ALL NOVEL Chapter 68, Day 109: Homeward
[DAY 109]
«So, it’s finally time for you to go,» Helsha said.
«Indeed,» Qnaoro nodded. «Pryce finished examining Ighnahr’s corpse last night, and we have enough preserved food to last the entire journey. We’ll eat one last meal, and then the ship will head to the Mainland.»
«I see.» The herbalist sounded a little off, and Qnaoro couldn’t help but look askance at him.
«Is something the matter?» Qnaoro asked, tilting his head.
«Hmm. Walk with me,» Helsha said, pushing himself up stiffly.
Qnaoro was confused, but he followed anyway, padding alongside Helsha who still walked with a limp. His injuries, like the others, had healed quite quickly thanks to human medical aid, and they had healed over enough to no longer be at risk of opening with some light activity.
The humans had stated that it would have been preferable to leave the stitches in a bit longer, but the wounds had healed enough that removal was no longer a danger…or at least far less of one than leaving them in until their uncertain return.
«What did you want to talk about?» Qnaoro asked, when they had walked some distance without speaking.
Helsha slowed to a stop as he glanced around the forest they’d entered. Seeming to be satisfied, he sat down.
Qnaoro waited for the herbalist to speak, but when a beat passed in silence he coughed pointedly.
«Sorry,» Helsha said, chuffing lightheartedly. «I had many things on my mind, but now I’m not sure how to begin.»
Qnaoro blinked, surprised at this admission. «I didn’t think you were one to mince words,» he said, spines flattened a little.
«I suppose not,» Helsha sighed. «Well, the main thing that’s been worrying me is those rifles that humans have. Jooral-ǂ voiced some very sensible arguments, and I do not think we should fight the humans,» he said hastily, «but…to be completely honest, I was planning on visiting the Mainland until I saw how easily Pryce was able to kill Ighnahr. Now…I’m not sure if I would go even if I had no plants to take care of.»
«...really?» Qnaoro asked incredulously. «But why not? You agree with what Jooral-ǂ said, don’t you? Isn’t it safer to deal with the humans on our own terms than to have them act on their own?»
«I do. It is a sensible argument.»
«Then…?»
«...I suppose I am afraid,» Helsha said, very quietly. «Aren’t you?»
«Maybe a little,» Qnaoro admitted, though he was deeply unsettled by Helsha’s admission – he had rarely seen the herbalist show doubt before, and never any semblance of fear. «But…my whole life, I’ve wanted to be free from this land, and see things that others had not. I can’t turn that down now, not for anything.»
Helsha stared for a moment before abruptly chuffing in amusement. «I suppose we should be glad you don’t like fighting, else you’d be quite fearsome.» Qnaoro wasn’t sure how to respond to that, but the herbalist hadn’t seemed to have been expecting one as he stood himself up. «Well, that’s all that I wanted to talk to you about. Let’s head on back.»
Qnaoro didn’t move. «You’re worried about me,» he stated in realization.
Helsha paused, then turned to glance back at him. «Of course I am,» he huffed, shrugging a wing in the direction of the ship. «You’re heading off to a land full of those bizarre creatures, with only a moderately good chance of coming back. I was going to try and dissuade you,» he added, «but…well, everyone has their reason to be, and far be it from me to take that from you.»
«I see…» Qnaoro said, trailing off uncertainly. «Well, I also thought about asking you to come with me, but I don’t think I could have pulled you away from those trees of yours even if I tried.»
«Good,» Helsha said, eyes narrowed in amusement. «It seems we understand each other.» He paused, glancing around before he continued. «...you remember my scarred tree, right? Do you still want to know about it?»
Qnaoro’s eyes widened. «…! Of course!» he exclaimed after a moment’s hesitation.
«Just so you know, I’ve never told anyone this – save for one person – so promise me you’ll never tell anyone else, alright?» Helsha asked, and raised his hand with palm upturned.
«I’ll never speak of it to anyone else,» Qnaoro promised as they clasped hands and completed the gesture.
