The yellow dragon twisted and turned in his tight confinement, regretting his find already. Despite Evelyn’s best efforts to make more room, the double stroller they found left little room for Lumin to get comfortable. Evelyn wished she could hide him in a more comfortable manner, but this would raise the fewest questions. With an old blanket they found in the bottom compartment, they managed to conceal the dragon completely.

“Very tight, wings squished,” Lumin groaned, his tail shifting the blanket to hang out the side and drag along the ground. Evelyn quickly pushed it back under the blanket before anyone could notice.

Benjamin scowled. “Tell that thing to stay still and be quiet, we don’t need its little growls and hisses. If we get found out, we leave it behind.”

There was a whimper from the stroller. “You know he can understand you, Ben.”

“Good.”

Evelyn patted Lumin on his side. “Hang in there, Lumin. We’ll find who we’re looking for as fast as possible.” Only a small rumble came from him. Evelyn looked back to her brother and asked, “where should we go?”

“The market is probably the best place to find information on people. The shopkeepers talk to a lot of people, I’m sure at least one has heard something about this guy. When we get there, I’ll do the talking, alright?” A reluctant nod is all Evelyn gave Benjamin in response. They set out for the central market of town.

It was not as big as Evelyn was expecting, about half the size of Banrigh’s main shopping district. Despite the smaller size, the market was bustling with people, many of the stores with lines out the door with restless customers trying to make their purchases before nightfall. While this made it difficult to talk to anyone, at least it meant people were too busy walking around and avoiding confrontation to inquire about the new people with a rather large stroller; though Evelyns’ anxiety was not diminished.

She took extra precautions to not bring unwanted attention to them; going out of her way to avoid people walking by, making little eye contact, and making the best effort to look as normal as possible. Though that was probably making her look even less normal. Lumin’s discomfort did not help her either, his eager, uncomfortable feelings just adding to Evelyn’s stress.

Benjamin, however, seemed unfazed. Eyes forward and focused, he weaved his way through the crowd, stopping only to speak to whatever shop keeper was free. Evelyn wondered if this was something he learned with the Guard Corp, walking around with purpose and authority. Though his uniform no longer helped him as his jacket remained around his head. The only indication of his guard status was his holstered pistol at his side, though that seemed to make him blend in with the crowd moreso. Half of the people they came across wielded some sort of weapon, putting her at even more unease. In Banrigh, usually only guards had weapons. Not that it was illegal to carry self protection, but a gun was usually seen with discomfort, its owner getting glares and scoffs from everyone around them.

After a few attempts to gather information, and subsequently being told off, Benjamin finally found someone that gave him more than a telling off. A man with a thick, brown beard chuckled at the mention of Isak.

“So yer seeking out ol’ Isak, eh? I haven’t the dangest idea where he would be.”

“But you know who he is at least. Is there anyone who might know where to find him?”

The man raised a bushy eyebrow. “What's he to ya? Not many folk come looking for him, ‘specially out of towners.”

“He’s a family friend, that’s all you need to know,” Benjamin replied.

“Not a very trusting fellow, are ye?” The man rubbed his scraggly beard, shifting his eyes from Benjamin to Evelyn. Her body went stiff as his eyes glanced down at the stroller. “Like I said, I haven’t a clue where he is, but if ye head south, ye’ll come across a small booth called the Ichelv Fish Stand. Talk to the ol’ man running the place, he might know where yer guy is.”

“Ichelv, got it.” Benjamin started south, beckoning Evelyn to follow.

“Thank you,” she muttered as she pushed the stroller along. The man gave her a single wave before they disappeared into the crowd. “Ben, at least give him the courtesy of a ‘thank you’.”

“The sun is fading, Evy. We need to find this guy before dark.”

The sky above was orange, growing darker with every minute. His crudeness was unsavory, but he was right. They continued forward, the crowd starting to thin with the imminent approach of night. This made it easier to find their destination. A small stand of rotting wood, the blue paint faded and peeling read the name ‘Ichelv’. There was a limited assortment of fish, most of which looked fresh-ish. The smell was strong, while the market had an overall fishy scent, coming close to this stand overwhelmed Evelyn’s nose. Lumin must have smelled it too as Evelyn felt a strange desire to devour the fish. She pushed back on that eagerness, hoping Lumin would understand to stay hidden.

Standing behind it was a young man, no more than a year older than Benjamin wrapping fish in aluminum foil. The deeply tan man was accompanied by an older man laid back on a wooden chair, his straw hat covering his face; the occasional snore blew the brim up slightly. As they approached, the junior of the pair swiftly unwrapped the fish he held and leaned confidently against the display. “Good day to you, my name is Landon, can I interest you fine people in savory salmon? Caught fresh today by yours truly.”

