“Oh my goodness, what have we here?” She bent down and picked up both little furry kittens
and cooed to them and held them to her bosom. “I take it we are the baby-sitters while mama
is off fighting.”
“Well, ah, she sort of dropped them off…” Joe was out of his league and Millie laughed at his
predicament.
“Go, off with ya; these little sweeties and I are going to get along just fine.” Millie rubbed her faced against the kittens and then looked at Joe. “Go I said, don’t worry, I’ll see to them.”
Joe left her cooing to the little cubs and returned to the front line. Stuart asked what was up
and Joe told him what had happened. Stuart and the other men laughed.
“What did you expect Joe? You found her as cub and took care of her, and then released her
to the forest when she was ready. She thinks of you as family. She knows if she should die, her cubs will be taken care of and returned to the wild when they are grown. It’s only natural that
she should bring them to you for protection.”
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“Yeah, I guess your right; I hadn’t thought about it like that. They are cute little things; and if I know Millie, she’ll keep them safe from harm.”
Both men laughed and continued inspecting the front lines. They did not notice a lone cougar
sprint across the plain heading towards Dragons Hill.
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Mariah and Trey passed over many cities; some had been burnt to the ground, some not even
touched. They saw no sign of life in or around any of them. They kept flying in a westerly
direction. When they passed over Washington, Trey recognized it. The buildings were broken
and burned, but he still knew what it was from pictures he had seen as a boy; he was appalled
at the damage. They did not stop but continued on their way, across the country. The land was
devastated and scorched in many areas. And yet, as they kept going westerly, both commented
that it appeared that some of it was trying to come back. They passed over several settlements
where the people actually came out and waved to them. Both were stunned at this, but they
didn’t dare land.
So there are survivors Mariah, Trey called to his friend, not everyone was killed, as we thought.
I think we will find much more Trey, she told her friend earnestly, I think when we find this
First; we will find a large settlement of dragons too. I have dreamt it many times.
We shall see my sweet, we shall see.
Trey was beginning to hope again, he was sure now that Mariah’s dreams were trying to tell
them something. They continued on their way, Mariah increasing her speed. More and more
settlements came into view. Land was being cultivated again and he could see crops were
growing outside of many of the settlements. But none of the large cities were inhabited; at
least they saw no signs of any people in them.
Attuned to his dragon like no other, Trey began to notice a change in her. What is it Mariah? I
can feel your excitement.
Trey, I can feel them! There are other dragons up ahead, she told him excitedly, not far, but they
are there. Oh my young friend, we are not alone!
Mariah now increased her speed even more. Hold fast Trey, we are close.
Wait Mariah, we don’t know these people or dragons… Trey was concerned for her safety.
Maybe we should go to the heights and observe first. We shouldn’t go barreling in before we know
for sure.
Perhaps you are right; I am just so thrilled that there are more of us.
She cut her speed and headed for the heights; both carefully observing the ground below.
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Rah and Lady Jennie were flying up in the heights on their way to the location of the first of the crossbow weapons. The Harpies were delighted to show them were it was and to be in their
company. They heaped praises on the two dragons and complimented them profusely. Being
dragons, they could not refuse such compliments; vanity is their Achilles heel. They found the
weapon and the dragons dove on it at supersonic speed; flaming it before those operating it
could fire off a shot. They flew back to the heights and the Harpies praised them on their
speed and flame. They led them to the second location, but it had been moved. They passed it
up saying they would return later; and went to the third location and took it out just as quickly as the first. The men on the ground barely had time to realize what was happening before they
were engulfed in flames. And so it went for several hours, each one taken out quickly and
efficiently. When all were accounted for they returned to the area where the second one was
supposed to be. The Harpies searched all around trying to find it while the dragons stayed in
the heights. Artuk, their leader, flew to the heights and gave the dragons an update.
These men are as sly as foxes. They have covered their trail well. It will take some time, but we
will find it, he promised. Return to the One, and we will come for you when we locate it.
Thank you Artuk, we have great faith in your abilities, Rah said praising him.
Rah and Lady Jennie returned to Dragons Hill and informed Jake of all that had happened.
They remained on the mesa waiting for the call from the Harpies that they had found the last
weapon.
While waiting, Lady Jennie inquired of her rider, My Michael, how are you doing playing
shadow?
I am just fine, my sweet, he told her; it’s just a lot of waiting. I don’t think he will make his move
until the battle begins.
You take care my friend; I worry for your safety. Her voice changed to deep concern; do not let
this madman harm you.
Michael picked up on her fear, I shall be careful my sweet. Do not worry yourself so; I am only
here to back up Jake.
Ah, I must go, the Harpy has returned. Take great care, my Michael.
The Harpy flew to Rah and landed on his wing, a place of honor to the mighty bird. He raised
his head up; his double crest displayed prominently, and keened success.
We have found the hiding place mighty Rah, but it is concealed well. It has the protection of the
caves. It will be most difficult to flame it without getting hit by the killing stick.
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Show us from on high were it is located my brave and resourceful friend, Rah praised the bird on his efforts; we will decide how to render it useless once we see it.
Follow me mighty one; the Harpy said as it took to the air, it is not too far. Both dragons took to the air following the large Harpy.
High above, Mariah and Trey were passing over Evansville. Trey recognized the fortifications
around the town, and knew it meant that this town was under siege. He called quickly to his
friend:
Mariah, look below. It seems that that settlement is getting ready for a fight.
And look to the mountain beyond Trey, she pointed out; see the large force coming up its side.
Suddenly she exclaimed, ugh, they have the smell of death on them. Even way up here I can feel
and see it; they are evil men Trey.
