A Sense of Duty

Beatrice was silent. Henry slid back into bed.

Beatrice said, "What about a distraction?"

"Hmm?"

"Well, if she feels a duty to try to kill the dragon, maybe we can find some other important mission that would challenge her."

"Something bigger than saving lives and slaying a dragon? Good luck."

"Well, it doesn't have to be bigger. Just more immediate, and something that she would think twice about turning down."

"Do you have something in mind?"

"Sort of. We occasionally send and receive letters to the outside. How often do we get deliveries to and from the Ryngaerd?"

"I don't know. Probably not as nearly many as to the Havnheim. I know Hespan and Allaria are covered, as well as most of the lesser kingdoms. We even get posts from across the Terel a few times a year. But I am not sure what sort of arrangements we have with Aqualaria."

"Who would know for sure?"

"Allenby would. Captain Shirk, of course. So are you suggesting that we get her to deliver a package or letter back to Aqualaria in order to delay her meeting with the dragon?"

"It's a thought."

"I just don't see it coming together."

Beatrice was silent for a while. Then she said, "I suppose that I could ask her to send a letter back to my parents. Let them know where I am, and that I am not coming back."

Henry propped himself up on his pillow.

"You really are worried about her, aren't you? This is the first time that I have heard you entertain any idea of communication with your homeland."

"Trust me, I wouldn't do it for its own sake. For all I care Aqualaria can forget that I ever existed, and I can consider that my life started when I met you in Petrona. I am so happy here. But Astra is not the only one with a sense of duty. For me to let her go without making some sort of effort to keep her away from the dragon would be wrong. If I thought it would work, I would even grit my teeth and make the sacrifice of sending a letter back there."

"Sure." Henry reached out and cradled her head on his chest. "Everything will probably turn out all right, honey. I know that it is a trial for you to discuss that part of your past, which we really haven't had to do since we moved down here. Would it be better if I handled talking with her? After breakfast is prepared, you can excuse yourself and say that you need to tend to the hens."

Beatrice replied,

1. "That might be better. I trust your judgment."
2. "No, I should be able to handle it. And I was raised in Aqaularia, so I might be able to get some information that you might miss."

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