Dragon Clan #4: Gray's Story Read online

  Sawyer and the others still waited for more. All looked at him expectantly, but patiently, as if knowing there was more to come.

  “Ever since Fleet came here to warn us, I’ve had this feeling of inadequacy. Like I should do more. Fleet traveled all the way here from Bear Mountain. I’ve heard some of his stories. He’s a hero. So is Tessa. In a few days, Fleet accomplished more than I have in my entire life. Does this explanation make sense?” Gray lowered his eyes, knowing he sounded like a child and deserved their scolding.

  Emma smiled, a rarity in itself. Her normally sharp voice said softly, “Gray, there is probably no better reason in the universe than the one you just gave. I vote for Gray to follow them.”

  Sawyer nodded in solemn agreement as he asked, “Alone?”

  The heads of all four on the council shook in unison. They all disagreed that he should go alone. Emma said, “The triad is out there. They’re dangerous men. We’re in agreement that we must know their intent, so there’s a time issue, and we cannot debate this for days. It’s simple. Whose skills will compliment Gray’s?”

  “Tessa?” Sawyer suggested.

  Emma shook her head, “No, she’s too valuable to risk, again. Soon she’ll sit at the head of this council, and she’s already risked herself being out in the world. We need someone else to learn what it’s like out there.”

  Tessa said, “Stinson. He’s young, headstrong, and he’s restless. He cannot be trained to be a watcher. Yet he does little in the way of chores, and is a constant distraction.”

  Gray felt his heart nearly stop beating. He wanted to shout that Stinson was the last person he wanted to accompany him anywhere. However, voicing his disapproval might cause the council to rethink his own appointment.

  Sawyer glanced at the others for confirmation. Nobody objected. His attention returned to Gray, sensing the reluctance and resistance to come. “Make no mistake. This will be your job. You are in charge. I know Stinson will be difficult, but you will have to make him understand he is there to help you. Before you depart, I will speak to him. For now, he is your second, but that may change.”

  Emma added, “We do not send our people into the world often, but when we do, there must be a purpose, and often there is more than one. Stinson needs to grow and understand family responsibility. Since you may be near Fleming, there’s a man who helped Fleet. Caldor is his name. We do not know who exactly he is, what his intentions are, or if he’s still there. Since he has helped us before, you will seek him out and introduce yourself.”

  Tessa said, “Gray, there’s much more you need to know about Fleming, but I want you and Stinson to leave today before the triad dies of thirst. There are perhaps things you can learn from them if you reach them before all die. Go pack your things as fast as possible, Sawyer will talk to Stinson, and we will meet back here. I will accompany you into the desert this afternoon and return tonight.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” Gray said, reluctant to appear that he needed more help. If he was to be in charge, he needed to act like it.

  “Yes, I do. There’s too much to tell you without delaying your departure. How to act, where to sleep and find water, the inn where you will stay if you go to Fleming, and more.” Tessa drew nods from all the adults with her words.

  Gray raced off to his home, wearing a grin and threatening to grow into a smile that reached each ear. His mind swirled with thoughts of mighty heroes, fighting dragons, champions, beautiful women, and excitement. Even the idea of Stinson at his heels didn’t bother him. He reached for his bedroll, remembering the many cold nights he’d spent at the watchtower.

  His old yellow dog, the one he’d grown up with, lay on the floor and watched him pack. He tried to avoid the accusing eyes and couldn’t. Then he heard his name called from outside. He gave the dog a pat on the rump and went outside, the dog limping at his side. Then the dog came alert and issued a single low growl of warning.

  The younger man, Stinson, stood on the porch. He was the last person Gray wished to see at his house. Stinson stood blocking the doorway, hands on hips, a snarl on his face. His travel bag sat fully packed at his feet. His voice grated. “So you managed to get yourself appointed a general, huh?”

  “The council put me in charge of this trip, yes.”

  “That old man, Sawyer, already gave me a pep talk. But if you expect me to bow down to you, think again.”

