Kalewyn (just before lunch)
***

>"That bastard isn't worth it Kay! All he is, is a bully. Don't give him
the satisfaction of being right! You are worth a great deal to many people.
You have friends who are on your side, fighting for you. Count them, Kay.
You know I'm right! You mustn't give up! Prove to everyone that you are as
strong as any man! Do it for Sabbith and for Kattibrie, but most of all do
it for yourself!"

Kay nodded at her, *I'll try ..*

"No Kay, don't just try."

He looked down at his hands for a moment before looking back up at her.
*I'm not sure any of it matters. They are going to kill me because Sabbith
flamed that man .. and .. I'm scared.*

"I know you are," she said softly, "But H'nry is not going to let anything
happen to you. He and Retala are going to get you out of this. You have to
believe that. You'll be back in Telnor before you know it."

He attempted a smile, but it came out forced, so he stopped. "Oh Kay .."
Tahlaya sighed, "is there anything else I can do for you?"

He shook his head, *I just want to see Sabbith ..* then his eyes took on an
intense pleading look, *He's itchy .. He needs to be oiled. Especially on
his left shoulder just about his wing.*

"I'll be sure he get some oil on those itchy spots, I promise," Tahlaya
said. Then she took his hand in hers, "I've got to get back now though.
Just keep your chin up okay."

He nodded and again and watched her go. She had made him feel better .. at
least for a bit. She had faith that everything would be all right, and he
wished he had that kind of faith too. <Sabbith?>

Sabbith
***

<I am here, my Kay.> Sabbith said grateful to hear his human's voice. He
huffed irritably at the healer who moved toward him with yet another
needle. <They are taking all my blood!>

<They only want to make sure you're well.> Kay calmed him, <You are well,
aren't you?>

<I am feeling better. Especially now that I can hear you again.> Sabbith
moaned loudly as the needle penetrated his thick hide.

A soft female voice intruded into his mind, <Oh don't be such a baby.>

Sabbith snorted at the female healer, <How would you know!>

<Sabbith?> Kay called again.

<She stuck me again! I'm going to be full of holes!>

<Sweet Sabbith, at least you are alive.> The crimson dragon heard the
despair in his riders thoughts.

<I will not let anyone hurt you, my Kay. When I am stronger, I will come
and rescue you.>

<No!> Kay said quickly. <You mustn't do anything more to put yourself in
harm.>

Sabbith moaned, <But if those human's kill you .. I will die too ..>

Kalewyn
***

Kay froze at Sabbith's words. Sabbith wouldn't be able to go on without
him. Just as Sarnosh had died when Teslin had accidentally fallen on his
friends dagger, killing him. He knew that .. had he simply forgotten when
it came to Sabbith .. Oh Gods .. they were going to kill his dragon!  He
frowned and his face set against the tears which threatened to fall. He
couldn't let that happen. There had to be a way.

He's eyes fell on the dark gray cinder block wall of his cell. It was so
blank and dreary. Searching the floor her found what he needed, picking up
a small off-white stone. Laya had told him to hang on for Sabbith and for
Kattibrie. She was right he had to ..

He moved toward the wall with his rock and began to scratch at the cinder
block, leaving soft white marks ..

***
(Evening)

Kay worked hard the cinder block wall, creating the image of Sabbith.
Something for him to hold on to. The chalky white dragon on the wall flew
regally through a dark gray sky. It was not Kay's favorite pose for the
large crimson dragon, but it was the most alive one. His dragon was alive!
And he had to stay that way.

<I think Sabbith looks very handsome there.> he hear the rumbling of
H'nry's Dalanth.

Kay spun to look at the barred window where he could see the large orange
head and sparkling eye of Dalanth as he peered in.

<Is H'nry here?> Kay asked quickly.

<Of course he's here. He's on his way in to see you.>

<Thank you, Dalanth.>

Kay turned toward the door waiting expectantly to see the face of his mentor.

When the door finally opened admitting H'nry and Retala he began signing
immediately, *You have to get me out of here. They can't kill me .. cause
then Sabbith with die. We can't let them do that!*

"We aren't going to," H'nry assured him, looking back at the flying dragon
on the cinder block wall. "That's beautiful," he added motioning to the wall.

Kay nodded. *It was something Tahlaya said to me. It gives me focus,* his
face took on a miserable look, *Rather then just sitting here feeling sorry
for myself.*

"I'm glad to hear that." H'nry said with a smile. Then he turned to Retala
to tell her what Kay had said.

Retala turned to him, "I'm glad to hear that too, Kalewyn. We need your
positive attitude as much as Sabbith does."

Kay nodded, and signed for H'nry to translate, *I'll do whatever you need
me to do, to save Sabbith.*

Regards,
Kay & Sabbith

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  |\  /^~~^\  /|
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       \oo/     Kristen Gant
        ~~      (AKA: Darlea & Makayla, Keldarra Warren, Courier
                      Waylene & Aura, Marrid Warren, Warrenlady
                      Meena & Vonn, Norwall Warren, Wingleader
                      Kalewyn & Sabbith, Telnor Warren, Dragonrider
                      Saul & Fayloth, Whiteriver Warren, Searcher
                      Merybelle Barmen, City of Ralengarde, Innkeeper
                      Ce'lot & Britche, Xylain Warren, Wingleader
                http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/Kris/kris.htm
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        ()
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        \/