Bird stood silently between Apple and Lore while Adwin, Yena and Elyseo stood behind them. The group was centered among twenty others in the hall that the Council of Uler used for official proceedings. The Oracle sat center in the high chair at the council’s table flanked by other members of the twelve strong council. Some of the members belonged to the First, the first dragons to be created, while others were of varying ages. Only two of the members were witches grayed with age.

“You are probably wondering why your squads were called in here today,” the Oracle said. Her green eyes scanned the room and lingered on Apple and Bird. “You are here because the tigers are building an outpost in Errolt. We are sending you to destroy this new base before it becomes a significant threat. Kill any tigers on sight and if you encounter Seekers try to liberate them without excessive harm.”

She held up Bird’s book and all the dragons as one dropped to their knees. Bird and the other witches straggled behind. “Now that the book of Creation has been restored we can begin to take back Heaven and restore our true god to his throne!”

“HAH!” the dragons shouted as one.

Tears glistened in the oracle’s eyes as she looked at her two children among the squads. Sera, who was standing just behind and to the right of her placed a hand on her shoulder. “Basalt! Rune! You are to lead these squads into battle. Your orders are in these packets.” Two fierce looking dragon women, one with red hair and the other with black, stepped forward and took the sealed envelopes and returned to their positions. “The One bless you all! You are dismissed!”

The hall slowly emptied until only the oracle and Sera were left. “How many more tears must I shed until this is over?” the oracle said.

“Only the number needed to end this war,” Sera said smiling.

***

Bird followed close behind Apple as they followed the crowd to the courtyard where their baggage sat in groups. “Okay, listen up everyone. We are splitting into two groups. When your squad leader’s name is called out by either me or Rune, please report to your assigned leader,” the red haired dragon shouted. She began to alternate with Rune in calling names until all twenty squad leaders were called. Bird looked around at her new group that fell under the red haired dragon known as Basalt. The only faces that she recognized were that of her own squad. She looked grimly at Basalt and felt a hand slip into hers. She looked up to see Yena standing beside her. “Don’t be frightened young one. We are at your side,” she said softly. Bird smiled and squeezed her hand.

“Everyone!” Rune shouted in a husky voice. “We have been given a task by our Oracle! Let us fight with honor for the glory of The One! We will travel together as far as Bresbur then shall form back into our new flights. More formation information will be provided when we reach Bresbur.”

“Form up and prepare to fly out!” Basalt yelled. The dragons shimmered and shifted into their dragon form. Lore scooped up Bird and she felt her heart thrill as they soared into the sky. The dragons glittered like polished stones in the morning light as they flew over Uler. A small crowd had gathered outside the council’s hall formed by loved ones. They cheered as they watched the dragons fly up and disappear into the clouds.

Cradled in the warmth and protection of Lore’s fore arms Bird soon found herself dozing. When she woke they were landing in the midst of a small village that she had never seen before. Dragons and witches swarmed out of their homes and greeted them.

“What is this village called?” Bird asked as Lore gently set her down.

“This is Bresbur. This village sits on holy ground six hours journey by flight from the coast,” Lore said after returning to human form.

Bird watched as wagons were rolled from large storehouses. Packs, blankets and food were stored in the wagons by the villagers while various members of the traveling group helped at the direction of Rune and Basalt.

Lore wrapped his arms around Bird as the wind picked up in the village. “You’re tense,” he whispered in her ear. She squirmed as she felt her body respond to his touch. “I know how to loosen you up.”

Bird touched his cheek and he turned his face into her hand and kissed it. “How do you plan to loosen me up?”

“By kissing you from head to toe,” he growled in her ear. He kissed it drawing a small gasp from her.

They were soon interrupted by Basalt as she passed by them. “We don’t have time for dilly-dallying. Go help that group over there load the wagons!”

“Yes Ma’am,” Lore said quickly.

They spent the next hour loading the supplies for their group of one hundred. Once the last wagon was loaded they broke for lunch provided by the village. Curious children darted between the groups playing and asking questions of the warriors.

Bird watched the carefree youths and wondered if she would ever experience such innocent bliss. Lore rested his head in her lap and smiled up at her. Bird felt her heart skip and looked away. “What are you thinking about?” Lore asked sweetly.

“I was thinking about how nice it was to be so innocent and happy as a child. I miss those days.”

“Do you want to have children?”

Bird frowned and shook her head. “I’ve never thought of having my own. I don’t see myself as the type of woman to raise children. What about you?”

Lore smiled. “I would love to have children as long as they looked like you.”

Bird felt her face flush. “W-why like m-me?” she stammered. Lore felt his heart skip when he saw the embarrassed look on Bird’s face.

“I’m a vain man; of course I want my children to be as beautiful as you.”

