The Finding Read Online Free PDF

favor.”
    “What sort of people are they?” Jaax inquired, shifting his wings casually against his back. “How do they make their living?”
    “Their names are Abdhe and Lynhi,” Hroombra began. “They are poor farmers who moved here from the plains of Torinn long ago during a severe drought. They bought this small patch of earth and have managed to grow a good grove of fruit trees which they depend on for most of their income. They tend a small family garden and raise some livestock, selling their homemade crafts at the markets at the annual festivals.”
    Hroombra finished his reply with the tone of someone who was speaking of something very honorable.
    “That’s good to hear,” Jaax answered after some time. “I believe she’ll be absolutely safe here. These people, if they are truly as you describe them, will be able to teach her the foundations of life.”
    Jaax seemed suddenly distracted and shot a quick glance towards the setting sun on the horizon. The old dragon picked up on the gesture like it was second nature to him. “Already anxious to be off are we?” he said dully with a sad smile.
    Jaax pretended not to hear the slight note of disappointment in Hroombra’s tone, but failed to hide the sudden impatience in his own. “If she’s the final part of the prophecy then I have much work to do, you know that.”
    “I only hoped you might stay a few days until the little one got settled,” Hroombra said firmly.
    The younger dragon quickly jumped on the defensive. “Gets settled? She’s an infant! What could a dragon do to help her settle in?” Jaax released a short, frustrated breath, “Hroombra, I can’t waste anymore time, I must be off to Felldreim today if I’m to make any headway securing our allies.”
    Jaax snapped his jaw shut and furrowed his brow. He hadn’t meant to sound so harsh, but he was tired from the journey and he was anxious to rally support against the Tyrant.
    After a short while, he collected himself and began again, this time speaking slowly but obdurately, “The human child has finally been found Hroombra, this changes everything. I won’t let petty sentiments get in the way of a plan five hundred years in the making. I’ve brought her safely to you and her new family. I hardly think she’ll care what I do from now on. She doesn’t even know me, she’s only a baby!”
    Jaax turned to go, but Hroombra attempted to reach the younger dragon one last time. “I can’t stop you from being who you are Jaax, but someday I hope you can pause and put your past grievances second and your life first. She’s the one Jaax, the one the whole world has been waiting for, and you’re just going to leave her here without a second glance? She could be the one to make everything the way it once was . . .”
    The old dragon finished his speech quietly, allowing his mind to wander onto times long past.
    After gazing at Jaax with trouble eyes, Hroombra continued in a much more solemn tone, “Go if you must, but all I ask is that you check in on the child’s progress as often as possible.”
    “Don’t worry,” Jaax replied firmly, “I will. Her progress is imperative to everything.”
    The younger dragon turned and began walking to the end of the drive, the dipping sun casting a long shadow in his wake.
    “What’s her name?” Hroombra called, just before the Tanaan dragon spread his great wings before taking off.
    “Jahrra Drisihn,” he answered, and was gone in one mighty thrust of his wings.
    The air swirled about the Korli dragon and stirred a few leaves around on the ground. Hroombra watched as Jaax’s dragon shape became nothing more than an emerald blur against the sun-gilded sky. He inhaled a great breath and blew out a stream of smoke, then considered the squirming bundle below him.
    “Jahrra, huh?” Hroombra’s old reptilian face smiled down at the young human one. “A new hope you are, a new hope you are indeed.”
    Hroombra turned his weary gaze to the