ForgeHawk Introduction
ForgeHawk (original fiction, fantasy, magic, dragons, mature content)
- Thread starter Kris Wicker
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Introduction
Greetings all,
Here is my fantasy novel I have been working on. My goal is to have this of publish quality and I believe it is at the stage where am ready to start putting out there for public viewing, so here we are!
I am reworking my draft and would like feedback from the community especially on the quality and content on the story. Same with any typos or grammar errors. (I have various types of dyslexia so I miss things).
Below is the first chapter. Others will come soon:
Mature Content Warning: the will be sexual innuendo and humour... i haven't decided if I have any XXX scenes yet. I suppose it depends on interest level.
Book Jacket/Intro:
Destiny is a strange thing. When the dragons woke from their slumber Maude was told her destiny was to be sacrificed to the local Forge Dragon to appease its fierce hunger.
The village elder thought his destiny was to save his village by sacrificing one young woman.
Maude, who was the young woman to be sacrificed, didn't believe in destiny, she just wanted to live.
The dragon didn't really care about any of that nonsense. Sure, some food delivered to his doorstep would be lovely, but he was starting to wonder about his place in this new world.
Meanwhile, in the city of Port Amber, the Magic Guild and the Amber Guard both had noticed the dawn of the new Dragon Age after their eighty-year slumber. Magistratus Lorgrith of the Magic Guild believes he is destined for great things. Sargent Reginald Laris of the Amber Guard on the other hand, was trying to hold it together.
Here is my fantasy novel I have been working on. My goal is to have this of publish quality and I believe it is at the stage where am ready to start putting out there for public viewing, so here we are!
I am reworking my draft and would like feedback from the community especially on the quality and content on the story. Same with any typos or grammar errors. (I have various types of dyslexia so I miss things).
Below is the first chapter. Others will come soon:
Mature Content Warning: the will be sexual innuendo and humour... i haven't decided if I have any XXX scenes yet. I suppose it depends on interest level.
Book Jacket/Intro:
Destiny is a strange thing. When the dragons woke from their slumber Maude was told her destiny was to be sacrificed to the local Forge Dragon to appease its fierce hunger.
The village elder thought his destiny was to save his village by sacrificing one young woman.
Maude, who was the young woman to be sacrificed, didn't believe in destiny, she just wanted to live.
The dragon didn't really care about any of that nonsense. Sure, some food delivered to his doorstep would be lovely, but he was starting to wonder about his place in this new world.
Meanwhile, in the city of Port Amber, the Magic Guild and the Amber Guard both had noticed the dawn of the new Dragon Age after their eighty-year slumber. Magistratus Lorgrith of the Magic Guild believes he is destined for great things. Sargent Reginald Laris of the Amber Guard on the other hand, was trying to hold it together.
Last edited:
ForgeHawk: Chapter 1
ForgeHawk
Prologue
Dragons slumber
Dragons wake
Dragons eat
Humans find ways to survive
Dragons slumber
Dragons wake
Dragons eat
Humans find ways to survive
Chapter 1: Morning Air
If I die, at least it will be on a beautiful day, thought Maude. She drew in a deep breath of crisp, spring air. Her eyes cast upward to the crystal blue sky where the sun hung above her. A low reptilian rumble came from the mouth of the cave that was some fifty strides in front of her. Her heart accelerated and her skin crawled. Shit, sounds like the dragon is awake.
Maude felt the ropes around her wrists tighten and painfully pull on her arm joints. Each rope had a villager on either end. "Guys," she grunted, "can you not rip me apart before I get sacrificed?"
They had a lot of length of rope between them because they didn't want to get too close, but she could easily see their fright in their wide eyes. Fortunately, they nodded and eased up enough to give a sigh of relief. She flexed against the bonds, but they still held on tight. I'm not going to get out of this with brute strength.
A wind that cut across the plateau lifted the scent of scorched rock and caused her white robes and red hair to ripple. Another low rumble rolled from the cave and she fought down the panic threatening to burst out of her. Last night she had tried to thrash and fight the village mob and still she ended up here. A sacrifice to please the dragon.
She looked up so she didn't have to see the charred remains of the dragon's previous meals that were strewn about the cave entrance. Cracked bones, curved rib cages, broken skulls and other parts she couldn't identify. Mostly animals, but some were definitely human.
Movement drew her attention. Troyer, that filthy asshole of a village elder, had gathered enough courage to approach the cave. Maude watched him shuffle awkwardly. His body leaned backwards as his legs edged him closer. He picked his way over the rocky terrain careful to not disturb any of the remains or make any noise.
He made it to the cave entrance and paused. He looked over his shoulder to make sure she was secured. She shot him the evilest smile she could and mouthed the words 'die bastard'. He glanced back to the rest villagers who hid behind a low boulder. They nodded their heads in encouragement as they hunkered lower.
He glanced back at Maude and cast eyes down and away.
Fucker should feel shame, thought Maude.
Memories filled her head as emotions ran wildly. How only yesterday evening Troyer and a group of villagers had approached her. She was tending her chickens when the village mob arrived. The song on her lips died as the alarmed clucking of the retreating chickens filled the air. She turned to face the approaching group. It wasn't uncommon for a group of men to come to her farm after her father had passed away last winter, but there were two things wrong. The first was that the planting was done so there wasn't as much to do now, and this wasn't the usual group.
"Good news, Maude," said Troyer. "You are going to appease the dragon and save our village." Everyone glanced skyward at the mention of the beast.
"The dragon hasn't attacked our village," replied Maude. She tossed another handful of feed to the chickens gathered around her skirts.
Troyer rubbed his hands together and gave the sky a nervous sweep with his eyes. "Yes, but we keep getting reports of the dragon attacking other villages. It is only a matter of time."
Maude squared her shoulders to the group, who had fanned out around her in a half circle. She didn't like how drunk Joe, and skeezy Ted were part of the group. Where were the regular guys? She wondered at the lack of the stand up farmers who had helped before.
"Wait? What do you mean I will appease the dragon?" she asked.
"You see, there are stories that in the last dragon age this village was spared because they offered up a virgin sacrifice. We need do that again before the dragon loses patience with us," said Troyer as he shot a glance to old man Grenn, who had the decency to cast his eyes down.
A bark of laughter escaped her lips "If you mean me, you're too late. Kantar saw to that a few weeks ago," she said of her betrothed. "He had been helping me on the farm the last couple weeks. All that lone time turned to kissing, which led to touching, and then, well, you know."
"Ah, dear Maude," said Troyer. "We know how you like to tell stories, so we checked with Kantar first. He swore that he has kept your honor as befitting and said he was waiting until your summer marriage as he rightly should."
"What?" replied Maude. "I'm telling you we have had sex! I'm not a virgin!" Normally she would have been amused how most of the men cringed at her blatant confession. Except for Skeezy Ted who had a lopsided grin, which she didn't like.
"The first time was over by that tree," she continued as she pointed at the nearby oak. "Then we went at it all the time. Honest, lots of times! I'm no virgin."
Troyer shook his head and waved away her words. "More stories, more make believe. We know your ways."
The group closed in, causing Maude to step back bumping into the henhouse. Her eyes darted side to side with sudden desperation to find an escape route.
"He's lying," she shot out, her face turned red. "LYING!"
"It's for the best," said Troyer, he lowered his voice. "Your family are outsiders, your brothers both left to join the kings army last year, and with your father's passing – and my condolences again for that - no one will really miss you."
"I am telling you, he's lying!" Her eyes shot to the sky. I could use a dragon right about now!
"Now just relax," said Troyer as the group closed in. Maude was backed up against the henhouse. Her eyes darted looking for an escape route. The men closed in, the chickens felt the pressure and scattered in every direction weaving between legs.
Maude gave a shout and bolted to her right. She threw the bag of chicken feed at the man directly in her path. It was a futile attempt as he shrugged it off and grabbed her around her waist. She thrashed, twisted, and clawed at him to escape. Another man jumped in, tackling them to ground kicking up dust as she fought even harder to escape. It took another two men to finally restrain her, each pinning down a limb.
"Let me go!" she yelled as she writhed trying to break their hold. She spat out dust and a strand of her red hair as she tried to bite the nearest captor.
Troyer stood at her feet, wringing his hands. "Dear Maude, please calm down, it will go easier for everyone if you do."
She let loose with a string of obscenities and renewed vigor to break loose.
"She fights like a wild boar," said the man hanging on to an ankle.
"Call me a pig?" shouted Maude, "I'll rip your balls off and feed them to my hogs!"
"Indeed. Get the ropes out boys," said Troyer. "We need to tie her up."
"Tie me up? By the gods I swear I will beat your face!"
"Yeah, and lets gag her as well."
In short order Maude found herself face down in the dirt. Her legs and arms tied behind her, and a cloth stuffed into her mouth. She had exhausted herself and gave up the struggle. Even if she managed to get untied, the mob stood around her like they were watching a flopping fish gasping for life.
Troyer squatted down on his haunches, grabbed her chin to lift her face. She shook him off so he grabbed some of her red hair and pulled it back so he could look her in the eye.
"I understand dear, I really do," he started, his voice taught. "This is a difficult situation for all of us, especially you." He paused and scratched his beard. "But this is how it is going to go this evening. We will to take you inside, you will bathe yourself, and we will give you a bite to eat. In the morning, we will go up the mountainside where you will be sacrificed to the dragon. If you go quietly it won't hurt much, otherwise I don't think it matters how bruised you end up."
Hot tears of frustration left muddy streaks on her flushed cheeks. Troyer pressed his lips together and let go of her hair. "Cry all you want, it won't change your fate. Funny thing fate, maybe the gods brought your family here all those years ago just for this occasion. You should be honored."
Maude turned her face away, furious at her tears. I'm not crying, I'm just so fucking mad. She squeezed her eyes tight forcing more liquid out. Shit, what am I going to do? She felt powerless, violated how these men just sauntered on to her property, and did as they pleased. Two of them picked her and carried her into the house. She didn't resist, now is not the time. Father always said cooler heads would prevail.
She was dropped off in the bathroom next to the tub. Troyer came and laid a stark white linen robe to side. He squatted down next to her and held out two fingers. "There are two ways this will go. You behave and bathe yourself in peace, or you fight back and then we will bathe you ourselves."
"I'm going to remove the gag, now. Promise not to scream or bite?"
Maude nodded.
"Okay dear, what's your choice?"
"I'll behave."
"Good, let me untie you."
Released, Maude stood up and rubbed her wrists. "Can I have some privacy now?" She tried to shoot daggers from her eyes.
Troyer gave her the once over. "We will give you an hour. Make sure you are squeaky clean."
"So I will taste better for the dragon?"
Troyer smirked. "Something like that."
"I'm already delicious," shot back Maude. "Go ahead, ask Kantar."
Troyer shook his head. "You got an hour," he replied closing the door behind him.
Thankful to be alone, Maude latched the door and walked straight to the window opening the shutters.
Skeezy Ted looked up and smiled at her. "Gonna let us watch?" he asked with a wink.
"Shut up Ted," said Trannin who was also on guard duty. "Best keep the shutters closed Maude."
She closed the shutters. She checked the door by putting her ear on it. There were two of them on the other side softly talking. I guess that would of have been too easy, she thought as she paced the length of the small room.
There are only ten of them, she thought. Troyer had to get this approved through the village council, but since there are so few in the mob, that means there has to be those who don't like this idea. I just need to find away to get back to the village square and plead my case - and get Kantar to fess up.
She went over plans in her head, and discarded most of them as she muttered under breath. The knock at the door made her jump. "Fifteen minutes gone, you had better be at it."
Maude stared down at the tub, "I guess I better do this." She made sure the door and shutters were latched. The men had already filled the tub, but a brush of the fingers proved it was cold.
On the shelf near the tub were candles, a face cloth, and a black stone wrapped with copper wire. The stone looked like a pretty trinket, but it was one of the magical items her father had brought with him from the big city. He had called it a lava drop. It fit in the palm of her hand, but was heavier than it looked. Her father used to tell her that in the middle was a ball of lava waiting to be ignited.
She held it in the cold water of the tub, and like he had taught her, she pictured the lava heart of the stone and imagined it turning bright red. A chill went through her body as the she felt the copper begin to warm. She let it sink to the bottom of the tub, waited a few minutes, and began to undress. Soon she was chin deep in what she hoped was not her last bath because the circumstances prevented her from enjoying the hot soaking.