Bird felt her breath catch in her throat. She opened her mouth to speak but only a small squeak came out. She shook her head and stood up, dropping Lore’s head in the process. “S-sorry… Air! I need air.” Bird pointed to where the wagons sat on the outskirts of the Bresbur and fled before Lore could respond.

“What did you do to Bird this time?” Yena demanded when she saw Bird’s retreating back as she reached their rest area. She and Adwin sat down across from him.

“Why do you think I did something?” Lore asked sweetly. He batted his lashes drawing a sigh from Yena.

“The only time I see her get so flustered is when you’re around. I trust that you are being gentle?”

“I’m sure he is since this is the first time he’s shown any interest in women,” Adwin said reaching over to pat Lore’s knee. “She’s still young Lore, I don’t think pushing for children this early is a good idea.”

Lore snorted. “I’ve asked her to marry me two times already and she hasn’t given me a response. What am I to do with her?”

Yena smiled. “Give her time. That’s want she wants from you right now. I think if you continue to push she will continue to flee. Your relationship is still new, there is no reason to rush,” she said. Adwin nodded.

“I’m just afraid that I’m going to lose her,” Lore said. Yena’s smile faded slightly.

“We all have that feeling. It will come and go. Let me talk to her.” Yena kissed her husband then stood. “I will be back soon.”

Yena followed the trail of Bird’s scent to the wagons and found her sitting on a crate that had been emptied. “May I sit with you?” Yena asked. Bird started. Realizing it was Yena she motioned to the crate beside her. “I saw you running from Lore, did something happen between you?”

Bird shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know if you would phrase it like that. He mentioned having children with me, which I’d never really thought of. On top of that he said he wanted them to be beautiful like me.

“Yena I’m not beautiful! I’m not perfect either. I’m clumsy, ugly, and stupid, who would want a mother like me?” Bird hit her fist against the crate.

“Bird, you are not stupid and definitely not ugly. You may be clumsy, but you’re not alone, it just makes you unique. You are smart, brave and kind. You are beautiful in here,” Yena said tapping Bird’s chest. “And out here,” she said wiping away Bird’s tears.

“Sometimes I’m afraid that Lore is not really seeing me and just saying those things to please me.”

“Lore is being sincere. I would be proud to have a child like you and I think that is what he thinks as well.”

Bird hugged Yena tightly. “I know I would want a mother like you,” Bird said as she pulled away and wiped the rest of her tears on her sleeve.

“You are kind to say that. Will you at least talk to Lore about what you want?”

Bird stared into the distance. What did she want? She knew that she wanted to marry him eventually, but would she have children? Her examples of motherhood were her memories of her mother and aunt and the animals from her small farm. How could she be a mother if she did not have one?

“Yena, do you think I would make a good wife?”

“Bird, you shouldn’t focus on being a good wife. You should focus on being a good and caring person. Come with me; we’ll go spirit walking.”

Bird closed her eyes and relaxed.

***

When she opened her eyes she found herself in a room that she had never seen before. Small couches with furs were placed strategically around the room with tables separating them. On each table was a lamp and bowl of white and black stones. Yena stood across from her and motioned for her to follow. She crossed the room and joined Yena in an adjoining room.

Yena lit a lamp and the room filled suddenly with its soft light. The room was simple with only a dresser with a basket on top filled with blankets. Something glittered among the blankets and Bird tilted her head to see what it was. “Go ahead and look,” Yena said.

Bird crossed the room and lifted the top blanket to reveal a jade green stone with metallic flecks. She placed her hand on it and found it warm. “Yena, is this an egg?”

“Yes,” Yena said in a thick voice. “Adwin doesn’t know I was pregnant. I still have another month before it hatches.”

“Why doesn’t he know yet?” Bird asked turning around. “Is this going to be a surprise?”

Yena’s lips trembled and her eyes looked bloodshot as she crossed the room and kissed the egg. “This will be a gift for him. We’ve always wanted children, but kept putting it off because of the war. I was such a fool to use that as an excuse.” She kissed the egg again then turned to Bird. “I want you to be the godmother. It’s our tradition for the godmother to present the name of the child during the Naming ceremony.”

“You want me to be the godmother?” Bird squeaked.

“Yes. I’ve already chosen a name; Star.”

“Star? That’s beautiful. Are you having a girl?”

“I don’t know the gender. We won’t know until it hatches.”

Bird bounced on her toes immediately feeling excited, but stopped when she noticed the painful expression in Yena’s eyes. “What’s wrong?” she asked softly. Yena gripped her hand and shook her head.

“I’m sorry. We need to go before we are missed.” Yena gave one last look to the egg than faded away.

***

Bird opened her eyes and stretched out the kink in her neck. Yena was already standing a few steps away. “Please do not tell Adwin about this. I want to tell him myself,” Yena said softly.

