The Mark of Oldra by Georgina Makalani

Author:Georgina Makalani
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: dragons, magic, Fantasy, strong female lead, frozen world
Publisher: Georgina Makalani
Published: 2016-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Gerry woke with a jolt in the dark and tried to calculate how long she had slept. She had dreamt again of the Keetar in the dark, in another clearing, but knowing he was there beside her, she knew she was safe. Pira groaned softly beside her as she slipped out of the blankets and moved slowly to stand by the fire. She stood with her back to the flames, looking out over the expanse of the cavern. The night was still and quiet and she studied every hearth.

The cavern appeared to be deserted. Not a single Penna could be seen in the dim light and no dragons filled the spaces between the hearths. The smell of slow-cooked meat that usually filled the cavern in the evening was replaced with the scent of hearth smoke.

She turned slowly to check those behind her. But they were lost, invisible behind the light of the fire. She stepped blindly forward and hit a knee on the edge of the table. She grunted and the sound was echoed by another groan from the sleeping area.

Gerry drew a ragged breath. Then she walked towards the next hearth.

She crept from fire to fire, tiptoeing through private spaces she should not have gone without an invitation. She needed to see them, needed to check on each member’s welfare, and most importantly, check that she was not alone.

As her mind began to finally clear and the panic subsided, she found herself at the entrance to the birthing chamber and, in the midnight light, pushed the curtain aside and stepped in.

Darring’s bulk wrapped close around Temma’s back, the baby nestled in the curve of her body. They looked peaceful and complete. Temma’s dark eyes reflected the fire light and Gerry crept closer.

‘Will you sit with me?’ Temma whispered.

Kneeling beside her, Gerry realised just how much she had missed her over the last few days.

‘Pira?’ Temma asked.

She nodded, but a lump formed quickly in her throat, stopping her response.

‘He is well?’ Temma’s hand found Gerry’s and squeezed gently.

‘He will be,’ she whispered huskily. The emotions she had held at bay so well over the last few days threatened to burst through her skin.

‘I am sure you have done all you could.’

‘It’s my fault he fell,’ she blurted too loud, and Darring snorted and rolled over.

Temma glanced at him and slowly sat up. She pulled the blanket up over his shoulder, then snuggled the baby closer to her chest and put her arm around Gerry.

‘No, it’s not.’

‘I distracted him in some way. He wasn’t focused.’

‘It is not your fault,’ Temma repeated, giving her a squeeze.

‘Are you well?’ Gerry asked, looking into the bundle in Temma’s arms, wanting the tight feeling in her chest to disappear.

‘He cares for you,’ she said, her eyes still on the baby.

‘Who?’ Gerry asked, looking from the baby’s face into hers.

‘Pira. He finds it difficult.’

‘Difficult?’

‘Life changed for him when you arrived.’

Gerry gulped down the lump in her throat and stared into the low fire.

‘Is it true about the Keetar?’ Temma asked.

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