«Good,» Helsha nodded. «I suppose I should start at the beginning,» he said, sitting back down upon the forest floor. «I was raised in an area with some particularly old great trees, and my parents would often tell me about how these trees were older than anyone alive. Naturally I was amazed by this, though I was only able to climb the tree once before my parents caught me. After that I was forbidden to go out on my own until I had learned to fly, but in the meantime I had a toy,» he said, holding something up. «A large seed-pod, somewhat like this one, had fallen when my parents had yanked me back home. I’m not sure why they allowed me to keep it, but I’m glad they did.»
The herbalist paused for a moment, a nostalgic look in his eyes. «I was enamored with that thing; the way it conked against the trunk of a tree, the way it fit perfectly in my jaws, and the way it seemed to spin forever if I spun it the right way fascinated me – but there is one particular memory that stands out among the others.» Helsha’s eyelids slowly lowered, and he closed his talons around the pod. «I was playing with the pod as usual, but then I encountered a young moon grazer who had wandered towards our home. Instead of running away, it nudged my pod back towards me. I was amazed, and we played for a little while, rolling the pod back and forth between us until my father arrived and tore open its throat. It was no different than what I’d seen him do for years, and certainly no different from what I’d done myself to smaller creatures.»
Qnaoro opened his mouth, but wasn’t quite sure what to say. In the end he decided it was better to let Helsha finish his story first, without interrupting him.
«The grazer was just prey,» Helsha said, not seeming to pay attention to his audience. «It was something to be eaten, as was natural…and yet, for some reason, I could not forget the look in that creature’s eyes as it died.»
Qnaoro flattened his spines, unsure of what to say. «I see…Is that why you…?»
«More or less,» Helsha sighed. «I didn’t start immediately – it is hard to defy one’s parents as a hatchling, but I made slow and steady progress once I’d begun to live on my own. The seed pod broke shortly after that incident, but I’d kept it with me until I found a good place to plant it.»
«So that’s where the tree came from,» Qnaoro said in realization.
«Yes, but that’s just the first half of the story,» Helsha sighed, his expression hardening. «There was someone who I once called a friend for many years, but in the end he only wanted to steal the recipe behind my pattern-strengthening medicine. We both knew he was no threat to me, but the day he realized I would never give him what he wanted was the day he almost killed my very first tree.» Recalling this treachery seemed to exhaust the herbalist more than anything – it must have been some time ago, considering that Qnaoro hadn’t heard of such an event before.
«What…happened to him?» Qnaoro asked hesitantly. He doubted Helsha would ever kill anyone, but in those circumstances, faced with such betrayal…
«He destroyed my plants and vandalized my tree while I slept, and then he fled before I’d realized what had happened,» Helsha growled. «I never saw him again, and he was killed by someone else a few decades later.»
Qnaoro flattened his spines as he digested this story. Helsha had never told this to anyone else, except for one person. Assuming that this individual was the traitor…then that meant the only time the herbalist had trusted someone enough to share his story resulted in them using it to harm him.
And now he had entrusted this deeply personal information with Qnaoro.
«Thank you,» he said, not knowing how else to respond. «For telling me all this,» he added awkwardly.
«No need to thank me. I probably should have told you that earlier, considering how much you’ve helped me,» Helsha said, and glanced towards the east, where the ocean met the horizon. «I’m going to miss our talks.»
«We’ll have more when I come back,» Qnaoro said, «After all, I’ll have plenty to teach you about humans.»
«...I suppose that is true,» Helsha said, smiling. «In that case, don’t keep me waiting too long, you hear?»
Qnaoro parted his jaws, returning the smile. «Of course, my friend.»
«Be careful in what you tell them,» Vosae said as she gave Hakra one last reminder, «They may be our allies today, but who knows what will happen tomorrow? Even if things go well, there will almost certainly be those among them who will use any information they can against us.»
«I know,» Hakra said, nodding gravely. «I’ll be careful, and I’ll be sure to watch over Icahna,» she said, nodding to Vosae and Icanam.
«I still don’t think this is a very good idea,» Icanam sighed. «I should be going with you.»
