Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 208(@200wpm)___ 166(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 208(@200wpm)___ 166(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
It might be a fool’s errand or possibly keep the town able to produce substantial amounts of milled flour for years to come. In the old days, a dragon would escort a group going by wagon. Unfortunately, the camps outside Wyvern had grown desperate as food stocks dwindled.
The town was allowing some to enter if they seemed safe—families with willing workers. The militia groups of men were repelled each time they attempted to breach a barrier. In the beginning, many chose to attack at night. That quickly became their last choice when faced with a dragon who lit up the ground and eliminated any threat. Now, they lie in wait, looking for a good opportunity.
Winging his way over the mountain range, Argenis roared a massive burst of fire. Angry settlers often chose to launch weapons toward the dragons as they left the area. Fire forced them back and discouraged any hostilities. He paused to note any threats. It appeared that the raiding forces had lessened. Perhaps they were moving on.
Pleased that all the citizens would be safer, including his mate, Argenis forged ahead with massive thrusts of his powerful wings. Quickly, he covered the distance, looking for the landmarks the miller had shared. A red flag caught his eye. He swooped in to land in a small clearing. Changing, he discovered an audience observed him from the nearby buildings.
The small group did nothing to appear dangerous. He waved and strode toward the man that emerged to greet him. “Are you Jenkins? Samuel, the miller at Wyvern sent me.”
“I am. I’ll admit you’re the first dragon I’ve had land in my yard. My kids may never be the same.”
Argenis couldn’t help but grin. “I should have set something on fire.”
“I have a trash pile you could ignite for us if you like,” he commented before adding, “I bet there’s something you’re here for.”
“Is the grinding wheel still available?” Argenis asked.
“It’s laying over in the field there. No one can move it now. He looked at the man he’d seen land and transform. “I’m guessing you could handle it. I can’t just give it to you,” he warned.
“What do you need?” Argenis asked.
“Our medicine supplies are dwindling. Would you be willing to try a pharmacy or two for us?” the miller asked.
“Give me a list and I’ll do my best. I can’t guarantee that I can find anything,” Argenis asked.
“Thank you.”
A woman rushed out of shadows with a fussy infant on her shoulder. “Thank you, sir. The baby… She’s always needed medicine. It wasn’t a problem before, but now.” Her voice trailed off and Argenis could hear the concern.
“I’ll do my best. Write down anything you think I’ll need to know,” Argenis requested.
“What’s happening out there?” the miller asked.
“It’s not good. Are you safe here?” Argenis asked.
“We’re not sure. From the beginning, I’ve invited neighbors to gather here on my land to support each other. So far, no one has made it here. I don’t know if they’ve changed their minds or…” The miller shook his head, obviously suspecting the worst had happened.
“Would you be interested in coming to Wyvern? I can call for another dragon to carry your family to safety.”
“I hate to leave my mill. People need someone here who knows how to work it.”
“We can talk when I return. Discuss it with your family.”
“Thank you. What is your name?”
“Argenis.”
“Thank you, Argenis,” Jenkins said with honest gratitude.
A few seconds later, his wife reappeared with a short list. “We tried to get this from the pharmacy in town, but a group of thugs has taken it over. They’d let us exchange flour for a while. Now, they want something different.” Her eyes drifted meaningfully to her stunning teenage daughter.
“I will be back. I’ve offered to take your family to Wyvern. Eventually, they will travel here to collect anything they want,” Argenis warned.
“I didn’t want to leave the medicine I knew the pharmacist had ordered for the baby. If we have that, we should leave,” she agreed.
“Gather whatever is most essential and what could help those in Wyvern. They will welcome you.”
She nodded and turned to scurry back into the house, taking the children in with her.
“I will gather all the parts from the mill and my tools. Those will be needed,” Jenkins suggested.
“Put them in a sturdy container that I can lift with a claw,” Argenis requested.
“Weight restrictions?”
“You won’t need to worry about that.”
Turning, Argenis returned to the clearing and tucked the note safely into his pocket. It would be there when he shifted back to human. In a flash of light, he resumed his dragon form and took to the sky.
The pharmacy was close. In the middle of a shopping area, it and the grocery store next door were now barricaded with debris piled on cars. Argenis swooped down to bash one section away with a flick of his hind leg. It was more effective than he’d imagined as a fourth of the circle went flying across the parking lot.