Dragonport was unlike other holds they had been to. Rather than a hollowed-out mountain, it looked to have been carved from the cliffs, as if someone had removed a single slice from the mountain like a piece of pie, leaving a perfectly formed plateau, much of which now served as a runway and cargo staging area. Wooden structures stood a short distance from the sheer cliff face. How such a place had been created was a mystery. The perfect right angles and straight lines made it appear man made. Even for mighty dragons, it was a stretch. She'd seen their architecture, and it consisted mostly of sweeping, twisting lines. Only the floors of the hollow mountains were smooth. And how had they even done that? Riette couldn't imagine shaping even soapstone with any level of artistry or mastery, and yet the mountain stood before her, daring her to disbelieve.
The mists evaporated with the morning sun, and Dragonport exploded with activity. Some shouted and pointed at them, but Riette would think the sight of a dragon rider would be a welcome one. Panic was widespread. Many did not even face them, instead pointing out to sea. From the mists emerged a Zjhon fleet. A pair of Midlands diesel props waited on the airstrip below, but Dragonport was otherwise without many defenses. For so long, the place had been the trading post easily accessible to dragons from the Heights but otherwise remote and isolated. Now Dragonport faced a force equal to the one that had devastated a better-fortified hold. Even if they could get word to Forest's Edge in time, it was doubtful sufficient military forces could be mustered at the rear lines to withstand such an invasion.
The Height's supply lines had been severed, and she presumed this fleet had been largely responsible. Argus Kind was thorough in his planning and tactics.
It came as a surprise to many when Dashiq landed not far from the airplanes.
"Help me get the carriage off," Barabas said.
People approached warily at first, seemingly unsure what to make of this sudden arrival and their hurried movements. Busy loosening straps, Riette felt the stares on her back. "Help us," she shouted without turning. "She may be your only chance of survival."
Something in her tone and words must have connected with these people, and they helped get the carriage lifted off Dashiq's shoulders.
"Wait here," Barabas said, and even Tuck remained on the cold stone. Sirens wailed. Aircraft were inbound. With the Jaga swamp on one side and Midlands forest on the other, the chances of help arriving were negligible, and the surrounding landscape made even retreat perilous. People instead stood and watched their doom approach. It was a horrifying sight, but Riette understood the futility of the situation. There was nothing she could do either except join them in silent vigil.
The two airplanes took off on a mission from which they would not return, their cockpits perhaps the loneliest places in the world as they flew out to face overwhelming odds. The best they could hope for was to die valiantly in defense of their people and homeland, but even they must know it would make little difference. The horror of it made Riette feel sick.
A moment later, Dashiq launched herself back into the air and soared after the planes, the metalwork of her face gleaming brightly. Cries rose up from those gathered, a desperate note of hope in their voices. Even with magic, the numbers were overwhelming. Free of the carriage and with the rest of the passengers off her back, Dashiq was in fighting condition. Cheers erupted when she flew past the planes, her speed supernatural. Barabas bowed forward, making himself small. Together they were one, moving in synchronicity, attuned to each other's senses. Never had she heard Barabas speak to the dragon, yet somehow they communicated. At times she'd thought them subject only to the dragon's whims, but she now recognized a balance of control and mutual respect. It became clear from the way they flew together in battle.