«There is no reason to risk anyone else,» Vosae said, not for the first time. «Besides, there will be much work to do back home, and your help will be needed.»
«Don’t worry, I will be careful, father,» Icahna said, nudging her parents reassuringly.
«Alright then,» Icanam sighed. «Stay safe, and be careful around the humans.»
«And don’t forget what’s at stake,» Vosae added, giving each of her daughters a brief hug. «Now go, before the humans leave you behind.»
«See you later!» Icahna chirped as she fluttered onto the ship.
«Until we meet again,» Hakra rumbled before leaping up onto the ship with a much greater gust of wind.
Soon afterwards smoke began to pour out of the ship’s chimneys, and the great metal vessel almost unbelievably began to break free from the beach. The hundreds of dragons who had gathered upon the beach watched in silent awe as the ship slowly but surely drifted out to sea, gradually orienting itself along the way.
«Where are Jooral-ǂ and Ghorrah-ǂ?» Helsha asked as he stood up, scanning the crowd for the two elders. «I thought they weren’t going to the human land?»
«They aren’t,» Vosae answered, tossing her head. «But Jooral-ǂ can’t fly, remember? She needs help getting back home.»
«Ah,» Helsha nodded – he must have missed that while he slept. «That makes sense.»
They all watched as the ship ponderously began to point southwards, with some dragons taking to the skies to better observe the great metal vessel as it began to move – slowly but surely, the steel ship gained speed, and soon it was speeding away to the south.
The departure of the ship seemed to signal the end of the gathering; more than half the dragons present had left shortly afterwards, though some had decided to curiously follow the vessel down the coastline.
Seeing that nothing important was happening, Vosae laid back down for another nap, though she was interrupted shortly afterwards by a young green dragon landing upon the beach.
«Is this the place?» the newcomer asked, glancing around. «Where are the humans?»
Everyone stared at him for a moment, until Eoiras barked out a laugh.
«A bit late, aren’t you?»
[JOURNAL ENTRY]
Day 109,
Home…it feels like ages since I’ve left, even if it’s only been a few months.
I cannot deny missing the comforts of living in civilization, but I wouldn’t exactly say that I’m homesick…for one, I’m far more concerned about the reaction of the general population, as well as what sort of campaign the politicians will decide to launch.
The promise of unclaimed land and untapped resources was a large motivator of this expedition, and those in power are not known for their proclivity to settle for less, let alone share.
I’m no politician, but the optimal outcome would likely involve having the island of dragons recognized as their own country, but that seems unrealistic, considering their non-existent body of government. Declaring their land to be a protected preserve wouldn’t work either, as that would severely limit the “usefulness” of the land – no politician would allow that to happen.
It is clear that I am out of my depth, but I have some idea of who to ask for help. At least now my reputation will be good for something.
It is strange: in some regards, the thought of dealing with other people humans is more worrisome than dealing with dragons…but I suppose a few hundred dragons can only do so much, after all.
There are so many unknowns; I have not the slightest idea what our odds of success are…but we’ve solved one half of the equation, despite all the hurdles along the way.
We’ll just need to do it again.
[Day 110]
«That is everything,» Fortitude said as she inspected the last crate that was lowered onto the beach.
«Are you sure you don’t want to keep everything?» Devotion asked entreatingly.
«Yes, I am sure,» Fortitude said, sighing in exasperation. «I haven’t left behind anything terribly valuable, and Ahnoumh can see if the humans are interested in trading for my crafts. Besides,» she added, gesturing at the crate full of miscellaneous tools. «I’ve received more than enough in return for them.»
«Oh, very well,» Devotion sighed. “We are done,” she said, calling out to the humans.
“Thank you again for your help,” Pryce said, standing with the other humans. “I hope one day you’ll be able to see the Mainland for yourself.”
“I hope so too,” Fortitude said, and then turned to face Celeste.
«It looks like it’s time to go,» Celeste said, giving the familiar forests and mountains one last glance before turning to face the two elders.
«Until we meet again,» Fortitude nodded, smiling.
