Chater 32

            Cody was completely unsure about what he was feeling. Mordon’s words made sense now that they discovered that he had been poisoned.  For some reason, the rider felt an overwhelming sense of despair and fear, but since the guard had been so insulting to Inferno, he didn’t expect such feelings. Even the dragon seemed to be a little sad about it.

            Mora suddenly ran up to her brother and gave him a big hug before saying, “We’ll get you to Morgran and you’ll be fine!”

            Mordon shook his head and sat up straighter without difficulty before saying, “I don’t know what kind of poison this could be, so the healers of Morgran won’t know either. Besides, I probably won’t last more than the rest of the day. As far as I’ve seen, even Inferno won’t be able to get me there in time if there was a cure, unless someone was left behind to get killed by the bandits.”

            While Mora started crying over what her brother had said, Inferno butted into Cody’s thoughts, “He used my actual name. Why do you suppose he did that?”

            “I don’t know,” Cody replied honestly. “But I’m sure he’ll address that later.”

            “What can we do?” Pippi asked Mordon sadly, somehow identifying him as the true leader of their little group.

            Mordon smiled and replied, “My only chance for survival is the bandits, because they are the only ones within reach that can save me.”

            “But they’ll kill you!” Mora protested angrily, but the true heartbreak in her voice was evident.

            “I would rather die a quick and painless death than a slow and painful death that the poison will cause. Plus, if I actually went with you it would only slow you down and it would be possible for the bandits to catch us all, and then where would we be? Besides, I’m betting that they don’t want to kill me, so if I can become their prisoner to save everyone, I will,” came Mordon’s logical response.

            “But then I won’t know whether you’re alive or not, and I could spend my whole life not knowing!” Mora wailed.

            Mordon gave her a stern look before saying, “I think that’s better than having us all be dead, isn’t it? Try not to think so selfishly, and realize that your feelings and my life are a small price to pay for all of their lives.”

            The whole scene was somewhat uncomfortable for Cody, Inferno, and probably Lars, who hadn’t really known Mordon. And what little they had gotten to know of him was that he was very mistrustful and rude. That was enough to increase the confusion in their thoughts as well.

            “Why are you suddenly thinking more for us now?” Cody asked, interrupting something that Mora had been saying.

            Mordon looked at him carefully before replying, “I guess I just finally realized that you were trustworthy, especially after you all risked your lives for this rescue. And I suppose if Pippi is so ready to accept you, I should be too.”

            “Where will I go?” Mora asked, a tear streaming down her face.

            Mordon gave her a warm, comforting smile before replying, “Go with Cody and help him save his friends. Then you might all be able to come back and save me, eh?”

            Mora’s fiery eyes glittered with hope and she nodded as more tears began to fall down her cheek. She held onto her brother’s hand as if it was a lifeline, before he pulled it away and stood. Then Mordon patted Inferno’s shoulder thoughtfully before walking over to the tree that Cody had slept against the other night, and he leisurely sat down once more.

            “Being the captain of the guard, I can’t guarantee that I’ll be allowed to live, but for your sake, Mora, I hope I am,” Mordon said with a sigh as he closed his eyes.

            “Shouldn’t we inform the people of Morgran that you’re gone?” Pippi suggested as she failed to hide the sorrow in her own voice.

            Mordon nodded and said, “That would be a fine idea. Mora is respected enough by the citizens of the city that she’ll be able to explain Pippi and Lars’s trustworthiness, but as we’ve already said before, a dragon black as night and his rider would be much harder to explain, especially after Cody shot an arrow at one of the guards.”

            “We don’t need to go then,” Cody said.

            “It would be best,” Mordon argued. “Since you are a rider, and human at that, I can’t say for sure how the people will react. They could either practically worship you, or try to kill you. But, you need arrows and a great deal of other things. Plus, I’m sure making your presence known to all of Semiones is a good idea, and Morgran is a good place to start. As I’ve said before, however, Mora can only help Lars and Pippi get respect. If she tries to vouch for you when the people don’t like you, all of you could be in danger.”

            “He has a very valid point, we could get many great things and it would be a very worthwhile trip to at least fly over and announce our existence,” Inferno agreed with a growl.

            Cody was scared, but knew it was a good option, so he said, “I suppose so, but first I’ll see about what else we may be able to learn.”

            After Inferno softly growled his agreement, Cody asked, “Then what would you have us do?”

            Mordon chuckled slightly at the words that seemed to give him unusually high respect, before he explained, “There is no way all of you can enter at once without attracting attention, and it’s probably best that you don’t interact with each other once inside. I suggest that Lars, Pippi, and Mora go in about an hour earlier and explain what they have to. Then, you can swoop in and coolly and calmly command respect. From there you will either be chased away and you can meet the others outside after a day or two, or you will be given a top-notch place to sleep for free, and possibly many valuable gifts. You can stay there for a few days to collect everything you desire for little to no money, and meet up with the others when you’re done.”

