The First Witch Chapter 5

                 

Chapter Five.

 

The Search Party.

 

Jasmine woke at dawn. The air was cool and still, and the lake lay smooth as glass. She crawled out of the tent and tiptoed down to the water for a wash.

Das was sitting on the shore, wings folded neatly, staring across the lake. He opened one eye as she approached and lifted a wing. Curled up against his chest, fast asleep, was Prince Emdan.

“We talked for a long time last night,” Das whispered. “He has a great many questions about dragons.”

“I hope he didn’t keep you awake,” said Jasmine.

“No,” said Das. “I don’t need to sleep for another ninety‑eight years. Then I’ll sleep for the next hundred. Dragon thing.”

“Well, you’d better wake him. We need to be gone before the search party arrives. And I’d like a hot drink and some breakfast.”

“And I need a swim and some seaweed,” said Das.

He stood up and stretched his long neck. Emdan toppled over, scrambled upright, and looked wildly around. When he saw Jasmine, he blushed scarlet.

“Sorry,” he muttered. “We were talking till late.”

“I know,” said Jasmine. “Go wash in the lake while I make breakfast.”

“I’m going to look at the turret,” announced Das. “I won’t be long.” Before either of them could reply, he lifted off and soared into the sky.

He was back less than a minute later.

“There are a lot of horse riders coming along the track,” he said. “Heading this way.”

“Oh dear,” said Emdan. “That could be my cousins.”

“They must have set out as soon as your horse got back,” said Jasmine. “And ridden all night.”

She turned to Das. “Did they see you?”

Das nodded. “I think so. They stopped and pointed at the sky.”

“They’ll make me go back,” groaned Emdan. “I know it.”

“You could just tell them you’re safe,” said Jasmine.

Emdan shook his head. “Not if they think there’s a dragon about. They’ll want to fight it.”

“I won’t fight anyone,” said Das quickly.

Jasmine thought for a moment. “You don’t have to fight. How do you feel about scaring a few horses?”

“As long as they don’t get hurt,” said Das, “I suppose I could do that.”

“Good. Here’s the plan,” said Jasmine. “Fly low over their heads and roar as loudly as you can. The horses will panic and run back the way they came. Chase them all the way to the Castle, then fly back quickly. That should give us a whole day to reach the turret.”

Das nodded. “I can do that.”

“Wait,” said Emdan. “There’s a red scarf in the carriage.” He blushed. “I thought it might be cold on the mountain. If you hold it in your teeth and blow out, it’ll look like flames.”

He fetched the scarf. Das took it in his mouth and flew off down the track.

Jasmine and Emdan crept to a spot where they could see.

It worked perfectly.

The sight of a dragon swooping low, roaring, with red streaming from its mouth, sent the horses into a wild panic. They bolted back down the track, riders clinging on for dear life. Das followed until they vanished from sight.

“That was spectacular!” laughed Emdan. “I’ve always wanted to see my cousins run like that.”

Jasmine laughed too. “I hope Das doesn’t get carried away. We need him for the turret.”

“Let’s have breakfast,” said Emdan. “I’m starving.”

They returned to the camp. It didn’t take long to stir up the fire, boil water, and toast bread. They were just eating when a figure stepped out of the trees.

“Very cosy,” the newcomer said.

Both Jasmine and Emdan jumped to their feet. The man led his horse into the clearing.

Emdan sniffed. “Oh. Hello, Aldan. I thought you’d been scared back to the Castle.”

The newcomer laughed. “Good morning, Emdan.” He turned to Jasmine. “And this must be the missing Princess Jasmine.” He bowed.

Under his gaze, tall, handsome, well dressed, Jasmine suddenly felt very aware of her dirty riding clothes.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” Aldan asked pleasantly.

In a sulky voice, Emdan said, “This is my cousin Prince Aldan. And yes, this is Princess Jasmine.”

Aldan bowed again.

Jasmine recovered herself. “What do you mean, the missing Princess Jasmine?”

“A messenger arrived late last night,” said Aldan, “saying Princess Jasmine had been kidnapped. A large reward has been offered for your safe return. I recognised you from the picture sent with the invitation to your Coming Out Ball next week.”

“Oh dear,” said Jasmine. “I forgot about the Ball. But I left a note explaining where I’d gone.”

Aldan smiled. “They clearly didn’t find it.” He turned to Emdan. “Now, what shall we do about you?”

“I’m not going back,” said Emdan quickly. “This is my adventure.”

“I’m not here to drag you home,” said Aldan. “Only to make sure you’re safe. Go on and enjoy yourself. Don’t tell me what you’re doing, that way I won’t have to lie.” He swung into the saddle. “I’d better catch up with the others and make sure they keep running all the way back to the Castle.”

“Why didn’t you run with them?” asked Jasmine.

Aldan grinned. “Blame my father. He insists we all be well educated, including knowing the difference between a Royal Dragon and a Sea Dragon.” He laughed. “The red scarf was a nice touch.”

He turned to Jasmine. “With your permission, I’ll send a message to your parents saying you’re safe.”

Jasmine nodded.

“Good.” Aldan turned to Emdan. “Oh, your father says he expects you to bring the armour and cloak back safely. They’re very precious.” With that, he rode away.

“He was nice,” said Jasmine.

“He’s the best of my cousins,” said Emdan. “He’ll make a fine king one day.”

“And what armour and cloak was he talking about?” asked Jasmine.

Emdan went to the carriage and brought out a parcel. “These belonged to my father. They were made by the Shadow People.”

He unwrapped the cloak. It was the blackest cloth Jasmine had ever seen, softer than silk.

“What makes it so special?” she asked.

“It stops magic,” said Emdan. “Spells can’t go through it. The armour is lined with it too. I thought it might come in handy.”

He showed her the armour propped in the carriage. “Trouble is, it was made for someone much thinner than me.” He looked from Jasmine to the armour. “It would fit you easily.”

“Well,” said Jasmine, “all we need now is a dragon to fly us up to the turret.”