LenaThe hunger came in waves, each cresting higher and harder than the last. My swollen belly made everything ache as if my skin would split open at any moment. I sat fanning myself futilely by the open window, trying in vain to catch even the slightest breeze to cool my fevered body. But the air was stifling and oppressive, the heat an almost physical force weighing down on me.May entered silently, her footsteps soft as a whisper. In her slender hands she carried a basin of water and a clean cloth. Her young face was drawn, eyes rimmed in red and purpled with exhaustion from arguing bitterly with Freya again late into the previous night. Their once easy friendship had crumbled like ashes over this past year, slowly corroded away by the poisonous influence of the Valorian commander Frost as he drove wedge after wedge between our people."Thank you," I rasped, my voice barely a whisper. May tried to smile but could not quite form the expression. We were all struggling under the merci
LenaThe strength left my legs just outside the stranger's cottage before I could get my words out. He was chopping wood, sleeves rolled up to reveal sinewy forearms. Before I fully collapsed, he dropped the axe and caught me. Strong, work-roughened hands grasped my shoulders, keeping me upright. "Steady now," he rumbled. His voice was gravel but gentle. Up close, I saw kindness crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Let's get you inside."He lifted me easily, one arm supporting my back, the other behind my knees. My head lolled against his bearded cheek. Exhaustion dragged at my limbs. I hadn't the strength to cling to him. He carried me inside where it was dim and cool. The smell of stew simmered from a pot hung over the fire. He laid me on a straw mattress in the corner, atop a quilt with stitches worn soft from many washings. I sank gratefully into its comfort. My eyes fell shut, too heavy to keep open.I drifted in and out. Sometimes the cottage was silent except for the fire's cr
Lena'sSix long weeks had passed since I first stumbled, half-dead with exhaustion, into Bren and Hannah's tranquil refuge. As my belly swelled fuller each day with the new life inside, I grew ever nearer my time of birthing. By some grace, Scar and his raiding forces had not discovered my trail here yet. But I knew such fortune could not last.I sought to make use of the peaceful interlude fate had granted me. Bren permitted me to use an old laptop computer he kept. I spent hours scouring obscure corners of the internet—obscure blogs, forums, anywhere that might hold fragments of useful information about dragons and their mystical bonding powers. Mostly I found only fanciful myths or amateur fiction, but I read on doggedly, searching for any shred of concrete truth buried amidst the embellishments. Even whispers and hearsay might prove valuable, if I could sift some few kernels of fact from the chaff."Dang it! I'm just going in circles." I groaned.The tedious work strained my back
LenaThe rain fell in long, sorrowful streaks against the glass of the window of my room. I stared out at the dreary woods, seeing nothing. My coffee sat untouched and growing cold on the table before me. In my hand I clutched a sheet of paper, the ink slightly smeared from the dampness of my palms.It was a letter from him. Mr. S. The letter said he wished to meet with me, if I was free. He said he knew much regarding the mystical bonds between human and dragon. Much that could help me. Help sever the bond I shared with the great dragon Scar.My hands trembled. I had not dreamed it could be true, that the key to my salvation could come this way, from a stranger in a letter. Yet this Mr. S seemed to know truths about the ancient bonding magic few in the wide world understood. In the short weeks since his first message arrived, we had built a correspondence. He answered clearly my most desperate questions, straight and true, holding nothing back. It kindled a fragile flame of hope in m
LenaThe rattling of the wagon stirred me from my restless slumber. I blinked groggily as Bren's friend called back, "We've arrived."I muttered a thanks as I gathered my pack and climbed down, my legs unsteady after the long, bumpy ride. The train station loomed ahead, a gateway to the next step of my journey.I purchased my ticket for Willow Creek, the cashier eyeing me curiously. "You headed out there alone, miss?""That's right. Just visiting family," I lied casually. No need to arouse suspicion.With time still before my train, I found a quiet corner of the bustling station and tried to calm my nerves. My breasts ached, reminding me it had been too long since Kevin nursed. I missed his soft weight in my arms, his milky scent. But this sacrifice might secure his future.To distract myself, I picked up a novel from a nearby rack, though the words blurred before my eyes. My thoughts kept returning to the mysterious Mr. S, and what he might reveal about severing my bond with Scar.As
LenaAfter a night of troubled dreams, I rose weary but determined. Today I would finally meet the mysterious Mr. S.I dressed hurriedly, thoughts churning with questions. Did he truly understand how to break my bond with Scar? Or was he some charlatan seeking to exploit my secrets? I had come too far to turn back now without answers.The receptionist at my dingy motel blinked at me over his newspaper as I approached the front desk."Excuse me, could you point me towards Joe's Diner? I'm supposed to meet someone there.""Joe's? Sure, just head south down Main Street, take a right on Oak. Can't miss it."I thanked him and headed out into the morning bustle. The cold mountain air helped shake off the last shadows of my unsettling dreams. I still had a couple hours before my scheduled meeting with the mysterious Mr. S. Might as well find some breakfast.I wove between crowded sidewalks, keeping my head down. The press of rough, anonymous faces set my nerves on edge. I did not often ventu
LenaThe rocky road jostled me from a fitful sleep. I blinked groggily as the wilderness raced past the van's window. Mr. S glanced back from the passenger seat."Sleep well? We have a long drive ahead to a safe location. I thought we could discuss some matters to pass the time."I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the cobwebs. "Very well. You know so much about me already. Suppose it's only fair I learn more about you."*"Tell me, Lena, what do you know of the raiders? And of dragons?"I considered his questions cautiously before answering. "The raiders are a clan of people with the power to bond and control dragons, if I'm not mistaken. I don't know much of their history. As for dragons..." I hesitated, uncertain how much to reveal.Mr. S nodded thoughtfully. "Go on.""From what I've learned, dragons are mystical creatures that can shapeshift between human and draconic forms. And they can bestow great power on any human who bonds with one, for good or ill.""Very good. You have a
LenaI sat frozen as the ancient woman's ominous words sank in. She peered at me steadily with her rheumy but piercing eyes, awaiting my response."I...I'm afraid I don't understand," I finally stammered, my voice catching dryly in my throat. "What destiny? What role could I possibly fulfill?"She patted my hand with surprising strength given her frail appearance. The paper-thin skin seemed to thrum with hidden energy."All in due time, child," she replied patiently. "First, tell me - what is it you seek by coming here to our sanctuary?"I hesitated, staring down at my clenched hands. Could I trust her with the full truth? But her sage, knowing gaze compelled me to answer honestly."I was told you possess knowledge about severing my bond with the dragon, Scar," I confessed. "I want to be free of him and the control he wields over me."She nodded slowly, taking this in. "Yes, a heavy burden for one so young to bear alone. Now tell me, why is it so very urgent that this bond be broken?"