Dragonquest - Donita K. Paul [131]
The kimens jumped into the large rowboat as soon as it scooted into the shallow water. Tayla and the kimens propelled the boat to the other side where five more kimens hopped in. They bombarded Kale with their names, politely introducing themselves to her and referring to her as the Dragon Keeper. She remembered clearly the name Azalone and connected it with the one she thought might be the leader.
With a dozen kimens in the boat, you’d think we’d be going slower. She studied the small people sitting around her. What are they doing to make us go faster?
She never solved this puzzle and determined to get Regidor to think it through. If anyone could find the answer, he could.
“Azalone?”
“Yes?”
“Do you know what has happened to my friends, Regidor and Bardon? Regidor was with me when the grawligs attacked.”
“Both men went back through your gateway. They returned with many mariones, Wizard Cam Ayronn, and Wizard Lyll Allerion. Lady Allerion sent us to find you.”
“The mariones are not a large enough force to face Risto’s army.”
“More have come. An army under General Lee Ark. Our friends the urohms, led by Lord Brunstetter. Dragons are coming as well. Some through this gigantic gateway. Those who are close enough, fly in.”
They glided downstream for many minutes before Azalone spoke again. “We are close to the field in which your Celisse awaits. You must hurry now to the camp of your comrades. Your mother is injured and requires you and the healing dragon.”
“Injured?” She spun around on her seat, rocking the boat. “How did she get injured?”
“The wound is serious, but not life-threatening. When she heard you had been taken, she rushed out to save you. She charged into a trap, facing Risto and Burner Stox without assistance. Wizard Cam and the meech dragon Regidor soon arrived. It is likely Lady Allerion would have died without their assistance.”
She turned quickly away. Tears stung her eyes, and she found it hard to breathe.
Toopka took her hand and squeezed. “It’ll be all right. You and Gymn can make her well.”
Kale peered ahead, trying to spot the place where they would land. Tayla’s short, muscular body blocked some of the view. Her shoulders strained as she pulled even harder on the oars. Kale sensed the tumanhofer woman wanted to help Kale get to her mother quickly. The woman had done much for a stranger, an o’rant girl who had done nothing for her except expose the servant to danger.
“Taylaminkadot, will you be all right? Do you have someplace to go?”
“I was hoping to go with you, Miss Kale. I’d like to be your servant.”
Kale turned to Azalone. “Can you escort Taylaminkadot to our camp?”
“We will go with her downstream. It is a shorter distance to walk from the lake to your camp.”
“Can you protect her?”
“We will try.”
The boat pushed ashore where the trees thinned to reveal a meadow. Celisse paced over the winter pale grass, wearing a path. The moon reflected off her silver scales. She lifted her head and greeted her rider with a low call.
Kale leapt from the boat, waving good-bye to the others. The minor dragons flew ahead of her. Toopka pumped her little legs to keep up.
After a swift hug around the dragon’s neck, Kale scooped Toopka into her arms and clambered on board. As soon as her knees were snug in the saddle hooks, she gave the signal to fly. Celisse flapped her large wings and vaulted into the night sky.
A cold wind blew in Kale’s face. Not at all partial to frigid temperatures, the minor dragons hid in the moonbeam cape. Kale bent her legs back as far as she could and pulled the cape down over her freezing feet.
From the sky, she could see the sprawling Risto encampment, Bartal Springs Lake, and a camp just forming. Celisse banked and headed for the new settlement of warriors.
Celisse gave the warning. Behind them a dark dragon raced toward them. The smaller dragon flew at a faster speed and would soon catch up. With horror, Kale saw a stream of fire bolt out of the dragon’s mouth.
Kale reached with her mind, trying to send a clear message.