Ven saw them falling behind and magnanimously halted to wait for them to catch up. A group of people gathered around the Dragon’s Son, not approaching him or speaking to him, just watching him. Several grinned when they saw the monks come limping around the corner; one monk almost doubled over from the pain of a stitch in his side and the other two were sweating and out of breath.

“Who’s guarding who?” shouted a little girl with a laugh.

Some of the adults looked stern and frowned at her. A few chuckled, though they hastily rearranged their faces as the monks drew near.

By the time the monks reached Ven’s side, the crowd had melted away, all except the little girl, who stood staring at Ven with frank and unabashed curiosity.

“Begone, child,” one of the monks scolded her. “Leave the Dragon’s Son alone.”

The little girl stuck out her tongue. The monk made an angry swipe at her, but she skipped away and ran off down the street. The monks paid her no more attention. They had their charge to consider.

“You walk very fast, Dragon’s Son,” said the monk, scowling.

“I plan to go on at this pace. I just wanted to let you know that,” Ven returned.

“You would do well to slow down, Dragon’s Son. You are not well.”

Ven looked pointedly at the monks—one unable to straighten up and the other two scarcely able to walk.

“I thank you for your concern. And for your care of me.” Ven’s lip curled. “I feel so much safer, knowing I am under your protection.”

“Ditch them,” came a voice, its colors flitting about like butterflies in Ven’s head.

Ven knew that voice and he could barely contain his elation. He had been right, Draconas was here. As fast as the dragon’s colors darted into Ven’s mind, they vanished. Ven could see them still, see the afterimages, as when one stares at the sun, but he dared not answer. Grald lurked outside his cave, waiting for him to emerge.

The monks were staring at him expectantly and Ven realized that he’d lost track of the conversation.

“You can either keep up with me or go back to the Abbey,” he stated. “I need no guards. What does my father think I will do? Try to escape from Dragonkeep? The world outside is a dangerous place for me. He knows that better than anyone. Why would I want to return to it?”

The spokesman for the three monks cast Ven a churlish look. He and his two cohorts conferred in low voices, then, bowing, they turned and walked off.