            “You seem to have this very well played out,” Cody said in slight surprise.

            “Indeed I do, I guess my mind is acting faster than it should, possibly an effect of the poison. Whether I’m delusional or not, Mora can help you use my plans as a basic outline for what you’re going to do, and you can talk about it in further detail when you arrive there. You should probably make camp though, for you will likely arrive at night and it would be best to arrive in Morgran at some point in the day.”

            Cody nodded, and looked over at Mora to see if she understood. She had her left hand supporting her opposite elbow, as her right hand cupped her own cheek and her hair lay carelessly about her face. The tears seemed to be soaking her hand, and bits of her hair was sticking against the rest of her face, mostly hiding it from view. She paused for a moment as she made some sniffling noises, but then she nodded softly.

            “Mora,” Mordon called to his sister, making her turn around. “Promise me you’ll come back for me, but not until you’re sure you can make it? I want to be with you again someday, but I can wait an eternity if it will mean your safety.”

            Mora nodded again, and Cody felt strangely about the situation. They were conversing as if they were in love, though their relationship did seem very powerful. Then again, Cody had never had a sibling, so he could never have known what they were possibly going through, so he could only imagine.

            “I will,” Mora promised as she attempted to choke back her sobs, but failed miserably.

            Before anyone could even react, she flung herself at her brother once more and locked him into a tight embrace. The tears immediately tore down her face like a flood of sorrow and she seemed to completely forget that she was being watched. She let out great gasps from being unable to take in enough air, since all she seemed to be able to do was release everything she had.

After a few dozen long and heartfelt moments, Mordon slowly pulled her away from his shoulder and attempted to wipe away her tears. But, as he kept wiping them away, more kept taking their place until he gave up and just waited a bit longer for her to stop crying on her own. Finally, Mora seemed to pull herself together and managed to look her brother in the eyes for what could have possibly been the last time. She drew away from him, as if suddenly remembering that it was his only chance.

“Now go, but no matter what happens, remember that I will always be proud of everything you’ve done and everything you do and I will do my best to come back and see your face again,” Mordon said.

Mora nodded as determination overwhelmed all of the emotion in her face, and instead she was completely eager to the day that her brother had mentioned. She nodded vigorously before she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and turned around to face her remaining companions. At this point, everyone was filled with a deep sense of grief, and it was evident that they would be mournful of his death, or imprisonment, for possible years to come.

Without a word, Cody helped her into the middle of the saddle, and gave Pippi and Larson a boost up after. Then he pulled himself on to Inferno’s back just in front of the spike that jutted from his skin before the saddle. The dragon’s sorrowful blue eyes focused on Mordon as he carefully stood and walked over. The guard’s fear seemed to be completely gone, and replaced with a deep respect for the majestic being before him.

They may not have been able to communicate verbally (or telepathically for that matter), but it was clear that between them was mutual admiration and regret for their hostile actions towards each other. Inferno closed his eyes and pushed his head closer Mordon until it was only about a foot away. The guard responded by placing his right hand on Inferno’s black snout, and he closed his eyes as well.

After a few long moments, Inferno drew away from the man and opened his eyes once more. Mordon’s eyes were opened wide to the world and he obviously had an entirely new opinion about dragons, and Inferno in particular. With a deeply mournful roar, Inferno spread his wings wide and leapt into the sky, leaving the guard behind to meet his own fate, and leading the others to their own.

~

            Just as the clearing disappeared from view a few miles behind them, the feelings grew slightly lighter. But, Inferno was beginning to tire again and would probably have to land after a bit more travel, though he was going much further and much faster than he had gone with five people on his back. Once that happened, he would be running a ways until he got tired of that and he would fly again, repeating the process until he either dropped from exhaustion like he had done that morning, or they arrive at the town, or near it at least.

            Cody sighed with relief as he slowly saw Mora’s face become a bit happier all the time, until her very stern and somber expression was more one of determination, like they had all seen before when she had promised Mordon that she would return to him. She was still very sad, which would probably take months to heal anyways, but she was improving quickly. She must have been trying to forget her troubles and enjoy the flight, and it seemed to be working astonishingly well.

            Just then, Cody heard his stomach growl and he realized that it had been a while since he had last eaten, and as Inferno noticed he said, “There is food in the saddlebags: the deer meat that you cooked about a week ago when we were still with Autumn. Our…guests may be hungry as well, and it’s the best we have.”

