Dragonquest - Donita K. Paul [95]
“Is anything about dragons obvious?”
Oh yes. I think most of what they do is logical.
“Only to a Dragon Keeper.”
40
A LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT
Two more days of travel took them past many scenes of devastation. Evidence lined the roadways where formerly placid dragons had used their mighty strength to wreak havoc. The minor dragons expressed their dismay with long, sad chirrs of reproach.
On a sunny morning with brown, crunchy leaves blowing from the trees, they came to a pasture where four dragons awaited them. Kale rejoiced to see Celisse and Merlander. She wondered why the two other dragons had been sent but knew Celisse would explain. One was blue and purple. The other, shades of brown and copper.
Kale ran into the field and threw her arms around Celisse’s neck. Dar followed and greeted Merlander with more reserved affection.
Kale turned to wave at Bardon who remained seated beside Bruit. His face flushed, and she heard him with her mind as he declared, “Not me!”
Yes, Bardon, it’s true. Paladin has sent Greer for you. His rider died in the recent battle in Creemoor. He wants to serve again. Greer’s heart will break if he doesn’t find a rider soon.
Bardon climbed down from the driver’s perch and walked slowly into the field. Grasshoppers and drummerbugs scattered before him.
Greer arched his blue neck and swung his head toward his potential rider. The majestic dragon stretched out cobalt blue wings from a royal purple body and beat the air with one mighty flourish. The draft blew Bardon’s hair back from his face.
Kale took in a quick breath. With his hair blown back, she saw Bardon’s pointed ears. She glimpsed this oddity all too clearly. She glanced at her comrades and even tested them with her talent to see if they had noticed. No one seemed to have spotted what was so obvious to her.
The dragon bowed his head to Bardon now that the young man stood close. They looked each other in the eye for almost a minute. She held her breath.
Bardon put his hand forward, palm down. The dragon placed his chin next to the hand and neatly nudged it, causing Bardon to turn his hand over. Bardon stepped forward and stroked the huge beast’s neck. Greer rested his chin on the lehman’s shoulder.
Kale exhaled and squeezed Celisse’s neck.
It worked. They’re going to be good for each other.
She felt the rumble in Celisse’s throat and laughed out loud. Of course I never doubted Paladin had made a wise decision.
Toopka ran into the field and jumped into Kale’s arms.
“There’s one more dragon. Is that one for me?”
“No, Toopka.” Kale squeezed the little doneel in a tight hug. “The brown one’s name is Bett, and Librettowit will ride him. We need four because we don’t want to overburden our dragons with too many passengers and too much luggage.”
They transferred their belongings from the top of the carriage to the backs of the dragons. Bruit held his horse in check as he watched the questers take off. He waved his hat in farewell.
“I like Bruit,” said Toopka from her seat in front of Kale on Celisse.
“I like him too,” answered Kale.
Toopka leaned back, resting her head on Kale’s chest, and sighed. “Questing means leaving a lot of people behind, doesn’t it?”
“Well, yes. But it also involves meeting a lot of people ahead.” And tomorrow I’ll be meeting people from my past.
They flew until dusk, then landed in a devastated field. Bardon and Kale walked to a nearby farmhouse to gather news. An hour later, they returned to tell the others that the destruction by dragons was even more widespread and more catastrophic in the north. The farmers in the area were nervous.
After supper, Kale sat under a bentleaf tree, close to the trunk. Long slender branches drooped to touch the ground all around her, creating a private bower. Only the sound of insects and a rhythmic call from a beater frog invaded her solitude.
The four minor dragons followed her into her little sanctuary. Her tense body relaxed as Metta began a trilling song. She laughed as Dibl ran up and down her body in his excitement at being in a new place.
“As long