Minty sat quietly with David.  They'd done what they could to help the
Master Healer, now it was just a matter of waiting for people to come
back....  She looked to David, blushing as he smiled at her.  His green eyes
reminded of her of spring and cool, running water..... 


A sudden commotion at the entrance brought them all to their feet.....


Reolden hurried in carrying a small form, a young girl Minty did not
recognise.  She was dusty and dehydrated, but seemed unhurt.  David moved to
help her, bringing water to quench her thirst and washing the dust from her
face with a damp cloth, making sure there were no injuries hidden. 


When Hedda came in carrying Michel, Minty was aghast!  His eye!  There was
so much blood that it was difficult to tell..... Almiron followed leading a
young girl, crying piteously. Michel was delirious, babbling of a black
dragon, and wraiths and Darlea being taken.  When the Master Healer shooed
everyone away from the bedside, he allowed the girl to stay.  A sister to
Michel?  Minty remembered hearing something.....


David suddenly called:


"Calm down Makayla."


And Minty saw the green dragon winging back and forth, troubled and angry.
David's face grew still as he spoke to her, soothing her, gaining an
explanation of what had happened.  When Makayla landed and lay down next to
Kirimith and Kaylin'sha,  Minty asked David:


"Darlea?  Where is she?  What does Makayla say about it?"


"Seems she was taken."  His eyes grew darker, reminding her of a stormy sea.
He stood still, seeming far away, and Minty wondered aloud what he was doing
to cause such concentration.  David smiled as he answered:


 "I was contactin M'ressan and askin him what happened.  He should be
replyin any minute."


"I don't understand....."  Minty's confusion must have shown in her face.
Hadn't she been told he was telepathic only with dragons?  Surely....


"Neither do I,"  David's shrug was off-hand, his manner cold. "but why are
ye so afraid?"


Minty shivered at the abrupt change, and wondered what she'd done, how she'd
offended.  The animation left her eyes, and she drew inwards, afraid to
speak lest she call wrath upon her head, flinching away from his gaze,
hugging herself against the sudden chill......


*Minty, why are you sad?*  Kirimith's concerned enquiry came  *Did he hurt
you?  I am coming, Minty!*


*It's nothing, sweeting.  I made a mistake in thinking.....  Just a mistake.
I'm fine, don't fuss so.*  Minty's mental voice was colourless, strained.
She stopped, allowing David to walk on without her.  Her face averted, she said:


"Kirimith needs me, I must go.  Goodbye David."  She turned back to the
medical buildings, and walked away.......


Respectfully submitted

Araminta, Kirimith's rider

-- 
Les

the voice and soul of

Timi Caplain  CMO    USS Javelin
T'beth  Counsellor     USS Magellan 
Lillith the Mage          Broken Lands
Minty, Kirimith's rider  Dragon Lands