I just realized that I didn't put any disclaimers on! Well, you should be able to tell that I'm not Emily Rodda. Or am I?
Chapter 5: Fulfillment
Lief left the opal dragon hidden behind a large outcropping of rocks. Hopefully, the Vraal wouldn't smell the dragon and flee. It would be best to rid Deltora of such a dangerous creature. The night was still dark, and he estimated that it was around midnight. Followed closely by Barda and Doom, he led the way around the short bend, afraid of what he would see.
"Shh, listen," Doom insisted. Ahead, they could hear the sound of horse hooves.
"They aren't running," Barda said. "That means they don't think we'll have caught up with them so quickly. We can surprise them."
"We won't surprise them," Lief said quietly. "The Vraal will. As soon as it attacks the bandits, we'll have to get to Jasmine."
Barda and Doom nodded. And now the waiting game, Lief thought. It was only a short time later when an unearthly cry arose from the forests, and with a shudder he remembered his vision. A small militia of men drew their weapons, attacking the Vraal from all sides. Making a signal with his hand, he darted to the carriage, careful to keep an eye on the bloody battle. The bandits were holding up surprisingly well. Ahead of him, the door started to open.
He ran faster. If Jasmine came out, she would be vulnerable. Without a thought, he dove into the carriage. Jasmine was there, surprise on her face.
"Lief!" she exclaimed. Her wrists were tied, and he quickly went to work cutting the ropes.
"Can you walk?" Jasmine hesitantly nodded her head. "I'll carry you if you can't," he advised. She shook her head. He smiled. At least she was still able to be stubborn. After a quick check to see if she was injured, he opened the door on the opposite side of the carriage, and helped her out. Doom and Barda were waiting, swords drawn.
"Ready?" Barda asked, his gruff voice quiet. Lief nodded, and grabbed the Belt. Hopian, he thought. It's time.
A loud roar filled the sky, and a shimmering figure arose into the sky. The Vraal's cries became furious at the new challenger, and Lief could only imagine what was going to happen. The foursome quietly entered the forest. From a distance, he turned, and saw the dragon fighting the Vraal. It was a magnificent sight. The shimmering dragon in the air, baiting the fighting creature. It was majestic, and strangely beautiful, when the opal dragon released a mighty blast of flame form it's jaws. Lief knew that the Vraal had finally been defeated.
After a few minutes of walking, it became obvious that Jasmine couldn't walk. Lief took her up in his arms. Even though the baby added weight, she was still very light. A short while later, Doom found a cave that could serve as a shelter. Jasmine was left to rest, while Doom and Barda discussed what should be done. In the cave, Lief spoke quietly with her.
"Were those men working for the Shadow Lord?" Jasmine nodded. She let out a small whimper of pain, and he put her hand into his. "It's okay." He kissed her forehead, and left to join the others around the small fire outside.
"She can't have the baby here," Barda insisted. "There could be more Vraal. It isn't safe."
"Jasmine was born under conditions worse than these and she's survived," Doom argued.
"Perhaps the emerald dragon could take us to the Dread gnomes. It is possible," Barda suggested.
"I think it's too late for that," Lief said. "The baby will have to be born here."
"Lief," Barda said, his voice soft. "What do you know about birthing a baby?"
Lief's face turned red. He didn't really know anything. He turned to Doom.
"Fine," Doom sighed. "Barda, collect water, and heat it. Lief, do you have any towels?"
"I have an extra shirt, it's clean," he insisted.
"It'll do. Now," he pulled a bag from his pack. "Your mother gave me this. Her birthing kit. Jasmine will be fine."
The next morning, Lief sat with Jasmine in the cave. His arm was around her shoulders, and in her arms, she held a tiny baby. Baby Anna, heir to the Belt of Deltora.
Tada, the end.