Chapter Four – Tangata Manu

“You’re leaving?” – Asked Jorn for the third time, looking quizzical after Ellard had told him about his plans – crazy plans from Jorn’s point of view – fly off to England when Antaris, Ellard’s baby dragon, was big and old enough to take into the blue sky.

“For the last time – YES!” – Ellard shouted, but after seconds he seemed to recover. – “Just imagine! Only the three of us free to explore the world as we know it!”

“Wait! You said three. Who’s the third?” – Asked Jorn again, this time looking doubtful and suspicious.

Ellard took no time to think. – “Tillie, of course! She is – ”

“We’re taking Tillie along with us?” – Shouted Jorn. He thought bringing Tillie anywhere was a bad idea. It doesn’t matter if she was the oldest between them, she was, after all, a girl.

“Of course! She’s all brains! I’m the hunter and a good thief, and you are a warrior, strong and logical. It’ll be a blast, trust me.” – Ellard insisted.

It’d take more time to persuade Jorn to let Tillie come with them, but their discussion was suddenly interrupted.

Whiz! A black arrow zoomed past them.

“Tangata Manu! Get inside Ellard, and do it quickly!” – shouted Jorn as a flock of arrows headed from the enemies straight to them. They got inside just in time for an arrow go half way through the door.

“Who are Tangata Manu?”

“Tangata Manu are a group of half-hawk, half-human beasts who steal dragon hatchlings for them and their master. They are vicious and deceitful and sly, and they’ll do anything to get a hatched baby dragon, and in this case, yours.”

“Then we’ve got to get out of here now!”

“It’s no use. We are trapped. If we want to get along safely with your dragon, we need to kill them. Or you can just give your baby dragon up to them. Your choice.” – Replied Jorn.

“Your choice… your choice…” – The words still rang in Ellard’s head as his brother prepared himself to fight, the words pondering on his thoughts.

“Your choice…”

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