“My people are in danger, and the rocks no longer sing for me.The resonance has already trapped me, so I’m the perfect person to stop the Maphra.How can I not do my best to defeat this enemy?”
“But you are one dragon.How many Maphra are there?”Scarlett asked.“Why haven’t you assembled a team to help?What about the people who collect your raw materials for you?Ask them for aid.And you’re not telling me why I’m here.”
“They have families.Children.I hate to place them in danger,” Ransom said.
“What about me?”Scarlett spat.Her hair ruffled up again, and she reminded him of a spitting feline.
“The resonance doesn’t affect you,” Daenys said, thankfully answering for him when he wasn’t sure how to make this right.
Scarlett had escaped him once with her resourcefulness.If she turned her back on him now, Prince Kalim—there was no predicting his reaction.
“We’ve given Ransom remedies to help him fight the prince.We’re doing everything we can to aid from behind the scenes,” Daenys promised.
“Why can’t you bend time to before the resonance and take them out?”Scarlett asked.
A reasonable question and one he’d asked.
“We’ve tried that, and in each variation we produced, the Maphra race has placed a failsafe to stop us changing history.We have tried everything and continue to fight from a distance.Prince Kalim is ready to awaken.That is the reason for our urgency,” Daenys explained.
“He’s asleep?”
“In stasis,” Ransom said.“It’s my job—our job—to find him before he awakens fully and can move at will.Once he no longer sleeps, he can move around Narenda and travel to other nearby planets.”
“I came to tell you your ship is ready,” Daenys said.“We’ve strengthened the hull and ship’s bodywork and added shields to increase protection.We’ve also added communication and a small room where it will be impossible for Prince Kalim to connect with you.This will give you a small respite, although you must use this sparingly if you wish to contact us.We don’t want the prince to become suspicious.It is time for you to leave.”
Ransom finished his plate of meat and drank the refilled tankard before standing.
“Won’t this prince wonder why he hasn’t been able to contact Ransom?”Scarlett asked.
“We’ve thought of that and factored it into your course back to your time.You will arrive before you left,” Daenys said.
“As if that doesn’t add to the confusion,” Scarlett muttered.She rose and lifted her chin.“Why do you need me?”
Ransom shared a glance with Daenys.
“You’re not answering me.”Scarlett sounded frustrated, angry, and he didn’t blame her.Guilt suffused him, yet changing course wasn’t possible.
“You are making a great sacrifice.Our people will not forget,” Daenys said.
Ransom shrugged, too weary to embrace the fear that had trailed him like a shadow ever since he’d first fallen into a coma.“I fight for my clan too.”
He, Daenys, and Scarlett left the room and stepped into the forest.Daenys’s people and bodyguards stood in a line, and as he passed, they saluted, their show of respect telling him how much was at stake.
He could not fail.
6.The Real Adventure Begins
“Ithoughtthereturntrip was meant to be easier.”Scarlett’s entire body vibrated, and her teeth clacked with each jolt and strike of a meteor.
The vista through the viewport didn’t reassure her either.Huge chunks of rock colliding and pinging in all directions.The sole distraction was the multiple colors glinting off the surface of the red rocks.Some meteor chunks were studded with what resembled precious stones.A sizeable mass struck the ship, knocking them off their travel path.Scarlett gripped the armrests of her chair.
“This is not my idea of fun.”She shot a glare at Ransom.His eyes were closed.Closed.“Who is driving the ship?”Her voice came close to a shriek.He didn’t react but let out a baby snore instead.
“Ransom!”
“Do not fear, Miss Scarlett.”Daenys’s voice came from the instrument panel.“We control the ship.Let Ransom grab more rest before he faces the prince.”
Daenys’s order didnotclear Scarlett’s panic.“If I die, I will find you and make your life difficult.I hate secrets.”
