After a while, Liam motioned for me to follow him, and we walked a short distance away from the others. “What’s your plan?” I asked. “These people aren’t going to get much further without rest or food.” “I know. There’s a village I know of nearby. It’s only another couple hours away. I’m sure they would help us.” “No.” Liam’s eyes widened. “No? Look at these people, they’re not going to make it as far as we need to go without stopping.” “And the Dragon King will destroy that village if he finds out they helped us.” “How can you know that?” My temper rose, the urge to punch Liam for his impertinence making my arm muscles twitch. I took a breath and reminded myself that he didn’t know anything about me, or my past. I couldn’t justify hitting him for that lack of knowledge. Keeping my tone as calm as I could, I answered his question. “I know because he tried to destroy my own village for protecting a single dragonling.” I don’t know if it was my answer, or the expression on my face, but Liam backed down. “I’m sorry.” “Never mind. We should be able to find some berries and roots to eat. It won’t be much, but we won’t starve. How long until we reach your safe place?” “Two more days.” “Good. I’m going to see what I can forage close by.” After a few minutes, I was joined in my search by a woman from the group who was good with plants. By the time darkness had fallen, we had found enough for everyone to have a couple mouthfuls. Liam had been busy. He’d sent the woman to join me, and organized the few others who weren’t completely exhausted to share in a watch overnight. I admit, I was impressed. With a little more experience, he would make a good leader. After making my intention to share in the watch later that night, I settled down under a tree to sleep for a few hours. As I drifted off, I wondered where the little dragonling that had brought destruction to my home was now. *** Halfway through the next day we crossed a road, and I realized that the hills in the distance looked familiar. Once we were back under the cover of the forest, I hurried to the front of the group and asked Liam to stop. “Why? We can’t stay close to the road for long.” “This is close to where the Dragon King’s soldiers ambushed me.” I said, already moving away and climbing up onto a rock. Before Liam could protest, I put my fingers in my mouth and gave a short, shrill whistle.
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