“Here is this warrior-prophet being called home.”
“What are those creatures calling him?” Drakis asked.
“Dragons, brother. They are dragons calling to the souls of the chosen to come to them and find their destiny. Many have heard the dragon song, but none before you have followed the path of the story.”
“Are you a god?” the dwarf’s words echoed in his mind.
Drakis looked into the face of the Elder.
“Are you this Drakis, son,” the Elder asked. “Are you this warrior-prophet who will free us all?”
Drakis drew in several breaths before he responded.
“Elder Shasa. . I truly do not know.”
“Well, Drakis, what are you thinking?”
Drakis smiled. “I was just thinking how beautiful this place is, Elder Shasa.”
Drakis walked side by side with the large, balding Elder down the wide path on the right-hand side of the village square. Small children ran about their feet, chasing one another with concentration in their delight that was oblivious to the adults around them. The square itself was lined with stalls filled with a dizzying variety of goods-fruits and vegetables from the farms that terraced the hillsides surrounding the village as well as pottery, tools, weapons, shields, and any number of other crafts. Many of the goods were obviously made by the Sondau, while many others had quite obviously been looted during previous raids. Everywhere Drakis looked there were dark-skinned men and women, young and old, all freely engaged with one another. Three huge and powerful men stood together at the corner of the green speaking to each other in quiet tones but with large gestures, their eyes filled with the passion of their argument. Ahead of them, two women walked past, their arms filled with large fruits. They both turned to look at Drakis as they passed, then broke into giggling laughter as they walked on.
“Yes, son,” Shasa said as he stopped at a stall filled with a sweet-smelling, long yellow fruit and turned to face a woman with high, delicate cheekbones tending it. “There is no place more beautiful than Nothree. . wouldn’t you agree, Khesai?”
“Far be disagreement from my door,” the woman replied with a wide smile. “May the gods grant you a fair wind, Elder Shasa.”
“Where is Durian today?” Shasa asked. “I would have thought he would be here on market day. . especially with such a fine crop.”
“He is helping Moda repair a ship at the beach,” Khesai replied. “Moda has offered to help us add a room to our home in exchange.”
Shasa raised his eyebrows. “Another room? Then have the gods blessed your family, Khesai?”
“Soon enough,” the woman smiled even more.
Shasa nodded. “Have you met our traveler, Drakis?”
“Fate smiles,” Khesai bowed slightly with the traditional greeting.
“Fate smiles,” Drakis bowed back.
“Your family shall be in our hearts, Khesai,” Shasa said. “Forgive us our leaving. I must speak with Drakis.”
Shasa turned and continued down the path with Drakis falling into step at his side.