Benjamin groaned before responding, “We’re looking for someone, a man named Isak Elvar. I’ve been told someone here knows where he might be.”

“Isak Elvar…” Landon pondered the name for a moment before shrugging. “Well, if it’s information you’re after, perhaps we can arrange a bundle deal. Procure yourself a fine specimen for a mere ten sgeile and information will be included.”

“Ten? You can’t be serious,” Benjamin snapped.

“That is some valuable information you’re asking for, my good sir.”

With an angry grumble, Benjamin reached in his pockets and pulled out what coins he had, counting them out in his hand. As he counted, Evelyn glanced back at the old man. She wondered why he was not speaking given the previous seller told them it was an older man who ran the shop. She then realized his brim was no longer moving and the snoring stopped. A jolt of panic set in, fearing the old man was no longer breathing. It was short lived as he continued snoring, as if he knew she saw. Perhaps she imagined it?

“There, ten sgeile. Now where can we find this Isak person?”

Landon handed Benjamin the salmon, who in turn put it on the handle of the stroller, the slimy scales covering Evelyn’s hands, coating them with its repulsive scent. Even with her limited knowledge of seafood, she could tell this fish was not caught today. That did not stop Lumin from shifting excitedly, causing the tip of his tail to be exposed. She quickly pulled the blanket over it and rapidly glanced around, praying no one saw it. Fortunately Landon was too preoccupied with Benjamin and the old man still slept. Her nerves seemed to get through to Lumin as he went still again.

“Alright, here’s what I know… I have never heard of this person you speak of. Have a nice day and come again soon.” He shooed Benjamin away with his hand and resumed wrapping the remaining fish.

“You son of a—” Benjamin stepped toward the smug seller, fist curled into a ball. Evelyn grasped his shoulder.

“You asked for information I knew, and that is all I know. Perhaps you shouldn't assume everyone around here knows everything, city boy.”

“Please,” Evelyn started. “We need to find him, our father said he could help us.”

“Sorry sweetheart,” Landon said with a shrug. “I wish I could help you, but you and your boy toy here are out of luck. Better luck with the next sucker unlucky enough to talk to you.”

Her blood ran hot, frustration swelled not only in her, but Lumin as well. There was a tingling sensation at her fingertips, as if she was stung by touching something charged with static electricity.

“Show me unity,” a creaky voice spoke up. They all turned to the old man who laid back in his chair, the straw hat still covering his face.

“Unity?” Evelyn asked.

“Show me unity,” the elder repeated.

She exchanged puzzled looks with Benjamin. How could they show unity?

That’s right! She thought as she reached into her pocket, palming the medallion their mother left her. Benjamin must have realized what she was doing as he started shaking his head. Ignoring him, she took a deep breath and flashed the emblem to the elder, shielding it from public view with her body. He lifted his straw hat and opened one pale green eye to glance at her symbol, letting out a grunt. He nodded and covered his eye with the hat once more and shifted in his seat, regaining his comfort.

”Yes, good. Put that there away again before someone sees you.” She shoved the medallion back into her pocket, following his instructions quickly. “Go just outside the north-eastern gate of town.”

“Wh— but I—” Landon was cut off by a kick from the old man.

“Pipe down, you swindling scoundrel. Go there, stay hidden and the man you’re looking for will find you after the sun sets.”

“How will we know it’s him?” Benjamin asked.

“You will know him when ya see him. Now go before Landon here tries to scam ya again.”

The younger man scoffed and turned away from the group. Evelyn nodded and issued a thanks before they left the stand, melting back into the thinning crowd. When they reached the gate they prepared to sneak through unnoticed. But as they approached, only one guard stood watch, slumped against the wall with his phone out. As they slowly walked up, the guard did not pay them any mind, not even acknowledging the two going through the gate. Why the gate was so lightly manned became apparent once they exited the town.

This side of the gulf was lined with mountains, covered in closely sprouted trees, the range forming an arc, rising from the edge of town and declining until there was a beech at the tip of the land, which she assumed could only be reached by boat. It was a wonder that there was a need for a town gate in this location at all. There was no shortage of places to hide, if they went just a few yards into the wooded area, they would be completely secluded from the outside world. After struggling to get the stroller through the treeline, they found a tree with a large divot in the ground next to its roots, allowing them to sit and rest together out of view.

