Mei saw what I was doing.


    I crossed the distance between myself and the dragon. By the time it noticed me, I was too close for it to do anything. It snapped at me, but that just moved my target closer.


    I plunged my sword into the other eye.


    This time I didn’t let go when it thrashed. It picked me up into the air and tossed me from side to side, but I didn’t let go.


    While I was being tossed around like a rag doll, it had its neck completely exposed. Mei came in behind me and jabbed her dagger under a scale.


    The dragon let out one last roar and slung its head hard to the right. The sword slipped free and I flew through the air. I had the good sense to drop the sword before I hit the ground, but I still landed on a rock and slid a good way.


    I tried to get up, but my legs were both turned at bad angles. I didn’t know how far I had gone, but I did know that we were out of healing spells. Even if someone found me, they wouldn’t be able to heal me.


    I laid on the rock and tried to blink the blood out of my eyes. I couldn’t move my arms either. It was a positive thing that I could feel how much they hurt, but that wouldn’t matter.


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    I heard scratching nearby. I couldn’t turn my head, but I already knew what it was.


    Buzzards.


    “I’m not dead yet.” I coughed.


    The buzzards screeched at me. It was as if they were trying to hurry me on.


    One brave buzzard hopped over to me and pecked at my forehead.


    “Shoo.” I screamed. "Get out of here!”


    “GAW!” It screamed back at me.


    There was more scratching and the buzzards took off. I wondered what could be worse than a buzzard.


    “Who’s there?” I called


    I couldn’t see anything out there. The moon was close to full, so I could see okay, but there was nothing in front of me.


    My vision started clouding over. I thought I saw a cloaked figure walk up to me.


    “Don’t worry.” He whispered in my ear. "I’m here.”


    I felt a cool liquid being poured into my lips. I choked on it. Breathing hurt. I didn’t know who this was, or even if they were trying to help me or poison me. I tried spitting it out, but the world started spinning.


    More liquid was poured into my mouth, I swallowed most of it.


    The shadowy figure got up and started walking away. "You’re going to be fine.”


    Darkness came to me, but before it did, I thought I recognized the voice. I didn’t know if I was hallucinating or not, but the voice sounded just like Billy.