Farloft
was tending to Melozzo’s wounds as the forest dragon cradled one of the gryphon
hatchlings in his huge multi-toed paws.
Farloft
did not know the hatchlings name just that it had lost both parents in the
battle with the Varda and for some reason had taken to Melozzo for comfort.
Farloft continued to lick the deep cuts where the forest dragon took the lashes
of Ram’s whip to protect the hatchlings. Belree, Weirim’s best friend, was
sitting close to Melozzo comforting the young orphaned hatchling by meticulously
grooming it. It had fallen asleep, but neither adult had noticed. They were quietly
talking above it, their heads close together.
The
fires from the funeral pyres Farloft set, one for the Varda, and one for the
five gryphon that had died in the fight, were still smoldering below. Timenall,
three of the older gryphon, Lopho, Dalfie, and Keeree, and Salishan, were
huddled away from the group. They appeared from Farloft’s view to be deep in
conversation, but due to the other chatter of the reunited hatchlings with
thankful parents, he could not overhear whatever was keeping them occupied.