people were beginning to talk. Eshylin had not been seen in over a day and one half. Rumors were heard about dragons not far west of here, but no one had suspected any danger in their tiny village. Perhaps they were wrong? Afterall, a young, unmarried woman like Eshylin would never intentionally leave the village. Would she?

Several miles away, that very young woman slumped down in the tall grass of the a long plain. Exhausted, she pulled out her wanning flask of water. She knew that the water needed to be rationed. She could only drink a little at a time, but somehow, the flask was rapidly becoming lighter and Eshylin was rapidly becoming weaker.

Questions assulted her mind. Was she right in running away? Should more provisions have been taken? Would marriage to the butcher's son be all that terrible? Instantly, she knew the answer to the last question. Yes, yes, and yes a thousand times. A forced marriage was a forced marriage no matter whom the groom was! She would not, she could not submit to her uncle's wishes this time. He had stepped over the line and she would no longer be his puppet. She would NOT marry the butcher's son, perhaps she would never marry anyone!!!

With great determination, she forced herself to her feet. A search party would come looking for her soon. If she did not get into dragon country quickly, they just might find her and take her back. She must not let this happen! Reaching down, she pulled up her skirts again. (the grass' height and her skirts' length did not agree) One foot in front of the other, she trudged.

Dragon country, she thought, be ready for me. Before three nights have passed, I will be your daughter.