  Gray calmed himself and drew a deep breath before speaking. “There’s danger out there in the drylands. A triad sent by the king. If we fail our mission, it might lead the king’s troops here.”

  “Sawyer gave you the same load of bull crap, huh?”

  Gray realized Stinson’s attitude could cost his home and the lives of his family. As the leader of the expedition, Gray’s first priority would be to do what was best for the family. Family always comes first. In a flash of insight, he realized that, under the wrong circumstances, he might have to kill Stinson to protect the family.

  He set his jaw. He was sworn to his duty and took his responsibilities seriously. I’ll do what’s needed.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Gray moved slowly passed Stinson to stand outside the door to his hut. He met the surly gaze of the younger man with a steady one of his own. “Stinson, you don’t have to go. Stay here and let another take your place.”

  “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Make me look like a coward so you can grab all the glory.”

  “Sawyer only suggested you would be a good choice for this journey. You need to understand how important this is, and that I’m in charge. You report to me. If not, you stay here. It’ll be best for all.”

  “Making demands already, general? Okay, I’ll agree . . . At least, until we’re alone out there in the drylands. Things can change then. Remember, I’m bigger than you. I run faster, and I’m smarter.”

  Gray calmly accepted the statements because all were true. Gray stood average height, with brown hair hanging to his shoulders and long bangs to keep the direct sun off his face. His beard kept his cheeks and the front of his neck covered from the burning sun. However, Stinson was right. He was bigger, stronger, faster, and probably smarter in all areas except in knowing when to keep his mouth shut.

  Stinson was two years younger than Gray, headstrong, arrogant, and determined to bully everyone he knew. He had the good looks to attract girls. His chest and upper arms were larger than almost any other man in the village. When they had played tag together as children, the other players ‘touched’ to transfer ‘it’. When it was Stinson’s turn, he liked to slap people so hard they often fell down. Then he would laugh as if deranged. He’d scold the other person if they were hurt.

  It was not the game of tag Gray remembered so much; it was the way Stinson played and the look in his eyes. Stinson continued to age with much the same results in all of his activities. He became ruthless. Nobody liked him. Almost all believed that someday he would cross some invisible line and hurt another, or place the entire family in danger. Yet, the council had asked him to go on what might be a critical mission with Gray.

  Why? Gray decided to let the matter drop until he spoke with Sawyer and asked for a replacement. Without speaking to Stinson, he turned and headed for the orchard where the others waited. He resisted looking behind to see if Stinson followed.

  His mind churned, trying to figure out the choice of Stinson. He almost stumbled when a stray thought took hold. I think I get it. Taking Stinson along was not a punishment for Gray, but a chance for the younger man to grow up. They want me to teach him. Or to make sure he does not return. Gray saw Sawyer sitting in his usual chair where the council met and approached him as a dragon dropping from the sky to take a helpless sheep, his grip on his staff tight enough to almost splinter the wood.

  Emma, the oldest woman on the council, chuckled while turning her gaze to Sawyer after taking one brief look at Gray. “I told you he’d figure it out and come after you. I said it was a bad idea, didn’t I? Gray can’t handle a headst
rong boy like Stinson.”

  “I can too.” The angry words were aimed at Emma before Gray could prevent them, but Sawyer sat next to her smiling.

  Sawyer said, “I think you’re right, Gray. You can handle him, and speaking of young Stinson, here he comes. I don’t believe he looks very happy.”

  Gray pursed his lips and vowed not to say anything else. His loose remarks had already cost him enough today. He slung his pack over his shoulder and looked at Tessa. “Ready?”

  Emma said, “One more subject before you depart. You’re to continue to Fleming if all goes well. There you will find Caldor, and you will discreetly listen for mention of those who helped Raymer escape the king’s Summer Palace. No more. You will simply listen to others and return with what you hear.”