Lumin happily jumped from the stroller, stretching out his legs and wings, groaning with satisfaction. “Yummy salmon?”

“You may be the only one who finds this ‘yummy’,” Evelyn said, wiping the slime from her hands. Benjamin examined the fish, poking it and prodding the scales with his pocket knife. It took a decent effort for him to cut the fish up, his skills fileting a fish, or lack thereof were apparent. The smell got worse with every jagged cut; Evelyn looked away, holding her nose to try and block out the stench. “I don’t think that guy was telling the truth about the freshness of this fish,” she claimed, getting a nod of agreement from Benjamin, who’s eyes watered.

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“So much for some dinner.” Benjamin threw the fish to the ground, wiping his blade clean.

Lumin stared at the fish curiously, his stomach growling loud enough for Evelyn to hear. “It smells ok to me. Maybe it fine for me?”

“Lumin, I wouldn’t recommend—” the fish was being devoured in front of them before Evelyn could dissuade the little dragon. Despite the fish being on the larger side, the meat was gone within a minute. She had no idea if she should be impressed, or disturbed.

“Well, at least it’s a good garbage disposal,” Benjamin snarked, getting a curious look from Lumin, chewing the last of the fish.

He swallowed and tilted his head. “Garbage disposal?”

“Don’t listen to him, Lumin. It’s nothing.” Evelyn sat down next to the dragon and put an assuring hand on his shoulder. “While we’ve got time, how can you speak so well already?”

Lumin shrugged, “I hear you, I learn. Only you hear me?”

Evelyn nodded, “I don’t know why I can understand you, but maybe this Isak person can answer some of these questions. Why don’t I teach you more words and proper grammar?” Lumin’s eyes lit up. He nodded rapidly and sat obediently in front of her.

Benjamin groaned and stepped away from their hiding spot. “While you waste your time, I’ll go find us some more food.” Once Benjamin was out of view, Evelyn let out a disappointed sigh. He seemed so spiteful around Lumin, but she couldn’t figure out why. Maybe he was just frustrated by the situation; they had to flee, lose their home, their jobs, their father.

Dad… She thought, it never really hit her until she thought about him. If he was alive or dead, they had no idea, but she could only assume the worst. Her shoulders dropped, she hadn’t really processed everything that’s happened yet. As the sorrow was about to kick in, she felt the nudge of a dragon snout at her side. With his glowing, sparkly eyes, Lumin looked at her with a warm, sympathetic gaze, making a noise that sounded like a cat purring. She smacked both cheeks and shook her head, now was not the time to feel sorry for herself or to ponder what might have happened. There was so much to learn about Lumin and so much to teach him, too. He needed her to be strong and caring, so that’s what she planned to be.

“Alright,” she started. “Let’s start with how much you already know.”

For the next hour Evelyn and Lumin worked on his communication, properly speaking, sentence structures, everything she could think of about the language. Midway through the session, Benjamin came back with some more berries for him and Evelyn to snack on while they waited. She offered some to Lumin, who tasted one and was immediately repulsed, spitting the berry out with a show of disgust, ruling out any vegetarian diet Evelyn might have planned.

Benjamin took no part in teaching Lumin to speak, even when Evelyn tried to give an example of a conversation. “So when I say: ‘Hello, Ben. What brings you to the gulf today?’ He would reply…” Evelyn glanced at Benjamin, rolling her hand to motion to him to continue the mock conversation. All she got in return was a scoff while he continued looking out at the forest where the divot opened up. She furrowed her eyebrows and opened her mouth to repeat her statement, intending to put in a bit more sass to the request.

“He would say, ‘Hello, Evelyn. I have come to the gulf to help my sister and her little dragon get to safety. I hope we can find the person who can help us,’” Lumin interjected, rewarded by a pat on the head from Evelyn, who smiled proudly at her little dragon. Though little wouldn’t describe him much longer. He seemingly grew every time she turned away. Thinking back to her dog size charts, she imagined he went from a small mastiff as a hatchling to now a small great dane. She was unsure if he could fit in the stroller again. Maybe dragon growth is concurrent with their meals? He didn’t really start growing until that first rabbit.

“Good job, Lumin! You’re so smart, it takes human babies years to learn how to speak like that.” The air in the divot whirled around with the joyful wingbeats involved in Lumin’s happy dance he made when he got something correct.

“Evy, get that thing to stop,” Benjamin groaned, holding his hand up to shield his face from the wind. “We still need to be careful about people finding us.”

“Relax, Ben. Let him get excited about learning. Besides, you saw how little that guard cared about us. We’ll be fine.”

