Part 8: A Dark Attack

A week later, Raina Lynn and Krisr were nearly to the edges of the Creature Refuge. By now, fall had come to the countryside, and the trees were full of golds, oranges, and reds. They had traveled without incident, taking the main road from Plativa south through Bariston and then taking the mountain route. The road they were now on sloped gently upwards, weaving through dense forests and large boulders. Eventually, it would come out on the grassy slopes of the Sh'vaki Valley. From there, they would have to contact Indyana and wait for transportation. The only way into the Refuge was by flight or powerful magic, neither of which they possessed.

The breeze was cool, but the day was still sunny and warm. Krisr walked along, whistling an upbeat tune and soaking in the sun. Raina, meanwhile, was galloping through the trees, enjoying stretching her legs. Ever since she had learned to run, she had been unstoppable. The day she discovered jumping was probably the happiest day of her life thus far!

*Krisr, I can outrun the deer!* He heard Raina call in his mind, and he smiled, glad that she was enjoying herself. He felt more free than he had in a while... it was good to be on the road once again. He exited the trees and rounded a set of tall boulders. Suddenly, he heard a sharp growl and something pushed him down from behind.

He hit the ground and felt claws digging into his shoulder, and he let out a yell of pain. Whatever was attacking him snarled and tightened its grip.

This is it! Krisr thought in a panic. This is the end! And I didn't even get to see Raina to her Shantel...

Then, he heard Raina approaching. *Krisr!!* she shrieked, and he felt her slam into whatever was on top of him. The creature went tumbling off and Raina placed herself between it and himself. Then, she let out a sound he had never heard any Bishel dragon make. It was a mix between a snarl and a trumpeting call, and his ears rung after she had finished. The menacing creature obviously found it as impressive as he did because it stopped in its tracks and stared at Raina. Krisr looked up and was surprised by what he saw.

Tr'ynka Valae

The huge attacker was staring at Raina with a keen glint in its eyes that made Krisr shiver. Then, it spoke.

*You... are a Bishen,* it hissed, and Raina Lynn shifted nervously. Krisr, however, kept looking at the strange creature. It was horrible to behold and its blood red eyes filled him with a feeling like ice, but its head was the same shape as Raina's... it had two talons on each foot... its form was long and sinuous...

Raina, Krisr thought, knowing she could hear him. I think it might be a dragon... its not like you, but look...

Raina examined the newcomer suspiciously. It did resemble her... even under all the armor and the mad glow in its eyes... but it had tried to kill her bondmate. She glared at it in fury and growled softly, but decided to answer it.

*I am a Bishel dragon... not quite a Bishen, but nearly so,* she projected. The strange dragon looked slightly confused, but recovered quickly.

*I am Tr'ynka Valae,* it said. *I have been sent by my clan to find those who were lost to us so many years ago. I see that you must be one of our lost. I must speak to your Kailan at once. It is a matter of great importance.*

Raina Lynn still didn't trust this dragon... there was something harsh and dark about him. By now she had assumed that it was indeed a 'he'. She could not refuse his request, however, so she nodded.

*Our Kailan lives over this mountain range. We cannot travel there by foot. I must send for assistance to enter the Refuge. I will aid you on one condition.*

*The condition...?* Tr'ynka Valae asked.

*This man is my bondmate,* she said, motioning to Krisr, who was still lying on the ground. *Please do not attempt to harm him again.*

*A human bondmate...* Tr'ynka Valae growled, and she could feel cold fury and hatred behind his words. After a moment, however, he nodded. *As you wish.*

*Also,* Raina Lynn continued, gaining confidence, *the Creature Refuge is a refuge for all creatures. Once we enter, you must not harm any of them unless your life is put into danger. There will be food at Bishen Realm, but we must not hunt on the Refuge.*

*Agreed,* Tr'ynka Valae growled reluctantly. *Send for your aid, young one.*

With that, Raina raised her head and repeated the trumpeting call Krisr had heard her use earlier. It seemed to be a call to arms of some sort, and it echoed off the mountains in all directions. A few minutes later, they heard a faint answering trumpet from over the mountains. Help was on the way. Looking at the strange dragon, Krisr hoped it would arrive soon.