Bringing down a King 1/3
Author: NYWCgirl
Artist: Nioell
Fandom: White Collar
Pairing: Peter/El, suggested Neal/Kate, suggested Neal/Sara, Adler/Kate
Characters: Peter, Neal, El, Ormr (the dragon), Mozzie, Kate, Fowler, Adler
Warning: I´m not very nice to Kate.
Spoilers: none
Rating: Gen
Genre: AU, hurt/comfort, angst, dragons
Author's Notes: This story was written for the White collar reverse big bang. The lovely art is made by Nioell.
This story can also be found on AO3
Word Count: ~ 12300
Disclaimer: Characters are not mine…
Summary: In a land far, far away, Peter is a dragon trader and Neal is in love. This is a fairy tale about true love or is it?
Somewhere in a far, far away land…
Neal didn´t feel well, he was achy and cold and he longed for a warm bed. But he was on a quest, he didn´t have time to be sick. He had finally traced the dragon that was supposed to have a specific sword in his hoard. He needed it. He had been looking for the sword for a couple of months now and he finally tracked it to this cave.
He had staked out the cave for two weeks now and the dragon that lived in that cave had to be in his bromation. The dragon had stocked up on body mass the last couple of weeks and he hadn´t seen it outside the cave for more than a week now. Neal was sure; he could safely enter the cave, grab that sword and leave this forsaken forest.
He was so cold, he was contemplating on finding a warm spot himself, but he had to get the sword now as he was not sure when he would have another opportunity. Neal quietly entered the cave, listening if he could hear the dragon and for sure, there it was. As far as he knew, the dragon would have a space where he slept and a space where he kept his hoard, as the dragon was a blue Teimarr. They normally didn´t sleep on their hoard like black dragons did.
Neal could hear the dragon breathing evenly, so it must be asleep, like he expected it too. He crept closer, but he felt worse the deeper he got into the cave, he could also smell the dragon, it smelled like smoke and musk and the scent was getting stronger and stronger, until it was overwhelming.
The warmth in the cave was inviting, Neal wanted nothing more than to just repose and sleep, the warmth was so welcoming and he felt so tired and he… Why was he even here? He had come to this place to do something and now he wasn´t sure what he had meant to do. He was supposed to get something, or wasn´t he?
He…
Suddenly he realized that he had wandered into the sleeping part of the cave and that the dragon was watching him. It´s green eyes watching him with intensity he had never seen before. Neal wanted to panic, but for some reason he couldn´t and he slowly walked over to the dragon, closer and closer. He knew this was a very bad idea, but for some reason he couldn´t resist it and he only stopped when he was right in front of its muzzle.
“What do you have to say for yourself, THIEF!” the dragon snarled.
Neal wanted to reply, but at that moment his body thought differently and chose to pass out.
* * *
“Peter!” a low voice rumbled.
Peter turned around and was surprised to see an old friend standing at the fence to his land. He hadn´t heard the dragon approach and he should be in bromation.
“What brings you here, Ormr?” Peter tried to keep the surprise out of his voice.
“There was this human who tried to steal from my hoard, I would have killed him, but he is sick, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he may have been delirious when he entered my cave.”
“Where is he now?”
“Where he passed out.”
“He is still in the cave?”
“Yes, he is.”
“Will you allow me to enter you layer?” Peter knew better than to assume that he would be allowed into the cave where Ormr kept his hoard.
“I will, for the sake of the human, I don´t mean him harm. His heart doesn´t feel weighed down by evil, I sensed love, foolish human love.”
Peter was surprised, normally Ormr wasn´t so forgiving. This was a dragon with a grudge. He had endured terrible things by humans, so it surprised Peter.
“You entered his mind” Peter said without question, he knew it was a power that Ormr possessed and that he used often.
“Yes, I did. That is when I sensed he was trying to steal from me for love.” The dragon gave a dry chuckle when he remembered the human´s face when he realized he was walking towards a very big dragon. “It is the only reason why he still lives.”
“Let me talk to El. Do you want something to drink?”
“That would be nice. Do you have some of that Ale you make?”
“Sure, I will get you some.”
Peter walked to the shed where he rolled out a barrel of his Ale and opened it, so Ormr could drink. He then went back to the cabin. He entered his home to inform El he was going with Ormr to his cave and that he would probably bring home a sick man who needed their help. El promised that she would make their cabin ready. She also gave him a potion to make the man more comfortable for the journey, the potion would basically knock him out.
