Brave Story - Miyuki Miyabe [253]
Wataru mumbled a vague answer in response. It was hard to claim that this request had anything to do with the fugitive at all. It probably wouldn’t even classify as official Highlander business, for that matter.
“In any case, even if we wanted to help you, we could not. Our wings cannot take you to Dela Rubesi now.”
The other karulakin nodded in agreement, their heads bobbing up and down.
“You will recall that when Togoto carried you to where you could see Dela Rubesi, it was to catch a rising current that crosses over all of the south.”
“Yes, that’s what he said.”
“But,” the karulakin continued, “for several days now, there has been odd weather near the Undoor Highland. That strong current you rode is no longer there. It has stopped.”
“That is not all, that is not all,” said one of the other karulakin, flapping its wings. “The clouds around the Highlands have swelled in size, and the temperature in the air above has dropped precipitously. No matter how strong our wings, in such weather we could muster only half our strength at best. In the worst-case scenario, we might freeze even as we flew.”
“This is no normal shifting of the air currents. We believe something is happening on the ground in the Undoor Highland that has caused this to happen,” another one said thoughtfully.
“At any rate, we cannot carry you. I apologize, but we must ask you to find other means.”
Wataru sighed. If even the karulakin—ever proud of their aerial prowess—said it was impossible, it probably was.
Unease began to seep back into Wataru’s consciousness. Something terrible was going on in Dela Rubesi, he was sure. That must be why the white-robed man was seeking his help.
“I understand. Thank you for your time.”
“I am only sorry we could not be of help.”
Wataru waved to Meena and Kee Keema, then turned. As he began to walk away, for no particular reason he thrust his hand in his trousers pocket. His fingers touched something hard and smooth.
What’s that? What did I put in my pocket? He fished it out and looked at it. It was shiny and crimson, glowing like a ruby—it was a scale.
The firewyrm scale! Wataru had completely forgotten his encounter with the dragon Jozo in the Swamp of Grief—and the scale he had received in return for saving the dragon’s life.
Wataru smacked himself on the forehead. He had never done that before, but he had always seen people doing it on TV. It seemed like the right thing to do.
“My! What’s wrong, Wataru?” Meena said, looking into his eyes.
“Karulakin sirs!” Wataru said, running back out onto the terrace. “You think a dragon would be able to fly to Dela Rubesi?”
The three karulakin looked at one another. “I would think a dragon’s wings could carry you there, even without a current. And cold is nothing to a dragon. Yes, I believe one could get you there without much difficulty at all.”
“If they can fly through the Stinging Mist, then they can certainly fly to the Undoor Highland,” another agreed.
Then the third spotted the crimson scale in Wataru’s hand. “My, my, my, what’s this?”
Wataru told the story of the scale. The karulakin watched him as he spoke, their beady eyes open wide.
“Then it is clear what you must do! You must make a wyrmflute out of that scale! Like us, a dragon is a proud-winged soul, strong in virtue and bravery. He will keep his promise to you, you can be sure.”
Kee Keema gave a big clap with his hands. “Then let’s get started making that flute!”
“How do I make it? Jozo said I needed to seek out a master craftsman…”
“We’ll go to Lyris!” Meena said, her face brightening. “You could ask Toni Fanlon! I’m sure his skill would be a match for that scale!”
The largest of the karulakin took a step forward with one long-clawed foot. “If you go to Lyris, it is on the way to my next destination. Were it just you, young Highlander, I could certainly carry you that far.”
“Excellent!” Kee Keema shouted. “Wataru, you fly to Lyris first. Meena and I will follow by darbaba. Shouldn’t take us more