Iolene Summers: Chapter Forty-Three

I am in so much pain! Kelakka pushed too far and we fell down a steep cliff. The black dragon, Kelakka and I fell to the ground. I was tied to Telakka and with a quick action he magged me right before he crashed into the ground. I fell on top of him chest first when his mag stream ceased. Whoever said that breasts can soften a landing, they're a flat-out liar... My ribs... I bet some of them are now broken from the impact. It's agonizing! My back, my arms, everywhere... I check to make sure my arms and legs are fine. I sigh in relief that they are.

I slid off Telakka, checking to see if he could be alive. But as I looked at his face. I knew he is gone... Blood seeped from his head as I can see half of his skull is smashed. I kneeled and kissed his clean cheek. What a scary way to die... And he used his last effort to try and save me. The rope that bound me and he snapped. So now I can walk freely.

"I'm sorry" I whisper to him. He will never have a proper burial. I don't know how to do them.

I look around. I did not know whether to scream or not for Rougher. As I looked at a nearby dead tree, I see him.

"Rougher!" I run to him as fast as I could. I'm in agonizing pain but seeing Rougher gave me hope. I stumble over as I meet him. My mouth gaped open... Tears started to build in my eyes. He is alive and conscious as he smiles at me. But he is bleeding from his abdomen.

"Hey, Iolene..." As he coughs. "I fell into a dead tree..." His laboured breathing it's getting heavier. I sit next to him as I examined his gut. A branch is lodged in there! A wave of helpless emotions come over me. I cannot heal this... If I take it out, he bleeds out worse and dies!

"I'm sorry... I am so sorry..." I whimper out. After all the effort of me saving him... With him going to die like this. Is life that cruel?

"It's fine... Everyone's days are... Numbered... Especially... For bandits... You did well..." He smiles at me. And with little strength he has he takes out my dagger.

"What? "I whisper. The dagger my family gave me for this trip. He had it after all this time?!

"I... Stole... It from White-Eye... Who... Stole it from you..." He chuckles. I bet he was thinking of keeping it for himself. But I would be lying if I almost forgot about it. I have been in constant fear since my capture. But I am happy to have it back! But short-lived with Rougher coughing blood. It will not be long now.

"South from here... Village... Bag... Food..." It's getting harder for him. As I look to his shoulder pack. He nods yes as I take it. It's the bag he always wears.

Rougher's skin is now so pale he is close to death. " Cut... Hair...Take... It... Vulkania... Priest... To..."

"You want me to give this to a priest for funeral rights?" I finish his sentence as I gently cut his hair and tying it up with a bit of cloth. Placing it into my dress pocket. He nods at me as he starts to cry.

"Should... Have... Gone... Back... Home..." As tears stream down his face. "Sampson... Arjento..." His real name. I stroke his face gently. He is getting cold as he is getting so weak, he can't lift his hand. His breathing becoming rough, a sound I am familiar with. The death rattle the healers call it. I am not new to death... I have seen it. Death is normal... Death is natural. But how death comes calling. Many circumstances I do not agree with... Like murder... Or accidents... Lives being taken so soon.

I held his hand until his dying breath. He looked peaceful... I kiss him softly on the forehead. I couldn't hold my emotions anymore as I cried. I don't have enough strength to bury them... As I looked behind me and look at the dead Telakka I hear a roar.

I stand up in fear. What was that? I walked forward as I put on Sampson's shoulder bag. I raise my dagger. My body is still in so much pain. Not far behind Telakka I see a black draconium dragon. I run over to him without a second thought. It's the dragon that Kelakka was fighting against! How is he still alive? Well, I think it's a male. He has a very large distinctive chin.

I run over and he is unconscious. I look at his injuries and they seem only skin deep. I hope... I think... I gently stroke his scales as he seems to ease by my touch. He does have large scars that can cause a terrible infection. On his back and

Looking in Sampson's bag I do find some of the poultices I made. But it's only enough for a human... I cannot use all of it at once. I look around for some healing herbs making a paste on a flat rock near the cliff. I paste it onto his body. I have made best with what I can get. And he needed much of it.

