Strife In The Sky (Book 7) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Zip!
    An arrow streaked into its neck, cutting off its roar.
    It reared up.
    Twang! Zip!
    Another arrow stuck in its belly.
    The dragon thrashed on the ground, its tail swiping around. Nath leapt over the tail and brought his sword down. The dragon moved no more.
    Sadness overcame Nath. His heart was grieved. He kneeled down and closed the dragon’s eyes.
    “There is no other way,” Brenwar said, stepping up behind his shoulder. “It’s us or them.”
    “I’m not supposed to kill my kind,” Nath replied, holding back tears. “I’m not supposed to kill at all. What have I done?”
    “We’re at war,” Brenwar said.
    Nath looked back at Brenwar and said, “Do dwarves kill dwarves? Do elves kill elves?”
    “It happens. We all squabble and skirmish,” Brenwar reminded him, “and it’s a shameful thing when it happens. And this isn’t the first time. Dragons have fought and killed dragons before. I was there when the last war happened.”
    Nath sighed. He knew the stories. The history. The tragedy. There had always been good and bad dragons. He’d spent a lifetime trying to rescue both. In the case of the grey scalers, there was little good in them, but that didn’t mean they weren’t worth saving.
    He got up and said, “Ben, you’ll need those mithril arrows.” He tilted his head and listened. If more grey scalers were coming, he didn’t hear them. “We’d better get moving.” He took a lasting look at the dead dragon. How many more have to die before this is over?   He got on his horse. “Let’s go.”
    ***
    For the better part of the day, they rode through the forest with solemn expressions. Nath could feel the weight of the war that was upon them. His goal was to do anything in his power to prevent that. If he could, he would redeem himself.
    The splinter in his ribs bit into him. He grimaced.
    “You alright, Nath?” Bayzog said.
    He nodded.
    “It’s that wound from Egdon. It hasn’t healed, has it,” Bayzog said with a concerned look.
    “Just a splinter. It won’t slow me down.”
    “I’m not concerned that it will slow you.”
    “Then what is your concern?” Nath said.
    “The Dragon Skinner blades don’t splinter,” Bayzog said, “and that cursed blade left a mark inside you. I told you, that poison can lead to the heart.”
    Nath could still feel the blade that Overlord Dormus struck him with. He’d almost died from it.
    “I just don’t think the wound is fully healed.”
    “You are a dragon, Nath,” Bayzog said, “and I’ve never seen you slow to heal.”
    “It was a fatal strike,” Nath said.
    “So it was,” Bayzog said with a smile. “And I’m glad you are still with us. Just make sure you stay focused, Nath. We’ve been through much, but the most dangerous part is what lies ahead.”
    “I hope the Floating City will provide some answers. Give us an edge. We need it.”
    “Agreed, but I have no idea what to expect.”
    Thunder rumbled overhead, and the sound of rain pelting the leaves in the forest followed.
    “Good,” Nath said. “This will make it harder for them to find us.”
    Ahead, Ben covered himself with his cloak and Bayzog did the same. Brenwar sat like a rock in his saddle with rain dripping off his beard.
    He’s bearded iron.
    Brenwar had stayed by his side during his best and worst days. Stalwart. Loyal. Nath had been with him so long, he’d taken his friend for granted. Had Brenwar ever taken him for granted? He couldn’t remember the dwarf ever doing so. There were times he wished he could be more like Brenwar. “ Dwarves do what must be done.” Nath never understood why he couldn’t live by that motto. It might have put an end to all the orcs, if he had.
    Ah Father, it’s so hard to tell when I’m right and when I’m wrong sometimes. I guess that’s why Brenwar is here. To remind me. He rubbed Fang’s pommel. And you too. Make sure I get it right.

 
    CHAPTER 11
     
     
    The bugbear slung the axe over his head.
    Gorlee’s