            Cody wasn’t thrilled about the idea of eating meat a week old, he also knew that it was all that they had and it would certainly sustain them until they managed to get to Morgran. Plus, full bellies, even with the most rotted meat, could make the group a bit more cheerful, if only slightly. Making up his mind, Cody twisted himself in his seat slightly until he was facing Larson.

            “Lars, there is some deer meat in the saddlebags if you and the others are hungry. If you could hand me some, that would be nice, but I should warn you that it’s about a week old,” Cody explained in a yell so that the mercenary could hear him over the wind.

            Larson clearly heard everything he had head, especially the part about how old the food was, but he didn’t hesitate to lean back and reach into the left saddlebag, but he squished Mora in the process. Nevertheless, he faced Cody again with four chunks of meat in his hand, and he handed the largest of them all to Cody. The rider gratefully accepted, admiring the perfect-sized piece he had been handed, for someone with his small appetite anyway.

            Cody continued to watch the others with interest though, waiting for the perfect time to begin talking with them. He would have preferred to discuss their plan while Inferno was grounded so that it would be quieter and easier to talk, but if they were in the perfect mood in the air, so be it.

            A tap on his shoulder made Lars turn around to face Mora. She pointed to the chunks of venison in his hand and judging by the way her lips moved, Cody guessed that she was asking about where he got it from exactly. Then she paused and stared at Lars intently as he must have been explaining it. Suddenly, Pippi seemed interested and payed attention to their chat. Then both of the females reached into opposite saddlebags and pulled out their own meal, much to Cody’s satisfaction.

            While he waited for them to begin their eating, Cody commenced his own intake of food, and the chunk of deer meat that he had been holding was gone rather quickly. Afterwards, he focused on them once again to see that they were in more content moods. And not a moment too soon, Inferno glided down to the ground and landed somewhat shakily on the road. He took a second to yawn, before he began to walk slowly and gradually build up his speed. According to the plan, he would be doing so until he was running fast enough to get them far, but the acceleration wouldn’t be noticeable to the passengers. Meanwhile, Cody turned around completely; nearly getting his foot caught on the spike that used to be behind him, and began their discussion.

            “So Mora, do you think we should go with M-…the plans?” Cody asked. He was about to say Mordon’s plans, but he figured that bringing up his name would only get them right back to where they started again, with somber moods incapable of conversation.

            Mora seemed to miss the flaw in his sentence as she replied, “Essentially that is the idea. I suggest that Pippi, Lars, and I enter the town about two hours before you, to be safe. Then you and Inferno make whatever entrance you want, preferably the firm but gentle way that was suggested, and by then we will be long gone in my house.”

            “What do you think I should do after I do the initial confrontation?” Cody said worriedly and nervously.

            Mora smiled, which was a nice sight to see, before she answered, “Stay as long as you like, preferably between two and five nights at whatever inn they give to you, unless they chase you off, of course. If the latter occurs, we will meet you outside when all of our affairs are in order and we will leave.”

            “But if I’m accepted?” Cody asked, not realizing that he had sort of interrupted her.

            “In that case, you will spend your time doing what you wish, whether it be terrorizing the town, collecting what gifts the townspeople offer, or shopping at the local shops. When you are done, we will be camping outside, awaiting your return. But I should warn you that if you are accepted, it would be wisest to sleep nearby to Inferno to have one guard over the other. There are bound to be some people that want you dead because of his dark hide alone.”

            Cody understood, and gravely thought about what she had said. He relayed the information to Inferno soon after. The dragon had probably already picked the conversation from his mind, but it was best to make absolutely sure that they were prepared for the danger. Luckily, Inferno seemed way more prepared than anyone for what might happen, which Cody hoped would prove useful. If the town of Morgran thought poorly of them, traders and merchants as well as storytellers and people like Bragg Randy would be spreading dreadful rumors about the “Dragon of Death”, or other nonsense like that.

            “We’ll be alright,” Inferno assured his rider, though he didn’t seem too sure himself.

            “I guess we’ll find out,” Cody thought in reply.

            Inferno was silent for a while, until he said, “Stop focusing so much on negatives, and just think of the positives! If they accept us, you can get more and better weapons, perhaps have someone make another saddle so everyone is a bit more comfortable on the next step of our journey. Or…maybe armor?”

            “Armor? Why would I need armor?” Cody asked in confusion, making the dragon think deeply for another long moment.

            “I’m not saying that you should get a thick suit, just maybe some thick leather gloves, a helm of sorts, or something along those lines. Best of all, you could have someone in the town attach those scales you have in your pocket to an item of clothing, so you might be able to practice magic.”

