You must. Mrs. Nethins will not speak freely to you without some sign that you truly are my friend. She knows I would never give this to anyone if it was not the most dire emergency.” Isabelle patted the silver charm as it lay on his chest.

Robert covered her hand with his and she looked up into his eyes. “Thank you, Isabelle. I will deliver it back safe to you on the morrow.”

“See that you do,” she said, her throat tightening with emotion.

She worried for his safety with skiths and enemy soldiers ready to pounce. She stood on tiptoe to kiss him and was gratified when he met her halfway, taking her lips with a ferocity that spoke of emotions he didn’t seem inclined to discuss outright. That was all right. She understood.

At length, he let her go and set her away from him as if it pained him to do so. She knew how he felt. She didn’t want to leave him, even though she knew she must.

“Now be safe and hang on to Bear. Growly and I will be back at the Lair tomorrow morning. I promise you.”

“I will hold you to that promise,” she tried to be brave and smile, but tears choked her. “Be careful, Robert.”

“I will. You too. Follow Bear’s instructions and you’ll be fine. Tilly has never dropped a novice yet.”

“Dropped?” Shocked out of her tears, her mouth dropped open.

“Nice going, Robert,” Bear growled, coming up behind her. “Don’t frighten the lass. Tilly and I will take good care of you, Isabelle. You will be as safe with us as you are on the ground. Safer—considering there are skiths about. Now come along. We must make our report and mobilize the Lair.”

Bear took her hand, leading her toward the waiting dragons. Robert followed behind, keeping close. The knights surrounding her made her feel safer than she had ever felt. Even knowing there were skiths ready to attack her home, having Robert and Bear near made her feel as if nothing could harm her. But the knowledge of the skiths massing nearby made her worry for the knights.

Growloranth and Tildeth had moved through the forest a ways to the small clearing near the river. Isabelle supposed that was so Tildeth would have a clear shot to the sky. Still, Isabelle eyed the opening in the trees doubtfully. She just didn’t see how the dragon could make such a steep ascent.

Bear led her right up to Tildeth and stopped. Mindful of her manners, Isabelle greeted the female dragon with a bow.

“Thank you for agreeing to carry me, Lady Tildeth,” Isabelle said to the dragon.

“You are very welcome, child, but come now, there is no time to waste. We must warn the Lair.”

Bear instructed her how to climb up to Tildeth’s back, using the dragoness’s foreleg and knee as a sort of staircase. Tildeth helpfully sat still and arranged her front arm in a way that allowed Isabelle to ascend easily. Bear climbed up behind her, settling his big, warm body tight against her back as his arms came around her.

With a last look at Robert, Isabelle felt Tildeth gather herself and then…jump. The whoosh of her wings unfurling and catching the wind propelled them into the sky.

The rush of flying was like nothing Isabelle could have imagined. It was amazing!

“You are a natural flyer, Lady Isabelle,”Tildeth said into Isabelle’s mind, surprising her a bit.

“Oh, Lady Tildeth, this is breathtaking!”Isabelle gushed back.

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