«Good luck,» Devotion said stoically.
«Thank you,» Celeste said. «And thank you for…for everything, really.»
«You’ve already said that,» Devotion snorted. «Just don’t get yourself killed.»
«Of course,» Celeste said, chuffing in amusement. «I’ll do my best to come home alive.»
«Yes, yes,» Devotion said, waving her away. «Go join your father, before the ship leaves.»
Celeste nodded as she turned to leap onto the ship, but then she paused.
«What is it now?» Devotion snorted as Celeste whirled back around. «Enough with-»
«Thank you for being my mothers,» Celeste said, wrapping the both of them up in a hug.
It ended as quickly as it began, and soon the young dragon leapt onto the deck of the ship with a few stilted wingstrokes.
«My dear wings,» Fortitude snickered, «I haven’t seen you look so flustered in a long, long time.»
«Oh shut up,» Devotion grumbled, with no heat in her words. «It’s not as if you’re any different.»
«Oh, I know,» Fortitude said, nodding easily. «I’m going to miss her,» she sighed as the smoke began to puff out of the ship’s funnels.
«She’ll be fine,» Devotion said, draping a wing over Fortitude, who leaned into her partner. Without another word, the two of them watched as the ship began to pull away to the east, to go where no dragon had ever gone before.
“Er…Excuse me,” Pryce said to the dragon blocking the hallway.
“Hm?” Icahna pulled her gaze away from a painting to cock her head at him. “What that mean?” she asked curiously.
Pryce scratched his head, then made a scooting motion with his hand.
The dragonet glanced at him, then down at herself to see that she was blocking the way. “Ra? You want go?”
“Yes, please,” Pryce said, a little amused.
“Sorry!” Icahna chirped, then flattened herself against the wall to give the human enough room to pass.
Pryce shuffled past her, then stared as she wandered down the ship’s corridors, peering curiously at mundane objects. He supposed that would be a common sight throughout their journey, though he somehow hadn’t realized that she was small enough to explore the ship’s interior.
Putting that thought aside he stepped out onto the deck, then quickly located Fathom. “How’s everyone doing?” he asked as he walked up to his friend.
“Amazed at the ship, mostly,” Fathom shrugged. “Aurum said that the ship’s movement is making him feel unwell,” he added smugly, gesturing to the golden dragon who somehow looked queasy as he sat in the middle of the ship – evidently in an attempt to stabilize himself.
“Wait…are you saying he’s seasick?” Pryce asked incredulously.
Fathom cocked his head. “That sounds accurate. Does it also happen to humans?”
“It happens to most humans,” Pryce answered, casting a worried glance at Aurum. “It took me a long time to get used to it, and even now I’ll get sick if there’s a storm. I didn’t think dragons could get seasick…I hope he doesn’t get worse – it won’t be good for our food supply if he starts throwing up.”
“Just don’t give him any of my food,” Fathom snorted.
“I’ll need to tell Callan and the others,” Pryce said, and nodded in farewell as he turned away.
“Pryce, wait.” Fathom called out, making Pryce turn around. “Scott was talking about the ‘northern lights’ yesterday. Is it true that they’re common on the Mainland?”
“It varies from year to year,” Pryce answered, “but the sun has been a little more active recently, so it’s not difficult to see some in the far north.” He paused as a realization occurred to him. “Oh, you might not have ever seen them before!”
“I have,” Fathom said, gingerly tilting his head. “But only very dim ones. There are stories of bright lights filling the sky, but I have never seen anything like that,” he said, a little wistfully.
Pryce turned his head upwards to look up at the sky, and a beat passed between them. “An equinox is when a day and a night last the same amount of time, and that’s when the northern lights are most common,” he said, earning an interesting look from Fathom. “I can’t promise anything, but equinoxes are always three months after a solstice, so there’s a good chance I’ll be able to show you some northern lights while we’re on the Mainland.”
Fathom’s eyes widened, and for a brief moment the setting sun was clearly reflected in his eyes.
Then his jaws parted in a smile.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
The end of book 1