Chapter 26 THE DRAGON IN THE OPEN SKY
"Hey guys," he greeted cheerfully. "I see you've been busy."
"Hope you don't mind, but we used your money," said Darren.
"That's alright. As long as you bought things that are actually useful, I don't mind."
"Define useful," said Xyra. When she received a questioning glare from the sorcerer, she just put on a bright smile. "Just kidding. We just bought food, some medical supplies…a few spells…"
"Spells?" he questioned curiously.
"Yeah, from the Sorcerer's League." The reaction that name drew from Magnus made Xyra wish she hadn't said anything. Although his lips were pursed into a fine, irritated line, his eyes gave away that he was angry. However, it wasn't just a natural anger. It was pure and simple hate. He looked disgusted with her.
"So you're that kind of person," he said a bit coldly, his voice making her shudder. She hadn't known that his light, somewhat airy voice could sound so low and reprimanding. "Do you even know…what those things are made of?"
"Magic?" she answered a bit meekly. He seemed about ready to explode, but instead he let out a deep sigh, as if calming himself. He really didn't want to yell at her. I guess as long as she doesn't know…I have no reason to be so mad.
"Never mind," he said, a smile crossing his face again. His eyes had relaxed quite a bit too. "Let's go. We have a long way ahead of us. It's a few days to the next town."
"You sure you're okay?" Darren asked.
"Yeah. The sooner we leave, the better. There are bounty hunters all over the place."
"That's because Albus is here," Xyra said with a small scowl to her voice.
"Exactly, so let's go." He began walking off into the crowd, and not wanting to be left behind, Darren and Xyra were quick to follow. It was best to get out of the town before a dispute erupted. The town wasn't safe for a sorcerer, especially since despite his bounty, no one knew what Albus looked like. Anyone with magic could be mistaken for him, even someone like Magnus.
The day had once again graced them with the sight of the sun and a blue sky. The green grass beneath was another wonderful sight to see. The field they were in was gorgeous, full of flowers and rolling hills. It was peaceful, and best of all it was demon free. They weren't going to be attacked today, and in many ways that was a good thing. Even Magnus and Darren were in need of a break from fighting.
They all walked along quietly, not having too much to say. Darren and Magnus both carried a bag full of the supplies that had been purchased in town. It wasn't much, but it was enough for three days worth of travel. Hopefully their information had been accurate, and the trip really was going to only take three days.
Magnus turned his attention skyward, watching a few white clouds drift by. On his other trips, he usually entertained himself by staring into the vast ocean of blue. However, he had to remember that he had people with him. He could actually have conversations. Unfortunately, there was nothing he wanted to talk to them about right now. He finally had people to converse with, but there weren't any words that came to mind. It was a bit disappointing.
He stopped walking when he felt something pulse against his chest. It had come from his pendant. Oh great… He glanced down at it. The stone in the middle was glowing a soft red. You've gotta be kidding! There can't be a dragon out here. I don't have time to deal with it!
A deep roar filled the area, stopping them in their tracks. A shadow soon passed over, and they turned their attention skyward. Above them was a massive golden dragon with dark eyes, most likely black. It was flying rather low, causing a breeze to follow it. It hadn't even spared them a glance as it passed. Maybe it wasn't the aggressive type.
"No way…" whispered Darren, but Magnus had heard him. There was awe in his voice. He didn't say anything else though. Instead the hunter broke into a sprint, following after the dragon.
"Hey!" shouted Xyra, watching as Darren ran off without them. They couldn't have that, so they followed after him, catching up rather quickly.
"What's the deal?" asked Magnus, not understanding why Darren had just ditched them.
"That dragon's about to land," he stated, his eyes peering skyward. "She's hurt, and from the slight reddish tint to her skin, she must have a fever."
"She?" questioned Xyra curiously.
The three of them suddenly came to a stop as they reached a huge lakeside area. The dragon was just ahead of them, landing near the shore. After the massive beast touched down, she didn't move. She didn't even acknowledge them, probably completely unaware that they were even there.
Darren took a few steps forward, not seeming scared or hesitant at all. It was as if he knew the dragon wasn't going to hurt him. Xyra was about to protest his action, but Magnus stopped her, allowing the hunter to continue with whatever he had in mind. He obviously knew something about this dragon that they didn't.
Before he could get too close, the dragon began to glow a soft white. Her whole body was consumed by it, and before their very eyes, she began to shrink. Her body got smaller and smaller, her shape shifting into something that wasn't a dragon. When the light finally cleared, what was left behind wasn't a beast. It was a young woman, one who looked in every way human. Her hair was a silver color, and it hung all the way down her back. Her sky blue dress only accentuated its sheen. Most wouldn't be able to tell that she wasn't human. Her pointed ears were the only giveaway.
"I knew it," Darren said to himself. "Astrid." The young woman turned when he said her name. When her golden, cat-like eyes locked with his black ones, a smile spread across his face. "It's been awhile, sis."
"Darren!" she shouted, a large, childlike smile crossing her lips. She ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. "Finally! I've been looking for you."
"For me?"
"Yeah. Daddy told me to find you. He said it was important."
Darren thought it over for a minute, wondering what could be so urgent. However, his mind quickly went to the two very confused people behind him. He glanced back at Magnus and Xyra, both looking on in curiosity, their eyes a bit wide.
"Darren," began Xyra. "You called her 'sis'."
"Are you…?" began Magnus, but the hunter quickly cut him off.
"Not by blood," he told them both, and they sighed in response, probably out of relief. "We just act like it, that's all." He turned his attention back to Astrid, who was still hugging him tightly. He pulled away a bit, his hands now on her shoulders. He gave her a very serious, concerned glare.
"What?" she asked softly.
"You got hurt," he stated, motioning towards her arm. The sleeve of her dress was ripped, and the material was stained with a rich crimson. It looked fairly fresh considering the fact that it hadn't stopped bleeding.
"It's not that bad," she told him, not wanting him to worry.
"You have a fever too." Her face was a bit red, and her skin felt a little hot. Probably because she's not used to being away this long. Must have caught a cold or something.
"I'm fine," she said sweetly, but even as she spoke, her voice was slowing. Her eyes were drooping a bit too. Astrid was exhausted. After all, she had been searching for days to find Darren. Anyone, even a dragon, would feel the effects of fatigue after such a long journey.
"You should see a doctor…"
"I said I'm just fine." She leaned into him a bit, a sigh leaving her lips. "You worry too much. I just need a little sleep, and I'll be as good as new…" Her body slumped in his arms as her eyes completely closed. She had lost consciousness.