There was another knock at the door warning her she had fifteen minutes left. Maude grimaced as she pulled herself up. That went fast, and I still don't know what to do. Clean and toweled off she caught sound of excited chatter. She threw open the shutters. Ted and Trannin both ducked low and pointed to the sky. Maude looked up and instinctively ducked when she spotted the forge dragon. It flew high above, the sun sparkling off its black and red scales.
"What's that it's holding?" asked Ted.
"Looks like a big goat," replied Trannin
"Could be a deer?"
"Wonder where it's coming from? Oh, shit! It's turning this way," said Trannin as he and Ted scampered over to hide under an apple tree.
Maude ducked down so just her eyes peaked over the windowsill. The dragon swooped lower and circled around her farm surveying it once before turning east and flying away.
"Gods dammit, that thing is terrifying," said Trannin.
"Sure is," agreed Ted. "We should have done the sacrifice thing sooner."
That was horrible timing, thought Maude. Fuck.
Morning came quick after a sleepless night. They bundled her up on a cart and travelled to the dragon's cave that was up on the plateaus of the eastern mountains. They were careful, keeping her tied up at the ankle and wrists, and now she stood in front of the cave wondering if the dragon cared if she was a no longer a virgin, or if he could even tell the difference.
She was brought back to the present when Troyer cleared his throat and called out to the dragon.
ForgeHawk Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Breakfast in Bed
Deep in the cave, a forge dragon sucked off the last of the meat from a thighbone. He extended a wickedly sharp claw from his forefinger. With the ease that came from practice, he used the tip to pierce and then split the bone along the length. Then he wedged open the seam, cracked the bone in half to expose the marrow that had been cooked into a smooth paste from when he had torched the deer. He used the tip of his forked tongue to slurp it into his mouth. A satisfied purr rumbled from his chest. So very delicious, so very satisfying, he thought.
He rolled over onto his back using his pile of inherited treasure to prop him up. He took a moment to bask in the soft orange glow of the magical crystal that webbed through the walls of his expansive cavern. Not that he needed the light to see, but he did enjoy the orange hue it cast.
The dragon rubbed his belly feeling the bulge of his last meal. Not overfed, but it felt like the intensity of the waking hunger had finally subsided. The need to feed had been so powerful for the first two weeks it drove him to near madness to satiate it. Now, finally he felt better and could think clearly.
He ran his claws over his new glittering scales. I'm so shiny and beautiful now, he thought. He looked over to his molting, which was mostly black scales with a touch of red. Nowhere near as spectacular as he was now with all that beautiful crimson. He gazed back at the scales he had shed during hibernation, one day I should clean that up.
He took a final slurp of the bone marrow and tossed the cleaned bone on the growing pile. I'm going to have to clean that up one day as well.
Rolling over back on all fours, he climbed up his treasure pile feeling the metallic crunch under his paws. I wonder what happened to the elder dragon, he thought as he surveyed his new belongings. He turned once, then twice, then settled down wrapping his tale around so his head rested on it. The elder dragon was here when I went into hibernation, but now no signs at all.
With his mind occupied with thoughts, an idle claw shifted through his hoard of treasure. Gold, silver and gems. Coins, crafted works, and raw metals, all glitter and fortune.
He let out another low reptilian rumble. Boredom had crept in. Am I hungry enough to go hunting, or tired enough for a nap? Either way, he felt unsure of what to do next which irritated him. He closed his eyes to test if he was ready for a little bit of sleep. Maybe I should go see what the other dragons are up to.
His ears perked up at the soft echoes coming from his tunnel entrance. Humans approach? He caught their scent. Several unwashed humans that would need to be roasted clean. With his mind no longer focused on feeding his hunger, he tried to remember the lessons the elder dragon had tried to teach him about humans. Something about needing to show dominance and keeping them in their place. Shouldn't be too hard because I'm a dragon, and humans are dumb.
"Oh, mighty and worshipful dragon," came a trembling voice.
They address me? The dragon opened a single eye. Curious.
He responded with a grumbling huff he knew they would hear. The tunnel was long, but embedded magic incantations carried the sound.
"We bring you a pleasing sacrifice to fill your hunger so that you may spare our village."
"A sacrifice?" The dragon remembered toward the end of the last dragon age how the elder dragon explained to him humans would bring food so he would spare their settlements. His memory was still foggy from the long slumber, so he couldn't remember the details. However, as far as he was concerned it sounded like a great arrangement.
They brought me second breakfast. I should see what it is.
He rose up on all fours and slinked forward, careful not to disturb his spot in the treasure that he had finally gotten just right. He traversed the tunnel, avoiding the traps and jumped down the sheer cliff that would be a challenge for any human to scale. He silently moved through the winding tunnel, wary that there might be trickery.
Humans liked to make traps because they think they're clever.
His nostrils flared as he sucked in air, searching. He could smell the unwashed humans, bones, rock, and vegetation. Nothing was amiss. No hint of worked metal that their so-called 'brave warriors' gave off.
What's that other smell? He drew in another breath, lavender?
"Sacrifice?" the dragon asked again. They better not make me ask a third time.
"Yes, oh mighty dragon. We bring you a virgin, clean and pure."
The dragon moved to the bend of the cave. That would explain the lavender, and I do prefer my meals cleaned.
The dragon rounded the final bend so he could see daylight. There was a bearded male with grey in his hair standing near the entrance. The dragon caught a waft of fear as the human took a few rushed steps back when he spotted the dragons orange eyes glowing in the darkness.
Good, he fears me.
The elderly man stepped to the side and gestured behind him to the white robed human. "My lord dragon," the man said with a bow.
That must be the virgin, noted the dragon. I like the red hair. My favorite color and they tend to be delicious.
The dragon moved forward, head clearing the cave. Horns, spikes, and fangs. Scent, sound, and sight gave no hint of warriors or wizards waiting in ambush. He stepped into the open unfolding his wide leathery wings, sun sparkling off the red in his new scales. He twisted side-to-side scanning the horizon in a slightly exaggerated manner to make sure all the spectators got an eyeful of that beautiful crimson color.
His plateau was barren of any threat. As the elder dragon had taught him, any self-respecting forge dragon with good sense burned all the vegetation near their cave leaving a large swath of charred rocks. It served as a warning for all those who came near, and eliminated hiding spots for any foolish enough to think they could sneak up on a dragon.
He turned to the elder man. "Where are you from?"
"From Arnzeville," said the man, legs visibly trembling. "The small village to the north. At the foot of the hills… next to the lake."
The dragon nodded. "And you bring me an offering?"
"Yes, my lord dragon," said the man as he bowed low and began to back away.
Could this be why the elder dragon made it explicitly clear never to attack that village?
"Very well, I accept your offer."
"Thank you, Lord Dragon. Thank you," said the man as he bowed, turned, then scrambled to an outcropping of rocks where a small crowd of other humans hid.
The white-robbed human stood straight and tall with her head held high. He made a sudden move towards her, she flinched, and he caught a whiff of fear.
It just got real.
The dragon darted forward, moving incredibly fast for such a large creature. The humans by the rock shouted in fear and ducked down and the ones holding her ropes fell on their rears. With deft precision, he used a claw to slice off the white robe from the virgin exposing the naked flesh of a woman. He nodded in approval. Women tasted much better than the males of the species because they were usually cleaner, less hairy, and abundant in flavor.
The dragon reared up and towered over the virgin. It's important to put on a show for the other humans. He moved slowly as he debated if he should roast her on the spot, or slice her to pieces. What would make for a better spectacle? He slowly reached out a hand, extending wickedly curved claws from each finger.
The woman turned to face to the beast. The dragon could smell her fear and see her quiver. Yet, she mustered the courage to speak in a steady voice.
"Hear me, Oh Great Forge Dragon!" she shouted.
The dragon paused, claws mere inches from her naked trembling flesh. Curious of her last words, he waited.
"I am no longer a virgin, for I lay with a man! … Many times! … Honest!"
The other humans gasped and groaned.
The dragon slowly closed his outstretched hand, retracting his claws. That was an odd reaction. His sharp ears could hear their whispers.
"What if she isn't really a virgin?" asked one.
"Quiet. She has to be a virgin," replied another.
"But what if-," began another.
"Shut up," cut in a different one. "The dragon is looking at us."
The dragon slowly turned his attention back to the red haired woman realizing he misunderstood the meaning of a virgin. I thought it was a bathed younger female. He leaned in closer to inspect her. I don't think she looks any different…what am I missing, and what does it matter if she is a virgin or not?
The dragon decided that now was not the time or place to ask questions. He lowered his head to eye level with her. To her credit, she did not look away. This one is brave.
With his snout right up to her, he inhaled deeply causing her red hair to flutter over her shoulders. As far as he could tell, she smelled near enough like any other human female. Yet, he could sense the edge of anticipation of the others waiting for his reaction.
Great. I don't know what a virgin is, nor do I care, but now I got to do something to keep these humans in line.
"You dare not bring me a virgin?" the dragon bellowed as he reared up in mock fury. He galloped across the plateau causing the earth to tremble with each footfall. He was upon the group of humans faster than they could recover from their shock and snatched the elder male spokesman. He popped off his head with a swipe of a claw and stuffed the neck stump into his mouth. Sucking hard, he drained out all the innards and lifeblood.
The other humans shrieked in terror.
Finished, he tossed the limp body to the side. Perhaps too over-the-top, but humans do like their drama.
"Tomorrow you must bring me a real virgin." Whatever that is.
The humans were frozen in fear staring up at the dragon. "No, wait. Even better, bring me two of your hooved animals." Way more meat on those.
The humans all nodded frantically, eyes wide and mouths hanging open. Satisfied with his instructions the dragon turned to go back to his cave. He heard the discontented whispers of the group and was surprised they were casting the blame on the not-a-virgin for the death of the one he just used as a squeezable snack and a thought came to him.
"You. Woman," said the dragon. His deep voice brought instant silence to the chatter. "Swear servitude to me, and you will be under my protection."
She didn't hesitate. "I pledge myself to you, oh great and mighty lord forge dragon."
She understands. Smart.
"This one is now my possession," said the dragon, as he addressed the other humans. "My wrath will fall on any who dares touch what is mine."
The two humans holding her ropes threw them on the ground like they were snakes. The crowd of humans made their acknowledgements, turned, and ran. One human stumbled over his feet but quickly scrambled back up and continued to run after the others. The dragon silently watched the gaggle scurry off. Satisfied they wouldn't return he turned to the no-longer-a-virgin and sliced off the ropes.
"Thank you, Merciful Lord Dragon," she said as she bowed deeply. Her red hair splayed around her. "If it pleases my Lord Dragon, may I put on my robes?"
The dragon looked at her, then her torn robes that he sliced from her body thinking how weak and frail she was to need clothes. Perhaps I was too hasty and this isn't a good idea after all, the dragon thought. Maybe I should've eaten her and been done with it.
He did have a few questions though, and curiosity got the best of him. "Fine. Do what you must, then follow me," He turned to his cave as the woman hurried to her garment. He navigated his tunnel disarming the traps along the way.
Maude picked up her robe and slipped her hands through the sleeves. The front hung wide from where it was cut open. Feeling a streak of modesty, she tore a strip off creating a belt. She folded the two halves together, shifted the opening to the side leaving her left leg exposed but everything else hidden. Two wraps of the belt around her waist and a knot held it in place.
She looked over her shoulder. The villagers who wanted to sacrifice her were no longer in sight. She turned back to the ominously black cave the dragon had disappeared into. Her hands went to her hips as she thought about it. Go into the dark after a forge dragon, or go back home? She could try running away, but where would she go? She had no money, possessions, or even shoes. She was alone, save for the dragon. Not mention, that if she did run it could anger the dragon who could easily hunt her down and finish her.
She drew in a deep breath to steady herself and looked back into ominous darkness of the cave. "He can't be any worse than that Troyer idiot," she muttered trying to rationalize her decision. She walked into the mouth of the cave. "This should be interesting."
It grew darker the further she ventured. The ground in the middle was worn, but not void of sharp rocks that she was careful to avoid. When she rounded the soft curve her arms stretched out into the darkness and she began to stumble. She could barely hear the echoes of the dragon's soft footfalls.