His feet and claws are atrocious... This is not fall damage. He has blister damage... He must be prone to Bolla foot. A condition that wild dragons tend to get. It has many different causes but the main is when scales build up, harden and get infected inside their feet. Sometimes it's visible and looks like plain blisters. And sometimes it's not and it looks like random bumps on their feet. Very painful... Which why many dragon owners use brushes to scrape off dead scales that don't shed properly.

I walk over to Telakka and see that he has a larger bag attached to him. I know Sampson had brushes and tools for him. I grab them. There is a small muddy stream nearby and I quickly clean them there. And walk over the dragon. Scraping each foot and cleaning his infected feet. It is disgusting, to say the least...

"They really did not tend to you..." I didn't have many bandages, so I ripped my dress to knee height and wrapped his feet with them.

I really should have run away and fled to the village. But this dragon needed help. I know... How dangerous this is. But... I can't just leave him there knowing he has a chance of survival.

I feel him move as I finished tending his bandages.

"Shhhh... Easy" I say. Try to be as gentle as I can... Don't freak him out... The last thing I need is an angry hysterical dragon trying to murder me. I massage him making everything seem peaceful. I won't lie it hard massaging dragons with their thick scales. Even harder since I have my own injuries.

I see him smile. "You're enjoying this aren't you?" I fake chuckled. I am in so much trouble here... I should have left as soon as I finished the bandages. I stop massaging him as I felt hunger in my stomach. I have no idea how long I was out for when I fell. But I am starving... I look at the dragon as he must be hungry.

I breathe in as I notice it's dried rabbit sticks. Disgusting... Might as well eat wood. Probably be softer. I give one to the dragon as he detests it. After eating them it's time that I head off.

Sampson said a village could possibly be nearby. I haven't visited any villages as the bandits stayed away from them due to armies being there. I see the dragon stand up and take a few minor steps. I clap and cheer him on! That's a great sign! He can go home now.

"I cannot be around here for long. I fear I have been here long enough. I have done what I can... I hope you heal well. And please as a favour... Don't tell anyone you saw me. I'd greatly appreciate it." I ask kindly. It's as much I can do... He hopefully doesn't notice what I am. I don't have my contacts anymore. I must avoid people looking at my face.

I walk away as he stares at me. Off to adventure into the dead forest. I have no idea what to expect. Me being killed by wildlife? Tripping and breaking my leg? So many terrible scenarios. I see a nearby rock and look into Sampson's bag. I see a map! I sigh of relief. Unfolding it and trying to get my bearings. I point into random directions to try and help... It didn't. I have no idea where I am! In frustration, I sit on the rock and cry. I'm lost... I'm lost of what I want... I'm lost at everything!

I am the daughter of an Emperor and Empress... And here I am lost in the dead forest of the Green Draconium Empire. I feel like I have missed so much of learning about life. I just don't know how to cope. How... How can I take back my ancestors' home when I am a huge wimp? I felt more confident when leaving. A relief to escape the priesthood officially. But now experiencing all of this?

"By the Magna Draconis, what am I to do? What am I going to do? What am I going to do? I am now talking to myself... Great..." Everything just going through my mind. I calmed myself down as I hear dragon footsteps approach behind me.

I look and see it's the dragon. Doesn't he have a home to go to? I stand up as I cleared my tears and walk to him.

"Ah! sorry I thought you were going to go the other direction? Don't you want to go back home?" Trying to be upbeat and friendly. He nudges me and I walk forward.

Grabbing the map and trying to concentrate on where to go. I find Chuma on the map. We are below the steep cliff of Chuma. I see a small village dot. But I can't see the name as it's smudged. But it's a start!

I walk with the dragon right behind me. I wonder what his name is? I smile at him. I don't dare ask me to ride him. He looks frightening enough. His long-elongated claws, his black and purple scales, sharp back spines, long sharp teeth.

He smiles back at me with those long teeth showing. He has no idea how scary that looks…

We walked for the whole day as the sun started to set. I realised I have no idea how to set up a campfire! Panic reached my mind once more. Its dark and I'm unprotected! The dragon notices my fear and nudges me again. Was it meant to be comforting? I have no idea?

The sunset as the forest is dark and cannot see a darn thing. Laying underneath a dead tree log. I am shaking out of fear and cold... In a weird way I miss the bandits as they are people who had tents and food.