“Yes,” Bird replied.

“Thank you.”

They returned to where Lore and Adwin sat. Elyseo had joined them and was sitting broodingly off to the side of their blanket. When he noticed Bird his brow darkened into a frown and he sneered. Another dragon sat next to him, but his back was turned to Bird.

“So the little troublemaker returns,” he said as Bird sat beside Lore. “I still don’t see why the Oracle chose for her to come with us.”

“My mother makes the best choices based on her visions. Questioning her judgment is unwise,” the unknown dragon said. He turned to face Bird and she felt her heart skip as she noticed the striking resemblance to Apple in his features. His face was thinner and his brows thicker, but Bird could see the same smile in his lips and line of his jaw.

“Who are you?” she asked then covered her mouth at her rudeness.

“You must be my brother’s charge and Lorcan’s fiancée,” the dragon said offering his hand to Bird. He gave her hand a firm shake. “I’m Maddox, one of his many older brothers. I’m child 16.”

“I’m Bird, it’s nice to meet you. I didn’t know that Apple had any siblings assigned to this mission.”

Maddox raised an eyebrow. “Apple? Who is Apple?”

“Apple is the nickname Bird gave Avalon,” Lore cut in quickly. He pinched Bird’s bottom and she glared at him.

“Oh, I see. Avalon and I are not particularly close; it’s mostly the age difference. I have a son as old as him. I came over here to say hello and take a look at the pretty witch that shook the heavens.”

“Shook the heavens?” Lore said. Maddox raised his hands and shrugged.

“How many witches have you seen cause an aurora borealis? How many have you seen take a hit from a full grown dragon in their holiest form?” Maddox said.

“Well I’ve never seen it. I only saw the aftermath of the spar. Bird left a bruise on Aunt Valyon’s chest.”

“To cause even a bruise is a feat in and of itself. I’m curious though,” Maddox said staring into Bird’s eyes. “How did a mortal such as you obtain this power?”

Everyone grew silent and looked to Bird. She shook her head. “I don’t know. As far as I know I was born with it.”

“Bird was found with the Book of Creation in her possession. It may be possible that living in close proximity to it granted her more power,” Elys said breaking the silence.

Bird felt surprised that Elys had defended her. Usually he was the first to accuse her of treachery.

“Anything is possible,” Maddox said sitting back. He picked up a loaf of bread and began breaking off pieces from it. “Though it is said that witches have gained immense power in exchange for their service to the Heavenly Tiger Army.”

Bird felt her face heat in anger. She tried to stand up, but Lore pulled her down beside him. “Is there a problem you have with me?” Bird seethed. Maddox shrugged his shoulders.

“I have no problem with you; I’m merely stating what was said.”

“Cousin, why are you really here?” Lore asked. He could feel faintly the anger that was growing in Bird, an anger that matched his own. The positions of everyone shifted to face Maddox as he continued to ruin the bread in his hands. He seemed to be staring at it absently, but he was watching every movement around him.

“Like I said before, I came to see the one who shook the heavens.”

“What you mean is that you came to assess whether or not Bird is a threat,” Yena growled. A dagger suddenly appeared in her hand and she began to play with it. Maddox smiled before meeting the dragon woman’s eyes.

“I am only here to observe, nothing more. Give my brother a hello for me.” The dragon stood up and brushed crumbs from his tunic. “Have a good day everyone; Bird.” He bowed then sauntered away.

“I do not like that man,” Lore growled.

“How come I’ve never met Maddox before?” Bird asked. Lore kissed her forehead.

“My cousin Maddox is a dangerous man. He is an executioner. When traitors are found it is his duty to execute them,” Lore said. Bird felt a chill go down her spine and she snuggled close to Lore. “Do not be afraid. I will protect you.”

“You say that, but who will protect you from him?” Bird asked.

“That’s something that I will have to worry about.”

Bird cupped Lore’s face and stared at him intently. “We are together now. Your problems are mine, and mine yours. Please don’t face him on your own,” Bird pleaded. Lore gave her a wry smile and kissed her swiftly.

“Dear Lady, you don’t seem to know me that well; I would never do anything rash especially when it comes to our safety.”

Bird looked at him askance. She knew Lore would protect her, but she could not shake the feeling that if given a chance he would go after Maddox. Like Yena Bird had noticed the daggers strapped to the executioner’s arms though they were concealed by his long sleeves. The glint of metal when he had pulled back from their hand shake had immediately set her on edge. Sparring with Valyon had taught her that she was nowhere close to the level of power of a Rose dragon let alone one that had been designated as an executioner.

Lore leaned in and whispered into Bird’s ear, “Don’t worry Bird, we know you’re not a traitor.” Bird clasped his right hand tightly in hers.

“I know, but Maddox needs to know that.”