The wild dragon curled its claws around the handrail, regarding Arrow with curiosity. Arrow raised his head. A low rumble filled the air. When the wild dragon leaped backwards into the air, Arrow spread his wings, abandoning his meal to follow.
CHAPTER 14
“Arrow, wait!” Kalai pulled free from Tauran’s grasp and ran to the edge of the balcony. Tauran’s stomach flipped when Kalai leaned against it, making it seem like he might fall over the edge.
“You’ve got to call him back,” Tauran said, backtracking to the safety of the tower wall. “The Sky Guard is still in the air.”
Kalai brought his hand to his lips and whistled so loud it made Tauran’s ears ring. “I don’t see him,” Kalai said, moving from one end of the balcony to the other, leaning over the railing.
“Move back a little,” Tauran said. “Just... call him again.”
“Arrow!” Kalai’s voice echoed through the ruined district, replaced by distant roars. He spun toward Tauran, eyes wide in the darkness. “He isn’t listening. I can’t call him back!” His voice was tense, the signs of a growing panic in his trembling hands.
Tauran released the wall and joined Kalai outside, taking him by the shoulders. ”It’s going to be all right.”
“But I don’t know how to call a dragon. I don’t know anything, I never got to study in the temples!” Kalai gripped Tauran’s wrists tight. “What if they hurt him?”
“It will be all right,” Tauran repeated, slower this time. “We’ll keep calling. He’ll come back to you.”
Kalai nodded, as if trying to convince himself of Tauran’s words. “I can’t let him get hurt. He’s all I have.”
“I understand,” Tauran said, because he did. He really, really did. “He’s a swiftwing, remember? He can outrace the Sky Guard.” He didn’t mention that Catria’s Sorcha was a swiftwing, too.
The sound of wings grew distant. He released Kalai and took a few steps toward the railing, whistling like Kalai had. The roars were gone. So was the titan. The Sky Guard was driving the wild dragons away from the city.
They called and called until they both grew hoarse. The Sky Guard returned to the Sunrise Tower and the wild dragons, including Arrow, were nowhere to be seen, a deathly silence enveloping the city after the chaos of the attack.
Until...
Something pale and slender moved in the distance, so far away it looked no bigger than a bee.
Kalai gasped and cupped his mouth. “Arrow!” His voice cracked on the name and he shook his head. “He’s too far away.”
“Hold on.” Tauran fumbled for the watch in his pocket. The sky was clear, and the moon shone bright.
“What are you doing?”
Tauran focused on the watch, turning it in slow circles, searching for the moon’s reflection in the glass. “Is he still there?”
Kalai hesitated. “He’s there, but—”
“Swiftwings are the most inquisitive dragon breed, right?” Tauran turned the watch, huffing out a smile of victory when moonlight glanced off its surface.
Kalai’s lips parted, and he kneeled beside Tauran. “You’re trying to draw his attention. Make him want to investigate.”
“It’s a long-shot, but... keep an eye on him. Tell me if it’s working.” Tauran turned the watch so the light rolled across the glass.
Kalai returned to the railing. For a long moment, he was silent, and Tauran quietly braced for a long night of calling and searching. But then Kalai laughed, the sound alone making Tauran smile.
Tauran looked up. The dot in the distance grew larger and larger until the sound of Arrow’s quiet rumbles heralded his arrival. He landed silently, trotting curiously toward Tauran, wide eyes focused on the watch until Kalai’s voice drew his attention.
“You absolutely ridiculous giant lizard!” Kalai hissed. He grabbed the leg of the cow carcass, managing to drag it the whole distance from the balcony and inside the tower from sheer angry determination. “When are you going to listen to me!”
Arrow ducked his head, a coo like a trickling stream vibrating between the walls. He stalked after Kalai, wings nearly dragging along the floor. Tauran blinked at the sight. He’d never seen a dragon so clearly remorseful.
Then, something else caught Tauran’s eye; a dark splash against the pure white of Arrow scales. “He’s hurt,” he said, following them inside the tower.
“What?” In an instant, the anger disappeared from Kalai’s voice. “Where?”
“Here.” Tauran gently nudged Arrow’s left wing out of the way. Two bloody gashes ran along his front leg, dripping onto the floor.