"What in Grather's name was that?" The Princess breathed. Sheo's arm was around her, tucking the girl's body beside his as he tried to protect her. She could feel him trembling in terror, same as herself and same as Erik on her left side.

"That," Erik said slowly. "Was our dear dragon."

"Thought it'd be bigger," she murmured, trying to downplay her fear. Erik scoffed, calling her bluff.

"And you still think you can defeat it own your own?" he mocked, pushing to his feet.

"Possibly," Annabelle replied, accepting his hand to pull her up.  She dusted herself off and glanced toward the mountains where the dragon had gone. "At least we know we're heading in the right direction."

"She's right," Sheo commented, sitting up. "And now we know truly what we're up against."

"Yes, we're facing a creature of death that can literally flap it's wings and mountains fall. When it breathes a green forest can turn into a desert of flames. It's tail destroys the deepest woods in one swipe. And you still think you have a chance defeating this creature?" Erik demanded. Annabelle blinked, glanced down at Ruther, and nodded.

"Yes, I do. With you two by my side...I think we have a chance."  Erik snorted and turned away.

"You're delusional. We're all going to die and end up in the stomach of that beast." He gripped the mane of his horse and swung himself up. "Sheo, pack up the food. Girl, you can either stay here, if you wish to live, or ride with one of us. I want to reach the mountain by tomorrow morning. I will not tolerate any delays."

"I am not getting up on that animal," Annabelle declared.

"And I am not allowing you to walk. Stay or come here so Sheo can give you a boost up." Erik gestured them over and Sheo knelt by the horse and made a step with his hands.

Annabelle shook her head and backed away. "I'm not riding that horse."

"They how do you expect to get to the mountains? Walking? Riding the dragon? Ha!" Erik scoffed.

"Princess, please," Sheo begged, his dark eyes sorrowful. Annabelle glanced at him and sighed. He seemed so helpless, so frightened of Erik. No matter what, she couldn't abandon the boy like Annabelle's parents had abandoned her.

"Fine," she said in a clipped voice. She slowly made her way to the huge animal and tentatively put a foot in the stirrup.

"Other foot. If you do it like that you'll get on backwards," Erik instructed. Annabelle huffed, but switched feet. Sheo helped boost her onto the beast, and Erik put a hand on her waist to steady her. "See? Not so bad."

Erik put his arms around her and grasped the reins as Sheo finished tidying up and packing their meal away.  Within minutes they were on their way.

Annabelle shifted uncomfortably in the saddle.  Why was it so painful? She'd be sore for days. Her dress was draped awkwardly around her and she worried she looked ridiculous. Annabelle glanced at Sheo as he rode a few yards away.

"Why are you so against riding?" Erik finally asked, curious. She'd always known someone would ask the question.

"It's uncomfortable," she offered simply, avoiding her real reason.

"Sure it is. But that's no excuse," Erik pointed out.

"I never learned to ride."

"Oh..." Erik leaned forward unconsciously to protect Annabelle and glanced at the ground nervously. If she fell from this height, a broken bone or bruises would surely follow.

Inwardly, Annabelle sighed with relief. He'd taken the bait and didn't ask anymore questions. Again, she glanced at Sheo to see if he believed her.

Those dark eyes stared back, lips pressed into a firm line, black hair hiding half of his face. He didn't buy her story. She was in trouble.