I see the dragon as he glows a dark purple hue in the darkness. I had no idea that a creature could have such dark energy inside of him. I see him trying to sleep. But I hear some low growling noises coming from him. Is he having a dream? I move out of the log and walk to the glowing dragon. After a while I can feel his dark powers emanating from his body.

I touch his forehead as I see that he has no bonemark. When I touched him, he seemed at ease. I sat next to him lying on his belly as I could not sleep. In a way, I begin to miss my visions. Only when I am in deep sleep or focusing my mind they appear. I haven't had one in weeks because of my lack of sleep. As I was thinking I stared up at the moon. I hope Eleya, Murray, Aaron, my family... I hope they are safe... Or if they have sent people to find me.

It felt like it was the longest night as the sun began to rise. I felt so tired... I grabbed a dried rabbit stick and ate it. I cannot keep living on just this... I would need more beneficial food or I'm in real trouble. As I ate, I felt unnerved I look to my right and I see the dragons chin right in front of my face. I stumble backwards falling down a small slope. My poor ribs and battered body. I DIDN'T REALISE HE WAS AWAKE!

I looked up as I saw the dragon laughing from atop the hill.

"THAT'S MEAN! YOU DON'T SCARE PEOPLE LIKE THAT!" I sat up and ran to him. I am now back in full pain.

He continues laughing. I felt through my tangled hair. Ugh, it's so disgusting... It hasn't been properly washed in weeks! Leaves and dirt everywhere. Looking at my hair ends they are covered in filth and look like a light brown. I dusted myself down, I have so many bruises on me... I cannot imagine the bruises around my chest would look like.

At least my monthly bleeding finished when I was with the bandits. So, I won't have to worry about that for a while! But I feel so exhausted... The dragon stops laughing after a while. It's time to get moving again. I give him a rabbit stick and he flat out denies it. I chuckle in reply. They are disgusting...

He looks at me with curiosity as I walk around him. I gently stroke him as I walked around. I am making sure his wounds are healing and are not becoming infected.

"Does this hurt?" As I stroked a scar. He doesn't react. So, I guess that's a no... That's a good sign. I wipe off the herbs I put on him yesterday. His open wound is closing already. "That's good!" I tell him. I then grab his left foot. "Can you please lift your leg up?" I ask nicely. And he does. His feet are healing well. But will need a new set of clean bandages soon... And I have none of that... I let go of his foot. Telling him about his bandages and his bolla foot problem. I forgot to tell him yesterday.

"Now to treat bolla foot. Your owne-"

He roars angrily at me.

"So, you have no owner?" I asked as softly as possible.

He nods no in an angry response. I made him mad... I take a few steps back. Please don't attack me angry dragon.

"So, you're a wild dragon?" I ask and he nods yes.

"Okay... The only real way to treat bolla foot in the wild is to bath your feet regularly and use a fungus called Blistorwarts. You can smash it with your feet."

He stares at me as he wonders what I am talking about. I smile and suggest continuing our adventure.

I look on the map. I really hope we are going in the right direction! We walked for most of the day. Seeing the high mountains surrounding us. It's sad that most of the trees are dead... What could have caused this? No wonder why it's called the dead forest. I know they have forests in the Brown Empire but nothing like this. It never ceases to amaze me... Eventually, I see something in the distance.

A road! I scream in excitement! I run as quickly as I could to the road. However, the dragon jumps over me and runs in front of me. He growls at me.

"What is it?" I say smarmily. It's a road! A road leads somewhere! It's a straight road and we can go left or right! As far as I know anyway!

He walks in front of me as it looks like he is sneaking around. I follow him. We come to the edge of the road. I see the dragon raise his head and look around. He is sniffing the air. He must sense something. I look around. I see nothing... But a weird sensation comes over me. What is this? I sense dread. And it's coming from the right. I look up at the dragon as I point to go right.

He follows. He is one edge... Why is that? I sense something. I have no idea what it is. I decide to follow the path but not walking on it. We are far enough from it, but we can still see it.

The dragon growls and stops. I look around and I see it. It's a carriage! A moment of hope came across my mind. But the carriage is dark grey with a snake dragon pulling it. The dragon and I jump back. Hoping that we are out of sight. After the carriage, I see many dragons and riders on the path. All from the Black Empire. I look at the dragon as he looks at them.

