They expected us. A unison shout echoed as we rounded the bend. The commander ordered the wagons to go faster. The young men ahead jogged alongside, encouraged by the shouts of joy. The mountain fort doors slowly pulled open, and the shouts grew louder as we entered with the supplies.
I scanned the faces of the ragged men, searching for the familiar, bright blue eyes. Nowhere to be found. The eyes I looked over were aged with forgotten hope or dulled with defeat.
“Jared.”
I stopped searching and returned eye to duty. I strode quickly to stand before the commander.
“The captain here says your son is posted here?”
“Yes sir.”
“Ah. I had no idea such prowess ran in the family. Your son’s known as a hero in this fort.”
A lump formed in my throat. “Oh?”
“The dragon had eyes for him,” the captain explained. My stomach knotted but I stood tall. “Caught him scouting outside the fort. Bit his leg clear off. Thomas didn’t go down without a fight and took his eye, however.” He turned to chuckle with my commander. ” A half-blind dragon will make for a little easier haul.”
So calloused.
“Were you at least able to recover the rest of him?” My voice never sounded so harsh.
“They were, Father, as I am here.”
I turned anxiously at the familiar voice. The young man walked to me, leaning on a crutch with missing leg. Emotion overcame me and I threw my arms around him, holding him tightly. I held my head up to let the air dry my tears before anyone could see.
“Father, I am anxious to return the favor,” he whispered as he patted my back. My son would save me from embarrassment.
I nodded and pulled him away, placing my hand upon his shoulder.
“Then,” I announced, “let’s find us a dragon.”
