Dragon Riders (Book 3 of the Dragon Series)

Chapter 9 Elle

Elle

“Everett, we have a problem,” I linked as Becky crumbled against Ludo with news of her mother. “Becky’s mom is missing from Dragoon.”

“When?” he replied, and I could feel his anxiety spiking.

“I think just now,” I said. “She called home to see if they were on lockdown, and that’s when she found out.”

“Where are you? I need to speak to her,” he said in his chief voice.

“Front hall,” I replied, and the link closed. I turned to the others to see Becky still in Ludo’s arms. “Everett is coming down; he has some questions. Why don’t we go sit in the living room.”

Ludo gently nudged Becky to the living room as she tried to collect herself. Everett appeared behind me and put his hand on my back.  The gentle touch soothed my nerves, but I couldn’t imagine what Becky must be feeling.

“What’s going on?” Everett asked the room.

“I called home, and my dad answered,” Becky said in between deep breaths.  “He was upset and said that mom went missing. She went for a walk and didn’t come back. They have been searching for her all night and today.’

“We need to go and investigate,” Elias said. “It’s the freshest lead we have.”

“We can’t unless Dragoon requests Black Wing's help,” Everett said. “We arent allied.”

“What about Freyja?” Ludo asked. “She is the protector.”

“Freyja and Elle can, but no one else can intervene,” Everett answered.

“I can though, I’m still technically a Dragoon member,” Becky said. “And I can request you to come as my guests.”

“You and Ludo should go to Dragoon and request an invitation to assist,” Everett said. “Elias, Ginny, Gwen, and Elle, you go to Fire Eater, and when you can get to Dragoon, go.  Elle, can you coordinate with Fire Eater to have their tribe evacuate and come to Black Wing?”

“I was on my way to suggest that when this happened, ”I said, and he smiled at me.

“Great minds, kitten,” he said with a wink.

“When do we leave?” Elias asked.

“As soon as possible,” Everett said. “Go pack some bags. Becky and Ludo, do you need to go back home to get packed?”

“I have a duffle bag of clothes in my car,” Becky said. “Sometimes I have to change outfits. But I don’t think Ludo has much.”

“I can pack extra for you,” Elias offered.

“You guys remember I have a room here, right?” Ludo said. “Miss. Patricia insisted I keep something here in case I ever needed it. So I’m all set, but thanks for the offer.”

“Well, then go pack it,” Ginny said. “We need to run to the cottage real quick and get the car.”

“Wait, we have only had that explorer for three months; let Elle drive,” Elias called out as he chased after her.

Ludo took Becky to his room to pack some things while Gwen hurried to hers to do the same. Everett checked his watch and sighed before pulling out his phone and calling Freyja.

“Freyja, have you heard about…?” he began and paused to listen.

“About the crash and the missing Dragoon?” I heard her say as clear as if she were beside me.

“The missing Dragoon is Becky’s mother,” he said, and she gasped.

“Oh, poor Becky!” she cried.

“I know; she’s doing okay for the moment,” he said. “But she and Ludo are on their way to Dragoon, and Elle and the others will be coming to Fire Eater. Becky has to get permission to go on Dragoon territory, and once that happens, the others will go. If you want to go as soon as they get there, you can. I asked Elle to coordinate a way for the tribe members for Fire Eater to seek refuge here.”

“That’s a solid plan; I like it,” Freyja agreed. “How long will it take for them to arrive?”

“They are driving, so it will be about six to seven hours,” Everett answered. “Not sure it takes to get to Dragoon.”

“Dragoon is about an hour east of Fire Eater,” Freyja said. “So it will be about the same. Keep me posted with any changes.”

“Same to you,” he said, and they hung up. “You should go pack too, kitten.”

“I wish you could come with me,” I said and hugged him. 

“All part of being Chief,” he said. “I want you to be safe, Elle. Do not go anywhere alone, okay? Stay with Elias and Freyja.”

“I can protect them too,” I said and kissed him.

“Well, I’m more concerned for your safety,” Everett said. “Now go pack; I need to talk to mom about getting prepared for the Fire Eaters.”

“Okay,” I sighed and went to walk away, but he pulled me back to him for a kiss that was a bit different. It was one of those eager, just one last time just in case type kisses, and I let it linger.

Without a word, Everett pulled away and headed towards the garden where his dad was with his mom. I hurried up to our room to pack a bag of my essentials. I was thankful I decided to have a toiletry bag prepared for emergency travel. I packed about five outfits, workout clothes, hiking boots, and since something told me this would be a long one, I added Evvie, my stuffed dragon. I take him with me on trips without Everette. Spritzing his cologne on Evvie, I packed him into the bag and zipped everything up.

Ludo was in the front hall with Becky and Patricia, who seemed to be hugging Becky tightly. Dad stood beside me and rested his good hand on my shoulder. He smiled at me, but I could see the worry in his eyes.

“I know, dad, but it will be okay,” I said, patting his hand. “We will figure this out and get everyone back home safely.”

“I know you will do your best, darling,” he said and kissed my cheek. “Just be safe, and know that I love you.”

“I love you too,” I said and hugged him.  “I’m sorry that we probably won’t make it to Greece, but I promise that you will go with me when we can.”

“Don’t worry about me,” he said. “I’m sure we will get there soon.”

“Okay, my lovelies, come and give mom a hug,” Patricia said as Elias and Ginny came in.

We circled around, and she gave each of us a hug and a kiss. Denny shook Ludo and Elias’s hands and hugged each girl, grumbling out a be safe in his quiet tone. He was never one for long speeches.

“Take care of them,” Everett ordered Elias with a punch to the shoulder that Elias returned. “That’s a direct order from the chief.”

“Your father never ordered someone with a punch,” Patricia said in a chiding tone.

“That's how they say they love each other,” Ginny said. “Instead of using words, they punch each other like idiots.”

“Aye,” Everett and Elias said at the same time, then they laughed at each other.

“Good Goddess,” Patricia sighed. “Give our regards to Fire Eater and tell Freyja we love her. We will take care of everything here, so focus on Dragoon. If you need anything, let us know.”

“Of course,” I said. “We love you, and we will see you soon.”

We loaded the bags into the cars, and Patricia managed to pack two baskets full of food for both groups.  Ludo and Becky got into her little blue sedan while the rest of us piled into Elias and Ginny's new explorer. I decided to drive because it would help keep my mind off of missing Everett. Elias was my navigator and Deejay. He was in charge of the music, while Gwen and Ginny kept the conversations light and easy.  I know we were all concerned about what was going on, but we all learned to enjoy the good times when we can because things are about to get more complex.

The Goddess told me I would face many challenges, but I also knew that the good would overcome the evil as long as I did everything I could. I just wish I had a clue what we were up against.