"My Lord Dragon," she called out. "Please wait, it's dark and hard for me to see."
Up ahead the dragon groaned. He stopped and looked behind him and spat out a mucus ball of fire to the side before he carried on. He had forgotten how weak their eyesight.
He reached the sheer cliff face and groaned again. She will need help with this as well. He used his intuitive magic abilities to shape the rock like it was clay in his hands. He quickly fashioned a ramp for her, then jumped to the top of the ledge and spat out another fiery mucus ball to light the way.
He made his way into his cavernous lair, found the body indentation on his treasure pile, circled around once, twice, and settled himself in.
Eventually the woman arrived. She had crafted a torch from bone and strips of cloth from her robe. Resourceful, thought the dragon as he eyed her up.
Her eyes stretched wide and jaw dropped as her head swiveled taking in the sight of the dragon's lair. All across the walls bright orange veins of crystal webbed in every direction. They glowed softly, casting the whole chamber in an orange hue. Near the back, a diffused shaft of daylight streaked down from the ceiling. The combination of light glittered off the pile of treasure reflecting gold and silver, back on to the walls. It was a carefully arranged and stunning mosaic of beauty and opulence.
"Lord Dragon," she said, the awe easily heard in her words. "Your home is incredible! You must be the greatest dragon to ever exist!"
The dragon lifted his head, and took in his surroundings. He hadn't considered how impressive it would look to a mere human. I am rather spectacular.
"Lord Dragon, what is your bidding," said the woman as she dropped to one knee and bowed her head low.
The dragon tore his eyes from admiring his shimmering treasure and cast them on the woman. He had half-forgotten she was there.
Lord Dragon. I could get used to that, but first, down to business.
"Woman. Stand up and explain to me what a virgin is and how you are no longer one."
Maude slowly stood up as instructed. Her eyes wide, her mouth opened and closed, but words didn't come out. The dragon watched her intently, head slightly cocked to one side like a curious puppy. A puppy that could burn the flesh from bones, and casually tear limbs from her torso.
"Well, out with it."
"M-my Lord Dragon," she stammered. "It has to do with being with a man. Before I didn't, then I did."
"I've seen your settlements. Your men and women are always together. I see them walking the streets, working in the fields. How can you not be with men? Did they lock you in some far away tower to keep you a virgin?"
"I mean, that I lay with one…intimately."
"Intimately? I am not familiar with this. Explain."
The dragon wondered why her face turned pink and why her hands fidgeted. Is she stupid?
"My Lord Dragon, it is like this," she said as she lifted up her hands. With her left hand, she put thumb and forefinger together in the shape of a circle. With her right, she moved a finger in and out of the circle. The dragon moved his head closer, trying to understand the odd gesture. The woman's eyebrows rose in expectation, and gave him a wink.
"Do not try my patience with riddles. Use your words."
She threw her hands up in the air. "He used his manhood… on my womanhood."
"What part of him is this…manhood?"
For some odd reason she slapped her forehead, then ran her hand down over her face.
She moved a hand to the lower, middle of her torso, and stuck out a finger. "You know, that."
The dragon observed the finger and considered what it could mean. "Oh, you mean his flimsy lower horn? I wondered what purpose that served." He tried to imagine how a man would use such a floppy part on the woman. Nothing came to mind. "How does he use that weak little thing to end your virginity?"
The corners of her mouth crept up in a smile but she forced it back down. "At certain times it becomes…mighty."
"It does?" The dragon recoiled his head back. "Like a warrior's sword?"
"Excellent example my Lord Dragon."
He meant the sword comment as a joke, but the woman was apparently serious. Taken off guard, the dragon looked off in the distance as he tried to fathom how such a puny thing could ever be considered mighty, and considering its awkward location, he had no idea how it could be used effectively. He didn't want to ask as it might reveal his ignorance, so he focused back on the woman and moved his head in closer. "Okay, then what happens?"
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, shrugged, and then said, "He puts it in my baby maker."
Silence hung in the air as they stared at each other, his snout moved within arms reach of her. She could feel the heat radiating from him.
"You mean where you lay your eggs from?"
"My Lord Dragon. We women give birth to babies, miniature humans. Not eggs."
The dragon's head darted back and he bellowed out laughter, his fist pounded the ground causing the coins and gems to jump and jingle. "You're like the beasts of the field!" His laughter echoed on the walls.
"How ridiculous," he said as he struggled to speak as he laughed. "A dragon needs no other dragon to lay eggs!" He had expected humans to be more like dragons because they were one of the few sentient species. "Lower horns, unbelievable." He had never seen a human egg before, but assumed they kept those hidden like other creatures.
The woman closed her eyes and pursed her lips. She shook her head in disbelief and patiently waited. "It's not that funny," she said under her breath as she remembered the encounters.
The dragon's laughter came to an abrupt end. "This is all very fascinating," said the dragon. "Incredible really. I would like to see how this is done. Bring a man here and demonstrate for me."
Her eyes popped open. "What? I mean…What?... My Lord Dragon." She looked to her left and right, half expecting her friends to jump out laughing at the elaborate joke.
"Do you refuse me?" asked the dragon, the threat easily heard in his words.
"Of course not, my Lord Dragon," Maude quickly countered. "It's just that I didn't expect such a request."
He chuckled. "Good, then off with you. Go bring back a man."
Maude looked to the exit and thought about it. Her left hand tucked an errant strand of red hair behind her ear. As odd and pervey of request it was, it was better than being dragon food.
"I'll do as you command, but I don't think it will be that easy, my Lord," she said.
"Why not? Are men not willing to participate?"
"No, that's not the problem."
"Then there is something wrong with you?"
"Not that either."
"Then what, woman? Out with it."
"I don't think anyone would believe me when I tell them of this…quest."
The dragon scratched his chin. He never gave a human a quest before, but the elder dragon had mentioned there would be such opportunities. I wish I paid more attention to the details.
"You're right." The dragon ran a hand through his treasure using his claws as a rake making four long divots.
"There it is," he said as he picked out a necklace with a dragon shaped medallion. "Wear this. If any asks it is my mark, and any who oppose this quest I have given you I will render limb from limb."
Humans tend to respond to threats like that.
The dragon tossed her the medallion, which she deftly caught. She held it up to the light. "This is beautiful, thank you my Lord Dragon."
"That will keep you safe."
She swept her hair back and lifted the piece of jewelry around her neck when she hesitated. "Forgive me Lord Dragon, but may I make a small request?"
The dragon didn't answer, but he didn't say no.
"I shouldn't go out like this. I wear tattered rags and no shoes on my feet. What would they think of you if they saw your servant appearing so wretched."
"Good point woman, here take some of these," said the dragon. He reached to the edge of his treasure pile and flicked coins of copper, silver, gold and gems at her. Mere dust to him. "Get whatever you need so that I may look good."
The woman looked at the coins, then back at the dragon. "This…this is incredibly generous of you," she said.
The dragon looked at what he gave her with a quizzical eye. To him it was the smallest fraction of his fortune, and since she was now his possession, he wasn't going to lose anything. He merely redistributed his wealth.
Are all humans this easy to please?
"I'm your Lord Forge Dragon. See to it that you represent me well woman."
"If it pleases you Lord Forge Dragon, I can tell you my name so you don't have to refer to me as, woman, anymore."
The dragon settled down thinking he was starting to feel like getting that nap. "Name?"
"Yes, each of us humans has a distinct name to tell us apart and-"
"Yes, yes. I know."
"My name is –"
"Buttons," said the dragon cutting her off again. "I will call you Buttons."
"Buttons?"
"Yes, because of those pink dots on your mounds remind me of buttons you humans fancy so much."
Maude looked down. Her robe had fallen open exposing both of her breasts. Buttons.
"You have your quest Buttons. Bring back a man or two," the dragon said as he gave her a dismissive wave with a paw. "Off with you now."
Before I change my mind and eat you.
Deep in the cave, a forge dragon sucked off the last of the meat from a thighbone. He extended a wickedly sharp claw from his forefinger. With the ease that came from practice, he used the tip to pierce and then split the bone along the length. Then he wedged open the seam, cracked the bone in half to expose the marrow that had been cooked into a smooth paste from when he had torched the deer. He used the tip of his forked tongue to slurp it into his mouth. A satisfied purr rumbled from his chest. So very delicious, so very satisfying, he thought.
He rolled over onto his back using his pile of inherited treasure to prop him up. He took a moment to bask in the soft orange glow of the magical crystal that webbed through the walls of his expansive cavern. Not that he needed the light to see, but he did enjoy the orange hue it cast.
The dragon rubbed his belly feeling the bulge of his last meal. Not overfed, but it felt like the intensity of the waking hunger had finally subsided. The need to feed had been so powerful for the first two weeks it drove him to near madness to satiate it. Now, finally he felt better and could think clearly.
He ran his claws over his new glittering scales. I'm so shiny and beautiful now, he thought. He looked over to his molting, which was mostly black scales with a touch of red. Nowhere near as spectacular as he was now with all that beautiful crimson. He gazed back at the scales he had shed during hibernation, one day I should clean that up.
He took a final slurp of the bone marrow and tossed the cleaned bone on the growing pile. I'm going to have to clean that up one day as well.
Rolling over back on all fours, he climbed up his treasure pile feeling the metallic crunch under his paws. I wonder what happened to the elder dragon, he thought as he surveyed his new belongings. He turned once, then twice, then settled down wrapping his tale around so his head rested on it. The elder dragon was here when I went into hibernation, but now no signs at all.
With his mind occupied with thoughts, an idle claw shifted through his hoard of treasure. Gold, silver and gems. Coins, crafted works, and raw metals, all glitter and fortune.
He let out another low reptilian rumble. Boredom had crept in. Am I hungry enough to go hunting, or tired enough for a nap? Either way, he felt unsure of what to do next which irritated him. He closed his eyes to test if he was ready for a little bit of sleep. Maybe I should go see what the other dragons are up to.
His ears perked up at the soft echoes coming from his tunnel entrance. Humans approach? He caught their scent. Several unwashed humans that would need to be roasted clean. With his mind no longer focused on feeding his hunger, he tried to remember the lessons the elder dragon had tried to teach him about humans. Something about needing to show dominance and keeping them in their place. Shouldn't be too hard because I'm a dragon, and humans are dumb.
"Oh, mighty and worshipful dragon," came a trembling voice.
They address me? The dragon opened a single eye. Curious.
He responded with a grumbling huff he knew they would hear. The tunnel was long, but embedded magic incantations carried the sound.
"We bring you a pleasing sacrifice to fill your hunger so that you may spare our village."
"A sacrifice?" The dragon remembered toward the end of the last dragon age how the elder dragon explained to him humans would bring food so he would spare their settlements. His memory was still foggy from the long slumber, so he couldn't remember the details. However, as far as he was concerned it sounded like a great arrangement.
They brought me second breakfast. I should see what it is.
He rose up on all fours and slinked forward, careful not to disturb his spot in the treasure that he had finally gotten just right. He traversed the tunnel, avoiding the traps and jumped down the sheer cliff that would be a challenge for any human to scale. He silently moved through the winding tunnel, wary that there might be trickery.
Humans liked to make traps because they think they're clever.
His nostrils flared as he sucked in air, searching. He could smell the unwashed humans, bones, rock, and vegetation. Nothing was amiss. No hint of worked metal that their so-called 'brave warriors' gave off.
What's that other smell? He drew in another breath, lavender?
"Sacrifice?" the dragon asked again. They better not make me ask a third time.
"Yes, oh mighty dragon. We bring you a virgin, clean and pure."
The dragon moved to the bend of the cave. That would explain the lavender, and I do prefer my meals cleaned.
The dragon rounded the final bend so he could see daylight. There was a bearded male with grey in his hair standing near the entrance. The dragon caught a waft of fear as the human took a few rushed steps back when he spotted the dragons orange eyes glowing in the darkness.
Good, he fears me.
The elderly man stepped to the side and gestured behind him to the white robed human. "My lord dragon," the man said with a bow.
That must be the virgin, noted the dragon. I like the red hair. My favorite color and they tend to be delicious.
The dragon moved forward, head clearing the cave. Horns, spikes, and fangs. Scent, sound, and sight gave no hint of warriors or wizards waiting in ambush. He stepped into the open unfolding his wide leathery wings, sun sparkling off the red in his new scales. He twisted side-to-side scanning the horizon in a slightly exaggerated manner to make sure all the spectators got an eyeful of that beautiful crimson color.
