Elodia's Dragon (13 page)

"But I live here!"

"Time and distance mean little to dragon riders, Susan. I'm happy it's you that will join us."

They spent the next two days assisting the local healers and assisted in four laying-of-hands to a family severely stricken by the illness. Each day they visited different communities to deliver the vaccine. They were exhausted as they started their final leg to Churchill. As neither of them had been there before they could not use dragon magic to arrive. They need to fly north for eight hours to reach the village on the edge of the frozen sea.

The village consisted of a trading post fortress, an inn, and about a dozen homes. The fever had not reached them yet and they were grateful to receive the vaccine. Elodia and Maryann decided to spend three days at the inn to recover. The fact the inn had heated baths made the decision easy.

"I could lay here soaking for a week!" Maryann whispered.

"The dragons are hunting seals. They were really hungry after so much flying."

"In just three months Ragnar will be big enough for me to fly."

"Excited?"

"Very, I'm taking Walter."

"Eli was a little shy at first, but he now loves to fly with me."

"When we get back it will be time to start school. And for Walter and me to move into our own home."

"You're right next door, Maryann!" Elodia laughed.

"Still it has been fun."

"I’ve enjoyed it too."

They sat together for dinner and joined into the nightly singing and dancing at the inn. When the little community learned that dragon riders were staying at the inn the little inn had large boisterous crowds every night. Then, as planned, after resting for three days they mounted the dragon and rose into the air and crossed through the void returning home.

E
lodia and Maryann waited with their husbands at the docks as the river galley carrying Eli's and Maryann's parents and younger brother for a visit approached. They both wore their lavender skirts, white blouses, and imperial purple corsets.

"Mom, Dad this is Elody, my wife."

"And this is Walter, my husband."

Hugs were exchanged and they began walking to Elodia's home. Eli, Walter and Lehman (Eli's father) carrying the bags.

"Lehman's home now that he has retired and Michael will be testing next week for the navy," Eli's mother Connie said. "You girls both look so pretty."

"Thanks, Mom," they both said.

"So, Michael you're fourteen now!" Eli said.

"Yes, and hope to be a Midshipman.”

"At least one of my sons will be in the navy," Lehman said. "Not that I'm not proud of my beautiful daughter."

"I'm so excited you invited us," Connie said. "Michael will be busy testing, but best of all Lehman and I will be able to attend your temple marriage."

"I'm excited Mom," Maryann said. "You will spend two weeks with Eli and two weeks with me. We live next door. Oh, Mikey, we have horses!"

"Mom, can I ride with Maryann?" Carrie nodded.

“Is that Imperial Purple you both are wearing?” Lehman asked.

“Yes, it is! Elody owns the color.”

“We own the color,” Elodia corrected.

“It must be worth a fortune,” Lehman responded.

“I’m the last of my guild. The color is now made here in the Republic. A lot of people are benefiting from our little enterprise.”

Eli and Walter had borrowed a table and chairs from Walter's home while Elodia started dinner preparations. Maryann was with her parents giving them the grand tour of her home and modeling her Dragon Rider’s uniform. She told them about her flying adventures and current studies to become a midwife. Michael was helping Eli set the table for the meal they were about to share. Maryann had returned and she and her mother assisted with the meal’s preparation.

“You are both amazing young women,” Connie said as they worked together. “Elody would you please address me as Mom, I would like that.”

“Yes Mom, I would like that too.”

Michael assisted in carrying the food to the table. He was casting longing glances at the apple pies. He paused at the window and as he looked out into the yard saw the Davida. "ELI THERE'S A DRAGON!" he shouted excitedly.

Eli looked out the window, "Oh, that one’s Elodia's dragon."

The End

I
’d like to thank the following.

Yvonne Less @
www.art4artists.com.au
for her amazing cover.

Mary-Nancy Smith of Eagle Eye Editing for the editing

My incredibly patient assistant, who helps me when I run into computer issues.

And my family for their support.

And to my wattpad readers. Interacting with you has been an amazing experience. Don’t stop reading, there is more magic that awaits.

No dragons, or purple makers were harmed in the writing of this book.

T
he Draco Chronicles (Fantasy)

For Time and Eternity

Brighter than the Sun

––––––––

T
he Dragon Riders (Young Adult Fantasy)

Elodia’s Dragon

––––––––

V
isit Jerry on the web at

JerrySkell.com