[Fallinel]

Rhysdan had not walked far from the Fairlake homestead, when he was greeted by another farmer, Skylden Oakwain, who was a leader and market organizer in the local community. “Rhys!” cried Skylden, “I’m so glad to see you-we’re desperate for a level head and livestock experience, in the wake of the monster. Your son Elian told me that you were on your way down from the foothills.”

Skylden explained to Rhysdan that he had spoken with Elian earlier, and that Esmerelda and Daisy had gone to stay with the Millwinds. The Whitfield homestead was intact, and the livestock had been herded into the largest paddock, with plenty of water and even a bit of cover from a small group of trees. Rhysdan let out an audible sigh of relief, and tried not to show his disappointment and exhaustion when Skylden enlisted him and Hawkweed to help round up frightened livestock, and to put out any remaining smoldering fires. This necessary work, which tested the limits of Rhysdan’s physical reserves, extended throughout the night, and it was sunrise before Rhysdan made his weary way to the Millwind farm.

As the shepherd and his dog approached the homestead, Hawkweed began running in tight circles and barking. Rhysdan thought that the dog was merely excited about returning to familiar territory, or that perhaps he had seen or smelled one of the children. A sudden loud rushing, roaring noise dispelled that notion-the dragon had returned, and was flying overhead. Rhysdan could not resist the temptation to look up as the monster sailed past, golden-red scales gleaming in the morning sun. The shepherd watched with a mixture of fear and fascination as the dragon disappeared in the distance, and then, as if released from a trance, he began to move once more. Rhysdan and Hawkweed ran up the path to the farmhouse, and rushed in through the front door.

“Papa! Hawkweed!” shrieked Daisy, very nearly upsetting her bowl of porridge in her haste. She ran to Rhysdan, who enveloped her in his strong arms and lifted her up in a hug. Father and daughter were soon joined in their affectionate reunion by Elian and Esmerelda, and all laughed and cried in their joy and relief. Hawkweed waved his feathery tail, huffled and whined and grinned a doggy grin.

“Where have you been, Rhys? Your face is covered with soot!” scolded Esmerelda, as she wiped some of it away with a dishcloth. “I’ll bet Papa has been helping put out fires all night, and that Hawkweed has been rounding up lost sheep,” said Elian knowingly.

“You’re a clever lad, Elian, and you’re absolutely right about my overnight absence. I met Mr. Oakwain, after I’d rescued some animals at the Fairlake farm, and he asked for my help. There was so much confusion, terror, and destruction-but I’m sorry that you all had to worry about me,” explained Rhysdan, shaking his head. The shepherd sank wearily into one of the chairs, and gratefully accepted a bowl of porridge. Daisy sat in his lap, and began to speak rather hesitantly, “Papa, we’ve found you now, but cousin Eric is missing. We looked for him in the dark-all of us-but we couldn’t find him. I know you and Hawkweed can find him, Papa, please let’s go look for him now!”

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Child of the 7th Age's post

Despite her worry over Eric, Elanor could not help but smile broadly when she saw the reunion that was taking place in front of her. She glanced up at her mother and was not surprised to see Willow also smile, her eyes mirroring the solemn hope that there would shortly be a second occasion for all of them to celebrate. Even the wyrm's hovering threat could not erase Elanor's sheer relief at seeing her Uncle safely beside them.

It did not take long for the two families to reach a number of quick and sensible decisions. Esmerelda would stay home with Daisy and Eli, while the others went out to track down Eric. The two young children were simply too tired to push on without a rest. And Esmerelda had put forward a very good point. A large contingent of rescuers might inadvertently draw the dragon's attention, something that should be avoided at all costs. Once Eric had been found, they would all gather back at the house before deciding what to do.

Quickly, they picked up the satchels of food. Elanor also carried a packet of herbs and other healng remedies. She dearly hoped that she would not have to use these, but she reasoned that it was best to be cautious. This time both family dogs accompanied them; the hounds ran eagerly in circles, halting periodically to put their noses to the ground, as they bayed and sniffed and tried to pick up the scent. Walking out into the farmyard and heading towards the gate, Elanor noticed a steady stream of men, women, and children, tramping down the public path in a southerly direction. Many of them carried parcels of clothing or dragged along carts with other belongings; a few were leading the only sheep or cow they had managed to save.

Several women that she knew from the city beckoned to Willow and urged her to come over and talk. Willow explained about Eric, and hastily inquired to see if anyone had seen him. Once she and then she listened to what the women had to say. "It's bad in Dale," Goodwife Plunk confided in a gruff voice. "Some buildings are still burning and the few cattle still alive are all at loose ends and roaming the streets. That flying monstor struck two or three times, diving in and making a path of fire through the city. Some folk have decided to stay and fight the blazes."

"But not us!" added Goodman Plunk, with a hearty shake of his head. "Enough is enough. You can see how many have decided to leave, to head south to Long Lake or even beyond." The sturdy tradesman cocked his thumb and pointed it towards the growing number of citizens of Dale who were scurrying along the path.

"And you?" asked the Goodwife. "What will you and your folk do?"

Willow hastily shook her head, "We're trying to find Eric. That comes first. Once we do that, we'll figure out the rest."

The group said their goodbyes and headed to the gate, departing from the path to cut across the fields.