Well, maybe we can offer our help the town below. What do you say, should we help the people in
the settlement? He asked her, but she turned her head quickly.
Ho! Look to the forest they are approaching Trey, she slightly tilted to the right, do you see the
wolves that are lying in wait for them. This community is in harmony with the wildlife. Let us
hold and see what happens, Mariah cautioned, there must be just cause for a dragon to flame a
human.
Trey knew better than to second-guess her judgment, Okay Mariah; we’ll just wait for a bit.
Oblivious to the presence of the other dragon in the air close by, Rah and Lady Jennie followed
the Harpy to the heights and hovered as her fellow Harpies flew to location of the wooden
crossbow. Sure enough, it was concealed inside a natural cavern. They could wheel it out a
short distance and fire the weapon, and then retreat to the safety of the cavern to reload.
Rah, let me fly down and attract their attention. Lady Jennie continued, when they fire, you could
swoop down on them and destroy it before they can reload.
Rah snorted , you are not as fast as you think, my mate. And if they see you coming, you could be
badly injured.
Rah, we need to put this weapon out of commission. There is only one sure way. I am touched by
your concern for my welfare, and it is appreciated; but this must be done…
With that Lady Jennie dove at supersonic speed directly at the hidden cave; Rah’s roar of
protest echoing in her ears.
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Trey and Mariah suddenly became aware of Lady Jennie diving on the forest below. They
watched in fascination.
Damn, she’s fast, said a very excited Trey.
She is beauty and grace in motion… echoed Mariah breathlessly.
The men on the ground saw Lady Jennie make her dive and waited till the last possible second
to fire. The spear went thru the trees and into the air faster than she anticipated. Lady Jennie quickly pulled up and made a perfect one-eighty degree turn in mid-air. Unfortunately, she
was not fast enough on the getaway and the spear grazed her side and pierced her right wing,
lodging there.
She roared in surprise but quickly recovered calling to her mate…
I am all right Rah; fire the weapon before they reload.
Rah roared loudly, and dove on the weapon in rage. He fired the crossbow before the men
could reload it; and those who ran to the back of the cave found no safety there. Small arms
fire erupted from the surrounding forest and he directed his attention to them firing the area,
knowing there were more evil men hiding there.
While this was going on, Lady Jennie was trying to make it back to Dragons Hill, but instead
began spiraling down to the ground rather quickly. She landed with a thud that took her
breath away. She knew she was some miles from where she left Rah; and she also ‘felt’ there
were evil men nearby.
High above watching what was taking place, Trey and Mariah dove below and followed the
injured dragon. Mariah called below to her and offered her aid and cover.
Ho dragon, may we aid you in any way? I am called Mariah; and this is my rider Trey. Mariah explained further, we have newly arrived in this area and saw what took place.
I thank you for the kind offer Lady Mariah; I think I may need some help to return to Dragons
Hill. I am Lady Jennie, mate to Rah, First Wing to Jake. We fight the marauders; evil lawless
men who kill and take from others. They are a pestilence on this land that must be removed.
Lady Jennie tried to lift and roared at the pain.
Trey, seeing her predicament, asked with respect; Excuse me Lady Jennie, but you are injured
and there are men running to this area. May we assist you?
Lady Jennie looked up in surprise; you can speak to me without aid?
Of course I can – why, am I breaking some protocol? Trey asked earnestly expressing concern in his voice. I mean no disrespect my lady, but you must get moving.
It is simply unusual for one to speak without help from his dragon, replied Lady Jennie.
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Trey, some evil men are nearby, they have weapons. I believe I am justified in flaming them.
Come, we must do this quickly. Lady Jennie watched in surprise as they quickly rose up 200
feet. Concentrate my young friend and direct to that group of trees to the left.
Ok Mariah, I see them. Trey centered himself and let go of all other thought. He concentrated on the forest and suddenly everything became clear; he saw the men hiding among the trees,
saw their terrible weapons.
Now Mariah, full force!
Mariah let loose a flame so strong and so hot that the entire area was incinerated in an instant.
Nothing but a large black circular patch of land remained. Lady Jennie could not believe her
eyes. Never had she seen a dragon flame so hot and so intense, except for Jake; and the White.
The beautiful dragon returned and hovered over Lady Jennie, asking if she could get into the
air.
Yes, I believe I can, but I cannot stay there, Lady Jennie said with a quiver in her voice. She was feeling the pain now from the spear.
I will slide my wing under your damaged wing and take you to your home base. Mariah informed her, but first Trey must remove the spear from your wing. Do you give consent?
By all means, remove the nasty thing. She took a deep breath, and thank you for your aid and
kindness.
Trey slid off of Mariah and sprinted to the injured dragon. He studied the position of the spear and then went to the front of the dragon and bowed slightly.
My lady, I can give you only five minutes of freedom from pain once I pull it out. You will have to
get into the air during that time. Can you do it?
What are you talking about rider? She asked not understanding his meaning.
My rider has healing abilities, Mariah explained, but he has spent himself firing on the men.
Trey moved to the side and climbed on to Lady Jennie’s wing. He grabbed the end of the large
spear and began to twist it, pulling it out of her wing at the same time. Once it was removed he laid his hands on her injury and concentrated. Suddenly Lady Jennie felt no pain. Trey then
ran to Mariah and climbed on.
Aah…! Relief at last, get ready… here I go. Lady Jennie leaped into the air.
Mariah glided over to her and slid under Lady Jennie’s injured wing and felt the weight of her
body. Carefully they rose up and followed Lady Jennie’s directions to Dragon’s Hill.
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5
Sensing the approach of Rah, Lady Jennie warned her newfound friends, my mate is c