Gerbold growled as he watched his men fall around him. They had not been expecting an assault by another human, and were taken off-guard. The lone man was able to get away with the lives of more than one of his men. No matter; he did not escape unharmed. Gerbold saw the arrow that pierced attacker’s armor. He could not have gotten far.

Looking back at the brawl with the dragons, Gerbold decided the man could wait. He had to get his Slayers away from the spreading fire. He shouted above the sounds of battle for them to retreat. They would regroup and follow the dragons at a distance, then strike when the moment was right. Gerbold swore that the dragon-lover would get what he deserved as well.

---

SoNem hovered at a safe distance above the poachers, Istaria trailing at his side. He watched the silver dragonelle fly up to meet him. He simply dipped his head in acknowledgment when she thanked him, then returned his attention to the humans below. They were retreating from the glow of the flames, but he doubted they would give up that easily.

In the distance he saw the silhouettes of dragons against the moonlight. His kin were moving again, except this time they were scattering! SoNem felt his hearts speed up.

“Where are they going? They’ll be weaker against the humans on their own!” Istaria voiced SoNem’s concerns, staring wide-eyed at the rapidly shrinking bodies.

SoNem didn’t reply. He had noticed that the other dragonelle wasn’t with them and swept his gaze over the forest floor. He tried to ignore the idea that she was captured by the humans. He couldn’t stand the thought of any more dragon blood spilled that night. However, he felt a wave of relief when he caught a glimpse of copper-colored scales rising above the tree line.

“This way,” SoNem said, tilting his wings to glide over to meet up with the Aramoor dragonelle. Safety in numbers, after all. As he got closer, he noticed she was injured. An arrow shaft protruded from deep within her shoulder, and dark red blood dripped down her scales. He flew up next to her, brushing his wing tip against hers to let her know of his presence.

“Come with us,” SoNem offered, giving her a sideways look. “I think I see a place to rest in those hills.” He indicated the spot with his eyes. “The humans will have much difficulty getting through those craggy rocks, which will buy us time.”

Without waiting for a response, he glided below the copper dragonelle to cross over to the rugged hills. Istaria hung back and looked at the others. She let out her breath in a sigh. SoNem could be so curt sometimes. Istaria brushed her wings over those of the other dragonelles, gently guiding them after SoNem.

“I apologize for my master,” she said formally, dipping her head. “He is not aware of his abrupt impression. I promise you though, he means well.” She hesitated, staring solemnly at the Aramooran dragonelle’s injury. “I also could not help but notice you need a rest. Please, come this way.”