THE DRAGON LORDS OF ELEBOR - MIHIGO EMMANUEL (red seas under red skies txt) 📗

Mihigo. “Again, we aren’t used to moving such long distances on foot. Should our bodies begin to fail, we would become more of a hindrance than of any use.” At that point Albadeluz approached them from an almost invisible path that led off the road up the adjoining hill. “Gather fire wood I have set up a warded area for us to spend the afternoon and night.” He said to the bemused group. “What, I am not as young as I used to be; plus there is a vantage point up there so we can see any one coming our way.”

Alexandria blinked comically “When did you leave us?” she asked. “Who cares, let’s go gather fire wood I want to rest.” Ntende said as he set off for the hill top. “With that energy we could cover a few more kilometers.” Alexandria argued, but set off after him. Once at the top they had each gathered a sizable bundle of fire wood. Albadeluz set up his portable tent, and from within withdrew a rocking chair of the same make as the tent. The cushion was made of an enviable amount of what could be called Irish moss; into which Albadeluz sunk delightfully. As he did the chair begun to sway back and forth leisurely; He placed his staff on the ground beside him where it stood upright on its own. The orb at the top flashed and in its place a skillfully crafted wind chime appeared. Its melodious tune filled them with an air of serenity that generated childish beams on all their faces as they set about putting up their tents and digging a pit for the fire.

Within an hour the tents had been set up and the fire pit ready for use. Ntende and Amber lay sprawled on the grass gazing up at the sky. Mihigo and Alexandria were off hunting for game. Alexandria had argued that since they didn’t know what to expect ahead they should stock up on extra provisions while they have a chance. Mihigo went along because he had always wanted to go hunting; while Amber was more interested in chasing the sparrows that kept zipping around her playfully. As for Ntende he was fast asleep as soon as he was done setting up his tent.

Down past the escarpment to the valley, stretching out ward is the flat valley floor where Alexandria and Mihigo crouched hidden by the tall grass as they watched and stalked their prey; a large herbivore with a fawn coat, a short dark mane running down the back of the neck, complete with strong spiral horns and a short tail. They were positioned behind it and couldn’t make out its face. ‘Won’t be a problem for long.’ Thought Mihigo as Alexandria tensed her grip on her bow. He could sense her tension.

They were quite close to the creature, if it was to learn of their presence Mihigo could tell by its strong nimble legs it wouldn’t have trouble out running them; but if it were to attack that would be more of a dilemma. “You need a clear shot of his throat.” He whispered to her. “If only it would tilt its head for just a second.” She whispered back. Mihigo gazed at the sky for a moment then drew the dagger Amber had given him as he left with Alexandria. “Every predator needs claws.” She had said to him. Turning to Alexandria he spoke with a new strength, the strength of a man with a plan. “In about a minute the sun will emerge from behind the clouds, I will drew his attention and distract him with this,” he held up the dagger “when its blinded strike.” Alexandria smiled it was a simple plan she wondered why she hadn’t thought of it herself.

Mihigo’s gaze took on a deadly form, one of a fierce and sure predator. His eyes burned with a fire unlike any she had seen before. As he disappeared through the grass to the creature’s side she found her heart beat had sped up. Taking a calming breath she locked an arrow to the string of her bow and waited. A light growling sound emanated from just ahead of her. It announced its bearer, a creature of immense power prowling his territory; so sure of his power he purrs in anticipation of his next kill.

Alexandria turned her attention to where the sound was coming from. She couldn’t shoot in fear of hitting Mihigo nor could she warn him and risk the creature to pounce. As she pondered her situation the sun emerged from behind the clouds heating up the air around her. There was a rustle; she turned to see their prey move ever so cautiously so that she had a clear shot. She quickly made a decision and drew her bow string; arrow locked. She took aim. There was a flash. She let the arrow fly. Her prey collapsed lifeless to the ground.

Alexandria waited for the beast she had heard to attack but all was quite. She walked up to her kill only to find Mihigo examining the horns. “These would make good weapons, yes?” he spoke so calmly she couldn’t believe it. Had he not heard the beast? Mihigo noticed her expression. “What’s the matter?” he asked. “Didn’t you hear the creature growling, we are not alone. Quickly get away from there before it decides we can be desert.” Mihigo arched an eye brow “What creature? I am not aware of any others; this one was separated from the herd which means any predators would have followed the herd.