He is like them... Yet not like them... The dragon next to me isn't like a snake. I look up at him as they all walk past. For a quick motion, I see a rider looking at our direction. We both duck our heads.

"Did they capture you?" I whisper. He attacked the bandit group with that woman. He worked with her. Yet took an open opportunity to leave them.

He nods yes in reply.

"Oh... You know you can stay with me. I know you are with me now. But if you want to stay longer..."

He looks down at me with annoyance.

"Never mind..." I look forward. The group finally finish walking past. Thank goodness they're travelling opposite to us. Must be heading over to Chuma... We both sigh of relief and we move forward. We remain a distance from the road as before. But at long last I see it. A BUILDING! I run towards the village. The dragon runs ahead of me again with ease and is trying to stop me. But I need help!

We nearly reach the village as I see its all farmers. But I do see a few Inclementia soldiers here. But nothing like the army at Chuma... This is a simple farming village. And it looks like it's barely touched by them. How odd? I thought they like conquering and destroying everything?

I look at the dragon as he looks down at me. I need to be brave... I cannot live like a savage for the rest of my life. Maybe someone can tell me where to go next. I walk into the village and the dragon follows behind. He is still nervous... Maybe he fears someone here will recognize him. He is unique looking after all.

We walk into the village. I smile with relief... It's nice to see buildings and FOOD! I smell the air as I smell roasts.

"Excuse me miss. Who are you?" An elderly man asks.

"My name is Iolene Summers- sir. We need your help!" I call out.

"Oh, my goodness child... What happened to you? And what kind of dragon is that?" An older lady whom I presume is the older man's wife. I look at the dragon as he looks annoyed by her asking that.

"I was attacked! On the way to Chuma! This dragon here helped me! Please will you help us?" I ask putting my hands together and pleading.

"We cannot just let random people into the village girl. You will need to see the village headman. He will decide." I look at the elderly man as that sounded very ominous. But what choice do we have? I look at the dragon as he looks down at me.

The couple guides us to the largest stone building in the village. Nothing like Chuma... This farming village doesn't even have a wall surrounding it. How did this village survive the war? It would have been such an easy target.

The large stone doors open as we all enter the building. Nothing fancy or anything... Just a building made of stone. I see the village headman sitting on a wooden chair as he stares down at us. Strong man with dark brown skin with large muscles with green tattoos

Standing on his left is a member from Inclementia. He is tall and slender with long white hair. Skin white as milk. Long face with hollow cheekbones with dark eyes. Wearing the fanciest clothes in the whole village. Long robes with gloves that look like claws.

Where the man on his right looks like a farmer. His white skin looks tan from working on the fields. He is short for an average man... But he has bright pink hair. I have never seen hair like that.

As I looked to my left, I see a Red Empire member sitting on a chair nearby. Interesting... Why is a Red Empire member just relaxing here?

"Headman Kalmin, this girl has wandered into the village, she needs help." As the elderly man bows to him and nudges me and the dragon forward. The dragon snaps back at him as I tell him to stop it

"My goodness... Look at you! You must have been through some ordeal child. Are you a victim of the war?" Kalmin gently asks.

"Yes... My lord... I was travelling with my family when bandits attacked me... I was taken, hostage. I managed to escape a few days ago." I try not to cry. It feels like it has been forever since I have been around normal people.

"Poor child... And may I ask about the dragon?" He also asks.

"The dragon helped me, my lord. I am grateful he is with me." I look up at him and smiled.

"Do you own this dragon girl?" The pale man asks me. "He is from the high north. Not your average dragon."

The dragon nods yes as I quickly notice. "Yes, I own him, my lords. My family bought him during the war. Before it ended... He is very naughty. Got him for a decent price."

The pale man laughs aloud. "Very naughty? A naughty dragon? My dear girl. There are methods of fixing that problem!" As chuckles. "Maybe some whipping or mind control will do him good. Since he is yours, do you have his ownership paperwork?"

I froze. I have nothing like that in my bag.

"No, my lords it was destroyed by bandits as they used and abused us. The paperwork is lost."

The three men look at each other. The pale man is especially curious, but he keeps on smiling. It's getting creepy.

