Moonfall, #2
The Ballad of Falling Dragons
by Sarah A. Parker
Contents
Chapter 22
Overview
Raeve and Kaan flee the storm and Moltenmaw-haunted peaks to the hidden village of Beluhn, a dragon-rearing haven masked by wards. Kaan’s injuries worsen until Rygun reins in their descent and Siharna, Beluhn’s chieftess, brings them under her protection. Kaan hides his condition from young Korie, but Siharna insists on honesty and installs them at her family roost while they await Moonplume Líri.
Summary
Raeve rides with Kaan through a violent storm, wrestling with fear and unspoken feelings as Rygun’s link steadies Kaan’s battered body. They skirt the perilous border between The Burn and The Fade, where Moltenmaws prowl, and Raeve notes Kaan’s cracked, fire-lit eyes before he forces them to appear normal.
A Moltenmaw rider signals them down through cloud cover into a concealed chasm. Passing a warded veil reveals Beluhn, a vibrant, hidden village dedicated to dragon rearing, with hutch burrows and adolescent Moltenmaws at play. Rygun lands tensely, clearly disputing Kaan’s condition, while the rider—Siharna Farjór—greets them.
Kaan introduces Siharna as Beluhn’s chieftess. A child, Korie, rushes out and Kaan embraces her, masking a falter in his injured leg. Siharna quickly discerns Kaan’s wounds, challenges his claim of being fine, and sends Korie away with her minder before demanding honesty from Kaan.
Kaan admits he hid his state from Korie, but Siharna rejects coddling and pivots to logistics. She has already sent for the Moonplume and orders extra patrols to protect the village. When Kaan offers to keep to the hutchkeeper’s spare rooms, Siharna refuses and insists they stay at her family roost, placing them under her direct protection while they await Líri.
Who Appears
- RaeveNarrator; flees with Kaan through a storm, worries over his injuries, and arrives at Beluhn.
- Kaan VaegorGrievously wounded yet stoic; sustained by Rygun’s link; reunited with cousin; shelters in Beluhn.
- Siharna FarjórChieftess of Beluhn; pregnant leader who exposes Kaan’s injuries and offers protection and lodging.
- RygunKaan’s dragon; shares strength with Kaan, lands defensively, and silently disputes Kaan’s condition.
- KorieKaan’s young cousin; runs to greet him, prompting Kaan to hide his wounds to avoid worrying her.
- MaellAdolescent dragon accompanying the group; defers to dominant dragons and lands at lower burrows.
- PyrokDragon who gently steadies Maell during flight; arrives with the group.