Peter called Satchmo and took his horse with him so he could transport the sick man. He also packed the medicine El had given him, some food, a water bottle and thick blankets. He then took his thick fur coat as it was snowing outside. When he was ready, Peter mounted his horse and the dragon and Satchmo walked next to them. Ormr could easily fly but he preferred staying on the ground when he was with Peter.
After an hour they arrived at the familiar cave and Peter quickly tied his horse to a tree and placed one of the blankets over its back, so it wouldn´t cool down in the cold outside temperatures. When he was done he walked into the cave followed by Ormr. He quickly saw the figure spread out on the floor of the cave. The man was dressed in expensive clothes, this was not a commoner.
He knelt next to the man and was shocked by the heat coming from him, the stranger had a severe fever and Peter doubted that he would make it. He quickly opened his backpack and opened the small bottle El had given him. He opened the bottle and gently tried to coax the man to drink some of the content of the bottle. The man finally opened his eyes for a brief moment and swallowed some of the liquid, some spilling from his mouth. But as quickly as he opened his eyes, he also passed out again. Peter put the blanket around the man and told Satchmo to keep the man warm, but Ormr was quicker and started a fire that warmed the cave with a single breath. Peter took his fur coat off that had kept him warm in the freezing temperatures outside and settled down. He took out some bread and sausage and fed a piece to Satchmo, he then cut off a small piece for himself and offered the remaining bigger part to Ormr, who excepted it with gratitude. Peter knew that it was not even a snack for Ormr, but that the dragon would appreciate the gesture.
“Could you sense his name?” Peter asked.
“Yes, it is Neal.”
Neal stirred and started mumbling, so Peter checked his fever, he didn´t like the warmth coming from the man one bit. He was way too warm, especially after the special potion El had given him. Peter wetted a piece of cloth and placed it on Neal´s forehead.
Peter was in doubt; What would be wiser, taking Neal to his cabin or take care of him here at the cave? El was much better in taking care of sick people. Yeah, it would be best to take Neal to the cabin, before it started snowing worse and they would get stuck here at the cave. El could make more potions if necessary, Peter had no skills in the area of herbs and medicinal plants.
“I have to ask you a favor, Ormr.” Peter looked at the dragon. Ormr had placed his head on the floor of the cave, so he was more on eye level with Peter.
“You want me to take him back to your cabin?” Ormr chuckled at Peter.
“Yes, of course, you knew what I was about to ask.” Peter also smiled.
“You let me read your mind, if you didn´t want me to, you could block me, but you know that. You have never blocked me, I appreciate that.”
“You only know me to well.” Peter stared into the fire.
* * *
Peter started thinking on how he had found Ormr with a client of his. Peter had been a dragon trader his whole life, his father had been in the trade and Peter had learned how to handle and train dragons as a child. He was specialized in rare dragons and so he was asked to show one of his dragons for a client. When he entered the castle and walked into the dragon stables, looking for the trainer, he found a young dragon. The dragon had been severely mistreated and on the verge of dying. Peter had done everything he could to purchase the poor miserable beast. He had taken Ormr to his home where he had nursed him back to health.
Once Ormr had regained his strength, Peter had found out that Ormr´s gift was the power of persuasion. He was able to get into people´s head and read their minds or let them do things. That is why he was mistreated by his former master. Ormr had persuaded him to set him free but his master had found out and had the dragon locked up. He hadn´t fed and watered him for several weeks.
But when Peter looked up at Ormr now, he was as glorious as any alpha dragon could be. He was just gorgeous, blue scales and mesmerizing green eyes. The jewelry from his last master was still attached to his left horn. Peter hadn´t been able to remove it.
Once Ormr was nursed back to health, Peter had wanted to sell him, but the dragon didn´t want to stay with any of the masters Peter had found for him. Peter believed in a connection between owners and their dragons, and he only placed dragons that wanted to be placed with an owner. For some unknown reason, Ormr only listened to Peter and El. Peter was convinced he would give his life for them, but he was wary of other humans, the starvation and beatings had left their marks. So in the end Peter had decided to set the dragon free. Well decided, he never knew if Ormr had made him do it or if it had been his own free will. It didn´t matter, he was glad, Ormr had found his place in the world.
* * *
“You were decent to me Peter, you made sure I was OK. You took care of me as if I was kin. I will never forget that.” The dragon whispered into the fire.
“You know I would do it again without blinking my eyes. Now, let´s get Neal here to safety.”
