The fire had stopped burning. The only thing that was left of the bodies was now just dark smudges on the grass..
While the magic users were just standing, the dragon riders were busy walking around their dragons, tightening the leather straps and checking the saddles, and preparing for immediate takeoff.
At one side field, Daven Power stood alone. He picked up a small stone, threw it into the air, and caught it again. Then he did it again and again. It was the only thing that was keeping his hands from shaking.
Valerius walked over and stopped beside him. He didn't say anything at first. He just stood there, watching the same empty sky Power was watching.
Then, quietly, he said, "Losing someone you love is never easy."
Power did not answer right away. He threw the stone once, caught it, and finally he let his hand close around it.
