Chapter 32.1

(Finca)

The two Ra'zac advance and draw their swords. I growl and back up. Why did I have to come here? Why didn't I just stay with Tamli?

"Capture her," one of the Ra'zac hiss.

I crouch low to the ground and growl a warning at them. They ignore my warning and continue to advance on me. A sudden roar catches my attention and I look up, giving one of the Ra'zac a chance to slash at my wings and chest. I snarl and try to ignore the pain that now comes from my injuries.

"Need some help?"

This sudden voice startles me and I growl.

Who said that? I ask.

"Look above you," the familiar male voice commands.

I look up to find that Murtagh and Thorn hover above my head.

Why are you here? I growl.

"You seemed to be in trouble when I past by earlier so I came back to help you," Murtagh says.

I can handle this pests on my own, I growl as I send one of the Ra'zac's cowering to the floor from a Shadow burst.

Oh really, Thorn comments as he watches one Ra'zac slash my already torn wings.

I growl and spring on the creature.

Die! I roar before I roast it with a blast of Shadow.

I step back and crumble to the floor, weak from the fight.

"Still don't need my help?" Murtagh asks as Thorn lands by my side.

I chuckle weakly before answering.

Alright I will accept your offer, I growl.

"Very well," Murtagh says as Thorn picks me up like I'm a hatchling.

I growl in annoyance but say nothing as Thorn takes to the air. Several hours later we land. Thorn leaves to hunt and Murtagh and I are left alone.

"What's happened to Tamli?" Murtagh asks.

He is fine. I got angry and left to calm myself, I answer, gazing down at the grass between my claws.

"Really?" Murtagh asks.

That is true, I growl. Since when has Thorn learned to speak telepathically?

"He learned how to a few days ago," Murtagh says.

At that moment Thorn returns. Murtagh and I realize that something is wrong, he has returned with no food.

Trouble, the dragon Saphira and her Rider approach. Another human is with them. They head here, for us, Thorn says, panic echoing through his thoughts.