Ormr picked Neal up with a delicacy no one would expect from a dragon. Peter placed the thick blankets around Neal and Ormr would carry Neal while Peter rode his horse back home. He could have flown, but peter was too concerned that the cold air would do more harm than good.
When they arrived back, Neal was shivering and fighting Ormr in his fevered dreams. But he was so weak, it didn´t make any impression on Ormr, who just held the sick man and kept him warm.
“Take care of this human, Peter. I sense he will do great things.” Ormr said very quietly before he took to the air. Peter was left standing in front of the cabin while Ormr took off. He quickly carried Neal into the cabin where he placed him on the table.
El came over with little vials and she felt Neal´s forehead. He was burning up, so she placed wet cloths on his pulse points. When he stirred, she tried to coax him to drink some out of one of her vials, but it tasted bitter and Neal grimaced.
* * *
While El took care of Neal, Peter went outside to take care of the dragons that where in his care. At the moment he had three dragons for sale, two of them were still young and in need of training, the third was more matured, but she was feisty and Peter was still looking for a suitable owner.
He also had two dragons in his care. One of them had injured his wing, which turned out to be broken. El had set the wing and they were still nursing him back to strength. The other dragon was hurt during a hunt with his owner. He had been hit with an arrow of one of the other hunters. The owner had brought his dragon to El and Peter and they had taken him in. Once these dragons were healed, they would be sent back to their owners. Peter had a very good reputation in nursing dragons back to health and owners paid well for their care.
Their livelihood came from the trading in dragons, but the room and board they gave to injured dragons was a nice extra.
Peter was known as an excellent dragon trainer and to deliver top quality dragons, while El was known for her healing abilities, both for man and beast.
When Peter was done tending to all five dragons, he walked back to the cabin. It was cold and the air looked like there would be more snow. The dragons were all kept in a big barn where they were comfortable from the elements. Peter had fed them and hurried back to the warmth himself.
When he entered the cabin, an aroma of chicken soup welcomed him. His stomach growled and he walked over to El who was stirring in a big pot. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and then made his way over to the sick man, who was till lying on the table.
“Can you please move him to the bed I made for him, he will be more comfortable.” El walked over to Neal.
Peter picked Neal up and gently placed him on the bed El had made for him, close to the fire. That way, they could keep him warm.
Once Neal was comfortable resting, El walked back to the fire and took some bowls for the soup. Peter quickly walked over and sat down.
“What happened to him?” El asked while cutting two piece of bread of the loaf.
“I have no idea. Ormr told me that Neal here was already sick when he wandered in his den. He was there to steal something, but Ormr also sensed that it was for love. I must admit, it is a strange story. But I guess we will have to wait until Neal wakes up.”
“He really is lucky that Ormr is a sucker for love.” El said with a smile.
After dinner, Peter went for a last check on the dragons before the night. When he came back in, El was trying to get some fluids into Neal and Peter took a cup of ale and settled before the fire, next to Neal. El soon joined them and while Neal slept the sleep of the innocent, Peter and El talked about their day. When they were warm and cozy and sure that Neal was also resting peacefully, they went to bed.
* * *
Peter opened his eyes. He peered in the dark, listening to what had woken him. Satchmo was looking at him but when the dog realized his master was awake, he lay his head down again. As everything was quiet, Peter lay back and closed his eyes again.
Peter got into a sitting position, he had heard it again. He got out of bed and walked over to Neal. His guess was right, the sound was coming from Neal, he was tossing and turning in his sleep, well, sleep, his state could better be described as unconsciousness. Peter sat next to the man and tried to cool him down with the cloth and the bucket of water El had placed next to the bed. Neal became more relaxed during the night and Peter fell asleep next to him.
* * *
Three days later and Neal was only getting worse, they had tried everything to get the fever down, but to no avail. Neal was getting more and more agitated and he babbled in his delirium about swords, magic and Kings. He would call out to Kate, probably his love, but they couldn´t be sure. He didn´t make sense at all. El was at the end of her wits. She looked at Peter with a desperation he had never seen before and after some hesitation, she told him to get Ormr. He was the only one she knew that could save Neal. The dragons they had in their custody were still too young. Ormr was an adult dragon and his blood could cure Neal. She knew that Ormr would probably not help Neal, as he wanted to steal from his hoard, but they had to try.
She packed Peter food and water and gave him a kiss goodbye. Peter gave a whistle and Satchmo came running from the barn, where he had probably been playing with the younger dragons.
Peter saddled his horse and they were off, into the mountains, for a second visit to Ormr´s cave.
