Chapter 5
1257 Words
5
The return journey was a little longer because we had to stop at every river, stream, creek, and overflowing puddle so I could stick my hand into the water. Some of the waters weren't as glamorous as the pool.
I winced as I slipped my hand into the sixth puddle that day. The gooey mud squished around my fingers. I shuddered when something slithered over my knuckles.
My three companions sat on their horses nearby. One of them, Darda, had a frown on her face as she looked down at my hunched figure. "Must she do this for every puddle we come across? It is very demeaning to My Lady."
"Unfortunately, it is very necessary," Xander answered her with pursed lips. "The five gods may be anywhere in the world, so we must check everywhere."
I drew out my hand and flicked the mud off as I stood. "This puddle only goes up to an underground spring, and the only thing in there were a couple of blind fish."
Darda slipped off her horse with a handkerchief in hand and pursed her lips as she scrubbed my fingers. "Surely there must be a better way than for My Lady to stick her hand in every muck hole."
Spiros turned his face to Xander. "Would it not be better to try the larger bodies of water first? After all, if what the librarian says is true and these gods are a danger to our world than they are most likely going to cause trouble where they can do the most damage."
Xander furrowed his brow. "What you say has merit
A sly smile slipped onto Spiros's lips. "Merit, sense, and a certain quickness to our otherwise slow speed."
A smile teased the corners of Xander's mouth. "Are there any other adjectives you wish to add?"
Spiros furrowed his brow a moment before he shook his head. "None that quite capture the great weight of those I have already used, but here me out. There is the majestic lake at Alexandria. It is fed by a great number of streams and creeks, and-"
"-and is cleaner than these horse-trodden puddles," Darda spoke up as she finished cleaning my hand so that we both climbed back onto our horses.
Spiros bowed his head to her. "I accept the addition, and say it is certainly a cleaner location to start the search. If such a grand lake holds no clues than flying may be a better option."
A shadow passed over Xander's brow that made me frown, but he nodded. "We will try the lake first, and go from there."
We continued on our journey and I didn't have to stick my hand into any other dirty puddles or quick streams. Unfortunately, my mind was now muddied with thoughts of Xander's dark look.
I sidled up close beside him and lowered my voice. "What's wrong?" He shook his head, but I leaned over and set my hand atop his and caught his eyes in mine. "Tonight. Our tent. Be there and tell me."
He smiled and bowed his head. "As my Maiden wishes."
I slipped my hand off his and gave a wink. "As Miriam wishes," I corrected him.
Night couldn't come soon enough, but eventually we stopped and made camp for the night. The fire crackled in the makeshift ring of rocks Spiros had constructed as I wandered over to Xander's and my small tent. It was one of those triangular operations with flaps on either end for privacy. I lifted the front flap and found my dragon lord stretched out on the blankets we shared. It would have been a sensually tempting sight except for the contemplative expression on his face.
"Spiros sure can use his breath to start a fire," I commented as I slipped inside and plopped myself beside him.
Xander nodded. "Yes. He has always had an excellent talent for outdoor activities."
I leaned my back against his stomach and looked him in the eyes. "So are you going to tell me why you suddenly have a problem with flying, or do I have to tickle it out of you?"
He pursed his lips and looked down at the ground. "I do not trust myself."
I arched an eyebrow. "With what?"
"With my transformation."
"With your dragon transformation?" He nodded. I sat up and frowned at him. "But you just did it a week ago in the library."
"It was at that point that I became concerned about my transformation," he revealed as he lifted his eyes to mine. "As a dragon lord I have always known power, but not in the quantity I felt when I battled the griffin."
I wrinkled my nose. "But you had that much power when you fought the Red Dragon, and when you fought me in the cavern."
He shut his eyes and turned his face away. "That is what I fear."
"You think you're going to turn into that huge dragon?" I guessed.
"Yes."
I shrugged. "That's fine."
His eyes flew open and he whipped his head in my direction. "You would wish for me to attempt to kill you?"
I snorted. "No, but I beat you before, so I can do it again. You'd just need a good slap across the face with my water powers and you'd be as right as rain."
He arched an eyebrow. "Have you mastered the skill that purifies people?"
"No, but the slapping part should be fun. Besides-" I grinned and playfully pushed against his chest, "-maybe I'll knock some sense into you and you'll remember that I'll never let anything happen to you, and I expect the same thing from you."
A crooked smile slipped onto his lips and one of his arms wrapped around my waist. He pinned my back against his chest and pressed a teasing kiss on my cheek. "My little Maiden. My ever-loving and caring Miriam."
I rolled my eyes, but couldn't hide my smile. "You say that to all the beautiful, adorable-"
"Modest?" he suggested.
"And modest Maidens," I teased.
Xander wrapped both arms around me and drew me down so I was forced to stretch myself out on the blankets beside me. He buried his face in my neck and took a deep breath of my scent. "There is only one Maiden for me."
I turned around and snuggled against his warm, smooth chest. A sigh escaped my lips as I closed my eyes and let myself relax. "Good. I'd hate to have to kill a rival."
He chuckled. The soft vibrations rippled through me. "I would hate to watch such a the pitiless battle."
My face fell and I looked up into his face. "You think we're up for a battle with these gods?"
He pressed me closer to himself and sighed. "I cannot believe they would leave this world willingly."
"Maybe it's as easy as ringing the bell and they leave," I suggested.
"Perhaps, but if the librarian entrusted both of us with this task then he must believe it will not be easy to get so near them," he pointed out.
There came a soft scratching at the front of our tent followed by Spiros's playful voice. "Do not discount your loyal friends so easily, My Lord. We, too, would like a chance to offend the gods."
Xander chuckled. "You will no doubt get that chance, my dear captain, but at this moment not to sleep is our offense-"
"-and tomorrow we do battle with the saddles," I added.
"A good night to you, then, My Lord and Lady," Spiros replied.
"Goodnight," I returned.
"Sleep well, My Lady," Darda called to me.
"'Night, Darda," I replied.
I heard our companions retire to their tents. The gentle crackle of the fire and a soft breeze against the side of the tent allowed me to drift to sleep.
- Writer