His plateau was barren of any threat. As the elder dragon had taught him, any self-respecting forge dragon with good sense burned all the vegetation near their cave leaving a large swath of charred rocks. It served as a warning for all those who came near, and eliminated hiding spots for any foolish enough to think they could sneak up on a dragon.
He turned to the elder man. "Where are you from?"
"From Arnzeville," said the man, legs visibly trembling. "The small village to the north. At the foot of the hills… next to the lake."
The dragon nodded. "And you bring me an offering?"
"Yes, my lord dragon," said the man as he bowed low and began to back away.
Could this be why the elder dragon made it explicitly clear never to attack that village?
"Very well, I accept your offer."
"Thank you, Lord Dragon. Thank you," said the man as he bowed, turned, then scrambled to an outcropping of rocks where a small crowd of other humans hid.
The white-robbed human stood straight and tall with her head held high. He made a sudden move towards her, she flinched, and he caught a whiff of fear.
It just got real.
The dragon darted forward, moving incredibly fast for such a large creature. The humans by the rock shouted in fear and ducked down and the ones holding her ropes fell on their rears. With deft precision, he used a claw to slice off the white robe from the virgin exposing the naked flesh of a woman. He nodded in approval. Women tasted much better than the males of the species because they were usually cleaner, less hairy, and abundant in flavor.
The dragon reared up and towered over the virgin. It's important to put on a show for the other humans. He moved slowly as he debated if he should roast her on the spot, or slice her to pieces. What would make for a better spectacle? He slowly reached out a hand, extending wickedly curved claws from each finger.
The woman turned to face to the beast. The dragon could smell her fear and see her quiver. Yet, she mustered the courage to speak in a steady voice.
"Hear me, Oh Great Forge Dragon!" she shouted.
The dragon paused, claws mere inches from her naked trembling flesh. Curious of her last words, he waited.
"I am no longer a virgin, for I lay with a man! … Many times! … Honest!"
The other humans gasped and groaned.
The dragon slowly closed his outstretched hand, retracting his claws. That was an odd reaction. His sharp ears could hear their whispers.
"What if she isn't really a virgin?" asked one.
"Quiet. She has to be a virgin," replied another.
"But what if-," began another.
"Shut up," cut in a different one. "The dragon is looking at us."
The dragon slowly turned his attention back to the red haired woman realizing he misunderstood the meaning of a virgin. I thought it was a bathed younger female. He leaned in closer to inspect her. I don't think she looks any different…what am I missing, and what does it matter if she is a virgin or not?
The dragon decided that now was not the time or place to ask questions. He lowered his head to eye level with her. To her credit, she did not look away. This one is brave.
With his snout right up to her, he inhaled deeply causing her red hair to flutter over her shoulders. As far as he could tell, she smelled near enough like any other human female. Yet, he could sense the edge of anticipation of the others waiting for his reaction.
Great. I don't know what a virgin is, nor do I care, but now I got to do something to keep these humans in line.
"You dare not bring me a virgin?" the dragon bellowed as he reared up in mock fury. He galloped across the plateau causing the earth to tremble with each footfall. He was upon the group of humans faster than they could recover from their shock and snatched the elder male spokesman. He popped off his head with a swipe of a claw and stuffed the neck stump into his mouth. Sucking hard, he drained out all the innards and lifeblood.
The other humans shrieked in terror.
Finished, he tossed the limp body to the side. Perhaps too over-the-top, but humans do like their drama.
"Tomorrow you must bring me a real virgin." Whatever that is.
The humans were frozen in fear staring up at the dragon. "No, wait. Even better, bring me two of your hooved animals." Way more meat on those.
The humans all nodded frantically, eyes wide and mouths hanging open. Satisfied with his instructions the dragon turned to go back to his cave. He heard the discontented whispers of the group and was surprised they were casting the blame on the not-a-virgin for the death of the one he just used as a squeezable snack and a thought came to him.
"You. Woman," said the dragon. His deep voice brought instant silence to the chatter. "Swear servitude to me, and you will be under my protection."
She didn't hesitate. "I pledge myself to you, oh great and mighty lord forge dragon."
She understands. Smart.
"This one is now my possession," said the dragon, as he addressed the other humans. "My wrath will fall on any who dares touch what is mine."
The two humans holding her ropes threw them on the ground like they were snakes. The crowd of humans made their acknowledgements, turned, and ran. One human stumbled over his feet but quickly scrambled back up and continued to run after the others. The dragon silently watched the gaggle scurry off. Satisfied they wouldn't return he turned to the no-longer-a-virgin and sliced off the ropes.
"Thank you, Merciful Lord Dragon," she said as she bowed deeply. Her red hair splayed around her. "If it pleases my Lord Dragon, may I put on my robes?"
The dragon looked at her, then her torn robes that he sliced from her body thinking how weak and frail she was to need clothes. Perhaps I was too hasty and this isn't a good idea after all, the dragon thought. Maybe I should've eaten her and been done with it.
He did have a few questions though, and curiosity got the best of him. "Fine. Do what you must, then follow me," He turned to his cave as the woman hurried to her garment. He navigated his tunnel disarming the traps along the way.
Maude picked up her robe and slipped her hands through the sleeves. The front hung wide from where it was cut open. Feeling a streak of modesty, she tore a strip off creating a belt. She folded the two halves together, shifted the opening to the side leaving her left leg exposed but everything else hidden. Two wraps of the belt around her waist and a knot held it in place.
She looked over her shoulder. The villagers who wanted to sacrifice her were no longer in sight. She turned back to the ominously black cave the dragon had disappeared into. Her hands went to her hips as she thought about it. Go into the dark after a forge dragon, or go back home? She could try running away, but where would she go? She had no money, possessions, or even shoes. She was alone, save for the dragon. Not mention, that if she did run it could anger the dragon who could easily hunt her down and finish her.
She drew in a deep breath to steady herself and looked back into ominous darkness of the cave. "He can't be any worse than that Troyer idiot," she muttered trying to rationalize her decision. She walked into the mouth of the cave. "This should be interesting."
It grew darker the further she ventured. The ground in the middle was worn, but not void of sharp rocks that she was careful to avoid. When she rounded the soft curve her arms stretched out into the darkness and she began to stumble. She could barely hear the echoes of the dragon's soft footfalls.
"My Lord Dragon," she called out. "Please wait, it's dark and hard for me to see."
Up ahead the dragon groaned. He stopped and looked behind him and spat out a mucus ball of fire to the side before he carried on. He had forgotten how weak their eyesight.
He reached the sheer cliff face and groaned again. She will need help with this as well. He used his intuitive magic abilities to shape the rock like it was clay in his hands. He quickly fashioned a ramp for her, then jumped to the top of the ledge and spat out another fiery mucus ball to light the way.
He made his way into his cavernous lair, found the body indentation on his treasure pile, circled around once, twice, and settled himself in.
Eventually the woman arrived. She had crafted a torch from bone and strips of cloth from her robe. Resourceful, thought the dragon as he eyed her up.
Her eyes stretched wide and jaw dropped as her head swiveled taking in the sight of the dragon's lair. All across the walls bright orange veins of crystal webbed in every direction. They glowed softly, casting the whole chamber in an orange hue. Near the back, a diffused shaft of daylight streaked down from the ceiling. The combination of light glittered off the pile of treasure reflecting gold and silver, back on to the walls. It was a carefully arranged and stunning mosaic of beauty and opulence.
"Lord Dragon," she said, the awe easily heard in her words. "Your home is incredible! You must be the greatest dragon to ever exist!"
The dragon lifted his head, and took in his surroundings. He hadn't considered how impressive it would look to a mere human. I am rather spectacular.
"Lord Dragon, what is your bidding," said the woman as she dropped to one knee and bowed her head low.
The dragon tore his eyes from admiring his shimmering treasure and cast them on the woman. He had half-forgotten she was there.
Lord Dragon. I could get used to that, but first, down to business.
"Woman. Stand up and explain to me what a virgin is and how you are no longer one."
Maude slowly stood up as instructed. Her eyes wide, her mouth opened and closed, but words didn't come out. The dragon watched her intently, head slightly cocked to one side like a curious puppy. A puppy that could burn the flesh from bones, and casually tear limbs from her torso.
"Well, out with it."
"M-my Lord Dragon," she stammered. "It has to do with being with a man. Before I didn't, then I did."
"I've seen your settlements. Your men and women are always together. I see them walking the streets, working in the fields. How can you not be with men? Did they lock you in some far away tower to keep you a virgin?"
"I mean, that I lay with one…intimately."
"Intimately? I am not familiar with this. Explain."
The dragon wondered why her face turned pink and why her hands fidgeted. Is she stupid?
"My Lord Dragon, it is like this," she said as she lifted up her hands. With her left hand, she put thumb and forefinger together in the shape of a circle. With her right, she moved a finger in and out of the circle. The dragon moved his head closer, trying to understand the odd gesture. The woman's eyebrows rose in expectation, and gave him a wink.
"Do not try my patience with riddles. Use your words."
She threw her hands up in the air. "He used his manhood… on my womanhood."
"What part of him is this…manhood?"
For some odd reason she slapped her forehead, then ran her hand down over her face.
She moved a hand to the lower, middle of her torso, and stuck out a finger. "You know, that."
The dragon observed the finger and considered what it could mean. "Oh, you mean his flimsy lower horn? I wondered what purpose that served." He tried to imagine how a man would use such a floppy part on the woman. Nothing came to mind. "How does he use that weak little thing to end your virginity?"
The corners of her mouth crept up in a smile but she forced it back down. "At certain times it becomes…mighty."
"It does?" The dragon recoiled his head back. "Like a warrior's sword?"
"Excellent example my Lord Dragon."
He meant the sword comment as a joke, but the woman was apparently serious. Taken off guard, the dragon looked off in the distance as he tried to fathom how such a puny thing could ever be considered mighty, and considering its awkward location, he had no idea how it could be used effectively. He didn't want to ask as it might reveal his ignorance, so he focused back on the woman and moved his head in closer. "Okay, then what happens?"
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, shrugged, and then said, "He puts it in my baby maker."
Silence hung in the air as they stared at each other, his snout moved within arms reach of her. She could feel the heat radiating from him.
"You mean where you lay your eggs from?"
"My Lord Dragon. We women give birth to babies, miniature humans. Not eggs."
The dragon's head darted back and he bellowed out laughter, his fist pounded the ground causing the coins and gems to jump and jingle. "You're like the beasts of the field!" His laughter echoed on the walls.
"How ridiculous," he said as he struggled to speak as he laughed. "A dragon needs no other dragon to lay eggs!" He had expected humans to be more like dragons because they were one of the few sentient species. "Lower horns, unbelievable." He had never seen a human egg before, but assumed they kept those hidden like other creatures.
The woman closed her eyes and pursed her lips. She shook her head in disbelief and patiently waited. "It's not that funny," she said under her breath as she remembered the encounters.
The dragon's laughter came to an abrupt end. "This is all very fascinating," said the dragon. "Incredible really. I would like to see how this is done. Bring a man here and demonstrate for me."
Her eyes popped open. "What? I mean…What?... My Lord Dragon." She looked to her left and right, half expecting her friends to jump out laughing at the elaborate joke.
"Do you refuse me?" asked the dragon, the threat easily heard in his words.
"Of course not, my Lord Dragon," Maude quickly countered. "It's just that I didn't expect such a request."
He chuckled. "Good, then off with you. Go bring back a man."
Maude looked to the exit and thought about it. Her left hand tucked an errant strand of red hair behind her ear. As odd and pervey of request it was, it was better than being dragon food.
"I'll do as you command, but I don't think it will be that easy, my Lord," she said.
"Why not? Are men not willing to participate?"
"No, that's not the problem."
"Then there is something wrong with you?"
"Not that either."
"Then what, woman? Out with it."
"I don't think anyone would believe me when I tell them of this…quest."
The dragon scratched his chin. He never gave a human a quest before, but the elder dragon had mentioned there would be such opportunities. I wish I paid more attention to the details.
"You're right." The dragon ran a hand through his treasure using his claws as a rake making four long divots.
"There it is," he said as he picked out a necklace with a dragon shaped medallion. "Wear this. If any asks it is my mark, and any who oppose this quest I have given you I will render limb from limb."