“He’s right, you know.” A croaky, weathered voice caused all three to whip their head around. Everyone went stiff, there was no source of the voice in sight, no clue as to who it could be. “You should always take caution ‘round these parts especially.”

Benjamin looked up, jaw agape. “What the…”

Evelyn and Lumin followed his gaze, looking up to see an old man sitting on a branch twenty yards up in the tree above them, looking down with his feet happily dangling. Not just any old man, it was the same old man that they met in the market, looking down on them with a smirk on his wrinkled face. The muscles in her body froze, stunned at the sight.

“Good evening young ones.” As swiftly as an energetic child, he shuffled to the trunk and slid down the tree, feet digging into the bark to slow his descent, showering them with fragments of wood. Once at the roots, he slid to a stop in front of Evelyn. To her surprise, he had to look up at her, only coming up to her chin.

“So you’re…”

“Isak Evlar, pleased to make your acquaintance.” Evelyn hesitantly accepted his outstretched hand to shake.

“E-Evelyn. My name is Evelyn, and this is my brother, Benjamin.” She pointed to Benjamin, who only nodded at the old man. Turning to Lumin, ready to introduce him. She was cut off by the dragon eagerly walking up to the old man.

“And I’m Lumin, it is nice to meet you, Isak,” He said happily, tail wagging, offering his claws out, mimicking the elder’s gesture to Evelyn. Isak chuckled as Evelyn knelt in front of Lumin.

“Great job on your grammar, but remember, only I can understand you for now, you have to be careful about walking up to people,” She lectured, causing Lumin’s paw to drop a bit, his ears drooping.

“A lively, young one here I see. Pleased to meet you, too.” Isak reached his hand out and placed it in Lumin’s paw to the dragon's delight. The dragon paw dwarfed the old man’s hand, so when he gripped the small hand, Evelyn winced, hoping he wouldn’t accidentally crush his hand. To her relief, Lumin did not share Benjamin’s habit of squeezing the life out of someone’s hand as it seemed he carefully grasped the man’s hand and they shook gracefully. Not only was this man not frightened being this close to a dragon, but he seemed comfortable around him. Perhaps this was the person Evelyn needed to learn from, to educate her on how to properly take care of Lumin.

“So, you can understand him?” Isak asked. Evelyn nodded in response. “I would assume you’ve bonded with him as well.” Uncertain, Evelyn looked down at the hatchling. If there was a certain ceremony, ritual or event that made bonding official, she had no clue. Though the connected emotions made her wonder if they had bonded, whatever that meant. There was no mention of how riders bonded with their dragons in the books.

“Yes,” Lumin answered, a smile growing on Evelyn’s face.

Before Evelyn could relay Lumin’s answer, Isak continued, “you must have a lot of questions, which I may be able to answer. Whether I’m willing to give them depends on your answer to my next question. Given I don’t recognize you, it baffles me that you own something with that insignia.” He gestured to her pocket where the medallion resided. “So tell me how a couple young ones came into possession of it and knew to find me.”

The siblings exchanged looks. Judging by his suspicious glances at the old man, Benjamin did not want to answer truthfully. Evelyn was unsure how trustworthy he was either, but their father sent them to Isak, hopefully not as his final act. Besides that, if he was truly with the organization bearing the insignia, she would be fulfilling part of her promise to Delain. “I got this one from our mother. She left it for me as a gift with my acceptance letter. We are unsure of what it really means, but she said it may help me, and has it.”

“Did it help you come across Lumin?” Isak asked.

“In a way, yes—”

“Wait,” Benjamin interrupted, scowling at Isak. “Neither of us actually mentioned what Evelyn named that thing.” With a jolt of realization, Evelyn stared at Isak. Benjamin was right, only Lumin said his name.She stepped in front of Lumin, who chirped curiously, while Benjamin stepped in front of Evelyn, his hand on his holstered pistol.

Isak did not flinch. In fact, he chuckled. “Suspicious bunch, eh? Good. You don’t know who your friend or foe is these days.” He held his hands up. “And attuned to small details. Yes, I can understand dragons. That does not mean I am your enemy.”

“How do we know that? Our first meeting with a dragon rider did not exactly have a welcoming outcome,” Evelyn said.

“The person who told you about me, do you trust them?”

Their own father would not send them to someone who meant to hurt them, would he? She pondered their options, looking at Benjamin, who still looked weary of the man. Reluctantly, she relaxed and nodded. “I do. Our father, Anderson Eir.”

