Reunion

Fresh off writing Okay, I turned my attention to the second genre for April, a historical fiction. From the moment the poll results came in, I knew I’d be revisiting Samuel and his dragon, Pearl. Beyond that, the rest of the story escaped me, at least for a while. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense to bring Anna back into the mix. Reintroducing her (and her dragon) would make for a fun story. And once I remembered Samuel’s last appearance, delivering flowers to an old friend who could replace his defensive ward, the pieces fell into place.

Before Samuel’s next journey begins, there’s a pause, one of those rare, quiet moments where everything still feels possible. He’s prepping Pearl for their departure and savoring a rare moment of peace, when a familiar voice and face disrupts it all. Anna arrives with a proposition too dangerous, and far too personal, for him to ignore.

With morning mist still hanging in the air and a storm brewing on the horizon, whispers of a notorious outlaw reach Samuel’s ear. Which results in a reunion between old friends. Long-set debts resurface, and before the day is done, Samuel will have to make a choice that will alter more than his flight.

Come along for a tale of dragons, decisions, and the weight of answering when an old friend calls for help.

As Samuel is preparing to leave, an old friend visits asking for help shoulder a burden no one can bear alone…

With a firm tug, Samuel tightened the last strap of Pearl’s harness to her body. A second later, the dragon settled down upon her roost. While the soft light glinted off her scales, a lazy plume of heat curled up from her nostrils, creating a bit of fog in the crisp morning air. Despite the presence of several slumbering dragons, the stable was too quiet. The typical bustle of messengers, hands, and riders was absent. However, the scent of smoke, hay, and dragon musk lingered thick in the air.

Samuel stroked the thick curve of Pearl’s neck. She twisted her head, a low hum rumbling from her throat as she nudged Samuel’s shoulder with her snout. He gave her another pat before hopping down from the marble slab. He grabbed both of his duffels, newly packed for the journey, and climbed back onto Pearl’s perch.

Once he rejoined his mount, Samuel leaned one bag against Pearl’s side and climbed up her harness. He sat down and began the practiced task of fastening the first duffel to the rig. Despite a little stiffness in the buckles, he worked them while thinking about his upcoming journey. When he finished securing the bag, he leaned back on Pearl’s warm body and stared at the stable’s ceiling, where the stone ribs arched toward the massive opening like the ribs of a magnificent beast.

“Won’t Randall charge you for sleeping in here?”

The feminine and familiar voice elicited a smile from Samuel’s lips. He sat up and turned, finding Anna standing about fifty yards away, arms folded across her chest.