Continue to chapter 2
Artist: Nioell
Fandom: White Collar
Pairing: Peter/El, suggested Neal/Kate, suggested Neal/Sara, Adler/Kate
Characters: Peter, Neal, El, Ormr (the dragon), Mozzie, Kate, Fowler, Adler
Warning: I´m not very nice to Kate.
Spoilers: none
Rating: Gen
Genre: AU, hurt/comfort, angst, dragons
Author's Notes: This story was written for the White collar reverse big bang. The lovely art is made by Nioell.
This story can also be found on AO3
Word Count: ~ 12300
Disclaimer: Characters are not mine…
Summary: In a land far, far away, Peter is a dragon trader and Neal is in love. This is a fairy tale about true love or is it?
Somewhere in a far, far away land…
Neal didn´t feel well, he was achy and cold and he longed for a warm bed. But he was on a quest, he didn´t have time to be sick. He had finally traced the dragon that was supposed to have a specific sword in his hoard. He needed it. He had been looking for the sword for a couple of months now and he finally tracked it to this cave.
He had staked out the cave for two weeks now and the dragon that lived in that cave had to be in his bromation. The dragon had stocked up on body mass the last couple of weeks and he hadn´t seen it outside the cave for more than a week now. Neal was sure; he could safely enter the cave, grab that sword and leave this forsaken forest.
He was so cold, he was contemplating on finding a warm spot himself, but he had to get the sword now as he was not sure when he would have another opportunity. Neal quietly entered the cave, listening if he could hear the dragon and for sure, there it was. As far as he knew, the dragon would have a space where he slept and a space where he kept his hoard, as the dragon was a blue Teimarr. They normally didn´t sleep on their hoard like black dragons did.
Neal could hear the dragon breathing evenly, so it must be asleep, like he expected it too. He crept closer, but he felt worse the deeper he got into the cave, he could also smell the dragon, it smelled like smoke and musk and the scent was getting stronger and stronger, until it was overwhelming.
The warmth in the cave was inviting, Neal wanted nothing more than to just repose and sleep, the warmth was so welcoming and he felt so tired and he… Why was he even here? He had come to this place to do something and now he wasn´t sure what he had meant to do. He was supposed to get something, or wasn´t he?
He…
Suddenly he realized that he had wandered into the sleeping part of the cave and that the dragon was watching him. It´s green eyes watching him with intensity he had never seen before. Neal wanted to panic, but for some reason he couldn´t and he slowly walked over to the dragon, closer and closer. He knew this was a very bad idea, but for some reason he couldn´t resist it and he only stopped when he was right in front of its muzzle.
“What do you have to say for yourself, THIEF!” the dragon snarled.
Neal wanted to reply, but at that moment his body thought differently and chose to pass out.
* * *
“Peter!” a low voice rumbled.
Peter turned around and was surprised to see an old friend standing at the fence to his land. He hadn´t heard the dragon approach and he should be in bromation.
“What brings you here, Ormr?” Peter tried to keep the surprise out of his voice.
“There was this human who tried to steal from my hoard, I would have killed him, but he is sick, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he may have been delirious when he entered my cave.”
“Where is he now?”
“Where he passed out.”
“He is still in the cave?”
“Yes, he is.”
“Will you allow me to enter you layer?” Peter knew better than to assume that he would be allowed into the cave where Ormr kept his hoard.
“I will, for the sake of the human, I don´t mean him harm. His heart doesn´t feel weighed down by evil, I sensed love, foolish human love.”
Peter was surprised, normally Ormr wasn´t so forgiving. This was a dragon with a grudge. He had endured terrible things by humans, so it surprised Peter.
“You entered his mind” Peter said without question, he knew it was a power that Ormr possessed and that he used often.
“Yes, I did. That is when I sensed he was trying to steal from me for love.” The dragon gave a dry chuckle when he remembered the human´s face when he realized he was walking towards a very big dragon. “It is the only reason why he still lives.”
“Let me talk to El. Do you want something to drink?”
“That would be nice. Do you have some of that Ale you make?”
“Sure, I will get you some.”
Peter walked to the shed where he rolled out a barrel of his Ale and opened it, so Ormr could drink. He then went back to the cabin. He entered his home to inform El he was going with Ormr to his cave and that he would probably bring home a sick man who needed their help. El promised that she would make their cabin ready. She also gave him a potion to make the man more comfortable for the journey, the potion would basically knock him out.