Humans tend to respond to threats like that.
The dragon tossed her the medallion, which she deftly caught. She held it up to the light. "This is beautiful, thank you my Lord Dragon."
"That will keep you safe."
She swept her hair back and lifted the piece of jewelry around her neck when she hesitated. "Forgive me Lord Dragon, but may I make a small request?"
The dragon didn't answer, but he didn't say no.
"I shouldn't go out like this. I wear tattered rags and no shoes on my feet. What would they think of you if they saw your servant appearing so wretched."
"Good point woman, here take some of these," said the dragon. He reached to the edge of his treasure pile and flicked coins of copper, silver, gold and gems at her. Mere dust to him. "Get whatever you need so that I may look good."
The woman looked at the coins, then back at the dragon. "This…this is incredibly generous of you," she said.
The dragon looked at what he gave her with a quizzical eye. To him it was the smallest fraction of his fortune, and since she was now his possession, he wasn't going to lose anything. He merely redistributed his wealth.
Are all humans this easy to please?
"I'm your Lord Forge Dragon. See to it that you represent me well woman."
"If it pleases you Lord Forge Dragon, I can tell you my name so you don't have to refer to me as, woman, anymore."
The dragon settled down thinking he was starting to feel like getting that nap. "Name?"
"Yes, each of us humans has a distinct name to tell us apart and-"
"Yes, yes. I know."
"My name is –"
"Buttons," said the dragon cutting her off again. "I will call you Buttons."
"Buttons?"
"Yes, because of those pink dots on your mounds remind me of buttons you humans fancy so much."
Maude looked down. Her robe had fallen open exposing both of her breasts. Buttons.
"You have your quest Buttons. Bring back a man or two," the dragon said as he gave her a dismissive wave with a paw. "Off with you now."
Before I change my mind and eat you.
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ForgeHawk: Chapter 3
Chapter 3 - Buttons
The newly named Buttons drew her robe together to hide her…buttons. Buttons!! Stupid dragon named me Buttons! BUTTONS!! She screamed silently in her head, yet forced her face to remain placid. Jaw clenching, eye twitching placid, but she hoped the dragon wouldn't notice.
I'm alive, he gave me a fortune, and I suppose Buttons isn't any worse than my real name.
The dragon settled down, curled up, and rested his head on his treasure with a big huff. One cat like orange eye stayed open watching her. Buttons sighed as well. Nothing to be done about it now as she didn't want to press her luck with the dragon.
She propped her torch on a nearby wall, though she didn't need it for light in the cavern, rather for the journey back up the tunnel. She dropped to her knees and gathered her new treasure in a small pile. Gold, silver, and copper pieces, along with three of those glowing orange crystals, each the size of a finger. She picked up one of them and tapped it gently against the rock.
She looked up at the walls with their glowing orange webbing. These are the same crystals. It was smooth, but felt warm to the touch. She wondered how much magic was in them, how long they would glow for, and perhaps most importantly, what they were worth.
This is so much. I could buy several farms and hire workers, she thought. This changes everything.
She picked up the medallion and held it up to the light to inspect it. It was more of a choker than a necklace. The band was three fingers wide and was in an intricate latticework of gold with gemstones. Dazzling red rubies intermixed with gloss black opals. The dragon medallion hung from four ropes of gold and was inlaid with similar colored gems with two particularly brilliant orange glowing stones for the eyes.
This is gorgeous, a fortune in itself, she thought. Buttons noted how the colors matched the dragon that gave it to her. It was heavy, and she decided the best way to carry it was to clasp it around her neck.
She bent over and swept her fiery red hair out of the way. Deft fingers found, and locked three clasps of the choker necklace around her neck. Once fastened, she sat up and swept her hair back into place.
At first, she thought her mind was playing a trick. That it was just the choker necklace settling in place, but within seconds she knew that it was moving, slithering and constricting around her neck. Panicked fingers clutched at it, but found no purchase. It tightened, threatening to seal off her airway. She searched for the clasps but could not find them. She tried to stuff fingers between the choker and her neck to no avail.
She fell to her knees, her eyes began to bulge out, and her mouth gasped for air before the choker suddenly relaxed its grip and molded into a comfortable fit. Emergency subsided, she went back to the clasps. I need to get this thing off.
Yet, the clasps were gone. She searched around the choker, running fingers over smooth gems and gold. The clasps had disappeared, melding into the choker and leaving no trace. Not ready to give up, one hand fell to the dragon medallion and tugged hard to rip it off. Though the gold braids appeared delicate, they had the strength of thick steel.
Buttons looked up, the one dragon eye was still watching her. The very corner of his mouth curled in the slightest of smiles.
"My medallion, my buttons, my possessions," said the dragon in a purr.
Speechless, Buttons stared back. She had been thinking about taking the treasure and running, but that decided it for her. I will buy passage to a distant place away from all this and make a new life for myself. It was a man's world out there, but gold was the great equalizer.
She looked down and lifted the dragon medallion. This must be magic. What else could it do? She gave it another tug wondering how much she should be worried and if there was any way to get it off. Maybe she could find a wizard that could help?
"The magic binds you to me. There is no way to remove it," said the dragon as if he read her thoughts.
"Yes, my Lord Dragon," said Buttons not knowing what else to say. Resigned, she dropped the medallion, letting it fall against her breastbone with a thud. She suppressed the urge to run, to get out as fast as she could. Rather, she went back to the rest of the treasure, quickly sorting it out. She made small piles of each type of coin, and set the gems to the side.
The treasure glittered in her eyes and she couldn't help but get excited. I'm rich, so rich!
Looking for a way to carry it all she looped one bottom end of her robe into a pocket, but it was awkward. She decided she would have to tear off a square section from her robe to make an impromptu coin purse. She picked a length, gripped the fabric, and was about to tear when she remembered how poorly it tore leaving tattered edges and would be near impossible to get straight.
Her eyes darted around for something to cut it with. She potted a sheathed dagger. The red ruby in its pommel winked at her. She reached out to grab it but her hand froze before making contact. She looked up to the dragon, that one orange eye still watching her.
"May I use this dagger, Lord Dragon?"
"Go ahead, take it," replied the Dragon in a huff, almost as if it was too much of a bother to say the words.
Buttons picked up the dagger by the handle. The hilt was designed to look like a pair of dragon talons curving towards the blade. She pulled it from its sheath, unable to ignore the red blade.
Steel isn't red, what is this? She ran a finger along the flat of the blade. Cold and smooth.
Putting aside her curiosity for the moment, she used it on her robe. The blade cut quick and clean, leaving it at thigh length. She divided the cut piece in half, sheathed the dagger, and went to lay it down where she found it.
"Keep it," said the dragon, orange cat eye still watching.
"Thank you my Lord Dragon, very generous, very kind of you."
"Yes, I know."
Buttons divided her coins into two of the purses. Gold, gems, and half the silver in one, and the remaining silver and all the copper in the other. She cut off some more cloth and wrapped the dagger to hide it from prying eyes. Her village was on the edge of civilization, but she couldn't be too safe.
I can't go around flaunting my wealth to everyone.
Satisfied with her preparations, she stood up, pulled the two halves of her robe together, and looped her bundles in the fraying belt she made earlier. She was scandalously showing lots of curvy leg, past mid-thigh, but at least the rest of her goods were hidden.
Feeling the need to make a dramatic exit like they did in those fairy tale books her father had read to her, she stood to her full height, puffed out her chest and addressed the dragon.
"Great and Powerful Lord Forge Dragon. I bid you farewell, as I will venture forth in the quest you have given me. I am your noble servant…Buttons."
The dragon didn't bother to lift his head, but gave her a cockeyed look. "What's with all the drama and pomp? Be off with you already. Run along Buttons, run along."
Refusing to be deflated Buttons held her triumphant stance. "As you wish, Lord Dragon, though may I have one last question for you."
He gave a low grumble from his chest. "Last one."
"How may I address you to the others. If you could tell me your name, so the other humans know exactly which great and powerful dragon has assigned me this quest."
"My dragon name is not for human ears."
Buttons eyes perked up as an idea popped in her head. "Then perhaps it would please you to permit me to choose a name. One that declares your magnificence to all who hear it."
"Go on," replied the dragon. She could tell he was curious by the way he lifted his head and cocked it at that angle.
She made a point to survey the cavern as she ran through ideas. "I see you have a fondness for all the glitter and gold."
The dragon raised his head in pride, a smug look upon him. "Yes. Yes I do."
She spread her arms wide in grand fashion. "Then, if it pleases you, I would name you Trinket, in honor of your treasure, and your love for it. The Great Lord Dragon Trinket. For surely you have to be one of the greatest dragons, if not the greatest dragon ever."
The dragon lowered his head and his eyes turned to slits.
Buttons sucked in a breath between her teeth. Oh shit, I shouldn't have said that.
He flicked his tail back and forth and his chest swelled. "I have heard of this word, and I know it has to do with precious items of great importance. Yes, from now on address me as, Lord Dragon Trinket."
Buttons bowed deeply, and released the breath she was holding. A smile spread across her face, pleased with getting revenge so quickly for being named Buttons.
"As you wish, Lord Dragon Trinket. I shall venture forth in your name."
And leave you in my dust, never to be found again.
The newly named Buttons drew her robe together to hide her…buttons. Buttons!! Stupid dragon named me Buttons! BUTTONS!! She screamed silently in her head, yet forced her face to remain placid. Jaw clenching, eye twitching placid, but she hoped the dragon wouldn't notice.
I'm alive, he gave me a fortune, and I suppose Buttons isn't any worse than my real name.
The dragon settled down, curled up, and rested his head on his treasure with a big huff. One cat like orange eye stayed open watching her. Buttons sighed as well. Nothing to be done about it now as she didn't want to press her luck with the dragon.
She propped her torch on a nearby wall, though she didn't need it for light in the cavern, rather for the journey back up the tunnel. She dropped to her knees and gathered her new treasure in a small pile. Gold, silver, and copper pieces, along with three of those glowing orange crystals, each the size of a finger. She picked up one of them and tapped it gently against the rock.
She looked up at the walls with their glowing orange webbing. These are the same crystals. It was smooth, but felt warm to the touch. She wondered how much magic was in them, how long they would glow for, and perhaps most importantly, what they were worth.
This is so much. I could buy several farms and hire workers, she thought. This changes everything.
She picked up the medallion and held it up to the light to inspect it. It was more of a choker than a necklace. The band was three fingers wide and was in an intricate latticework of gold with gemstones. Dazzling red rubies intermixed with gloss black opals. The dragon medallion hung from four ropes of gold and was inlaid with similar colored gems with two particularly brilliant orange glowing stones for the eyes.
This is gorgeous, a fortune in itself, she thought. Buttons noted how the colors matched the dragon that gave it to her. It was heavy, and she decided the best way to carry it was to clasp it around her neck.
She bent over and swept her fiery red hair out of the way. Deft fingers found, and locked three clasps of the choker necklace around her neck. Once fastened, she sat up and swept her hair back into place.
At first, she thought her mind was playing a trick. That it was just the choker necklace settling in place, but within seconds she knew that it was moving, slithering and constricting around her neck. Panicked fingers clutched at it, but found no purchase. It tightened, threatening to seal off her airway. She searched for the clasps but could not find them. She tried to stuff fingers between the choker and her neck to no avail.
She fell to her knees, her eyes began to bulge out, and her mouth gasped for air before the choker suddenly relaxed its grip and molded into a comfortable fit. Emergency subsided, she went back to the clasps. I need to get this thing off.
Yet, the clasps were gone. She searched around the choker, running fingers over smooth gems and gold. The clasps had disappeared, melding into the choker and leaving no trace. Not ready to give up, one hand fell to the dragon medallion and tugged hard to rip it off. Though the gold braids appeared delicate, they had the strength of thick steel.
Buttons looked up, the one dragon eye was still watching her. The very corner of his mouth curled in the slightest of smiles.
"My medallion, my buttons, my possessions," said the dragon in a purr.
Speechless, Buttons stared back. She had been thinking about taking the treasure and running, but that decided it for her. I will buy passage to a distant place away from all this and make a new life for myself. It was a man's world out there, but gold was the great equalizer.
She looked down and lifted the dragon medallion. This must be magic. What else could it do? She gave it another tug wondering how much she should be worried and if there was any way to get it off. Maybe she could find a wizard that could help?