“Anderson?” Isak ran his finger through his beard, his voice softened and his sailor accent reduced, now matching theirs. “Please explain everything that led to our meeting.”

She told the story of how she met Delain, her subsequent demise, leaving out most details for Lumin’s sake, up until their arrival in Cove. Isak listened intently, nodding in acknowledgement when she hit an important event in her tale. He muttered something when began telling of her encounter with the captain, then waving his hand to tell her to continue. Benjamin added a few details from his perspective, relaying what Oliver told the city guards.

“Their pursuit is quite problematic. I am sure it comes as no surprise to you that where you found him was not his intended destination. Neither was his mother supposed to be felled.” Lumin cooed mournfully at the mention of his mother. “Thank the gods he was found first by you. I am sure you all have a lot of questions, but the day grows thin and you two must be in desperate need of shelter. It is dangerous, but we must move at night; your father may have sent them elsewhere, but there are still those loyal to the empire in town.”

“So does this mean you’ll take this thing off our hands, become its handler for Evy?” Benjamin asked, pointing to Lumin. A jolt of panic shot from Lumin, who frantically looked between the siblings.

“N-no! I don’t want to leave you!” He exclaimed before fixing his eyes on Evelyn. “You still want me, right?”

Though it had been assumed, there was never any confirmation that Lumin wished to stay with Evelyn. This was never what she wanted, but she felt a rush of relief at his concern. “Of course, sweetie.” She glared at her brother. “We are going to stick together through this.”

Benjamin furrowed his brow, ready to respond until Isak interjected, “While Evelyn was not the intended partner, separating them would not be ideal, at least not at the current moment. Besides, I am already spoken for.”

“You have a dragon, too? Can we meet them? Where are they?” Lumin asked, his worry quickly morphing to excitement.

“Calm down there, young one. You’ll meet her soon enough. I think she’ll like you.” While Isak chuckled, a disgruntled growl rumbled from him. Shocked, Evelyn looked around. No one else was around, and neither Lumin nor Benjamin reacted to the noise. Shaking her head, she assumed she was imagining things. “Now then,” Isak continued, his accent returning. “Let’s get goin’, follow me.”

For what seemed like hours to an exhausted Evelyn, they hiked through the forested mountains, climbing the steep hills and mounting fallen trees. To her dismay, she seemed to be the only one struggling. Benjamin was no surprise to her, his training and strength grew exponentially since he joined the guards, and Lumin was a dragon, though a freshly hatched one. She assumed it was normal for his body to grow quickly and gain the strength to forge his path. But seeing Isak weave through the rough terrain as if it weren’t there disheartened Evelyn. While not on the level of her brother, she had participated in athletic activities before. Though that seemed like a lifetime ago since she started classes for veterinary services. Lumin would look back and smile at Evelyn, gleefully hopping when she caught up to him. The thought that she may not be worthy of being his partner crept into her mind, perhaps he would be better off with a true rider by his side. But it was his happiness with her, his joyful energy moving through the forest, his adorableness as he was distracted by a scurrying animal that brought Evelyn back.

To Evelyn’s relief, they stopped at a beach a mile away from the town. Her legs felt as if they were made of gelatin. She fell back onto the sand, catching herself before her back hit the ground. The sky above was nearly black, stars fading into view. As she looked up, her labored breath calming, the scaled muzzle of Lumin propped her upright, relieving her hands of the coarse sand. He sat behind her, becoming a backrest for her. His chest heaved against her, but not nearly as much as hers.

“Don’t get too comfortable, kiddo’s. We merely made it to our port. It’s time to set sail to the edge of the gulf.” The area he mentioned was dimly lit by a pair of lighthouses on either side of the opening into the ocean. They were still a couple miles away.

“On what? I don’t see a boat around. Unless you mean for us to swim all the way there?” Benjamin curtly asked.

“You won’t be swimmin’ I promise.” Isak took a step into the ocean, soaking his feet. He placed one hand on his hip and the other extended out. “Ready for a night swim, love?”

“If we must.”

Evelyn and Lumin gasped simultaneously. That voice came from Isak, but it was not his own. It was old and creaky like him, but smoother and feminine. It sounded similar to the growl she heard before. They watched as a blue mist emanated from Isak. At first Evelyn thought it might just be an effect from the ocean, but the mist grew thick and hovered above the water, swirling in place as the rest of it sprang into existence. It made no sound as it took shape until claws splashed into the water, sculpting itself into a solid form. In a matter of seconds, every detail was formed of the enormous, blue, aquatic dragon, her cold, green eyes staring through Evelyn.