Dragon's Future--Chapter 20 b

It was mid-afternoon when the four set out.  Braidyn searched the skies for dragons, as he led the way to the wagon.  He had been right.  After just a few minutes, they caught sight of the wagon tracks.  The tracks sunk deep into the sand as if they were carrying a heavy load.  Within the five minutes, they found the end of the tracks and the wagon hidden under some sagebrush as Braidyn had said.  A thorough investigation of the wagon found a pouch that Carryl used filled with healing herbs, some leather bindings such as riders use to create halters for young dragons, and a cloak.  

"What're these?" Casey asked holding up the braided leather.

"Those are used when you are training a dragon to fly with a group," Ruskya explained.  "Usually, the dragon is too little to be ridden, but the rider flies on
another dragon, calling the dragon to follow."

"What would they need them for though?" Kyn wondered.

"I don't know," Ruskya replied.

"Do ya think Carryl will need these herbs?" Casey asked next.

The question hung in the air.

"Let's hope not," Ruskya said, swallowing the fear that wanted to build up.

"Why did they take her?" Braidyn asked in a quiet voice.

No one had an answer.  

"The other question would be why stop out here in the middle of nowhere?" Kyn stated.

"Prob'ly so's we didn't just follow 'em straight to their hide out," Casey replied.

"That makes sense," Ruskya answered.  "Where are they though?"

"The attacks have all been on farms near Philippi Canyon," Kyn said thoughtfully.  "Then this is pointing right to there, also.  Is there a place where they could hide over in that area?"

"Philippi Canyon is where Carryl found the Calamadyn, also," Ruskya added.

"What's so special about this canyon?" Braidyn asked.

"Well, my father used to raise hatchlings there," Ruskya replied.  "It has also been known to have an herb that the turquoise rider wants."

"Who's the turquoise rider?" Casey inquired.

"Ruskya, the villagers have only dealt with Kyle's dragon, the aqua one," Kyn stated.

"That makes me wonder why?  Why would the turquoise rider divide his forces and send only a small group to hassle the villagers?"

"Why hassle them in the first place?" Kyn asked.

"True.  I don't understand."

"There's a whole bunch I don't understand," Casey said.  "But one thing I know.  My daughter became a rider and now other riders 'ave taken her."

Ruskya put a hand on the older man's shoulder, "Sir, I have made a vow to bring her back.  If it is within my power, she won't be hurt."

The lowering sun showed the determination in Ruskya's eyes.

"She's blessed ta half friends like ya, rider."

The four headed back to the village.  They needed to be there before dark.  

The guard reported no dragons had been seen other than Wyeth.  Ruskya encouraged them to keep on the look out.

After making the rounds, Ruskya ended at his mother's abode.  He had been invited to stay at the mercantile, but he thought it was getting a bit crowded.  He needed a place where he could think and relax.  His mother fixed him his favorite meal, and just sat and listened as he told about the day.  When he wanted to just sit and quietly stare at the fire, she let him.

He tried to communicate directly with Glendyn, but the distance was too far.  So, instead he sent a message through Wyeth to Wyden.  The reply came back that all was quiet at Three Spans Canyon.  Duskya sent her greetings and encouraged him to stay in one piece.  He laughed at that.

Next he tried to find Carryl.  He focused on her face and her presence.  He reached out toward Philippi Canyon.  For some reason, the hatchling cave came to mind.  He blended that with his thought for her.  He saw her in his mind's eye.  There were twenty riders spread out in the cave with about ten dragons.  Most of them were sleeping, but there were others that were around the fire in the center of the cave.  Over Carryl sat a tall blonde man.  He appeared to be guarding her.  She was sleeping peacefully.  He started to call her, but thought better of it.  Just to see her and to know where she was for the moment was enough.  They would go out to Philippi Canyon before dawn.

The next morning before dawn, Ruskya was up.  Meredyth had gotten up with him despite his protests and fixed them breakfast.  Kyn was there as were Braidyn, Casey and Davyd.  Ruskya had communicated with Kyn before heading to bed that he should round up the others and meet here before dawn.

"Ya know where my daughter is?" Casey asked as soon as he saw Ruskya.

Ruskya nodded and motioned the four into Meredyth's small abode.  They took seats around the table, and Meredyth served them.

"Carryl is in the hatchling cave at Philippi Canyon," Ruskya announced.

The others stared at him blankly, but Meredyth responded with a gasp.

"It's at the south end of the canyon," Ruskya went on.  "Wyeth took me there after the three day storm."

Meredyth regained her composure and poured tea all around.

"Kyn and I will fly there by dragon.  The rest of you need to come on foot.  I want you to stay out of sight and avoid the dragons.  If all goes well, we'll sneak in and out without drawing any unwanted attention.  In the case that doesn't work, then we may need your help in creating a diversion."

"How do we know where to go?" Davyd asked.

Ruskya thought for a moment, "I can draw you a map."

"Or," Meredyth put in, "if Kyn's father is stable enough, I could show them."

All eyes looked at her.

"I know some quick paths to get there.  I also know my way around the cave.  There is a small opening that will lead out to the canyon.  It is almost invisible from anywhere except right on top of it.  Even then you wouldn't know where it leads."

"Da is doing better.  I think Mother can take care of him for now," Kyn answered.

"Then ya'll be our guide?" Casey asked.

Meredyth nodded.

One look was all Ruskya needed.  His mother's face had the same determined look that Duskya used.  

"We will need provisions.  I want to leave before dawn," was all he said instead.

The others agreed and headed out to gather what they would need.  When they reconvened, Byran had joined the group.  Ruskya weighed him.  He wondered if the man would chase revenge in place of obeying orders.

Byran just stared right back.  "I'll obey, if that's what you're worried about," he said.  "I won't go after him, unless the moment presents itself and Carryl is safe."

Ruskya nodded, "Let's go.  We'll meet up with you at the north end of the canyon."

"Mother," he called mentally.

She looked up at him.

"You will hear me call like this there.  I will give you directions.  You must tell the others what is needed to be done."

Meredyth nodded.