Besides I am more of a second course, just look at all this muscle.” He then struck a comical pose. “I heard growling.” Alexandria said confused. “Well I had to get its attention somehow. By mimicking a possible predator he focused all his attention on finding me and didn’t notice you.” Alexandria’s shoulders slacked and her pupils widened in disbelief. “You…” Mihigo smiled his wicked smile “Was the dear princess worried about me?” Alexandria stuck out her chin in mock insolence “Of course not, I was worried it would scare away our food.” Mihigo chucked “Of course. Now let’s head out, it’s getting dark and I don’t want to see what prowls the night from outside Albadeluz’s protection circle.” Alexandria sighed “Agreed.”

So they began their walk back up hill to the camp and within thirty minutes they were seated by the camp fire. Alexandria grinned as she watched Amber and Ntende’s expressions listening to a highly exaggerated version of events told by Mihigo.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Sparks flew up from the dying ambers of the camp fire as a log collapsed. The chilly midnight wind blew the sparks towards Mihigo where he sat staring down at the intricately curved cover of the Book of Dragons. Its twisting glyphs formed shapes that seemed to dance in the fleeting light of the ambers. The swaying forms seemed to be moving in a pattern that Mihigo couldn’t quite figure out. For some reason he remained captivated, convinced that there was a story. He just needed to understand. Sighing sleepily he put the book back in his bag and lay down for the night.

Dawn came quickly for Mihigo. Albadeluz was the first to awaken, greeting the first rays of the sun with a booming yawn. It did the trick and the others were soon awake. Mihigo and Ntende took an hour to get washed and dressed only to find Alexandria by Albadeluz’s side. She greeted them both with an infatuating smile that lifted their spirits. A soft breeze swept the hair from her face as the sun seemed to set it ablaze. Like a velvet veil it fluttered in the wind. Mihigo and Ntende’s jaws dropped as they raced towards her. She lifted her chin in pride and opened her mouth to greet them only to have a mouth full of dust as they raced passed her.

Spluttering she rose to her feet and stared down to replenish her injured pride by thrashing them senseless. However she stopped dead in her tracks on seeing the two animals hunched over trying to liberate a chunk of meat from the spit. “You scatterbrains!” she bellowed furiously “how dare you ignore me for a carcass, I am a princess you know.” Ntende looked up at her; His lips an oily mess. “Well princess,” He spoke with a mouth full making the word sound so disgusting Alexandria’s face contorted in horror. “Can you cure our hunger, cause if not, personally, food comes first.”

Just as Alexandria was to retort a sweet voice called out “Good morning princess.” This caused Alexandria to smile. “At least someone notices me.” However as she spun to see this courteous person, she was met by a pair of glowing amber eyes, a toothy grin and what looked like a porcupine with red quills sticking out. Alexandria squealed in fear as the being rushed passed her. It stopped at the spit and begun purring a low long note. “Amber?” Alexandria asked with a quiver in her voice.

“My, you look scrumptious, hope you don’t mind me skipping the formalities.” She then tore off a large chunk of meat and delightfully bit into it. “What is wrong with you people this morning?” Alexandria asked timidly. Albadeluz walked up to her side “Their methods are crude but they have the right idea. I received a message last night; Bale Denis leader of the resistance has sent ahead a small squad to escort us to their base deep in the mountain. We won’t stop until we meet up with them; and even before we do Bale warns that an ambush awaits us in the mountain, he is sure it will be at serpent’s canyon. He already sent men ahead to clear the way but we will have to keep our guard up.”

“They already know we are coming.” It was a statement but Albadeluz could hear the question behind it. “Don’t worry, the resistance has a team of wizards in its ranks one of them must have had a vision. If he who shall not be named knew of your arrival we would be having an entirely different conversation.” As soon as they had all filled their bellies, some more than others, the small group of five were on the move again to reach the great mountains of Muhavura.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Mihigo stumbled for the third time. “Better put that book away, it’s a lot easier to carry than you if you had