Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen
Tiny Wings fluttered excitedly as an idea took root in her mind. She needed to find Moss, her trusty Earth Dragon friend, who always indulged her adventurous spirit. With a determined nod, she slipped out of Solara's chamber and darted down the grand hallways of the temple, her tiny wings buzzing with excitement.
She found Moss in the lush garden behind the temple, where the scents of blooming flowers and rich soil filled the air. Moss, with her emerald green scales and gentle personality, was resting by a large oak tree, her eyes half-closed in contentment.
"Moss!" Tiny Wings called out with excitement. Moss opened one eye lazily, a warm smile spreading across her face as she spotted her small friend.
"Hello, Tiny Wings," Moss greeted with a rumbling purr. "What brings you here in such a hurry?"
Tiny Wings landed beside Moss and hopped onto her back without hesitation. "I want to see the world, Moss! I want to find the travelers and I want to see everything with my own eyes! Not just through a crystal ball!" she explained.
Moss tilted her head, considering Tiny Wings' request. "Are you sure about this? It could be dangerous, and your mother—"
"She won't miss me for a little while," Tiny Wings interrupted. "Please, Moss. I need to do this."
Moss sighed but couldn't resist Tiny Wings' enthusiasm. She slowly stood up, stretching her wings. "Alright, Tiny Wings. Hold on tight. We're going to go see the world together."
With Tiny Wings perched securely on her back, Moss took to the sky. The wind rushed past them as they soared higher and higher, leaving the temple and its confines behind. Tiny Wings felt a surge of excitement as they climbed above the clouds, the vast expanse of Draconia stretching out before them.
They flew over forests, mountains, and rivers, Tiny Wings marveling at the beauty and diversity of the landscape. Eventually, they reached the Tundra, where the snow fell softly. Moss glided gracefully above the mountains, searching for any sign of the travelers.
Tiny Wings' eyes widened as she spotted a small boat struggling against the ice. "There! That's them!" she exclaimed, pointing excitedly.
Moss nodded and began to descend. As they approached, Tiny Wings could see that the boat was empty. She looked at Moss, her eyes wide with realization. "They must be in the caves!" she exclaimed.
Moss nodded thoughtfully. "Let's land and see if we can find any clues," she suggested.
They landed near the boat, the snow crunching softly under Moss's feet. Tiny Wings fluttered down to the ground, her tiny claws leaving delicate prints in the fresh snow. Moss closed her eyes and placed her claws gently on the ground, sensing the vibrations.
"They're not far," Moss said after a moment, opening her eyes. "I can feel their presence through the earth. This way."
Moss led the way. Tiny Wings followed eagerly, her heart pounding with excitement. They made their way to the entrance of the cave, where the snow dragon had lured the travelers.
"We need to be careful," Moss whispered. "There might be traps or guards."
Tiny Wings nodded, her eyes wide with determination. "Let's go," she whispered back.
As they entered the cave, the air grew colder, and the darkness closed in around them. Moss used her earth-sensing abilities to navigate. Tiny Wings stayed close, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger.
They moved deeper into the cave until they came to a large chamber where the travelers were being held. An Emberflare dragon paced.
"We need to distract them," Tiny Wings whispered to Moss. "Then we can get the travelers out."
Moss nodded and began to focus her energy. The ground beneath them started to rumble, and small icicles began to fall from the ceiling. The snow dragon and the frost dragon looked around in alarm.
"What's happening?" the frost dragon hissed.
"An earthquake?" the snow dragon replied, her eyes wide with fear.
Taking advantage of the confusion, Tiny Wings flew to the travelers and melted the icy cage with her fire. "We must leave now!"
As they neared the cave entrance, a loud roar echoed through the chamber. "They're escaping!" the frost dragon bellowed.
"Run!" Moss urged, her voice echoing through the cave.
The group sprinted towards the exit, the sound of the pursuing dragons growing louder behind them. They burst out into the snowy landscape, the cold air biting at their faces. Moss and Tiny Wings led the way, urging the travelers to keep going.
"We have to reach the boat!" Shadow shouted. "It's our only chance!"
The travelers pushed themselves harder, the fear of capture driving them forward. They reached the boat and quickly climbed aboard, with Moss and Tiny Wings right behind them.
"Go! Go!" Tiny Wings urged.
They managed to push the boat off the shore and into the water. The snow dragon and frost dragon roared in frustration, watching helplessly as the boat sailed away.
As the boat moved further from the shore, the travelers caught their breath and turned to their saviors. "Thank you," Elanor said, her voice filled with gratitude. "You saved us."
"Wait for me!" A tiny voice called out.
Moss and Tiny Wings looked down from the sky, the travelers looked off from the side of the boat. A Frost Dragon was swimming next to them, trying to keep pace.
"Why should we trust you?" Shadow hissed.
"I just want to know what worlds lie beyond the Tundra," said the tiny Frost Dragon, "I just know there's more Draconia than these snowy mountains. Plus, I'm a very good hunter."
Elanor looked at the tiny Frost Dragon, her eyes softening. "It seems like we're destined to collect dragons on this journey," she said with a chuckle. "Alright, climb aboard. But if you try anything suspicious, you're going back to the Tundra."
The tiny Frost Dragon nodded eagerly. "Thank you! I promise I'll be helpful."
Aurora helped the little Frost Dragon onto the boat. "What's your name?" she asked.
"I'm Frostbite," the little dragon replied, shaking off a few water droplets, before finding a spot to settle.
"Nice to meet you Frostbite!" Tiny Wings purred. "I'm Tiny Wings! And this is my best friend, Moss!"
With everyone on board, they set sail once more, leaving the snowy shore behind. The group shared stories and plans, learning more about each other's strengths and weaknesses. As the boat sailed further away from the Tundra, the storm began to subside, giving way to a clear sky filled with stars.
Tiny Wings fluttered around with excitement. "This is just the beginning! There's so much more to see and do!"
Aurora smiled at the little dragon. "Yes, Tiny Wings. And with friends like you, Moss, and Frostbite I believe we can do anything."
The boat sailed on into the night. The journey to find the Dragon's Heart was far from over. And who knows whatever may come their way?