The Dragon Bond: Heirs of Lyra

Chapter 70

They went over the plan several times. The three of them--Henry, Elysia, and Shade--would hide in the wagon's hidden compartment. It would be a tight squeeze, but they would manage. Meanwhile, Mavis, Wilkin, and the cat, Chlodomer, would steer the wagon up front. That part was simple enough.

The tricky part was what to do once they actually reached the border. Mavis didn't have papers for herself or her brother. So crossing Niebla's border and getting into Lyra was going to be difficult. 

Luckily, Mavis had an idea. Her father was friends with one of the patrol officers. If they could find him, they might be able to negotiate a way out of Niebla. 

While Henry was pleased to have his sister around, he had a new share of concerns. The more people hiding away in the wagon, the riskier the plan. If one single thing went wrong, Mavis and Wilkin would pay for it with their lives. His stomach was sick with the thought. 

He pulled Mavis aside as Shade and Elysia squabbled about something. "Are you certain this is what you want to do? We could always go off on our own, let you cross the border without worrying about keeping us hidden."

Mavis shook her head. "Even if I did that, I might need you to get into Lyra. I still don't have any identification papers. Getting into Lyra is going to be just as tricky as getting out of Niebla."

She made a good point. If it came down to it, she could always tell the Lyran patrol who she had in her wagon. That would make for a great story for the patrol officers. Nothing like finding the missing Prince and Princess of Lyra during your patrol duty. 

Wilkin and Mavis took some time alone in the house, knowing they would never come back.

Meanwhile, Shade approached Henry. "I have to ask one more time. Can you really trust these people?"

"With my life," Henry confirmed. There was no doubt in his mind, Mavis and Wilkin were the best people he knew. They would never betray him. 

"Alright then," said Shade, moving back over toward Elysia. Henry noticed he kept close to his sister, more than was necessary. Likewise, his sister seemed lost without Shade by her side. It was an odd sight for Henry, though he felt no reason to be concerned. After all, it was only natural to grow connected to someone you spend all your time with.

Once Mavis and Wilkin finished saying goodbye to their family home, they loaded up the wagon. It was a tight fit for three people underneath. When they were settled, Mavis closed the door and secured the latch. He wasn't sure, but he thought he heard Elysia whimper. Henry himself could hardly breathe, there was barely room for his lungs to expand.

The initial take off was startling to say the least. Every bump was amplified for them as they were shifted up and down harshly. Henry's body remained tense the whole way.

After what felt like several hours, the wagon slowed. The three of them remained completely still as they all listened to what was going on beyond the wagon.

The voices were muffled but Henry could discern Mavis's voice from that of a few other men. 

"What's your business?"

"I'm actually looking for someone who works with you. His name is Daniel Fields." Mavis' voice was shakier than normal. Perhaps she was finally understanding the enormity of her task. Henry closed his eyes and sent a silent prayer she would gain courage. 

"Why do you need to see him?"

"I have a question for him."

The men's voices grew irritated, muttering something Henry couldn't quite hear. Then, "You can state your business with us or you can leave. You don't need to see Daniel so you can bribe him and cross the bord--"