written by CJ of Wolfcreek
copyright Wolfcreek publishing 2000
Chapter 4
Just as they were informed, the small caravan was at the oasis. They circled high, spiraling the thermals. Three wagons, with four beasts attached to each. The pickings were beginning to get slim. Two humans were struggling with some cloth in the wind. The caravan had still not noticed them; they would catch them by surprise and feed well this day. Looking to each other, a silent nod and they swept back their wings and began their plunge. The hunt was on.
Jusserand and Jerimiah struggled to maintain control of the linen in the increasing wind. The captain could feel eyes upon him but saw nothing in the sky. Only the brilliant orb of the sun. He closed his eyes and listened to the howl of the wind. Opening his eyes he focused on his shadow and held onto the linen with all his strength. Jerimiah had it wrapped twice around his hands and stood firm. The captain said to hold it and hold it he would. Suddenly Jusserand dropped to his knee and let his end go. From out of the wagon flew Jo~well's bola right at the captains head but instead of his head it struck the claws of the winged beast, wrapped and entangling it. It crashed to the sands just past Jerimiah and he quickly jumped in and covered its head as many times as he could, trying to bind its jaw shut. From under the sand came the sword of Jusserand�s grandfather, and it's arc swung high and came down upon the belly of the beast. The searing of his flesh agonized Jusserand as he was engulfed in flames. Striking again, and again he was burned. The Beast bled flames! His vision dimming the captain dropped his sword and staggered back towards the water.
"NO BLADES, they're fire drakes not dragons, no blades!" Screamed out Lothario. The second drake was coming back around to finish the captain when the woman stepped in front of it and came up with a wicked slash of a scimitar. The blood igniting as it hit the air, splashing over her. Screaming in anger the woman was consumed in flames, the drake falling dead to the ground, fire gouting from its neck.
Jerimiah hung on with all his might, claws raking at his chest. One finding it's way through his armor he winced in pain and held tighter. Farceur and Eris rushed to his aid and began beating it with their fist. Jo~well found a rock and would rush in, hit the drakes spine and dart back out just before the tail could strike him. Finally they heard a sickening snap and the beast went limp. The battle over, all eyes turned to the water and their fallen captain. The woman cradling his head in her arms. Her robes but smoldering tatters.
Weakly he gasped "is everyone OK? Did we get them?"
"Yes C.J. everyone is safe, we have killed them both."
"Hey captain, does this mean you get to ride with the lady?"
Lothario pushed Farceur aside and began applying an ointment to the captains� face and hands. A moan and the knight slipped into unconsciousness.
The drakes were overdue and should have brought back their offerings by now. The rumors must have been true about knights seen in Sigonela. Though they were stupid, the drakes would never risk crossing him, they must be dead. The great red wyrm looked to their nest and fought back the hunger and wondered where he would find a pair such as the fire drakes. The eggs, he would hatch their young and enslave them as he had their parents. Where were those scrolls? One of them had a growth spell on it, that would do the trick. The wyrm set about searching his vast horde looking for the items he knew to be buried within the pile of gold and gems. Then he would inquire of his many spies to find out about this new foe.
The smell of jasmine tickled his nose and he awoke. It was dark and he slowly moved his head looking for the stars. There was nothing, only blackness. The sounds of prayers and chants came to his ears, and he realized he must be in Al Karj, in one of the temples. His hands were bandaged and still in pain, his face also hurt and he remembered the flames. What had Lothario yelled?
"Ah I see you're awake my friend, how do you feel?"
"Lothario? My head throbs. What of the others? How long have I been here?"
"It�s been three days since you arrived and all are well. Though we found out only this morning that Jerimiah had a talon in his side. It's been removed and he is eating a hardy supper as we speak."
"Atoc?"
"Busy purchasing new wagons, oxen and camels with the gems you had Philia give to Amic. Took a lot of explaining how she killed the drake with one blow and survived the burns. She's convinced him that the scimitar bears a heavy enchantment."
"Does anyone suspect?"
"No, the others were occupied with the second drake. Only Atoc saw what she did, but if he does have suspicions, he's seen that she isn't evil and he doesn't appear to be overly superstitious anyway. I don't think she's in any danger. Now, lets see how you've been healing up."
Slowly he unwrapped the facial bandages, and Jusserand detected a note of concern.
"What?"
"Some of the burns were deep, you'll have scars. Now ensure your eyes are closed and I'll remove the patches."
At first there was just light, then blurry objects, finally the vision focused in and Lotharios ever-present smile could be seen.
"Good to see you old friend. Now for my hands."
"No, I changed those bandages this morning, they'll still need to heal another few days. That will help to slow you down so you can recover more fully."
copyright Wolfcreek publishing 2004
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