"The magic binds you to me. There is no way to remove it," said the dragon as if he read her thoughts.
"Yes, my Lord Dragon," said Buttons not knowing what else to say. Resigned, she dropped the medallion, letting it fall against her breastbone with a thud. She suppressed the urge to run, to get out as fast as she could. Rather, she went back to the rest of the treasure, quickly sorting it out. She made small piles of each type of coin, and set the gems to the side.
The treasure glittered in her eyes and she couldn't help but get excited. I'm rich, so rich!
Looking for a way to carry it all she looped one bottom end of her robe into a pocket, but it was awkward. She decided she would have to tear off a square section from her robe to make an impromptu coin purse. She picked a length, gripped the fabric, and was about to tear when she remembered how poorly it tore leaving tattered edges and would be near impossible to get straight.
Her eyes darted around for something to cut it with. She potted a sheathed dagger. The red ruby in its pommel winked at her. She reached out to grab it but her hand froze before making contact. She looked up to the dragon, that one orange eye still watching her.
"May I use this dagger, Lord Dragon?"
"Go ahead, take it," replied the Dragon in a huff, almost as if it was too much of a bother to say the words.
Buttons picked up the dagger by the handle. The hilt was designed to look like a pair of dragon talons curving towards the blade. She pulled it from its sheath, unable to ignore the red blade.
Steel isn't red, what is this? She ran a finger along the flat of the blade. Cold and smooth.
Putting aside her curiosity for the moment, she used it on her robe. The blade cut quick and clean, leaving it at thigh length. She divided the cut piece in half, sheathed the dagger, and went to lay it down where she found it.
"Keep it," said the dragon, orange cat eye still watching.
"Thank you my Lord Dragon, very generous, very kind of you."
"Yes, I know."
Buttons divided her coins into two of the purses. Gold, gems, and half the silver in one, and the remaining silver and all the copper in the other. She cut off some more cloth and wrapped the dagger to hide it from prying eyes. Her village was on the edge of civilization, but she couldn't be too safe.
I can't go around flaunting my wealth to everyone.
Satisfied with her preparations, she stood up, pulled the two halves of her robe together, and looped her bundles in the fraying belt she made earlier. She was scandalously showing lots of curvy leg, past mid-thigh, but at least the rest of her goods were hidden.
Feeling the need to make a dramatic exit like they did in those fairy tale books her father had read to her, she stood to her full height, puffed out her chest and addressed the dragon.
"Great and Powerful Lord Forge Dragon. I bid you farewell, as I will venture forth in the quest you have given me. I am your noble servant…Buttons."
The dragon didn't bother to lift his head, but gave her a cockeyed look. "What's with all the drama and pomp? Be off with you already. Run along Buttons, run along."
Refusing to be deflated Buttons held her triumphant stance. "As you wish, Lord Dragon, though may I have one last question for you."
He gave a low grumble from his chest. "Last one."
"How may I address you to the others. If you could tell me your name, so the other humans know exactly which great and powerful dragon has assigned me this quest."
"My dragon name is not for human ears."
Buttons eyes perked up as an idea popped in her head. "Then perhaps it would please you to permit me to choose a name. One that declares your magnificence to all who hear it."
"Go on," replied the dragon. She could tell he was curious by the way he lifted his head and cocked it at that angle.
She made a point to survey the cavern as she ran through ideas. "I see you have a fondness for all the glitter and gold."
The dragon raised his head in pride, a smug look upon him. "Yes. Yes I do."
She spread her arms wide in grand fashion. "Then, if it pleases you, I would name you Trinket, in honor of your treasure, and your love for it. The Great Lord Dragon Trinket. For surely you have to be one of the greatest dragons, if not the greatest dragon ever."
The dragon lowered his head and his eyes turned to slits.
Buttons sucked in a breath between her teeth. Oh shit, I shouldn't have said that.
He flicked his tail back and forth and his chest swelled. "I have heard of this word, and I know it has to do with precious items of great importance. Yes, from now on address me as, Lord Dragon Trinket."
Buttons bowed deeply, and released the breath she was holding. A smile spread across her face, pleased with getting revenge so quickly for being named Buttons.
"As you wish, Lord Dragon Trinket. I shall venture forth in your name."
And leave you in my dust, never to be found again.
ForgeHawk; Chapter 4
Chapter 4 – Chances
Buttons pace quickened as she exited the cave. The whole way out she kept looking over her shoulder expecting Trinket to rush up and devour her whole. She tossed the torch to the side, spread her arms out wide, tilted her face skyward, and let the sun kiss her face.
I'm alive! I'm alive!
Jubilation flooded though her causing her to erupt in laughter. Waves of betrayal and hurt crashed in causing racking sobs to intermingle with the laughter.
They were ready to kill me. I thought I had friends, I thought I fit in.
She wiped her eyes with her sleeve and looked past the plateau to the valley below. Her village was down there, and more problems than she could think through. "Do what is at hand, and figure out the rest out as you go," she said repeating one her father's sayings. She fondled her coin purses, the metallic clinking felt good. I can go anywhere, do anything.
She reached up and felt the strange medallion hanging from her neck. Her thumb ran along the lines feeling the contours of the dragon.
She wondered what would happen if she did bring a man back to fulfill the dragons pervey quest. Would Trinket just kill them both when his curiosity was satisfied, or would she remain in his servitude? Either way doesn't matter, he will never find me once I leave.
Then she remembered the dragon's words how the necklace bound her to him. She didn't know what that meant exactly, but it did raise some concerns.
She turned to face the cave, hands on hips, and wondered if maybe she should entertain staying with the dragon. Trinket is a bit of an idiot, but he is powerful and wealthy…nah, that's stupid. I should leave. I don't want to be around when he finds out what his name really means.
She gave the medallion another hard yank hoping she could rip it off. I can't believe he called me Buttons. Buttons!! How does he even know what those are? She had been hoping to name herself. Something after the heroine from her favorite fairytale her father used to read to her. She hated Buttons almost as much as she hated her given name.
"Maude," shouted a male voice causing her to jump. She spun around to see a young man wave at her from the distant shrubbery at the edge of the plateau.
"Maude, is that you?" he shouted again.
"Leland?" Is that you?"
"Yes, it's me," he shouted back. "Is the dragon gone?"
"It's safe, he won't bother us. What are you doing here?"
Leland started to run towards her. "I followed the group hoping you would be spared. I stayed after they left."
Maude blinked her eyes. She remembered Leland well. They grew up together, and though he was a year younger than her, they were in the same group of kids who played together. They had been caught playing more than once playing in mud puddles, and how he defended her when the other kids called her mud worm. As they got older, he got shy around her. She had caught him looking her way a few times too often. Just like his gaze tended to linger a bit too long, but his eyes would dart away and cheeks flush when she looked back.
The dragon's pervey quest came to mind. Could it be this easy?
His father was the carpenter, a trade that Leland had become astute as evidenced with his strong arms and shoulders. He was wearing a sleeveless tunic, and Buttons could not help but notice the lines of his arms as he neared.
"You came to rescue me?" Buttons asked. She knew that boys liked to play the hero and that playing the damsel in distress might be a good play.
Leland had been running towards her at a good clip, his long legs easily navigating the terrain. "Maude, I'm so glad the dragon let you go," he shouted as he closed the distance.
Maude cringed at the sound her name. Who names their daughter that? Maybe I do like Buttons better.
She shook her head and focused her thoughts. What if I convince Leland to come down for a pervey sex show? I bet I can talk Trinket into letting us go. He's a sucker for flattery and then I won't be in debt to him. Father did always say do what is at hand, though I don't think he meant it like this.
"Leland!" She shouted as she shot her arms up in celebration! "I'm so glad to see you! My hero!" She rushed forward, careful of her tender feet, to meet him.
"Thank the gods! They saved you! It's a miracle!"
I'm pretty sure the gods had nothing to do with it, but you go ahead and think that.
"Yes, thank the gods," she shouted.
As they approached, he slowed down and came up short. Buttons kept going, jumped into him, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Oh, thank you Leland. You're amazing," Buttons said as she buried her face into his neck. Why isn't he hugging me back?
She pulled back, but kept her arms around his neck. Her crystal green eyes looked into his deep brown eyes. She lifted herself on her tiptoes.
Then his strong hands went to her waist and pushed her down and away. Aren't you supposed to kiss me now? That's how it works in fairy tales right?
"It's incredible you're alive," said Leland as he smiled. "I thought you were done for."
"Yes, incredible," she said and pushed up on her tiptoes and tried to pucker up her lips.
His hands pushed her back down and away. My, those are strong.
Her eyes narrowed. How come this isn't working? She wondered. Since she grew up with only brothers and a father she was more of a tomboy interested in pretending sticks where swords than flirting with boys. With Kantar, he did all the initiating, so she was unsure how to proceed.
"We need to leave now," said Leland as he looked over her shoulder at the cave. He lowered his voice, "the dragon can come back anytime."
He pried her fingers from his neck, and then turned to lead her away. At least he is holding my hand, she thought.
"Wait," said Buttons. How do I convince him to go back to the dragon cave with me?
Leland stopped, an expectant look on his face.
"I have no shoes," she said, stalling. "My feet will be bloody and torn and you can't carry me all the way back."
Leland must have seen the logic in her words because he stopped pulling. "That, and your robes are tattered," he said as his eyes traced along the curves of her legs. "We can't have you going out like that. It's scandalous!"
This is more like it, she thought. She tilted her hips to emphasis their curves. "Do you think I'm showing too much leg?"
Leland's eyes went back to her thighs, his face flushed and he turned away as he stammered out a response. "Um…ahh…uhh…I-I got an idea."
A smile crossed her lips, now to get him to Trinket.
Leland turned away and headed to Troyer's body. "We can use his shoes to protect your feet, and his trousers to cover you up. They will be too big for you, but we can make them work.
The smile vanished from her face. What? Maude followed him with a pout on her face. How is he not getting it?
While taking Troyer's clothes was a good idea, she couldn't help but be miffed at the rejection. Doesn't he think I'm pretty enough?
She thought back to the lingering looks he gave her back at the village, and the shy reactions. He is bashful. Buttons looked back at the cave, then at Leland working away. She weighed escaping with Leland, but she had a man right here. One that she knew was soft on her. How do I do this?
Leland already had the boots off, and was working on the belt holding the trousers. I need to think of something fast.
"Leland," she said, her voice quiet.
"Yes?"
"The dragon let me go because he gave me a quest."
"A quest?" This time he looked over his shoulder at her, raised eyebrows showing his curiosity.
"Please look at me when I tell you. It's very, very important."
Leland turned from the corpse and went over to stand in front of Buttons.
Buttons kept her chin down, and looked up at him to make her eyes look big and pleading. The pout was back. She reached out and took his hands. These are very strong.
"You see," said Buttons searching for the words. "The dragon wanted, no demanded, that I bring a man back to his cave so he can watch us…umm…"
"Watch us what?"
Buttons wanted to put her face in her palms. He still isn't getting it.
She cleared her throat. "He wants us to, consummate."
"He wants us to get married?"
"Umm, well, more like fornicate."
All the world fell to silence as Leland's brain tried to compute the message.
His eyes dropped to her breasts, which were showing a bit of her buttons because somehow her robe accidently-on-purpose fell open.
She expected a look of desire. Instead, she got fear.
"W-what are you doing?" he stammered as he started to pull away. He caught the brilliant reflection of the sun off the dragon medallion. His fear morphed into stark horror and he pushed her away.
"You want to fuck in front of the dragon?" he shouted, disbelief painted across his face.
Buttons shrugged, "Yeah, kinda."
Leland stumbled back a few steps, then raised a trembling finger, and pointed it at her.
"YOU SHE-DEMON!! YOU WILL NEVER EAT MY SOUL!!"
"What are you talking about Leland? I want-"
"NEVER!" he shouted. Leland spun on his heel and took off running from her as fast as his legs could carry him with arms pumping hard.
"What? NO!" Buttons shouted after him. "It's my quest! It's no big deal because the dragon is a pervert."
"SHE-DEMON!! EVIL TEMPTRESS!!" Yelled Leland as he quickened his pace.
"Oh come on man! I'm giving you a free pass here!"
Leland kept running, not looking back or swaying course.