Kalmin "It's all right girl. You and your dragon can stay here. Until you need to leave... However, you will not stay here for free. You must work! Are there any skills that are useful you can do? Sewing? Cooking? Nanny?"

"I am a healer my lord," I say confidently.

"Really? Well, that is it then. I will send you to my village healer, first thing tomorrow morning. Goodluck child. You can live in the unused room near the kitchen. The dragon, however, can live in the paddocks near the farming fields."

A steward nearby runs to me and guides me to my new room. Where another steward guides the dragon. He is annoyed at all humans he comes across.

The mansion is not large, so it didn't take long to reach my room. It is small, remarkably like my room in the temple. But I am so happy! I finally have a bed to sleep in. A bed! A wonderful bed! I squash the pillow on my face embracing it. I collapse onto the bed... Next mission have a bath and WASH MY HAIR! And get myself new clothes... It's getting cold with me wearing my dress like this. It is all torn and ruffled, worn and filthy. This was once a noble lady's dress; you wouldn't think it by looking at it now.

I hear a knock on the door. "Come in?" I ask nervously.

"Why hello there young lady. Iolene Summers was it?"

It's the creepy pale man... I smile at him politely. Now we are both in a tiny room. He is much closer to me. So, I avoid looking at him in the face. He cannot see my eyes.

"Yes! Hello!" Cheery as I begin to pretend to sort out the bedsheets.

"It is rude, to tend to your bed while a noble is talking to you!" As the smiling man folds his arms. I turn and look down at his shoes.

"I am sorry my lord. What do you need my lord?" I say quickly. DAMMIT!

"Oh, nothing... Just to see how you are liking your new room." As he leans closer to me, I look down facing to the left.

"It's great my lord! I haven't slept in a bed in weeks!" I smile and act joyful. He then sits on my bed and stares at me. I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack.

"Where are you from Iolene?" He asks. "Not common hearing that name... Iolene... Iolene Summers. You know from my home of Inclementia many names are banned. Iolene is one of them."

"Why? Isn't Iolene a type of flower?" I ask shyly.

"What did your parents do Iolene?" As the creepy man ignores me and strokes the bed. The more we are in this room the more I feel unsettled.

"They're merchants. Like I said." I lied.

"Educated merchants? Those who know much of ancient history?" He asks.

"Yes." I lied. "They sold fabrics from Mille Voix. We travelled... It was more difficult in wartime. But we did it until we were attacked. I lost everyone... My mother, my father, my older brother..." I begin to cry. But this time under false pretences. I must pretend my whole family is dead. Even though my real parents are dead...

He then stands up still smiling. Just why is he here? What is he doing?

"May I ask, why are you here my lord?" I ask him again.

"I am here for my Emperor's interests... Iolene... Do not fret child. I am doing only what is required of me. Don't do anything foolish." And he leaves my room.

It is obvious that he is investigating me. Is it because of what I am? Or a spy? Or what? If only I can read minds. But my heart is beating inside of my chest so fast it is causing so much pain with my ribs.

But I am here now. I need to make the best of what I have and head down to Macdan! I walk over to the kitchens and finally eating proper food. I didn't realise how hungry I was! It was bread with chicken soup. My favourite dish! I cry with delight. It was so delicious! I thank the kitchen ladies for the food and cleaned my dishes up.

I walk around the mansion as I see many red and brown soldiers around. They outnumber the Inclementia soldiers. I felt slightly safer seeing this. I see Lord Kalmin again as his steward gives me new peasant clothes and allowed to use to the bath. I was hoping to ask him questions about what is happening. But it's quite clear that I am not important enough to know such information. He tells me the healers name is Bliant Winters.

One of the kitchen ladies set up the bath as Kalmin has no handmaidens. It was the best thing I have done in so long. I rubbed and scrubbed every inch of my body. The gross brown and pale dirt from my hair disappeared back to its beautiful golden colour. I had no idea how long I was in that bath. But I am fairly sure it was a good few hours... I hope Kalmin didn't mind. I really needed this! Such relief! Clipping my toenails and nails, brushing my hair, and drying myself off.

I AM CLEAN! I shout to myself. The trivial things you miss! I am now all ready to meet with the healer tomorrow first thing at dawn! I also need to check on my new dragon friend to see how he is going.

I collapse onto my bed as I sleep.

