5 Years Later

Five years had passed since that fateful day when Jane met Dragon. Now eighteen, Jane had seen many changes in life. She and Gunther were now official knights, Rake and Pepper had finally developed a relationship, Princess Lavinia and Prince Cuthbert had grown older, and the kingdom had grown accustomed to Dragon.

"It's funny," Jane started. Gunther turned to her. They had been cleaning shields since dawn - Sir Theodore's orders. "When we first met Dragon, we were so afraid of him, and now he's our friend."

"Well, he is still frightening...To me, at least," said Gunther. Jane snorted. Gunther turned and gazed at Jane as she laughed, a smile creeping onto his face. When Jane regained her composure, she returned his gaze bravely.

"What is it?" she asked. Gunther stood and walked closer.

"Jane, I-"

"JANE!" the yell knocked Gunther back as Dragon landed - breaking some barrels away with his tail. "Get on! I've found some new writings!"

Jane gasped as she helped Gunther to his feet. They hadn't found a single rune in five long years. "Well, I'd love to, Dragon, but Gunther was just about to-"

"It's fine." Gunther was walking away from Jane, dismissing her with a wave of his washcloth. "Next time."

Jane watched him return to the shields, his black hair covering his face from view. She reluctantly climbed onto Dragon's neck and they took off. "So, this rune..."

"Is brand new, Jane! There was a cave in, and when I went to inspect the damage, I found it."

"Well done, but can you read any of it?" Dragon halted in mid air. He had been teaching Jane Dragon Talk - his language - but all the runes he found were so ancient, he could only read a little of it.

"I didn't want to read it without you," Dragon answered simply. Jane patted her friend's large head as he landed.

He led her inside a new tunnel. Dragon had already cleared the path, so they walked in without trouble. Lighting the way with his fire, Dragon showed Jane a wall covered in markings and began reading as best he could.

"Leaving..." He groaned, not able to read anything else. Jane stepped forward, examining the scratches.

"This one resembles an arrow pointing to the left," Jane noticed. "Or to the east."

"Leaving east..." Dragon combined. He turned to Jane, his red eyes serious. "Could this mean that they left for the east?"

"Seems so," Jane said.

"Well, then let's go!" Dragon said, lowering his neck for Jane to board.

"I can't, Dragon. I have duties back at the castle," she reminded. Dragon straightened up.

"Well, I won't leave without you."

"You have to."

"I won't," Dragon said firmly. Jane looked up at him, thinking hard.

"So where does this leave us?" she asked. Dragon opened his mouth when the sound of a neighing horse stopped him. They both turned to see Gunther mounted on a black steed.

"Jane, His Majesty has summoned you." Gunther's eyes were serious and very blank. They always got this way when work was involved.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," Jane called to Dragon, as she jumped onto the back of Gunther's horse.