Buttons stood watching him, mouth hanging open. Her anger spiked at the blatant, over-the-top, rejection. "YOU BIG PANSY! YOU WISH YOU COULD GET SOME OF THIS!!"
She watched him disappear as he got the edge of the plateau and made his way down the trail, essentially gone forever. Her eyebrows dipped and her lips pressed together as she stared at the spot Leland vanished.
The moment slowly passed. Her muscles relaxed as the anger simmered away.
I really need to work on my sales pitch.
ForgeHawk Chapter 5
Chapter 5 – Homecoming
With Leland gone Maude got to work undressing Troyer's body. While familiar enough with dealing with dead bodies of animals, this was a different matter. She made a point to keep focused on what her hands were doing, but when she tugged up to get his belt off, she heard a wet splat. She looked up to get hit by sight of his lower intestines flopping out his neck hole because Trinket sucked out everything above those. Then the smell hit her. She turned, fell to her knees, and dry heaved over the rocks.
Wiping her mouth she got back to it, albeit slower. Hurt stomach lurched and gurgled, but she managed to get off his boots, pants, and belt without retching again. She got dressed in his clothes, thankful she was taller than the average woman, and his feet were smaller than the average man's. Looking him over she saw that other things were smaller than average. Might explain why you were such a miserable bastard.
Maude walked over and stood at the edge of the plateau just beyond the sparse shrubbery. She could see that Leland had made good time as he was running down the switchbacks. She yelled after him causing him to glance up, and then pick up the pace. Button put her hand her hips still feeling the sting of rejection. Does he really need to run so fast?
She spotted the group of villagers at the base of the mountain. They were preparing their horses and carts. At the speed Leland was going it wouldn't be too long before he caught up with to them. Buttons pressed her lips together as she wondered what Leland would be telling them. Whatever it was, it won't be good.
Her eyes followed the footpath up to where it connected to the bend of the small road. To the north was Arnzeville with her farm on the eastern edge of it, but her eyes followed the road west. It followed the mountainside river that led to a two-day walk to the next village, and her pending freedom.
The wind picked up, rustling her ill-fitting clothes and blowing her hair back. A sense of giddiness grew within her, born of the thrill of escaping the dragon cave, and standing on the ledge looking over her world. A song filled her ears as she remembered how her father would add dramatic theme music when he told those stories to her and her brothers. It felt like such a moment for her. Buttons brought out her dagger, struck a pose and lifted the weapon high overhead.
"I AM DRAGON GAURDIAN BU- no no, that sounds stupid," she said cutting off her own declaration. Titles and names ran through her head. Dragon Warrior – no, Princesses Warrior – no that's horrible. Her mind went back to her favourite fairy tale. "I AM KRISTEN FORGEHAWK, PROTECTOR OF THE REALM." Oooh, I like that, just need to change the first name. For a heartbeat she was that little girl standing on her bed swinging her wooden sword in her own imaginary world.
Buttons let out a sighing laugh and lowered the dagger. Her eyes went back to her farm in Arnzeville. She thought of her father's room, which she had left closed since his passing two months ago. I have to go back, I can't leave it all behind.
She took a closer look at her dagger, angled it to let the sun reflect off the blood red blade. She tapped it with her finger. I don't think this is steel. With the better light she noticed how thin the blade was and the cutting edge was gloss black. There was fine details of gold and silver embroidered into the handle and she couldn't identify the material of that either. She did like the feel of it in her hand, a certain thrill of danger and authority.
She gave her head a shake, "I need to stop acting childish." She said repeating advice her older brothers often used. I'm no hero, just a girl trying to make it in this world. A sigh escaped her as she started her journey back. Getting to the bottom of the mountain, she cut off the road to avoid any possible encounters. It would add a couple hours to a journey that would normally take five, but it seemed like a reasonable precaution.
The terrain was familiar because she had ventured through the area with her brothers and other packs of kids. She found wild tartberries she loved so much that made her lips redder than her hair. She rehearsed her story and witty comebacks from expected rebuttals. She practiced fighting with her dagger, hacking and stabbing vegetation. The ease of how it cut excited her. Almost like the blade wanted to slice and stab, pulling itself through the target. She decided it was her knew favourite knife.
She wondered how the villagers would react to her arrival. Would they leave her alone or would they come out and kill her? Surely they wouldn't be out for blood anymore?
She sang songs that she knew and made up others on the fly. The music would always bring out the tree fairies who fluttered about on their butterfly wings. Their strange melodic chattering filled the branches as she attracted groups of them, but like always they kept their distance.
Finally, as the sunset before her she crested a shallow hill and saw her farm. Her feet ached, and she couldn't wait to put on some fresh clothes and get some real food. Her eyes narrowed when she spotted the thin wisp of smoke coming out her chimney. Who's in my house?
She began her aggressive march home. Her astute eyes noticed someone moved the wheelbarrow, her chickens were missing, and so where her pigs. The goats were still there, and so were two of the three horses.
Tired, hungry, and sore her temper unraveled. She stormed up to the front door and flung it open. Kantar and his younger brother Nevil stared back at her. Nevil was holding an oil lantern he had trimmed and Kantar was standing over the hearth stirring the contents of the cooking pot that was hanging over it.
Nevil looked to Kantar, Kantar locked eyes with Buttons. Buttons stepped forward slamming the door behind her. Her face turned red, and her upper lip twisted in a curl. "Kantar, you lying son a bitch! What are you doing here?"
Kantar slowly turned to square his body with hers. He still held the long wooden spoon that dripped on the stone floor. "Maude? I-I didn't think I would see you again."
"Because you served me for dragon bait?"
"It wasn't like that, I thought-"
"That I would never return? Is that why you're here? Stealing my farm?"
"We thought you left," said Kantar taking a step forward, arms going wide as if he wanted to hug her.
"Left? LEFT? You mean dragged away to be eaten by a fucking dragon because you're a cowardly little fuck!" Her hand fell to her dagger and pulled it out.
Kantar raised his hands. "Easy Maude, listen here-"
He didn't get any further because she took two quick steps closer and drew out the dagger holding it high and to the side. "Get out of my house," she whispered. Her rage boiled over, grew cold and a chill ran up her spine. First he lies, now he steals my house.
Both young men eyes were wide as they backed up. Kantar put his younger brother behind him to shield him.
"Her eyes," said Nevil, "Her sword."
"What are you waiting for?" asked Maude as she kept closing the distance.
"We are leaving, just relax Maude, we're leaving," said Kantar as he pushed his brother backwards. Once they retreated to a safe distance they spun around ran for the back door and left without closing it behind them. Buttons watched them through the kitchen window as they raced along the path back to town.
Satisfied they were not coming back her exhaustion took over and she let her anger wane. It was too much effort to keep it fueled. She leaned against the counter and lowered her dagger. That came out fast and easy. She slid it back into its sheath and smirked at how Nevil called it a sword. Boys like to exaggerate.
Her eyes swept over the room. That sense of violation flared up again. They got into everything. A chord struck within her. She made a straight line to the hallway leading to the bedrooms. A lump formed in her throat when she saw the door to her father's room was open.
She stood at the threshold and her heart sank. She had left it closed since his passing, not ready to go inside. It was as if she didn't touch anything he would still be present in some tangible way. Her bottom lip trembled. "No."
They had gone inside and ransacked it. Not ready to assess the damage she quietly closed the door and turned back to the kitchen. She served herself some pottage cooking in the hearth, broke off a piece of salted pork sausage, and ate in silence at the table. Her eyes swept over the room mentally noting every article that had been moved.
One of her cats silently padded in and rubbed its neck against her ankle. She reached down scratched behind his ears, it was the smaller, but the most friendly of the three she had. "Hi Matrim, I'm glad someone still likes me."
Matrim purred and nuzzled her hand causing her to smile. "Yes, you're still my favorite." He jumped up on her lap, gave her some affection, took a bite of offered sausage, nuzzled his head into her neck for a moment before jumping down and finding a spot near the hearth to bask in its warmth.
"Do what is at hand," she whispered as she stood up. Not able to bring herself to check on her father's room she washed her face, hands, and feet from the days grime. Tattered and ill-fitting clothing was stripped off and thrown in the corner and she was disappointed to see her own room was rifled through as well. She ignored the mess, found leggings, a sensible skirt, and a shawl to go over her top because the air was still crisp when night fell.
She went back to the kitchen and paced the floor. Thoughts raced through her head as she went over the last events. The villager's plan, how no one stood up for her, how the dragon spared her and the ridiculous quest, and how they already took her farm.
She whirled and pointed at the idols of the four gods that her farther kept in a small shrine built into the wall. "A lot of help you four where," she challenged, and instantly thought of the bags of gold and how she was still alive. She directed her attention to the stone idol of Father Forge, "Okay, fine. Maybe you helped," she said. The foot tall idol remained expressionless, the stone face staring blankly. Still, Father Forge was the creator of the foundations of the world and forge dragons are considered the first of his children. Maybe he did care?
She threw her arms into the air, "I'm stalling!"
With a groan, she strode to her fathers room, took a deep breath, and swung the door open. She realized it probably wasn't Kantar who upended everything, rather it was the men from last night. Every drawer was open, bed sheets thrown off, and the books that used to be on his wall shelves where everywhere. Bastards, she thought as she wondered how much of this was Kantar was involved with. She hoped he didn't disrespect her father by rifling through his stuff.
Stepping inside she realized that many books were missing. She walked over to his dresser where they were piled and searched through them. Her father had brought these from Port Amber, the big city where he used to live. All the books about animal husbandry, soils, fertilizers, planting cycles and other practical matters where gone. Her father had given much of the credit of his success to the information held within those tomes. "These are why my pigs are fatter, and my crops yield more," he had boasted.
Maude flipped through the remaining books, all stories, lore, and whimsical tales. "There it is," she said when she found her favorite. The red leather was well worn, but the gold embossed name of 'Forgehawk' could still be easily read. She ran a thumb along the pages, opening one at random and was happy to see the her heroine's name, Kristen Forgehawk, practically jump out off the page.
The book was neatly tucked under her arm. She looked at the trunk at the foot of his bed, the one that she had never seen open. The lock was still on it. She stepped over and kneeled down to inspect it. It now had received markings of heavy blows, but remained intact. They will come back with better tools.
A memory came to her, of how her father would babble during one of his feverish dreams before he passed. Near the end she would come and put a cold cloth over his head and on his neck in hopes to give comfort. The night before he died he grabbed her wrist, his fierce green eyes held her fast. "Claire," he said, "The key is in your heart. The heart of Rock and Fire." She didn't know who Claire was, or what he meant passing it off as delirious ranting's.
A thought came to her… she went to the bathroom and found her heat stone, thankful no one knew what it was and left it behind. She ran a thumbnail along the seam of the rock. Could it be?
She went back into the kitchen and used the hatchet to break off where the copper went into the stone and unraveled the rest. Flipping the hatchet over she carefully cracked it to reveal the odd shaped heart made out of porous stone she had never seen before.
Maude took it over to the trunk in her father's room and held it up to the lock. The key slid in, twisted and the lock popped off. Removing the metal banding she lifted the trunk lid and found…another smaller box. It was only the size of a ring box looking extra small in the cavernous trunk.
This is the only thing he had in here?
She carefully picked it up. It was covered with red velvet with black metal banding with a small keyhole in the front to keep it locked. Maude sat down cross-legged and held it close to her face to inspect it. The craftsmanship was beautiful.
She looked around the room. "Where did he hide your key?" It would be a tiny little thing that could be anywhere. She tapped it with a fingernail and decided she didn't want to damage it to get at whatever was inside. "What secret do you hide?"
She took it over to the kitchen table, sat down, and stared at it with her arms crossed over her chest. "What makes you important enough to lock in a huge chest?"
The idols caught her attention and she thought of one of the things her father would say. It never hurts to pray, but it is usually helps even more if you go do something about it.
"What do I do now?" she asked them. "If I stay will the villagers leave me alone? Would I even want to stay and live a lonely life?" It didn't take long to decide. "No, no I don't want to be alone."
A hand rose to feel the dragon medallion that was now hidden under her shawl. It was a constant reminder of the task Trinket gave her. If I complete his quest, would he let me go? I bet he would, and I would still be rich.
