They reached the Mud Kingdom that next night. Jackal kept an eye out for Vervain or Alterniflora, or at least tried to spot them. It was hard, though; he couldn't tell any MudWings apart by color, just size, which made it more difficult because the youngest of a troop of eight-year-olds could look the same as the oldest of a troop of six-year-olds. Hopefully, though, he would be able to spot some differences with the way their scales are.

Jackal hoped that they could just make a detour back to Mallow's little home, rest there, readjust to not-traveling-in-the-desert sleeping habits, then start traveling again.

But no one said it was easy. There where only two MudWings still up this late at night.

While they were walking, Mallow had taken the lead, leaving Spectrum at the rear and Jackal and Caldera in between. Mallow's scales shifted shades, meaning that they changed another color. She readjusted her posture, standing taller, and spread out her wings so then they covered Jackal and Caldera from sight.

The male MudWing was the first to notice. Jackal knew that was Vervain, from what he knew. The other dragon was Alterniflora (who everyone just called Flora).

"Those are your siblings, Mallow?" Caldera asked.

"The one and only Jerk-vain and Flora." Mallow replied. Jackal noticed how she mockingly said Vervain's name, but didn't show the same hate for Flora. It somewhat made sense; while none of her siblings liked her, Vervain was the one who kicked her out.

Vervain came closer to them. "Rose Mallow. Brought an entourage?" He said.

"Go claw your throat out Vervain, we're just passing through." Mallow growled.

"Let me see…who did you bring?" Vervain asked. He started flying, and circled the group of a few times. When he landed, he said, "A NightWing, a blind SandWing, and a wingless SkyWing. Interesting." He walked closer, and opened his jaw. Jackal watched as an acid-like venom shot out, directly at Mallow's feet. As Vervain closed his mouth, Jackal tried to get closer, so help Mallow if she needed it. But she was older than him and much bigger, too. He couldn't get past.

Flora started walking towards them as well. Claw marks were visible everywhere on her—neck, wings, legs, face—and there was even a spot close to the end of her tail that looked like her scales had been burned. "I should've known you'd come back, Mallow." She looked at Jackal and Caldera, but didn't pay attention to Spectrum. "Are these the dragonets you disappear for? They're hardly worthy of a bed to sleep in, much less of kindness. Dragons aren't naturally caring."

"MudWings aren't naturally cruel to their siblings." Mallow spat back. "And before you say it, don't blame me for my useless RainWing heritage because you have it to. Blame Father and Mother." She started walking again, making sure that Jackal and Caldera were following. "Come on, guys. They can attack if they have no heart."

Jackal was surprised that Vervain nor Flora even moved. They just glared, watching them. Once they were out of earshot, Jackal spoke. "Why didn't they attack? From what I know, it's a common rule to attack the weak."

"No matter what they say, Vervain actually fights with a sort of honor." Mallow replied. "And Flora won't attack anyone that's younger than her."

"What kind of honor does an aggressive bigwings follow?" Jackal asked.

"The kind that means that he still misses him." Mallow said quietly. "Poor Frute."

Frutescens, Jackal thought. Frute was Frutescens's nickname. And he was Mallow's dead brother. He rarely heard her say his name. He brushed his wing with hers as support, and she smiled slightly.