Wizard's First Rule - Terry Goodkind [382]
Richard climbed higher, fighting the beasts back, killing any that got close enough. It was a futile effort, he knew; there were more than he would be able to hold back. He released himself into the anger of the sword’s magic, fighting with fury as he advanced into their ranks. He couldn’t fail Kahlan, not now. The air seemed filled with yellow teeth, all coming for him. Blood from the killing was everywhere. The world turned to red.
And then it turned to flame.
Fire erupted all about. Hounds howled in mortal pain. The dragon roared in anger. Scarlet’s shadow swept over him. Richard’s sword cut through the hounds that came close enough. The air smelled of blood and burning fur.
Scarlet’s claw gripped him around the middle, lifting him away from the leaping, snapping beasts. Richard panted in exhaustion from the fierce fight as the dragon flew to a clearing on another mountain. She set him gently on the ground and landed.
Richard, nearly in tears, threw his arms against her red scales, stroking them, and laid his head against her. “Thank you, my friend. You have saved my life. You have saved many lives. You are a dragon of honor.”
“I made a bargain, that is all.” She snorted a puff of smoke. “Besides, someone has to help you; you can’t seem to stay out of trouble on your own.”
Richard smiled. “You are the most beautiful beast I have ever seen.” Still panting as he tried to catch his breath, he pointed to the plateau. “Scarlet, I need to get to the People’s Palace. Will you take me? Please?”
“You didn’t find your friends? Your brother?”
He swallowed the lump in his throat. “My brother has betrayed me. Betrayed me, and everyone, to Darken Rahl. I wish people had half the honor of dragons.”
Scarlet gave a grumble, vibrating the scales on her throat. “I’m sorry, Richard Cypher. Climb on. I will take you.”
The dragon made slow, steady strokes of her wings, lifting him above the sea of clouds that covered the Azrith Plains, carrying him to the last place in the world he would wish to go, had he a choice. The journey, which would have taken him a good part of the day on a horse, took less than an hour on the dragon. She folded her wings back, diving toward the plateau. The wind tore at his clothes as she plunged downward. From the air, Richard could see how big the People’s Palace really was. It was hard to believe it had been made by men; it seemed beyond even a dream. It was like the biggest of cities, all melted together into one complex.
Scarlet flew once around the plateau, past towers, walls, and roofs. They flashed past in endless variety, making him dizzy. She lifted over the outer wall, and swooped down into a vast courtyard, fluttering her wings to stop their descent. There were no guards, no people, to be seen.
Richard slid down her red scales, landing on his feet with a thump. She swept her head about, then tilted it down, gazing at him. Her ears swiveled forward.
“Are you sure you want me to leave you here?” Richard nodded, casting his eyes to the ground. Scarlet snorted. “Then the six days are at an end. Our bargain is at an end. The next time I see you, you will be fair game.”
Richard smiled up at her. “Fair enough, my friend. But you’ll not get the chance. Today, I am going to die.”
Scarlet watched him with one yellow eye. “Try not to let that happen, Richard Cypher. I would still like to eat you.”
Richard’s smile widened as he rubbed a glossy scale. “Take care of your little dragon, when it hatches. I wish I had had a chance to see it. It will be beautiful too, I know. I realize you hate flying men about, because it’s against your will, but thanks for letting me know the joy of flying. I considered it a privilege.”
She nodded. “I like flying too.” She let out a puff of smoke. “You are a rare man, Richard Cypher. I have never seen one the match of you.”
“I am the Seeker. The last Seeker.”
She gave another nod of her big head. ‘Take care, Seeker. You have the gift. Use it. Use everything