Leaving the cave, they walked in silence. Progressing slowly, Aribelle carried Mia on her back. Exhausted by all of the excitement, the child began to nod off.
Aribelle had asked Mia to keep the dragon a secret between the two of them once they returned. Confused the child had compiled to her bizarre request. Although, she knew the child would not be able to keep this promise for long, Aribelle hoped to conceal the dragon's presence until it left of its own volition. She did not want to become a martyr, but this way no one else would have to rush needlessly to their deaths in order to defeat the creature.
As they neared the Abbey, a man called to them from atop the slope into the forest. "Ari!" Despite the dense foliage and distance, his voice rang out as clear as a bell once he spied her. Usually calm, there was a subtle tremor to it as he spoke her name again. "Ari." Descending to meet her mid-way up the footpath, the tall slender man reached out to her immediately, desperate to confirm that she was not some sort of mirage.
Aribelle, regarded her old friend with almost an equal amount of disbelief. Barnibus, had always been a handsome child with shining jewel-like blue eyes and flaxen hair. It was unsurprising that he should grow to be a man even more beautiful than herself. Taking on a role as a priest in a rural parish, it had been two winters since she had seen him last. Appearing so unexpectedly in front of her in his white robes like a guardian angel and after the ordeal she had just experienced; Aribelle could not withhold the tears of relief that spilled from her eyes.
Concerned, he enveloped her in a comforting embrace. His voice returning to its usual serenity he spoke, "I'm sorry Ari." The warmth from Barnibus's hand calming her, as he stroked her hair softly, he continued "I came here the instant I heard, but I was late. I'm so sorry." Drying her tears, Aribelle hit his chest weakly with her palms "Goodness Barni, what are saying!" She replied pretending to be cross, "I haven't seen you in years and then the first thing you say to me is 'sorry'." Both chuckled as the tension left them.
Separating, Barnibus looked upon his friend. Unable to conceal his worry, he regarded her tattered attire and scrapes with obvious distress.
Always slender, she had lost weight since he had seen her last. Face sunken and complexion paled, he could tell she had been negligent towards her own wellbeing. Fearing that she may be swept away by the wind in her current state; Barnibus supported her carefully by the elbow. Taking Mia from her, he guided her along the path once more.
Although not pleased at finding her in such a state upon his return, Barnibus was satisfied that she could lean on him in this way now. Ardently independent, Aribelle did not often rely on the help of others but always seemed perfectly happy to lend her strength to others. It was arguably her best and worst quality, one which had no doubt driven both himself and Mikel to become dependable men in adulthood.
It wasn't long before they were met at the top of the slope by Mikel. Ceasing his pacing behind the Abbey, he rushed towards their little party. "What took you so long?" he scolded, "I was about ready to send a search after you!"
"We're alright, Barni found us." Aribelle answered. Mikel spun towards Barnibus, his eyebrows twitching in annoyance. "What are you even doing here Saint?" he grumbled.
"Of course, I would come when our parish receives news of a flood and a dragon attack in the capital." The priest replied coolly.
"I'm here, why would we need you?!" rebutted Mikel.
"I couldn't entrust the care of our Ari to some second-rate foot soldier like you." Countered Barnibus.
Listening to their exchange, Aribelle laughed. The two were constantly at odds with one another growing up. It was amusing to her that they should fall into the same pattern as grow men.
However, their little parley was interrupted by the boy listening at the back gate with unrepressed disgust "We don't need either of you!" Leaning against a pillar of the open entry to the Abbey's back garden he gazed at them contemptuously. "You both left her here, so get lost! I'm protecting Ari now."
Another orphan in residence, Marten was only ten. An astute child with uncommon ashen hair, he possessed a certain blunt attitude and biting wit that made it difficult for him to get along with other children. This behavior had become even more unruly once Barnibus and Mikel had left the Abbey. Always looking up to them he felt betrayed by their departure and resentment towards them for causing Aribelle sadness. Though, doing her utmost to hide it from everyone, Marten could see that she was caught in some lone struggle. It was look he had seen often before.
Attempting to look authoritative, Aribelle placed her hands on her narrow hips. "Look here boys, I'm quite capable of taking care of myself." She reproached. A little dent forming between her wide brown eyes as she scowled at them. "Sister, I always knew you defied logic, but I didn't realize that you lack self-awareness as well." replied Marten aghast.
The two men beside her exchanging knowing glances. Smiles already cracking their previously serious expressions. They both shook before erupting into laughter. Holding their sides, neither disagreed with Marten's observation. "The kid's right, you haven't got a leg to stand on, Ari." Added Mikel between snorts. "I'm sorry Ari dear, I have to agree with them." Barnibus concurred.
Aribelle was annoyed not to be taken seriously by them at first. However, she soon came to realize why her words had such little sway with them. Looking down, her plain linen dress was all covered in leaves and dirt. The various cuts and bruises she had acquired, clearly visible through the multiple rips in its fabric.
Damn it, these punks have a point. She admitted to herself. Indignant, she shook her fist comically at them. Pretending to run from her in fear they all scrambled through the back gate with her exclaiming after them "Come back here, you brats!"