  Tessa nodded at Gray, then turned to the four on the council and met their smiles with one of her own. She turned away and started walking, Gray at her heels. He heard Stinson calling for them to wait up, but neither slowed.

  They passed through the juniper and the cacti wall without speaking. Then, walking on the desert floor, Tessa asked him, “You do know the council set that up between them, right? I mean to force you to take Stinson along?”

  “I figured it out too late.”

  “Yes, they also planned it that way. They’re very good at it.”

  “Any suggestions?” Gray asked.

  Tessa pulled to a stop. She looked at him for a long moment, then spoke, her voice curt and harsh. “Yes. Do not let Stinson get you killed. Do what you have to, but do not allow him to place your life, or the lives of everyone here in danger.”

  Gray was shocked at her response. He had his suspicions about why Stinson was selected, but to have her confirm it stunned him. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Imagine the enemy has him and they are torturing Stinson to reveal our village location. You’re watching from a position where your arrow will reach him. Will you let that arrow fly?”

  Gray didn’t respond. Stinson was catching up to them, huffing and puffing.

  Tessa hissed, “You better kill him than get all of us killed. It’s a basic lesson we’re all supposed to know as part of the Dragon Clan. If you cannot follow the rule of protecting family first, tell me. We’ll replace you with someone who can do what’s needed.”

  “I know the law.”

  “But will you obey it? I demand an answer before you take another step.” Tessa waited as Stinson caught up with her and stood at her side, a goofy, disrespectful smile as his greeting.

  Gray glanced at him and said, “Yes, I understand. I’ll do what’s needed. But it’s my decision when and where, or if it must be done.”

  “That is all we ask.” She turned to Stinson, “I want to make this clear to both of you, but I’m addressing you because I think you’re a problem and a threat. Gray’s in charge. At all times. If you hinder this mission by your attitude, the family will take stern measures.”

  “You’re not in charge of me.” His false smile never faltered.

  Tessa shifted her eyes to meet Gray’s, without turning her head. When she perceived his tiny nod, she spun and said, “Stinson, you take the point. I need to fill Gray in on a few more things about Fleming.”

  Stinson curled his upper lip. “The person on point is the one that usually dies first.”

  “Then make sure that doesn’t happen,” Gray snapped, already tired of the attitude.

  Stinson looked from Gray to Tessa and rolled his eyes. “All right! I didn’t refuse, did I?”

  As Stinson moved ahead, they both watched. Despite his reluctance, Stinson was quick and sure, his movements one with the desert. Tessa asked, “What’s the name of the man you’ll seek out?”

  “Caldor. I’ll find him at the Red Bear Inn.”

  “Yes. You may also find him watching cargo being unloaded at the docks. He often buys and sells. Do you remember what he looks like?”

  “I do, but there must be many who look like that.”

  Tessa nodded and continued, “Just remember, you don’t go in there asking a lot of questions. People draw conclusions from your questions. They figure out who you are and what you’re up to from what you ask.”

  “Fleet said the same thing. He said if you just listen to enough people, one of them will tell you everything. You don’t have to ask. I listened carefully when you and Fleet told your story at the council meeting.”

  “Good, that makes it easier. Follow the triad but from a distance. You’re going to the spring on the other side of the valley tonight and double back before daybreak. When you reach them, probably tomorrow morning, keep out of sight until the time is right. They will be desperate for water.”

  “I know.”

  “They’ve already been through the drylands to the north, so that’s, at least, two days of travel. Add today and tomorrow and that’s four. The road to Fleming is another two.”

  “A person can carry two days of water, three at most. That triad can’t even reach the nearest spring, even if they knew where it is.”

  Tessa said, “My other problem is you. For ten years of working for me, you’ve never taken risks or indicated you wanted to explore. You’ve never fought in a battle, not that there was one to join, but you are inexperienced. Now you’re here with your staff in hand, a staff I have rarely seen you practice with. Suddenly you decide to become a hero.”

  “Why is that a problem?”

