Chapter VII
To Drynelle
The incessant rumble of hundreds of horses galloping through the canyons of the pass echoed off the rock walls. Warm air escaped the beasts’ nostrils as they breathed heavily. King Telinin clung to the reins of his horse as he pushed it hard. The nagging thought that they moved too slowly gnawed at him.
A horse next to him collapsed sending its rider tumbling across the ground. Quickly, King Telinin held up his hand as a signal to stop. Gradually, the roar of their movements ceased.
“Why have we stopped?” asked Sarwyn.
“Look at my men,” said King Telinin, “They are exhausted. At this pace, we will die before we reach Drynelle.”
Sarwyn surveyed the mass of men as they rested and gave their horses water. Many slumped to the ground barely able to stay awake. Her face scrunched slightly as she thought about a way to ensure that they reached Drynelle alive and in fighting shape.
“Why have we stopped?” Selexia hovered inches above the ground.
An idea struck the fairy. “Selexia, how many dragons are there?”
“We number as many as the stars,” replied Selexia.
“What are you planning?” asked King Telinin, tentatively.
Sarwyn grinned at him with a glint in her eyes. “Will your dragons be able to carry a horse and its rider as far as the edges of Drynelle?”
“We can,” said Selexia.
“Be carried by dragons,” breathed King Telinin.
“I promise we will not eat you,” said Selexia, “Or drop you.” The dragon arched her head upward releasing a strangled cry the reverberated off the rocky cliffs.
“Tell your men to prepare for departure,” said Sarwyn.
Within moments, the sky darkened as dragons filled it. One by one the giant beasts swooped down and gently picked up a rider and his horse. Soon, dragons blackened the sky with their cargo as they headed east.