"The island has protections set up against dragons. It's likely if Connor flies us in, we'll all perish before we can even set foot on the ground." Jarrett squatted a few times, stretching his legs. Sitting on a dragon's back for days, with only short rest periods, was far more painful than enduring the awkward gait of a camel.
"What sorts of protections?" Elinor took off her cloak and shook it out. Bugs and feathers flew from its folds. "Maybe we can find a way around them. Obviously if my father got through, then there is a way for us to do the same."
Jarrett ran his fingers through his hair. He looked over at Connor, who had changed back into a human and was slowly pulling on a pair of pants. The sandy-haired man looked exhausted. Jarrett knew the toll the dragon form was taking on him. If Connor remained a dragon too long, he would lose more of his human side. He hadn't had a chance to pull him aside and discuss his knowledge yet. Even though it wasn't first-hand experience, Jarrett had witnessed Jacinda's struggle. The cruel, unforgiving dragon side was more and more difficult to temper with each passing year. He'd felt some responsibility to help her, but everything had changed.
And now there was Tressa to worry about—another in the long list of reasons he would do anything to end the discord in the Dragonlands.
"Jarrett?" Bastian snapped his fingers, annoyed. "How exactly are we going to reach this island with our lives intact?"
"Sorry," Jarrett said, putting all thoughts of Tressa away. She was in good hands with Fi. "First, we’ll need a boat to sail over to the island. Then we’ll attempt to fight our way past any barriers the Keepers might have erected."
"Keepers?" Elinor asked, surprised. "I've heard of them, but never in conjunction with the Isle of Repose. Legend says they are the most powerful of sorcerers. When the dragons grew weary of the Keepers and their mischief, the dragons banished them from the Dragonlands."
"All true," Jarrett said. He sat down on a large rock. "The Keepers were banished to the Isle of Repose. To protect themselves, they made it impossible for a dragon to ever set foot on its shores. How, we do not know. We only know that others have tried, and failed, in the past. No dragon in its right mind would attempt it now."
"Good thing I'm not in my right mind," Connor said with a grimace. He pulled a tunic over his head and straightened it at his waist. "Your father," he looked pointedly at Elinor, "stole my eggs. I want them back. Whatever Jarrett says we must do is what we will do." Connor turned back to Jarrett. "Now, you said a dragon cannot set foot on the island. Can I do so in human form?"
"I wish I knew the answer to that," Jarrett said. "Are you willing to take the risk?"
Connor nodded. "Of course. Anything to save the eggs."
"Good." Jarrett tore a strip of fabric from his cloak. "We need a boat. We should be able to purchase one at the town nearby. But I need you to wear this around your eyes, Connor."
"Why?" Bastian asked.
"The people in the Meadowlands are all capable of turning into dragons. Their young ones have developed a strange gift, unique to them. They can look into a person's eyes and tell if a dragon hides within. If they see Connor is a dragon, they will take him prisoner."
"Wait." Elinor held a hand up. "What do you mean, they're all dragons here?"
"Exactly as I said." Jarrett tossed the strip to Connor, who caught it deftly in one hand. "Someone here discovered the secret of transformation and thought it would be a good idea to turn the entire Meadowlands population into dragons."
"For war?" Bastian asked. He pumped his fists.
Jarrett held back a sigh. Was there more to the man than just his brawn? Some moments Jarrett was baffled that Tressa was ever attracted to Bastian. Then again, his past included Jacinda, so he had no right to question Tressa’s interest in the redheaded oaf.
"The Meadowlands is comprised of peaceful people. None here would want to wage war on the other dragonlords. Instead, they thrive on equality. It was simply a matter of everyone having the same ability," Jarrett explained. "Unfortunately the dragonlords of the Red and Yellow did not agree. Together they erected a border to keep the Green dragons inside the Meadowlands—and away from the other lands."
"They wanted to keep the secret?" Elinor asked.
"Yes," Jarrett said.
"So why does it matter if they know I'm a dragon?" Connor asked.
"Only a dragon can lead them out. If they realize what you are, they will surely take you prisoner until you take down the barrier," Jarrett answered.