On Wings of Thunder (The Legend of Hooper's Dragons Book 3) by Darby Gary

Author:Darby, Gary [Darby, Gary]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2017-04-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

Phigby tends to some minor wounds among the villagers, while the rest of us, along with the village men smother the huts’ smoldering flames. We manage to stop the fires before they can spread further and save most of the villagers’ homes.

Later, out of respect, we stand at a proper distance away as the village people perform the necessary burial rites and bury their brave elder who had stood up to the heartless murderers.

We perform no such tender ceremony for the drogs or Sung Dar, but bury them far away from the village in a mass grave. After we finish, we ensure that there’s no sign of either the Sung Dar or drogs.

The river has swallowed the ship’s scorched hulks and carried away the Sung Dar bodies downstream while the dead drogs and Sung Dar lie deep under forest soil to become food for worms and burrowing beetles.

We are about to leave when I notice that the villagers have gathered together in the village center.

They spoke little to us as we helped them snuff out the flames that threatened to consume their whole hamlet or when we stood to one side while they buried their chieftain.

Now, they’re muttering and casting angry glances at us. Their resentment and distrust have grown and it’s obvious that they consider us a part of the reason for the atrocities.

Amil must have noticed the same thing for he juts his jaw toward them his eyes a bit anxious. “I think it would be wise if we departed soon. Even though we helped them, I don’t believe they’re exactly euphoric with us.”

“They blame us for what happened,” Cara states.

“Yes,” Phigby answers, “and with good reason. Their village elder told the truth, said that they knew nothing of us, that we weren’t there, and yet, here we stand. Now, he’s dead and a good portion of their homes destroyed.”

I start to turn away with the others when I catch the golden gazing at the sullen and distrustful crowd. Something in her expression tells me that us leaving like this is the wrong thing to do.

Over my shoulder, I call to my companions, “Stay here.”

“Hooper,” Helmar snaps, “what are you doing? We need to leave, now.”

“I’m not so sure of that,” I reply. “I don’t want this to just end with us walking away. That doesn’t feel right.”

“And do what?” Alonya questions. “Apologize for saving them?”

My eyes still on the dour, wary crowd. “If that’s what it takes,” I respond. “All I know is that we just can’t slink away and leave them angry at us for what happened. I think I need to talk to them.”

“I’ll come with you,” Cara volunteers.

Holding out a hand, I stop her. “Thanks, but I believe it’s best if I take someone else with me.”

I turn to Golden Wind and reach up to stroke her neck, then I lead her out of the trees and brush until we’re a short distance from the grumbling crowd.

The villagers in front give way as

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