My mind's eye awoke, and a new vision appeared. I have noticed every vision has in common is that I see through the eyes of another... But what is it?

I am standing in a large royal room full of women and everything is frantic. I look to my left as I see a woman screaming. I am holding her hand tight. She is giving birth! After her pushing, another little cry can be heard.

"Congratulations your majesties! You have another little prince!" The midwife shouts in happiness. "He has your golden hair, your majesty!" The midwife then hands over the newborn baby to the mother. The mother smiling with complete happiness. As I kiss her lovingly on the forehead. I wonder if I could ever feel happiness or love like that?

I stroke the child's head gently as he is cooed to calm down by his mother. My new child, I hear him say. So, the eyes I am looking from is from a man's perspective. Looking at the newborn's golden eyes, the beauty of them. Such innocence and happiness.

"I named our last son. Now you can name this one!" The mother jests. She looks up at me. Her long brown hair tangled and body covered in sweat. As all expected mothers who just gave birth. But she is beautiful regardless!

I stand there as if I must be thinking long and hard.

"Aelius after one of our first emperors and his middle name be Livianus after the dragon ruler of peace. So, his full name will be Prince Aelius Livianus Ovideus." Everyone cheers and repeats his whole name in excitement.

"To Prince Aelius!" They shout. I can hear the bells ring! And a people screaming in excitement.

Aelius? He cannot be talking about my father. Am I seriously seeing my father's birth!? I must see the memories of my ancestors! How is this possible? Just what? I wish I can ask someone who can understand... Why do I get these visions?

As I saw through my grandfather's eyes, I see a boy guided into the room by a woman whom I presume the nanny. He has brown hair like his mother. Golden eyes and looks around seven years old.

"Come meet your new brother David." My grandmother says the Grand Empress Mariana. The boy walks over and smiles. He jumps onto the large bed and Mariana embraces him with her free arm.

Even though I am seeing through the eyes of another. I cannot feel how they feel. It's like looking at a mirror. But seeing such happiness... Made me feel so sad. Especially knowing what happens to each and every one of them...

Odysseus and David get killed in an explosion by the dragon separatists. Mariana gets assassinated by her very own dragon. And my father... The newborn I am seeing dies defending my mother as she gave birth to me...

The vision continues as the now family of four walks through the palace. Gilded with golds and reds. Statues of humans and dragons. Aligned with detailed pillars. I hold David's hand as we approach the balcony doors. After a moment two servants opened the doors and a bright light flashed as I see thousands of humans and dragons crowd the streets. I wave as they all get excited to see me. I then lend a hand to Mariana as she walks out with my newborn father in her arms.

She then gives me the child and I raise him up to the sky. The crowd roar with an excitement I have never heard of before. Then after a few minutes, they silence.

"PRESENTING TO YOU MY CITIZENS! MY NEW CHILD! PRINCE AELIUS!" And the crowd roared once again.

Before I knew it, I wake up. My pillow soaked with tears... I swear I would have run out of tears by now. They seem to never end. But seeing my family so happy... I wish I felt that happiness. While also feeling happy for them. Even though I know it was fleeting.

I look and realise the sun has begun to rise. Time to hide my sadness and fight through my problems. I need to raise money and leave here. I will remain here for a week and then leave. And go to Macdan! And then from there... I take out Sampson's hair. I will take you back home... All the brotherly love he said he had for White-Eye... All that disappeared as he laid dying...

I leave the stone mansion as I ask the guard directions for the healers' house. Bliant Winters... He must be a noble bastard. My family uses Summers as a cover for my last name Ovideus.

I see most houses are built from the dead trees from the forest. I see a sign of two hands cupping as if to catch water. I knock on the door.

"Mr Winters?" I say nervously. "I am here to help you."

"Gah! What is it!?" As he bursts the door open. I was fearing he would break it. He is of average height, with not much muscle to him. Moustache wearing while wearing a strange monocle device. He must not have heard me the first time.

"I-I- I am here to help you, Mr Winters. I am Iolene Summers!" I curtsey to make the meeting easier. Making me more polite.

"Ugh! About time! I've been asking for help for a long time!" He then slams the door in my face.

I have... No idea what to think...

"What are you doing girl! Come inside!" As he reopens the door. I am so confused... This is going to be interesting.

