E56 朗读版｜Welcome to Kumandra

Chapter 21 

The sun was just starting to rise when Tuk Tuk rolled to a stop on the Heart Bridge. Raya climbed down from the saddle. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Her heart was jumping like a wild Ongi in her chest. 

A lone figure stood on the bridge, looking lost. Raya watched silently as her father limped over to pick up a broken flag. As he looked at it, his shoulders slumped with sadness.

“Ba,” Raya said softly.

Chief Benja turned. His mouth opened in surprise. The flag fell from his hands. “Dewdrop?”

With a sob, Raya ran into her father’s arms. He hugged her tightly, stroking her hair.

Tears streamed down Raya’s face. For so many years, she’d dreamed of this moment. She almost couldn’t believe it had finally come. She never wanted to let him go.

But after a moment, Benja stepped away. When Raya looked at him, she saw he was gazing past her, his face full of awe.

Without even turning, Raya knew why. He had spotted Sisu.

As the dragon stepped onto the bridge, Benja bowed to her in respect, forming his hands in a circle over his forehead. Raya bowed, too.

“Is that . . . really her?” Benja whispered to Raya, as if he didn’t trust his own eyes. Raya nodded.

“Chief Benja,” Sisu said, her voice warm with affection. “Your daughter did you proud. I hope you don’t mind . . . she brought some friends.”

Sisu stepped aside. Benja looked past her, stunned.

A beaming Boun stood with his family. Noi waved from her mother’s arms, as the Ongis sat on neighboring shoulders. Tong stood with his wife and baby and fellow Spine warriors. Namaari was there with Chief Virana. All of them bowed deeply.

And behind them, stretching far into the distance, were hundreds more people from Tail, Talon, Spine, and Fang, all standing side by side. Tears of joy filled Benja’s eyes.

In pairs and groups, the multitude started to cross the bridge, each individual bowing to Chief Benja as they passed.

Raya smiled and squeezed her father’s hand. “Ba,” she said. “Welcome to Kumandra.”