Brianna watched as Miriam looked suddenly surprised.
“Did… Did she just speak to me?” Miriam asked.
“Yes,” Brianna said. “They communicate mostly through mental images, but you can use words with them too. Vocalization is difficult for them, but they’re learning,” she said as she patted Selix’s long neck.
“What did it say?” Quinn asked.
“She wanted to know if I’m a healer.”
“How did it know that?”
“I don’t know,” Miriam said.
“They’re very perceptive,” Brianna explained. “They can’t read your mind, but they often sense a person’s nature. And they aren’t male of female, Miriam. They don’t mate or reproduce like other animals or humans.”
“So where do they come from?” Quinn wanted to know.
“I gave them life,” Brianna said. “So much has changed and it’s difficult to explain, so just bear with me. I’m still human, still the same Brianna you’ve known all my life, but I’m different too. I’m one of them, now. The dwarves called me a Fire Spirit.”
Brianna held out her hand and a dancing flame appeared above her empty palm.
“So you’re a wizard too?” Quinn asked.
“No, not a wizard,” Brianna said. “But I can create and control fire. I’m not hurt by fire. I’m like a dragon in that sense.”
“So they breathe fire?” Miriam asked?
Tig and Torc threw back their heads and belched fire into the sky.
“Yes,” Brianna said, laughing at the twin dragons. “They all breathe fire, and these two like to show off. Their fire, like mine, is a type of magic.”
“So it isn’t some sort of physical ability?” Miriam asked. “I’ve often wondered about that.”
“No, there’s nothing physical about it. They conjure fire magically.”
“And they fly, I presume?” Quinn asked.
“Yes, and that’s how I’ll catch up with Zollin.”
“You’re going to let them carry you?” Quinn said skeptically. “What if they accidentally
drop you?”
“I’m going to ride the dragons, Quinn. I can fly too, in a way,” she said gently. “I know it’s hard to take in, but I’m still Brianna. I just have a few more skills and some new friends.”
Quinn shook his head. “I thought the strangest thing I’d ever see in my life was when Zollin blasted the wizards with magic in Tranaugh Shire. I was so shocked that day that if we hadn’t been running for our lives, I might have keeled over on the spot. Now, here you are with a herd of dragons.”
“A pride of dragons,” Brianna corrected him.
“It’s a little too much for me to take in,” he said. “I need a moment.”
Brianna felt a little hurt. She had always known Quinn to have an open mind and to be quick with an encouraging word. She knew that some people would never accept her pride-their fear would be too much for them to control-but she had never expected that Quinn wouldn’t welcome her with open arms as he had in town.
“They’re my family, Quinn,” she said softly. “They’re not monsters.”
“I believe you, Brianna,” Quinn said, looking up. “If you vouch for them, that’s good enough for me, you know that. I just feel…” He let the thought trail off. “I guess I’m just not very good with change. You’re growing up, and I feel… Well, the truth is, I’ve thought of you like a daughter for a while now. Seeing you and Zollin together in Orrock brought me happiness that I’d never experienced before. I feel a little bit like I’m losing you.”
“Losing me?” Brianna said, as tears rolled gently down her cheeks. “How?”
“You’re growing up, that’s all,” Quinn said. “You don’t need me as much.”
“Oh, Quinn,” she said, her voice choking.
She ran to him and threw her arms around his neck, letting her tears soak his shirt. The dragons moved around them then, nudging Quinn and Miriam. They saw images in their minds of Brianna with the dragons, flying through the air, covered in flames and looking so happy it made Quinn’s heart ache.
“I’m happy for you,” he whispered. “And I know that Zollin needs you,” he added.
“And I need him,” she said.
“We’ll be here waiting for you both,” he told her. “Do you need anything?”
“Just your blessing,” she said.
“You’ve got it,” he said loudly. “You all do.”
Chapter 12
The Northern Star limped into the harbor at Lixon Bay. Lixon was one of the biggest cities in Falxis, with a well-maintained road that ran straight to Luxing City, where King Zorlan ruled his kingdom. Falxis was a large kingdom, but since the treaty of peace between the kingdoms three centuries ago, they had no enemies. It was surrounded by other kingdoms on three sides, and the long western coast was the home to a vast shipping enterprise.
It had taken almost two days to sail back to the coast and into Lixon Bay from the scene of the attack. Zollin had spent that time healing the wounded sailors and helping with repairs to the ship. The Northern Star needed major refitting. While there was an emergency mast and supplies to refit the ship, there was not enough to totally repair all the damage the dragon had caused.
The ship’s captain of course blamed Zollin for the whole ordeal, and had sent word that he was to leave the ship once they reached the harbor. Zollin might have argued the point, but he knew they had been lucky to survive in the open waters. It gave the dragon too much of an advantage and put too many people at risk. Zollin had spent the remainder of his time on board transmuting some lead weights into gold. He also fashioned Mansel a new sword. This time the warrior had made some specific requests. The sword was slightly longer that the previous weapon, with the lower part of the blade thicker and serrated. It was a true broadsword, made to be wielded with a two-handed grip. Zollin thought the weapon was too heavy, but Mansel made the weapon sing. He practiced with it on deck, and his speed and skill with the blade was almost frightening to behold.
As they sailed into the harbor, Zollin was surprised by the number of ships. He, Mansel, and Eustice were leaning on the rail at the bow, taking in the sights of the port and harbor.
“What’s with all the ships?” Mansel asked.
“I don’t know,” Zollin said.
Eustice waved his hands, pointing to himself and then Mansel’s sword, then making a wave-like motion and pointing north.
“What’s he saying?” Mansel said.
“I’m not sure.”
Eustice pointed to the ships in the harbor and then pretended to march like a solider. “Oh, you mean these are the ships that brought the army north?” Zollin asked.
Eustice nodded enthusiastically.
“Well, I guess that makes sense,” said Mansel. “We made good time traveling south.”
“But why are there so many ships?” Zollin asked. “There are enough in the harbor to
transport both armies.”
“And that is strange because?” Mansel asked.
“Why would the troops from Osla stop in Falxis?”
“Maybe it’s just to get fresh supplies.”
“I don’t know,” Zollin said. “If you’d just been defeated, would you want to stop somewhere or get home as quickly as possible?”
Mansel thought about the question for a moment, then agreed. “Okay, so it’s a bit strange. I guess we could poke around a bit and find out what’s happening. But I wouldn’t go bragging about who you are. I doubt there are many friendly people around here.”
“Agreed,” Zollin said. “Eustice and I will get horses and supplies-you get information.”
“I know exactly where to go,” Mansel said, smiling.
“How could you? You’ve never been to Lixon Bay before, have you?”
“No, but taverns are the place to get the latest gossip. Buy a few rounds and men will share their darkest secrets,” Mansel said.
“I’ll remember that,” Zollin said. “Just don’t get falling down drunk. We need to ride hard.”