Kanin leapt skyward and his wings beat slowly, lifting them over the fortress walls. Then the dragon glided over the hills, headed west, flapping only occasionally, trying to conserve his strength.
Khollo realized they were flying much slower than they usually did, possibly the slowest Kanin had ever flown. Are you okay? He asked quietly, leaning forward and resting a hand along the side of Kanin’s scaly neck.
The battle was long, Kanin replied wearily. And we fought well. Vertaga are worthy opponents. They lost altitude for a moment, then Kanin flapped his wings twice and brought them back up. Perhaps I will hunt in the morning after I have rested, he said quietly.
Khollo leaned back, worried about his friend. The land rolled slowly past below them, hills and low cliffs, shallow valleys and dried streambeds. There was little vegetation and fewer animals, save the small ground critters that populated nearly every place in the world, except for the far north of course.
Do dragons ever fall asleep during flight? Khollo asked suddenly.
Kanin considered this. I have never tried it, he replied. I can if you want –
No!
Didn’t think so, Kanin said hastily. But I am one dragon. For all I know, it is perfectly normal for dragons to fall asleep when flying.
That’s not exactly reassuring.
Wasn’t meant to be reassuring.
Khollo smiled and leaned forward, laying along one side of Kanin’s spines. The sun had nearly set, but they flew on, seeking the rivers and their attendant herds.
Tomorrow will be a good day, Kanin announced. We will hunt and wash and meet this king.
Yes, Khollo agreed sleepily, closing his eyes. A good day.
Chapter 50
Khollo did not remember landing when he woke the next morning. All he remembered was that they had been flying west, into the setting sun. Then he must have dropped off to sleep soon after, though Kanin was still flying.
He was still slumped over Kanin’s back, secured by the fighting straps. His muscles were stiff and cramped from sleeping in such a position. Slowly he straightened, loosened the fighting straps around his legs, and looked around.
The sun was up, and by its golden light he could see that they had landed on a low hill overlooking the network of streams that crisscrossed this part of the Basin. A herd of deer was drinking from one of the streams, their antlers bowed as they bent to the life-giving water.
Beneath Khollo, Kanin stirred, nearly dislodging him. The young warrior grabbed wildly at a spine, steadying himself, then slid down from Kanin’s back. The dragon opened one emerald eye and regarded him sleepily.
Good morning, Kanin said. His voice sounded stronger this morning, but still a little weary.
Yes, it is, Khollo agreed, grinning. Are you still hungry?
Very.
Then you’re in luck. A herd has gathered to drink this morning.
Kanin lifted his great head immediately and looked around, eyes fixing on the deer by the streams. One of them will make a good breakfast, he announced, getting to his feet and shaking himself from nose to tail.
Khollo grinned. Have fun.
This is not about fun. This is about food, Kanin replied, taking flight.
As Kanin mentioned food, Khollo’s own stomach growled its displeasure. The young warrior’s smile faded as he realized he had not thought to bring food for himself.
You may have some of my kill, Kanin assured him as he arrowed towards the herd, emerald scales flashing.
Are you sure?
Yes. If you eat enough, I may get two kills.
Well, you’ve earned them, Khollo replied. Winning yesterday’s battle was no small feat.
There was silence between them as Kanin swooped low over the herd, snatched up a buck in his talons and climbed back into the pale blue sky.
The king saved the day, Kanin reminded Khollo as he began flying back to the hill. I am not sure we would have won without him.
We would have found a way, Khollo said confidently. It would have been bloody, and difficult, but we could have beaten them.
Kanin landed heavily, hopping on three legs and trying to avoid stumbling over his kill. Khollo’s eyes widened and he jumped to his feet.
I forgot! he cried, running to Kanin. Your leg! How does it feel? Does it still hurt?
It is nothing, Kanin growled. You can check my injuries later when I wash. But right now, I am hungry.
Khollo glanced at the wounds quickly. They still looked raw, but they were not bleeding and there was no discoloration or swelling that he could see. I wish we had spent more time learning about healing with Ezraan, he muttered. I’m sure he knew all kinds of things on the subject.
Probably, Kanin said indifferently, ripping off a haunch and setting it to one side for Khollo. There is your share. Will you want a fire for cooking?
Khollo knew that Kanin was trying to draw him off the subject of the dragon’s wounds, and he reluctantly let him. Eventually, Khollo replied. I’ll need to prepare it first though.
Kanin snorted and sliced open the deer’s stomach with his claws. Ruining perfectly good food, he muttered, disgusted. Humans should have more tolerant stomachs.
Khollo rolled his eyes and began skinning the haunch. It’s not my fault, it’s just the way we are, he reminded Kanin. Remembering his previous experiences roasting meat on Ethgalin, Khollo looked around for some wild herbs to add flavor to the meal. He found a few sprigs of a pleasant-smelling plant, and as he walked around the small camp he came across a pair of small, wild onions.
Now what? Kanin asked as Khollo spitted the haunch and crushed the herbs over it. Why are you putting food for food on the deer meat?
Adds flavor, Khollo replied as he