  “Are you too soft? Physically or mentally? When you find those men of the triad, they’ll beg you for a drink of water. Can you resist? Remember, they came here to kill us, but will you stand up to them? And in Fleming, will you fight for the family at the cost of your life? I believe, yes, you will. But, will Stinson?”

  “He carries his staff with him.”

  “To lean on? Or use as a weapon? And who will he use it on? Gray, I am telling you this from my heart, not because of anything the council has asked. Do not turn your back on him, or depend on him coming to your rescue.”

  Gray tried to catch her eye, and she managed to avoid it. “You can’t believe Stinson would hurt me.”

  She reached for his hand as if wishing to hold it as they walked. Inside were several coins. “Take these. Hide them, even from Stinson. A copper coin will buy a few mugs of the best ale, a silver lodging, and food for a week. A single gold will buy a small house. If you must spend gold, have a money changer give you a fistful of silver and copper coins in the stead of one gold.”

  The purse he carried at his waist contained flint, iron, and tinder. He placed the coins inside. He would distribute them amongst his belongings later for security.

  Tessa continued. “If I could, I would forbid you from traveling to the land of Breslau. While we think that to be where the green dragons and the others come from, we do not know for sure. I will say that before you do go there if you do, send Stinson home. Do not take him there under any circumstances. Do I have your word?”

  Gray stopped and locked eyes with her. He waited for more.

  She said, “I will not rescind that order. If you travel to Breslau, there is no method of guessing the odds of your return. I do not think them positive. We, the family, must have the information you glean before you sail. Stinson must be made to understand that he has to bring us all he knows. You may tell him that I personally will promise him another trip in the future, but this one thing cannot be overlooked or changed.”

  He nodded.

  Tessa almost smiled before she turned and walked away with her head up and shoulders straight. She went in the direction of the watchtower where she would probably try to sneak up on whoever was on watch. Gray watched for a while, thinking over her words again.

  He turned to walk in the direction of the only water in the drylands. It was a small seep on the far side of the desert, a half day’s walk in the general direction of Fleming. Tomorrow he’d track the triad, then continue on.

  But he paused, his eyes alert. Every year the watchers removed the shrubs of an
y size from the floor of the desert in front of the canyon to help them see. However, one of the larger remaining greasewoods grew only a few steps away. The straight end of a hardwood pole protruded from near the roots. The pole was free of branches, roots, and bark. It was the end of a staff.

  There was room for Stinson to lie down behind the greasewood plants and eavesdrop on the conversation between Tessa and himself. Without thinking or planning, Gray spun his staff and drew it behind his shoulder as if throwing a javelin. He let it fly at the center of the greasewood.

  The staff penetrated the scrawny branches as if they were made of fog. The end struck, and a yowl of pain filled the air. Stinson climbed to his feet, his right arm cradling his left. “What’d you do that for?”

  “You’re supposed to be on point.”

  “Lighten up. You know that triad is probably dead by dark, and they’re way ahead of us. You really hurt me!”

  Gray calmly walked to Stinson as if he was going to examine the injury and apologize. However, when he drew close, he reached out, grabbed Stinson’s shirt, and pulled him closer. “Another triad may be following the first. We’re on a mission for the family. Disobey me again and you will get worse.”

  “You know I’m going to tell them about this. The whole family. You’ll be sorry.”

  Gray picked up his staff and examined it for damage, then moved closer to Stinson, again. Stinson backed a step, but Gray still advanced. “Let’s get one thing straight between us. You said at my cabin that you wanted to talk when we got out here in the drylands. You said we’d see who is in charge, that you’re bigger, and faster. Well, here we are. Talk.”

  Stinson’s eyes flicked from one side to the other, looking for an escape.

  The right end of Gray’s staff shot out and struck Stinson’s left elbow, on the injured arm, a short jab that struck with a hollow sound. Stinson screamed in pain. It probably hurt, but Gray had the impression the reaction was way more than the blow demanded. Even while hurt, he’s playing with me.