10 years later…

Hekro’s father had taught him all kinds of incantations. Words that would protect him from all kind of attacks, but he wasn’t sure why. Tirion said it had something to do with something that happened ten years ago, but Hekro couldn’t remember what happened.

Taru knew what was going on, but didn’t say anything. And Krota wouldn’t and couldn’t say anything; after all, he was a dragon. Hekro had had dreams where Krota spoke, but whenever he tried talking to the dragon in real life it would only respond in low growls.

Not only was there utter confusion, but everyday Hekro would have massive pains in his back and head. His father said it was common for someone his age, but Taru never had them. Or at least not that he knew of.

One day while Hekro was tending to Krota’s stable a man on a dragon flew down and began to talk to Tirion. As Hekro watched Tirion’s already wrinkled face became more wrinkled with worry. The teen could tell it wasn’t good.

The Dragon-Rider flew off and Hekro walked over to Tirion, his own face filled with worry. The old farmer looked up and saw his son’s face and sighed, “Your brother has gone missing. The Elders believe that he was captured by the Antors.”

Hekro’s mouth dropped and his eyes welled with tears, “What?” Tirion sighed and placed his strong calloused hand on the young man’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

Hekro pushed his father’s hand off of his shoulder and ran to Krota’s stable. He slammed the great doors and pushed a large piece of lumber in between the locks. Crying, he leaned against the wall.

A large muzzle nudged the young Drachor’s face and he looked up to see Krota standing there, his yellow-gray eyes sympathizing with the young man. Hekro blurted out a loud sob and hugged the head of the dragon.

Hekro’s head throbbed in pain and he passed out on the hay-covered floor. In his mind’s eye he saw Taru being beaten by Antor guardians. Watching the event was a young man, his face scarred by many battles and his left eye appeared to have been burnt by a fire.

Hekro sat up and saw that Krota was laying beside him, watching him closely. He petted the dragon’s scaly head and jumped on its back, “Come Krota, let us go find Taru.” Krota responded with a soft growl and flapped his leathery wings.

They flew out of the skylight in the top of the barn and headed east, toward the Desert of Grotik. Toward Antor’s Haven.

A/N: Sorry, it’s been a while since I’ve submitted a chapter. I’ve been working on other ideas for stories and I’ve been helping my neighbor do manly carpenter stuff. I really hope y’all enjoy this chapter, and I apologize if its short. I kinda lost my muse. ).