“We are,” Elias said.
The grand monk looked at Gerard, who nodded.
“Then come this way, please, Your Highnesses.”
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
Elias and Gerard followed Grand Monk Ferdinand to a wooden podium by the cliff’s edge. The monk walked around behind it. Ornate silver shears and a small wooden crate sat on the podium.
The crowd fell silent, gathering behind Elias and Gerard.
“Today, we are gathered to see Prince Gerard and Prince Elias set off on their couple’s quest. This quest has been planned by their noble families.” The grand monk smiled.
“Grand Healer Eveline”—the grand monk gestured to the tall, thin woman who was head of the healer doves and the Dove Healing Academy—“has requested you fill this crate with lorei leaves. It is a rare plant with many healing properties.”
He paused. “Unfortunately, the supplies of the plant at the Dove Healing Academy have run extremely low. So we will be relying on you both to collect some and bring them back to the grand healer. But these leaves are extremely difficult to obtain. Lorei bushes can only be found growing on the tallest mountains in Draconia.”
The grand monk gestured in the direction of Draconia. “You must fly there together, across the sea. Then you must locate the herbs and bring them back to the grand healer.”
Elias tensed.
Shit.
That meant he’d have to fly on Gerard’s back. He should have thought this might be a possibility.
Most dangers Elias could easily face. He could handle darkness, tight spaces, spiders, snakes, and dragons trying to kill him.
But heights? No. Definitely not.
His heart raced in his chest. It seemed he wouldn’t have to act today to appear craven.
Minutes later, Gerard had shifted. The scent of smoke lingered in the air around him.
Despite the fact that Elias’s heart was now trying to beat right out of his chest, he couldn’t help but admire the magnificent green dragon. Senta and Konrad came forward to attach a harness to Gerard’s body. Elias’s hands, which held the shears and crate, sweated.
I’m going to be flying on Gerard’s back. I’m going to be flying over seas and mountains. And if I fall …
His hands trembled.
No. There is a harness with straps. I will be safe.
Gerard turned to look at Elias, long neck swinging around as Senta and Konrad stepped back.
Senta came up next to him. “Ready, Elias?”
He gave her a shaky smile. “Of course.”
She clapped him on the shoulder. “You’ll be fine,” she said, voice gentle. Clearly, she could see how terrified he was. “You don’t have to do anything. Just sit in the harness. Gerard knows where to go.” She pressed him forward.
For a second, Elias resisted. Then he forced his feetonwards. But it was a battle within himself! He wanted to turn and run, sprint away from Gerard and the cliff’s edge. Instead, he climbed on, trying to control his erratic breathing.
Senta pulled the straps, locking him in place.
“Make sure they are tight enough,” Elias said.
Senta laughed. “I will. Don’t you worry.” She took the shears and crate from Elias’s shaking hands and put them into a large saddlebag attached to the harness. Then she stepped back and away.
