Page 29 of Sapphire Seas

Caspian, Kes, Mattias called out, move the wounded inside.

Not many of our warriors in the herd were out here. I hope this wasn’t all that was left of them.

A lamprey came at me, with my arms full the best I could manage was to swing my tail. Torin’s poison took care of him for me before I got the chance.

Inside! Torin barked as another headed our way.

Caspian has returned! rang out amongst cheers.

Please tell us you brought help, Kaika, our healer asked, pointing to a bed of kelp for me to lay the injured soldier upon.

I have, in the form of my mates, three protectors and Torin. A hush went around the cavern. We freed Torin.

Protectors are here? was whispered.

Torin? came from another.

Aye, Mattias said as he slipped inside. I’m Mattias, one of the protectors and Caspian and Kes’s mate.

A hush filled the space as the others entered, bringing the remaining wounded with them. The herd dropped to their knees. Never in my life had I witnessed such a grand act as they greeted the brothers.

Welcome, protectors. I’m Amaru, elder of the Brystor herd. We’re honored to be in your presence.

Amaru, Torin embraced him, it’s been far too long, old friend. Let me introduce you to everyone. You’ve met Mattias, these are his brothers, Caro and Quint of Clan Denarius. Every dragon alive knew that clan name and the weight it held. The brothers were royalty amongst our kind. Quint is also my mate.

What a joyous day. Two members of our herd mated to protectors. At least this bit of news served to raise morale amongst my dwindling herd. It had been reduced by half, from what I could see, since I’d left and the numbers were already low then. We sent you for help, Caspian, and you returned with more than we imagined.

Amaru, I wish we were here under better circumstances, Mattias said, but I’m afraid the attackers will return, tenfold.

Amaru sighed. I was afraid you’d say that. We’ve suffered many losses for quite some time, now little remains of our once thriving herd.

Do you have any soldiers or guardians left? Caro asked.

I’m afraid not.

Wait, this is it? Where are the children? When I left there were far more. Now, there were less than thirty and of those only a handful were dragonets. Mattias. What I was asking of him was monumental. I’d been gone too long, and I blamed myself for the losses.

He wrapped an arm around Kes and I and gently squeezed. I know, mate. This is not your fault, Caspian, do not blame yourself.

Easier said than done, especially when you were a soldier tasked with finding help for your people.

Amaru, we can offer you shelter and housing. War is upon us, and it’s no longer safe for your herd to stay here, Mattias suggested.

Uneasy murmurs came from the others. I completely understood their reluctance to leave our home and the sea.

Perhaps when it’s once again safe, you can return to the sea, Torin replied, easing the tension.

Will we finally be able to spread our wings? We lost so many who’d chanced a swim to forage for food.

You will, along with comfortable beds, food and places to swim, Mattias assured him. We have others waiting topside, plenty of help to move you all at once. Those who can’t fly, we can carry.

Please, Amaru, I took a step forward, I’ve failed you once, please, let us do this for everyone. We can rebuild in Dragon City.

Oh, Caspian, you didn’t fail us. You brought the protectors here and saved everyone you see. Without that, our herd would be no more. You’ve done well, your parents would be very proud.

Mattias pulled me into a hug as I did my best not to let the tears fall. I was a warrior, after all and warriors didn’t cry.

We’ll go. Most of the adults can fly but the injured will require assistance.