Chapter 22 - That's a NO

The day passed by quickly while Ash answered every question he could. Rews seemed to have a genuine interest in dragonriders and the little kidss enthusiasm even had his brother eager to learn from Ash. Though there were quite a few the dragonboy couldn't answer, like why the dragon was with the caravan.

The General said I can't talk about that. ...grind grind grind...

Or what breath type Rasp had. There were so many. Fire, acid, steam, frost, lightning, poison, and more... Dragonboys were explicitly discouraged from finding out until they were riders and possessed the ability to experiment outside the Skyfort. During the morning flights that Ash couldn't participate in yet.

I'm curious what breath he has too. Too bad there was no way to tell until a dragon actually used it for the first time. He hoped it was a good one. Like fire breath. Anything that could change a battlefield really. But fire was really good. Ash knew of one dragonrider whose partner used fire to destroy an army and he was now a Hero.

Then there was the question as to why the soldiers seemed to avoid Ash and keep their distance. He was surprised. It seemed so normal to him that he had never questioned it. But there was an obvious reason after he thought about it for a bit.

"Because I'm partnered with a dragon.", the dragonboy said bluntly. "I'm nearly always with Rasp, and I'm the only one he likes. And he might not like them or think they're threats if they get too close. So its safer to just stay away. I'm sure they been ordered to keep their distance. That's what I think anyways." Rasp might be small, but he'd still tear chunks out of any of the troops. Rasp had raised his head at his name and Ash smiled, "You can lie down Rasp. We aren't doing anything."

Rews pondered for a bit, then asked, "Don't you get lonely then?"

Maybe a little...when everyone else could fly, but he'd never admit it. Ash shrugged, "Not really. I trained my whole life for it. I got Rasp for company and I keep busy taking care of him too."

Later on when Rews finally, finally ran out of questions, Leddi lifted Rews to get a peek into the wagon. Luckily by that point the dragon had gotten bored and ignored them, while curled up on his straw bedding.

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It was when Ash mentioned how he had taken Rasp out flying that morning for exercise that Rews blurted out, "Can I come watch next time?"

His eager face shone bright while Leddi face-palmed.

Rews had woken up when the horses were stirring up a ruckus. The kid’s eyes had nearly turned green after hearing others talk about seeing the black dragon coming in to land.

The envious child had vowed then that he wasn’t going to miss out again. And as soon as it struck him that he could tag along with Ash, he hadn't waited to make his request.

I should probably say no, but he's awfully excited. And we've been talking all morning, so maybe we're friends? The dragon-boy caved. With one condition.

"I'll let you come with us...if you can get Captain Thorne's permission." It seemed like a fair compromise to maintain safety and discipline.

He thought about it some more. Should also warn them about the rock? He shook his head and decided. Only if they get permission first.

Rews face lit up. "I will. Where is h-"

Leddi interrupted, “Before that, I think you need to ask father.” His exasperated glare doused Rews’ elation like a bucket of ice water. He then started to march his little brother away.

Privately, Ash hoped that Rews’ father denied the request. Then I won't be the bad guy. Rews had a little too much energy and he could see Rasp taking an active dislike to the boy's participation. But Ash had really enjoyed talking to people outside the army for a change. And it was nice to have someone his age to talk to, especially since the relationships within his squadron had grown distant since he couldn't join the morning flights.

After the Dessur boys were out of sight, Ash mumbled to his dragon, “What do you think Rasp. Am I too soft?”

The dragon which had been ignoring them all morning just raised his head and huffed without offering judgement. Ash smiled. Rasp really was the best.

It was only when Captain Thorne stopped to talk after the caravan stopped for the night, when Ash finally learned what had come of Rews request.

The captain was firm, "No. We-"

That was a pretty firm 'No'. Oh well. Poor Rews.

"-don't need any issues if that boy gets hurt. I've already talked to his father and if the kid bothers you with anymore requests, tell him no."

Under orders, got it. He did wonder though. Will the brothers still come by to talk? He hoped so. Today had flown by with them here. Shouldn't count on it though.

"Yessir!"

Captain Thorne peered at the dragonboy, then asked, "How has your dragon been handling the situation?"

"Pretty good so far, sir. I don't know if it'll last if he gets bored, but I should be able to distract him if he acts up."

The Captain pondered a bit. "Are you going to be continuing going out in the morning?"

"Yes, as long Rasp is willing, sir," Ash responded.

"Fine. I'll sort out a troop rotation to accomodate that.", the man muttered to himself. He then tilted his head, "That will be all Dragonboy Ash." He then strode over to the soldiers gathered around their own fires, leaving Ash to reflect on the day's events and what the future might hold.