Mind of Mailliw Epilogue pt. 2

I arrived in Dezla three weeks later with my new companion.  The hatchling, who I named Asrah, grew increasingly fond of me during that time, barely leaving my side.  Now that she had come to trust me, she seemed to be much more carefree, as I suppose any child would.  I was even able to develop a telepathic link with her, which came in very handy for keeping track of her.

Our arrival in Dezla was not a quiet one.  Considering the manner in which I had left during my previous visit, this was to be expected.  Fortunately, it was a warm welcome.  Apparently, someone had already filled them in that I would be coming, and they had already prepared a small house for me.  They didn't need to tell me who that someone was.

As I entered the dwelling in question, I noticed a letter resting on a small table.  As Asrah began to explore, I opened the letter and started reading it.  It wasn't very long, but it brought a smile to my face.

The letter was from Jay.  He and Solan were to become the representatives of Thunderbird.

This pleased me a great deal.  I was happy to know that Jay had found something instead of fishing, which had been ruled out ever since our adventures.  But I was even more happy for Solan.  After everything he had been through, it was nice to know that he had finally found something that he could actually view as a worthwhile cause, without having to deal with any pressure from the outside.  

The thought that the two of them would be training new telepaths brought joy to my heart.  Knowing that they would be helping to strengthen the bonds between human and dragon confirmed to me that we had won.  I knew it wasn't going to be a quick transition, but it was a start.  I could finally tell myself that I had accomplished what I had set out to do.

A rustling sound caught my attention, and I turned to find Asrah rummaging through my pack, probably looking for a snack.  In her haste, she had withdrawn something else.  I stared at the object, reminding myself that it needed to be taken care of.


A month later, I was still in Dezla.  I still hadn't quite figured out what I should do now that the war was over.  King Tharan's offer was certainly enticing.  But even though it involved doing what I'd been doing – hunting those who would abuse dragons – I wasn't sure I wanted to do it simply because he told me to.  And then there was Jay.  In his letter, he had mentioned that they might come back and ask for my assistance, if they needed it.

It wasn't a decision I wanted to make.  Both involved protecting dragons, which I had initially resolved to do.  But one involved the separation of human and dragon, while the other would bring them together.  One required force, while the other required understanding.  After everything I had seen on my journey, I honestly wasn't sure which sounded better.

I looked down at my palm at the Stain.  A mark of great power, yet one I should know nothing about.  It did not help me with my dilemma at all.

A small breeze caused me to look toward the open window.  Outside, I could see Asrah returning.  Some of the dragons of the village had been helping to teach her essential skills she would need.  Despite her draconic instructors, however, she had come to refer to me as 'dad'.  I wasn't sure I liked this new title.

We greeted each other as she entered, and she immediately headed for one of the smaller cabinets.  I shook my head.  "You know, you're not going to become a great hunter if you continue doing that," I commented.  

She looked up at me.  But you never hide them!  I could do nothing except roll my eyes at her.  She then paused.  Hey, what happened to that old book?

Her question took me by surprise.  "Book?  What book?"

The one you brought with you when we left the cave.  You still have it, right?

I sighed.  "Actually, I don't."

Asrah looked at me in surprise.  But you said you would tell me what was in it!  Why did you get rid of it?

"I didn't get rid of it.  I simply sent it away."  I looked back at my palm as I said this, which Asrah was quick to notice.

You do that a lot, you know.

I looked back at her.  She sounded.....curious?  Apprehensive?  I really wasn't sure.

She walked over and sat down next to me.  What is it? she asked at length, indicating the Stain.

I continued to stare at my palm, trying to think of how to best explain it to the young dragoness.  "This, Asrah, is a mark of great power.  A power that should not belong to a human like me – the power of a dragon."  I turned to her.  "That book contained information about how to give a human this power, and how to cure some of its more deadly effects."

Asrah's eyes went wide as I said this.  But if you shouldn't have it, then why do you?

"My parents tried to obtain this power for themselves, and the effects were passed on to me," I explained.  "They died shortly after my birth.  I would have died as well, but Asruu saved me.  That book was written by her, after all."

You mean she's the skeleton that was in the cave?

"Yes," I replied.  "But I did not realize that she had saved me until recently.  I had been told of the cure by another dragon, and went searching for Asruu's book to see if it was true.  But, when I found it, I couldn't bring myself to open it."

Asrah looked confused.  Why not?  Why go looking for something if you're not going to do anything with it?

I looked away as I replied.  "Because I was reminded of things I had seen in my life.  Things that I had done.  Things that could happen if I even mentioned this power to anyone.  I realized then that it was not my place to know anything more about this power than what I already knew.  But there is someone who would keep it's secrets hidden."

Asrah leaned closer to me, eager to hear more.  Well?  Who is it?

"The Goldblood."

Asrah gasped.  The Goldblood?!  The King of dragons?!

I nodded.  "Yes.  An acquaintance of mine, Zirath, is currently working as an advisor to him.  I had a messenger take the book to him, and he will give it to the Goldblood.  It will be much safer in their hands."

Asrah looked thoughtful.  So that's why she sealed herself in that cave.....

I chuckled.  "She didn't seal herself in there.  I did, after she died."

You saw her die?

I paused, unsure of how far I wanted to get into this.  "Yes, I watched her die."  I turned back to the hatchling.  "I sealed her body in that cave for a reason, too.  It used to be our home."

Asrah was becoming increasingly entranced by what I was telling her.  You mean you actually lived with her?

"Yes, I did, for a short time."  I stood up and made for the door.  

But Asrah didn't let up.  Wait!  How did you come to know her?  Please, tell me!  Tell me!

I sighed.  I closed the door and turned back to her.  "Alright, since you're so persistent.  But I'm warning you, it's a long story....."