Peter called Satchmo and took his horse with him so he could transport the sick man. He also packed the medicine El had given him, some food, a water bottle and thick blankets. He then took his thick fur coat as it was snowing outside. When he was ready, Peter mounted his horse and the dragon and Satchmo walked next to them. Ormr could easily fly but he preferred staying on the ground when he was with Peter.
After an hour they arrived at the familiar cave and Peter quickly tied his horse to a tree and placed one of the blankets over its back, so it wouldn´t cool down in the cold outside temperatures. When he was done he walked into the cave followed by Ormr. He quickly saw the figure spread out on the floor of the cave. The man was dressed in expensive clothes, this was not a commoner.
He knelt next to the man and was shocked by the heat coming from him, the stranger had a severe fever and Peter doubted that he would make it. He quickly opened his backpack and opened the small bottle El had given him. He opened the bottle and gently tried to coax the man to drink some of the content of the bottle. The man finally opened his eyes for a brief moment and swallowed some of the liquid, some spilling from his mouth. But as quickly as he opened his eyes, he also passed out again. Peter put the blanket around the man and told Satchmo to keep the man warm, but Ormr was quicker and started a fire that warmed the cave with a single breath. Peter took his fur coat off that had kept him warm in the freezing temperatures outside and settled down. He took out some bread and sausage and fed a piece to Satchmo, he then cut off a small piece for himself and offered the remaining bigger part to Ormr, who excepted it with gratitude. Peter knew that it was not even a snack for Ormr, but that the dragon would appreciate the gesture.
“Could you sense his name?” Peter asked.
“Yes, it is Neal.”
Neal stirred and started mumbling, so Peter checked his fever, he didn´t like the warmth coming from the man one bit. He was way too warm, especially after the special potion El had given him. Peter wetted a piece of cloth and placed it on Neal´s forehead.
Peter was in doubt; What would be wiser, taking Neal to his cabin or take care of him here at the cave? El was much better in taking care of sick people. Yeah, it would be best to take Neal to the cabin, before it started snowing worse and they would get stuck here at the cave. El could make more potions if necessary, Peter had no skills in the area of herbs and medicinal plants.
“I have to ask you a favor, Ormr.” Peter looked at the dragon. Ormr had placed his head on the floor of the cave, so he was more on eye level with Peter.
“You want me to take him back to your cabin?” Ormr chuckled at Peter.
“Yes, of course, you knew what I was about to ask.” Peter also smiled.
“You let me read your mind, if you didn´t want me to, you could block me, but you know that. You have never blocked me, I appreciate that.”
“You only know me to well.” Peter stared into the fire.
* * *
Peter started thinking on how he had found Ormr with a client of his. Peter had been a dragon trader his whole life, his father had been in the trade and Peter had learned how to handle and train dragons as a child. He was specialized in rare dragons and so he was asked to show one of his dragons for a client. When he entered the castle and walked into the dragon stables, looking for the trainer, he found a young dragon. The dragon had been severely mistreated and on the verge of dying. Peter had done everything he could to purchase the poor miserable beast. He had taken Ormr to his home where he had nursed him back to health.
Once Ormr had regained his strength, Peter had found out that Ormr´s gift was the power of persuasion. He was able to get into people´s head and read their minds or let them do things. That is why he was mistreated by his former master. Ormr had persuaded him to set him free but his master had found out and had the dragon locked up. He hadn´t fed and watered him for several weeks.
But when Peter looked up at Ormr now, he was as glorious as any alpha dragon could be. He was just gorgeous, blue scales and mesmerizing green eyes. The jewelry from his last master was still attached to his left horn. Peter hadn´t been able to remove it.
Once Ormr was nursed back to health, Peter had wanted to sell him, but the dragon didn´t want to stay with any of the masters Peter had found for him. Peter believed in a connection between owners and their dragons, and he only placed dragons that wanted to be placed with an owner. For some unknown reason, Ormr only listened to Peter and El. Peter was convinced he would give his life for them, but he was wary of other humans, the starvation and beatings had left their marks. So in the end Peter had decided to set the dragon free. Well decided, he never knew if Ormr had made him do it or if it had been his own free will. It didn´t matter, he was glad, Ormr had found his place in the world.
* * *
“You were decent to me Peter, you made sure I was OK. You took care of me as if I was kin. I will never forget that.” The dragon whispered into the fire.
“You know I would do it again without blinking my eyes. Now, let´s get Neal here to safety.”