            Cody’s eyes widened in amazement, amazement at how foolish he had been to forget about the two scales, and amazement at how close he was to being able to finally use magic. It was so close to him, and the fact that he knew nothing about magic, barely hindered his wild imagination. Although, as he thought about it, he realized that he didn’t even know what magic was capable of or what it looked like or felt like to use it.

All he had to go by was what happened to Autumn, but he was told that that was very powerful magic so it hardly helped him at all. Soon enough, his thoughts were immensely depressing as he thought about Autumn and the rest of his friends, all of which were likely dead. But he knew that he was probably suffering far less than Mora was at that exact moment, so he forced the thoughts out of his head and refocused on the potential reward only a day’s travel before him.

Most of the rest of the trip was spent in silence, but that in no way meant that the trip was dull. It was pretty obvious that everyone was enjoying the marvelous view as they flew, higher than many clouds as they swooped around with immense grace. Even when Inferno had to resort to running, his speed and majestic movements were enough to leave everyone in silent awe. Cody hadn’t really realized how much Inferno was enjoying the attention and affection he received from everyone, but he definitely was.

It was sort of nice to have company, but company that was quiet. Rider and dragon alike were enjoying their travel and the people that were utterly amazed with everything that they were. Riding Inferno seemed like an adventure every time Cody got onto his back, and even though they had passed the exact same path before, several times in fact, the scenery was magnificent from such height or from the top of a running dragon.

For miles around there seemed to be nothing but forest. Though the trees were dull and barren with the fall, they were a glorious sight from any angle, but there was no doubt that flying was the best. Inferno did his best to keep them in the air most of the time, and it was so relaxing as Cody watched the early morning sun slowly drift through the sky until the evening, and he was actually very sad that their flight would be over so soon.

For what would probably be the last time that day, Inferno carefully glided down from the sky and gently landed on the rough road below. Then, as usual, he began to walk forward. Over the next few minutes he gradually picked up his speed, until they were barreling along the path once again. The movements would appear very rough and sudden with each twitch of Inferno’s powerful paws, but from his back the ride was actually very smooth and relaxing.

Cody had actually almost fallen asleep to the last rays of sunlight as they disappeared behind the golden and silvery trees, but Inferno announced, “We’re here.”

Almost instantly the dragon slowed to a stop for seemingly no reason. Lars, Pippi, and Mora were confused because Morgran was nowhere in sight, but Cody knew that Inferno could sense it, way off in the distance, through the trees and brush.  Only a few hours of average walking separated them from the city.

They would be moving closer in the morning so that Inferno and Cody could be sure that they entered about an hour later than the others, but for now it was best to set up camp from a greater distance. Then they could more easily avoid the watchful gazes of the town’s guards and could get some very good sleep.

“Inferno says that Morgran isn’t far off, so we should rest here for the night and we can head out early in the morning,” Cody explained after seeing that they were still confused.

They didn’t seem to question the explanation, but instead slid out of the saddle and onto the hard ground. It was somewhat humorous to see them hobbling and wobbling around, since Cody had somehow grown used to the transition from dragon back to legs and it no longer bothered him as much.

When everyone was used to their own two feet again, they all took a sharp left turn into the thick forest and walked for a short ways. There didn’t seem to be much of a clearing, so Inferno slid uncomfortably between two trees and awkwardly stuck his wing out in one of the worst wing shelters Cody had ever seen. Then again, he hadn’t had much of a variety to see.

“I think there is enough room for all of you twolegs under my wing for tonight,” Inferno said tiredly. “I don’t think it would be a good idea for them to start a fire, since we’re trying to avoid being seen and all for the time being, so they are welcome to the shelter I provide. Are you alright with that?”

Cody silently agreed before announcing loud to the others, “We should probably avoid a fire for tonight, so the three of you are welcome to whatever cold deer meat is left, and you can join me when you’re done.”

“Join you where?” Lars asked confusedly, and Mora also seemed surprised while Pippi didn’t seem to care at all.

“Inferno’s wings provide a decent shelter from the elements,” Cody said with a smile, and no one questioned him further, probably because they were so tired.

“Time for bed!” Cody told Inferno with a yawn.

“Then you get in here,” Inferno growled playfully, though all he did was rest his head against the ground in exhaustion and close his eyes.

Cody smiled and walked over to him before easily slipping into the dark wing fort just before night descended on them completely. It took him longer than he expected to go to sleep when he kept hearing the three others talking about various things as they ate. Cody couldn’t be bothered with what they were talking about exactly, however. He simply closed his eyes and snuggled close to his precious dragon while preparing for a good, deep sleep. Hopefully, he would be allowed to have an even better sleep in a decent Morgran inn the following night, and that was all he thought about as he drifted off into slumber.