"So, girl what experience of healer do you have?!" He asks me as he collects his tools.

"I worked at a hospital for a time period. In Aquarius City. You see my family were travelling merchants. They thought those skills will be useful. So they sent me there for a while to learn and they picked me up when I was good enough."

"Aquarius City Eh? Should have stayed there. Better there than anywhere here..."

I look down thinking of how true that is. I see him fixing up his bag. I look around his house. I notice he has extra rooms for those whose need overnight care by him.

"Alright girl! We are heading off! You better be useful! AND DO AS YOUR TOLD!" And like that he storms out of his house. I quickly follow him.

We are walking through the village. He hasn't told me what he is doing...

"Mr Winters. May I ask something?" I ask sheepishly.

"What?" He grumbles.

"How has this village remained? I thought villages, especially farming ones are always first destroyed?"

He grumbles. "We were the farmers for Chuma! But those bastards took most of our food and closed their gates on us! Along taking all the soldiers and weapons! We were defenceless... We asked our Emperor Arman Kaiser for help. He ignored us! Eventually, the red and brown armies reached us. A red general by the name Alinta came through with her army. They were going to destroy us! Kalmin risking his life went to see Alinta. He surrendered... Many didn't like the fact that we surrendered. But it was the right thing to do... We are now under Red influence. We have been growing them food and sending it to their soldiers. I am glad they kept their promise. They could have destroyed us at any time..."

"And the Black Empire?" I ask.

"Pfft... They're around. Trying to get into Chuma I hear... The reds failed in that regard. They played smart instead and went east to take over the flatlands. Blocking refugees trying to escape to the Blue Empire."

"Have you heard about what is happening? The war is over now. The Shadow Emperor killed Emperor Arman Kaiser."

"I am friends with Kalmin and when we spoke last. A meeting is to be held in Mille Voix between Empress Valencia, Grand Prince Arman Kaiser and the Shadow Emperor himself. Rumour has it our country will be officially no more... It'll be split between red and black."

"Did you mention Grand Prince Arman Kaiser? He is alive?" I'm surprised by this! They didn't kill him? This means his family still lives.

"Yes. Our beloved prince is still alive. Great man! No one hates him, he tried his best given the position that his father left him. If the Shadow Emperor killed him. Taking over our country will be far too difficult. The death toll would have been in the millions. No human, especially dragon would have stood for that. Easier and better to keep him alive."

I nod as I understood. The difference between green and gold. Is that the Black Empire has always wanted to annihilate the gold Empire. They despised what we stood for... They hated the draconium magic we used. We have had divided history for thousands of years. With the Green Empire, they probably wanted extra land to make their country bigger. Or more slaves to control...

We arrive in the dead forest. "We are collecting herbs girl! You better know what you're looking for! Here are some bags and vials." and with a quick turn, he starts searching for the herbs.

Without a second thought, I start looking. It is early morning when Mr Winters says that's enough searching. We head back into the village when it is now hustling with people and dragons. The world is now awake!

We arrive back at his store. We make many poultices as a man runs in asking for his help. Mr Winters then tells me to come with him and we run to the emergency. It was a man who broke his leg falling off a roof. I helped splinter and bandage it. Then it was non-stop from there! A woman who sliced her pinkie off with a knife. A dragon collapsed due to eating a poisonous fungus. A boy who isn't sleeping at night and a dragon managed to break his tail.

It is now sunset, and I am so exhausted... And I still need to meet my dragon friend. Mr Winters smiles at me. The first time I've seen him smile all day. The man is without a doubt eccentric and moody. But he does try to help everyone the best he can. I respect him for that.

"You did great Iolene! I'm very impressed. You worked really hard today! I know I yelled at you a few times. But you did well for someone so young! Here take this. It's fair."

He passes me a small pouch and I open it. It's money!

"Thank you Mr Winters!" I say gratefully. I can save this up! I place the pouch in a secret pocket of my dress. Since he is in a nicer mood, I ask him if I can have a few rolls of bandages. He allowed it.

"Now get out! Meet me here same time tomorrow!" As he pushes me out and slams the door behind me.

Interesting man indeed...

I walk back to the mansion and I ask the guard which paddock my dragon friend is kept in. They point to me to the large paddock behind the mansion.