The Forsaken Hero

"I leave for one hour, and this is what happens?"

I hung my head, helpless before Soltair’s exasperated question. "It’s not like you being there makes it any better," I muttered. It used to, but I had too many memories of him standing idly by.

He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Fine, but you’d better win. I won’t have you bringing shame to our party, you hear? The City Lord and his councilors are already skeptical enough that we let a dragon slip away."

I dipped my head submissively, grateful he didn’t accidentally punish me again. News of the duel had through the campus like wildfire, and Soltair asked us about it the instant we arrived at our lodgings within the Central Citadel.

Trithe sat on the couch beside Soltair, snuggling into his embrace. "I’ve heard of this Prince Eric. The Fire Kingdom is well known for their, well, use of Fire Magic."

"I hope so," Fyren grinned. "But I’m afraid our little prince has only dug himself a hole. How could a student’s flames, even if he claims to be a Dragon General, possibly compare to the real thing?"

"I suppose that’s true," she said. "I wonder what’s going through his head now. I’m sure he’s learned who you two really are by now."

It didn’t take too much thought to picture it, not when I’d experienced Vorinth. I’m sure the match would be filled with nothing but disparaging remarks and abuse.

"In any case, make sure to get some sleep tonight. After your duel, we’re going to go hunt down the dragon." Soltair explained.

I nodded and rose, heading to my room. As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, I became conscious of the feelings swirling through me. It wasn’t fear, or even anticipation, as had characterized every duel I’d been forced in before. Instead, I felt...impatience.

The following morning, we met Elise at the library. Her appearance was as radiant as usual, practically gleaming in the morning sun, but her face looked tired and haggard. She sat on a couch in the inner library, staring at her hands, which were tightly folded in her lap.