Overnight Journey
Drock didn’t find Dev, but he found a ghost dragon named Astrid who looked familiar from the day Drock had brought Dev here. She seemed to have a faint recollection of a boy who’d stayed a night or two. After Drock described Dev, Astrid began to remember a little more, until she recalled a strange moment when she said Dev had tied a long braid of grass around her talon. She couldn’t remember why, though.
“That’s strange,” said Drock. “Where did he get long grass around here?” The cavelands bordered a desert. The forest was beyond it, but not conveniently close to the area where the ghost dragons dwelled.
Astrid squeezed her eyes shut, thinking hard. And then they flew open. “It wasn’t here!” she exclaimed. “It was by the palace! Yes! The Devastator—that’s what I called him. He’s at Ashguard’s palace. And he told me to tell some dragon named Drock to find him there.”
“That would be me,” said Drock. “Many thanks, Astrid.”
“The recent stuff is more difficult to remember,” said Astrid.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean things that just happened are impossible to recall. But I can tell you what happened forty years ago.”
Drock smiled kindly. “Perhaps you could do that sometime.”
Astrid looked at him. “Do what?”
Drock’s smile didn’t fade, but he changed the subject. “I was wondering if you would like to take another trip to the palace to look for Dev. Our friend Florence needs a ride. She’s standing right over there, the tall black warrior statue. We want to give Gorgrun and Quince a little break after all the flying they’ve done lately.”
“I would be delighted,” said Astrid. Together the two dragons walked over to where Florence was gathering up items to take with her. She had some ropes from their supply chest and a sturdy sack of components for Fifer, including plenty of send components so they could stay in touch without worry. Drock introduced Astrid and let Florence know that Dev had last been seen at the palace too.
“That’s strange,” said Florence. “He’s not there now. Fifer said she was alone.”
“Perhaps he’s hiding in the surrounding area if there are dragons there,” said Drock, looking worried. “I hope he’s all right. I told him to stay out of Grimere at all costs. The Revinir thinks she threw him out the tower window to his death, but I managed to grab him just in time.”
Florence gazed at the adolescent dragon. “You’ve turned into quite a hero, Drock,” she said. “We are grateful for all you’re doing to help us. And we’re eager to get your mother and siblings out of the Revinir’s grip.”
Drock seemed uncomfortable yet pleased with the praise. “I want that too. Thank you. I’ll be going now—I can’t stay away from Grimere for too long. Back to the castle. I’ll let you know if I find out anything.”
“Maiven will be here awaiting news. Simber, too. I’ll be gone for a day or so, but don’t be surprised if you see a ghost dragon in fog formation moving near the castle with a rider or two.”
“I’ll be on the lookout for an unusually low-flying cloud of fog,” Drock promised. With a good-bye to Astrid, the dark purple dragon took off and sailed low toward the forest beyond the strip of desert.
Florence reintroduced herself to Astrid in case the ghost dragon had forgotten her and warned her that she was quite heavy. But Astrid didn’t seem troubled by it. “Do you know where Ashguard’s palace is?” Florence asked her, even though she knew Astrid had been there recently.
“The palace,” said Astrid. “Oh yes. It’s a beautiful place. Red and purple and gold. It’s not far beyond that line of mountains. Would you like to go there?”
“Indeed I would,” said Florence.
“Then climb aboard.” Astrid dipped her wing and used her tail to help Florence climb on. When Florence was settled, Astrid turned to look at her. “Where to, madam?”
Florence and Simber exchanged a smile and nodded their good-byes. “To Ashguard’s palace, if you please,” said Florence. “It’s just over those mountains.” To Simber she said, “I’ll see you in a day or so.” She glanced at Rohan, who seemed to have pulled himself together a bit after the pep talk and was chatting with Seth while they ate dinner. “If Maiven sends Rohan to the castle, suggest someone go with him.”
Simber nodded. “I will. Be carrreful.”
“Count on it.”
By the time they headed out, it was dark. Florence sent Fifer another message to let her know she was on the way and to expect her in the morning. And then she settled back for a long ride.
In the palace library, Dev began whittling a new long spear while Fifer paged through the book about killing dragons, looking at the drawings. They discussed what to tell Florence about preparing for an attack, since they hadn’t heard any news from Thisbe.
“Are you sure the dragons can’t hurt your warrior trainer?” Dev asked.
“She’s carved from stone. Fire won’t hurt her. And she says the ghost dragons can’t get hurt. I’m not going to argue. Plus, she’s going to try to drop some components for me. When she gets closer, I’ll tell her where to aim.”
“She’s going to have to throw them from quite a height,” said Dev skeptically.
“She’s got excellent aim. I’m not worried—wait’ll you see her. You’ll get what I mean. Besides, she can’t be hurt, remember?”
“All right. If you say so.” Dev didn’t seem convinced, but he’d never met Florence before and had met only a few living statues in his life. “Why not have Simber come?”
“Simber is susceptible to very hot fires. I’m guessing that’s why.”
The most recent message from Florence came rushing up the stairwell. Fifer read it and looked up. “She’ll be here in the morning. We should probably turn in. I could use some sleep. My nap ended too quickly.”
“I guess that means I’m going to have to hide soon,” said Dev. “I’ll sleep here tonight, but then I’ll go to the alcove when Florence comes in case she gets a look inside the windows. I don’t want to take any chances.”
“Okay,” said Fifer, feeling a bit melancholy at the thought. “And I’m glad you’re feeling better… but please don’t try talking to the dragons again.”
Dev put down the long spear he was carving. He wasn’t making any promises. As he made the rounds, checking the windows for unusual sights, he stopped at the east window. “Hmm,” he said. “The fourth red dragon is back.”