Ormr picked Neal up with a delicacy no one would expect from a dragon. Peter placed the thick blankets around Neal and Ormr would carry Neal while Peter rode his horse back home. He could have flown, but peter was too concerned that the cold air would do more harm than good.
When they arrived back, Neal was shivering and fighting Ormr in his fevered dreams. But he was so weak, it didn´t make any impression on Ormr, who just held the sick man and kept him warm.
“Take care of this human, Peter. I sense he will do great things.” Ormr said very quietly before he took to the air. Peter was left standing in front of the cabin while Ormr took off. He quickly carried Neal into the cabin where he placed him on the table.
El came over with little vials and she felt Neal´s forehead. He was burning up, so she placed wet cloths on his pulse points. When he stirred, she tried to coax him to drink some out of one of her vials, but it tasted bitter and Neal grimaced.
* * *
While El took care of Neal, Peter went outside to take care of the dragons that where in his care. At the moment he had three dragons for sale, two of them were still young and in need of training, the third was more matured, but she was feisty and Peter was still looking for a suitable owner.
He also had two dragons in his care. One of them had injured his wing, which turned out to be broken. El had set the wing and they were still nursing him back to strength. The other dragon was hurt during a hunt with his owner. He had been hit with an arrow of one of the other hunters. The owner had brought his dragon to El and Peter and they had taken him in. Once these dragons were healed, they would be sent back to their owners. Peter had a very good reputation in nursing dragons back to health and owners paid well for their care.
Their livelihood came from the trading in dragons, but the room and board they gave to injured dragons was a nice extra.
Peter was known as an excellent dragon trainer and to deliver top quality dragons, while El was known for her healing abilities, both for man and beast.
When Peter was done tending to all five dragons, he walked back to the cabin. It was cold and the air looked like there would be more snow. The dragons were all kept in a big barn where they were comfortable from the elements. Peter had fed them and hurried back to the warmth himself.
When he entered the cabin, an aroma of chicken soup welcomed him. His stomach growled and he walked over to El who was stirring in a big pot. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and then made his way over to the sick man, who was till lying on the table.
“Can you please move him to the bed I made for him, he will be more comfortable.” El walked over to Neal.
Peter picked Neal up and gently placed him on the bed El had made for him, close to the fire. That way, they could keep him warm.
Once Neal was comfortable resting, El walked back to the fire and took some bowls for the soup. Peter quickly walked over and sat down.
“What happened to him?” El asked while cutting two piece of bread of the loaf.
“I have no idea. Ormr told me that Neal here was already sick when he wandered in his den. He was there to steal something, but Ormr also sensed that it was for love. I must admit, it is a strange story. But I guess we will have to wait until Neal wakes up.”
“He really is lucky that Ormr is a sucker for love.” El said with a smile.
After dinner, Peter went for a last check on the dragons before the night. When he came back in, El was trying to get some fluids into Neal and Peter took a cup of ale and settled before the fire, next to Neal. El soon joined them and while Neal slept the sleep of the innocent, Peter and El talked about their day. When they were warm and cozy and sure that Neal was also resting peacefully, they went to bed.
* * *
Peter opened his eyes. He peered in the dark, listening to what had woken him. Satchmo was looking at him but when the dog realized his master was awake, he lay his head down again. As everything was quiet, Peter lay back and closed his eyes again.
Peter got into a sitting position, he had heard it again. He got out of bed and walked over to Neal. His guess was right, the sound was coming from Neal, he was tossing and turning in his sleep, well, sleep, his state could better be described as unconsciousness. Peter sat next to the man and tried to cool him down with the cloth and the bucket of water El had placed next to the bed. Neal became more relaxed during the night and Peter fell asleep next to him.
* * *
Three days later and Neal was only getting worse, they had tried everything to get the fever down, but to no avail. Neal was getting more and more agitated and he babbled in his delirium about swords, magic and Kings. He would call out to Kate, probably his love, but they couldn´t be sure. He didn´t make sense at all. El was at the end of her wits. She looked at Peter with a desperation he had never seen before and after some hesitation, she told him to get Ormr. He was the only one she knew that could save Neal. The dragons they had in their custody were still too young. Ormr was an adult dragon and his blood could cure Neal. She knew that Ormr would probably not help Neal, as he wanted to steal from his hoard, but they had to try.
She packed Peter food and water and gave him a kiss goodbye. Peter gave a whistle and Satchmo came running from the barn, where he had probably been playing with the younger dragons.
Peter saddled his horse and they were off, into the mountains, for a second visit to Ormr´s cave.
Continue to chapter 2