Dragons of the Valley - Donita K. Paul [124]
She sat to watch the approach of the flier and soon decided it was a dragon. Occasionally she spotted large birds soaring over the valley. But the wings on birds of prey extended more from the sides of the body, and dragons’ wings sprouted higher on the torso and closer to the head. She also could tell from the stroke of the wings whether this was a feathered flier or one with scales.
She sprang to her feet. “Maxon!”
The dragon carried Bealomondore, Maxon, and two minor dragons. Maxon’s voice sent a greeting to her mind. She jumped up and down. It would be good to see her friends and meet the new dragons, but visitors also meant news. She longed to hear someone say that Chiril had finally gotten the upper hand and was beating the enemy back to where they belonged.
Racing to the meadow near the castle where they were surely to land, Hollee called out the tidings to all she passed.
“Bealomondore and Maxon are here!”
The rolling hill and grassy field outside Prince Jayrus’s garden swarmed with onlookers as Bealomondore’s dragon set down. Maxon hopped off and ran to give Hollee a hug. The tumanhofer artist looked around as if trying to decide who was being welcomed in such a grand manner.
Paladin strode out of the gate and up the hill. The crowd of kimens, dragons, mariones, tumanhofers, and emerlindians parted and let him through.
Bealomondore spoke to the dragon and patted his flank, then went to greet Paladin.
“You’re a sight cleaner than the last time I saw you,” said the young ruler. “Did your business go well in Greeston?”
The artist beamed. “Yes. My father decided on his own that he should break business ties with a tumanhofer named Mernantottencat, and I was available to help convince the representatives of that enterprise that the decision was final.”
Paladin looked pleased, and Hollee scooted forward to see if she could find out more of what had happened in Greeston. Bealomondore had not spoken of his early life often.
“And your family?” asked Paladin. “Did you get a chance to visit?”
“For an evening. My brother is abroad, but it was wonderful to see my sisters and aunt. My mother and father were with us for a short time, and then they had a social obligation to attend.”
Paladin laughed out loud. “So your evening was very pleasurable indeed.”
Bealomondore’s head bobbed in agreement, and his face relaxed into a satisfied grin.
After a look of mutual understanding, Paladin gestured to those around them. He sobered. “We are rather isolated, and all are anxious to hear whatever news you can tell of the war.”
Hollee held her breath. Each tidbit of information they received of late had been discouraging. The king and his army retreated farther into the center of the country. Casualties numbered in the thousands, and the encroaching army ravaged the country as they marched forward, taking what they wanted and burning the rest. Many Chirilians had lost much.
“It is not good,” said Bealomondore. “Not only has the army pushed all the way to Ragar, but Odidoddex has backed up his warriors with an occupying force. The towns and villages that have fallen are now under the authority of soldiers who supervise rebuilding. It is clear that the new businesses erected are the property of Baardack, even though Chirilians are permitted to reopen their shops and live in new houses. Schools have reopened, but Baardackian teachers run them.”
Hollee gasped. “Now that’s bad.”
Maxon still had his arm around her, and he squeezed. “Some of the people are relieved. When they do as the invaders order, our people are left in peace. After the devastation of their homes, they are willing to bend a little to avoid any more strife. And as long as they cooperate, the Baardackians are more than friendly.”
“But the children are being taught by outsiders.”
“Well, you know that won’t happen in the kimen villages. None of our homes have been found and destroyed.”
“Why not?”
“It would seem that we do not produce anything that Odidoddex