The figures back away. They hiss. Kane jumps in front of me. I see Lord Patrick waving fire at them. They back away and screech loudly.  The fire seems to be scaring them off. One dodges and reaches its long sticky black tongue out at me. It licks my face. It feels rough and slimy. It's hard to do anything. Stella pushes it off me with a stick of fire. They hiss and run off.

"That...was...close..." I croak.

"You said it. We can't stay here. Are you ready to move?" Kane asked.

"O...kay." I croak.

Kane and Stella push me up. I spit out blood. Kane and Stella both put their hands on my wound.

"We need to get out of here as soon as possible." Azura said.

"No..." I croak.

"What is it Dragon Tamer?" Lord Patrick asked.

"The...heart...we...have...to...destroy...the...heart." I croak.

"You are in no condition to fight. We need to get you back." Stella said.

"But..." I protest. 

Lord Patrick put his hand on my shoulder.

"I will not risk your life again. I know we have to, but we will do it when you're safe."

"I...caused...all...this." 

"And we will all fix it." Lord Patrick said.

I barely can nod. They keep hauling me out of the forest. I turn. I could've sworn I saw her as the horse glaring at me.