fandomania | The Adventure continues... (Reply)

We walked as fast as we could, without seeming to be hurrying. We reached the city gates without incident. We were stopped by the guards who wanted to see the ownership papers for Donal. I guess that they wanted to make sure that we weren't helping a slave to escape captivity. How little did they guess.

Once free from that hell hole of a town, I could breathe easier. But we remained calm and stately, while within the sight of the guards. Once we were out of sight and earshot, we ran as fast as we could to a spot where we wouldn't be overseen or overheard. To Donal's startlement, Orlando changed into his true dragon form. He then told us to get onto his back and to hold on for dear life. Orlando then took our supplies with his claws. He launched himself into the air with ease and flew us back to our encampment.

While I had flown on dragons many times, this was Donal's first time. I don't think he got used to the sensations until after he had dismounted.

It gave me the greatest of pleasures to hear my children run to me and give me great big hugs. The hatchlings came quickly thereafter and soon I was awash with happiness and love.

Our Hatchlings:

Our Eggs:

I turned to Orlando, when I could compose myself, and asked him, "Is there anything you can do about Donal's slave chains?"

Orlando muttered to himself an incantation and within seconds the locks sprang open and fell to the ground.

"Everyone! This is Donal. He is a countryman of ours. He, unfortunately, fell into the hands of slavers. But, today, he is now a free man."

I turned to Donal and handed him the paperwork. "You are manumitted. You can go wherever you wish to go and do whatever you wish to do."

Donal looked overwhelmed. "My lady, I don't know what to say. I have been dreaming of this day for four years. But because of your kindness and generosity," he said as he kneeled on the ground, "I pledge to you my solemn vow, that I will be your faithful servant and help you in anyway that you need me to."

"Thank you, Donal, I am glad to have you as my friend and hope that you never regret your pledge."

With that, I then called out to Jasper and his family and to any adult dragons within close range of us. "Please come and meet me here. I have need of your help."