Page #16

Kota squeezed his brother tightly holding him while tears streamed down Scotty’s face. Drugen bounded up the stairs taking them two or three at time while Quesha followed in a slightly hurried pace. As Drugen entered the room his eyes teamed with tears daring to flow down his cheeks. He approached the bed cautiously at first then threw a fist straight into the top of Kota’s skull. Drugen’s knuckles collided cleanly with the top of Kota’s head. “Daddy what the heck is wrong with you? Kota are you ok?” Scotty went on worriedly. Kota was fine he looked up at his father the look on his face sent shivers down his spine. “If you ever get into another fight with an overworlder I promise you Kota I will etch your gravestone myself.” Drugen said with a smile on his face. “Yes sir, it will never happen again.” Kota knew when his father was being serious. Quesha entered the room her light frame was so opposite to the chubby little girl he had grown alongside in his early years. “Well hello there Quesha I believe I owe my life to you, I will never be able to repay your bravery or compassion. I am truly humbled by your actions.” Kota said as he crossed his good arm over his chest and bowed his head. He held that position until Quesha walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. “What else would you expect of me old friend.” She bent down and gave Kota a nice firm squeeze. “Here let me look at that arm now.” Quesha said as she took a seat next to Kota and Scotty on the bed. Drugen took a seat from Kota’s old desk as he did this he ran a finger through the dust on the desk then placed the chair next to the bed. “Okay so where is mom now?” Kota asked as Quesha undid the wraps on his arm. “Your mother is in the annual airship race in Bladesville. I had sent her there to trade some crops and hides for more weapons and mage stones. But you know how your mother is any chance for a race and she’s there.” Drugen answered as he pulled out a simple pipe and began to pack in some tobacco. Kota looked at his father with a knowing smirk. His mother had always hated Drugen’s smoking and he had always hated her racing yet they loved each other more and more each day. “Do you think she’ll place this year? I remember her letter from last year saying it was a close run.” Kota said with a bit of a laugh. Drugen lit his pie as Scotty and Quesha both let out a giggle. This time Quesha spoke up, “Your mother was no closer to placing than I was, she came in second to last.” Kota let out and uproar of laughter soon even Drugen was snickering. “Well then when is she coming home?” Scotty answered this one, “She is supposed to be back tomorrow afternoon but knowing her it will be more like midnight, especially if this storm keeps up tonight. You know how dangerous airship travel is, personally I prefer a horse.” As Scotty said this he stared out into the storm.