"Maude Za'Carn," shouted a voice from outside causing her to jump. Alarm bells sounded off in her head. She got up and hurried to the window. Outside a mob of villagers was rapidly approaching her house. Why are they carrying torches? It isn't dark yet. She wondered. Shit, they got pitchforks and axes as well.
The villagers pointed and shouted.
"There she is!"
"In the front window."
"Do you see her eyes?"
"Her eyes!"
My eyes?
"Maude Za'Carn," shouted the ringleader. "Come out, you're on trial for being a She-Demon!"
Oh, for fucks sake. Most red haired women would have been terrified at the charges shouted by a lynch mob. Not this one, not after the kidnapping, theft, and attempted murder. She was tired of this and now was pissed. Enough is fucking enough.
With the power of righteous anger and the fury of her red hair she strode to the front door, threw it open and stepped outside to confront them. Hair flying wildly behind her, she strode towards the group, arms spread wide.
"You want me? Here I am, and we're going to set a few thing straight."
With Leland gone Maude got to work undressing Troyer's body. While familiar enough with dealing with dead bodies of animals, this was a different matter. She made a point to keep focused on what her hands were doing, but when she tugged up to get his belt off, she heard a wet splat. She looked up to get hit by sight of his lower intestines flopping out his neck hole because Trinket sucked out everything above those. Then the smell hit her. She turned, fell to her knees, and dry heaved over the rocks.
Wiping her mouth she got back to it, albeit slower. Hurt stomach lurched and gurgled, but she managed to get off his boots, pants, and belt without retching again. She got dressed in his clothes, thankful she was taller than the average woman, and his feet were smaller than the average man's. Looking him over she saw that other things were smaller than average. Might explain why you were such a miserable bastard.
Maude walked over and stood at the edge of the plateau just beyond the sparse shrubbery. She could see that Leland had made good time as he was running down the switchbacks. She yelled after him causing him to glance up, and then pick up the pace. Button put her hand her hips still feeling the sting of rejection. Does he really need to run so fast?
She spotted the group of villagers at the base of the mountain. They were preparing their horses and carts. At the speed Leland was going it wouldn't be too long before he caught up with to them. Buttons pressed her lips together as she wondered what Leland would be telling them. Whatever it was, it won't be good.
Her eyes followed the footpath up to where it connected to the bend of the small road. To the north was Arnzeville with her farm on the eastern edge of it, but her eyes followed the road west. It followed the mountainside river that led to a two-day walk to the next village, and her pending freedom.
The wind picked up, rustling her ill-fitting clothes and blowing her hair back. A sense of giddiness grew within her, born of the thrill of escaping the dragon cave, and standing on the ledge looking over her world. A song filled her ears as she remembered how her father would add dramatic theme music when he told those stories to her and her brothers. It felt like such a moment for her. Buttons brought out her dagger, struck a pose and lifted the weapon high overhead.
"I AM DRAGON GAURDIAN BU- no no, that sounds stupid," she said cutting off her own declaration. Titles and names ran through her head. Dragon Warrior – no, Princesses Warrior – no that's horrible. Her mind went back to her favourite fairy tale. "I AM KRISTEN FORGEHAWK, PROTECTOR OF THE REALM." Oooh, I like that, just need to change the first name. For a heartbeat she was that little girl standing on her bed swinging her wooden sword in her own imaginary world.
Buttons let out a sighing laugh and lowered the dagger. Her eyes went back to her farm in Arnzeville. She thought of her father's room, which she had left closed since his passing two months ago. I have to go back, I can't leave it all behind.
She took a closer look at her dagger, angled it to let the sun reflect off the blood red blade. She tapped it with her finger. I don't think this is steel. With the better light she noticed how thin the blade was and the cutting edge was gloss black. There was fine details of gold and silver embroidered into the handle and she couldn't identify the material of that either. She did like the feel of it in her hand, a certain thrill of danger and authority.
She gave her head a shake, "I need to stop acting childish." She said repeating advice her older brothers often used. I'm no hero, just a girl trying to make it in this world. A sigh escaped her as she started her journey back. Getting to the bottom of the mountain, she cut off the road to avoid any possible encounters. It would add a couple hours to a journey that would normally take five, but it seemed like a reasonable precaution.
The terrain was familiar because she had ventured through the area with her brothers and other packs of kids. She found wild tartberries she loved so much that made her lips redder than her hair. She rehearsed her story and witty comebacks from expected rebuttals. She practiced fighting with her dagger, hacking and stabbing vegetation. The ease of how it cut excited her. Almost like the blade wanted to slice and stab, pulling itself through the target. She decided it was her knew favourite knife.
She wondered how the villagers would react to her arrival. Would they leave her alone or would they come out and kill her? Surely they wouldn't be out for blood anymore?
She sang songs that she knew and made up others on the fly. The music would always bring out the tree fairies who fluttered about on their butterfly wings. Their strange melodic chattering filled the branches as she attracted groups of them, but like always they kept their distance.
Finally, as the sunset before her she crested a shallow hill and saw her farm. Her feet ached, and she couldn't wait to put on some fresh clothes and get some real food. Her eyes narrowed when she spotted the thin wisp of smoke coming out her chimney. Who's in my house?
She began her aggressive march home. Her astute eyes noticed someone moved the wheelbarrow, her chickens were missing, and so where her pigs. The goats were still there, and so were two of the three horses.
Tired, hungry, and sore her temper unraveled. She stormed up to the front door and flung it open. Kantar and his younger brother Nevil stared back at her. Nevil was holding an oil lantern he had trimmed and Kantar was standing over the hearth stirring the contents of the cooking pot that was hanging over it.
Nevil looked to Kantar, Kantar locked eyes with Buttons. Buttons stepped forward slamming the door behind her. Her face turned red, and her upper lip twisted in a curl. "Kantar, you lying son a bitch! What are you doing here?"
Kantar slowly turned to square his body with hers. He still held the long wooden spoon that dripped on the stone floor. "Maude? I-I didn't think I would see you again."
"Because you served me for dragon bait?"
"It wasn't like that, I thought-"
"That I would never return? Is that why you're here? Stealing my farm?"
"We thought you left," said Kantar taking a step forward, arms going wide as if he wanted to hug her.
"Left? LEFT? You mean dragged away to be eaten by a fucking dragon because you're a cowardly little fuck!" Her hand fell to her dagger and pulled it out.
Kantar raised his hands. "Easy Maude, listen here-"
He didn't get any further because she took two quick steps closer and drew out the dagger holding it high and to the side. "Get out of my house," she whispered. Her rage boiled over, grew cold and a chill ran up her spine. First he lies, now he steals my house.
Both young men eyes were wide as they backed up. Kantar put his younger brother behind him to shield him.
"Her eyes," said Nevil, "Her sword."
"What are you waiting for?" asked Maude as she kept closing the distance.
"We are leaving, just relax Maude, we're leaving," said Kantar as he pushed his brother backwards. Once they retreated to a safe distance they spun around ran for the back door and left without closing it behind them. Buttons watched them through the kitchen window as they raced along the path back to town.
Satisfied they were not coming back her exhaustion took over and she let her anger wane. It was too much effort to keep it fueled. She leaned against the counter and lowered her dagger. That came out fast and easy. She slid it back into its sheath and smirked at how Nevil called it a sword. Boys like to exaggerate.
Her eyes swept over the room. That sense of violation flared up again. They got into everything. A chord struck within her. She made a straight line to the hallway leading to the bedrooms. A lump formed in her throat when she saw the door to her father's room was open.
She stood at the threshold and her heart sank. She had left it closed since his passing, not ready to go inside. It was as if she didn't touch anything he would still be present in some tangible way. Her bottom lip trembled. "No."
They had gone inside and ransacked it. Not ready to assess the damage she quietly closed the door and turned back to the kitchen. She served herself some pottage cooking in the hearth, broke off a piece of salted pork sausage, and ate in silence at the table. Her eyes swept over the room mentally noting every article that had been moved.
One of her cats silently padded in and rubbed its neck against her ankle. She reached down scratched behind his ears, it was the smaller, but the most friendly of the three she had. "Hi Matrim, I'm glad someone still likes me."
Matrim purred and nuzzled her hand causing her to smile. "Yes, you're still my favorite." He jumped up on her lap, gave her some affection, took a bite of offered sausage, nuzzled his head into her neck for a moment before jumping down and finding a spot near the hearth to bask in its warmth.
"Do what is at hand," she whispered as she stood up. Not able to bring herself to check on her father's room she washed her face, hands, and feet from the days grime. Tattered and ill-fitting clothing was stripped off and thrown in the corner and she was disappointed to see her own room was rifled through as well. She ignored the mess, found leggings, a sensible skirt, and a shawl to go over her top because the air was still crisp when night fell.
She went back to the kitchen and paced the floor. Thoughts raced through her head as she went over the last events. The villager's plan, how no one stood up for her, how the dragon spared her and the ridiculous quest, and how they already took her farm.
She whirled and pointed at the idols of the four gods that her farther kept in a small shrine built into the wall. "A lot of help you four where," she challenged, and instantly thought of the bags of gold and how she was still alive. She directed her attention to the stone idol of Father Forge, "Okay, fine. Maybe you helped," she said. The foot tall idol remained expressionless, the stone face staring blankly. Still, Father Forge was the creator of the foundations of the world and forge dragons are considered the first of his children. Maybe he did care?
She threw her arms into the air, "I'm stalling!"
With a groan, she strode to her fathers room, took a deep breath, and swung the door open. She realized it probably wasn't Kantar who upended everything, rather it was the men from last night. Every drawer was open, bed sheets thrown off, and the books that used to be on his wall shelves where everywhere. Bastards, she thought as she wondered how much of this was Kantar was involved with. She hoped he didn't disrespect her father by rifling through his stuff.
Stepping inside she realized that many books were missing. She walked over to his dresser where they were piled and searched through them. Her father had brought these from Port Amber, the big city where he used to live. All the books about animal husbandry, soils, fertilizers, planting cycles and other practical matters where gone. Her father had given much of the credit of his success to the information held within those tomes. "These are why my pigs are fatter, and my crops yield more," he had boasted.
Maude flipped through the remaining books, all stories, lore, and whimsical tales. "There it is," she said when she found her favorite. The red leather was well worn, but the gold embossed name of 'Forgehawk' could still be easily read. She ran a thumb along the pages, opening one at random and was happy to see the her heroine's name, Kristen Forgehawk, practically jump out off the page.
The book was neatly tucked under her arm. She looked at the trunk at the foot of his bed, the one that she had never seen open. The lock was still on it. She stepped over and kneeled down to inspect it. It now had received markings of heavy blows, but remained intact. They will come back with better tools.
A memory came to her, of how her father would babble during one of his feverish dreams before he passed. Near the end she would come and put a cold cloth over his head and on his neck in hopes to give comfort. The night before he died he grabbed her wrist, his fierce green eyes held her fast. "Claire," he said, "The key is in your heart. The heart of Rock and Fire." She didn't know who Claire was, or what he meant passing it off as delirious ranting's.
A thought came to her… she went to the bathroom and found her heat stone, thankful no one knew what it was and left it behind. She ran a thumbnail along the seam of the rock. Could it be?
She went back into the kitchen and used the hatchet to break off where the copper went into the stone and unraveled the rest. Flipping the hatchet over she carefully cracked it to reveal the odd shaped heart made out of porous stone she had never seen before.
Maude took it over to the trunk in her father's room and held it up to the lock. The key slid in, twisted and the lock popped off. Removing the metal banding she lifted the trunk lid and found…another smaller box. It was only the size of a ring box looking extra small in the cavernous trunk.
This is the only thing he had in here?
She carefully picked it up. It was covered with red velvet with black metal banding with a small keyhole in the front to keep it locked. Maude sat down cross-legged and held it close to her face to inspect it. The craftsmanship was beautiful.
She looked around the room. "Where did he hide your key?" It would be a tiny little thing that could be anywhere. She tapped it with a fingernail and decided she didn't want to damage it to get at whatever was inside. "What secret do you hide?"
She took it over to the kitchen table, sat down, and stared at it with her arms crossed over her chest. "What makes you important enough to lock in a huge chest?"
The idols caught her attention and she thought of one of the things her father would say. It never hurts to pray, but it is usually helps even more if you go do something about it.
"What do I do now?" she asked them. "If I stay will the villagers leave me alone? Would I even want to stay and live a lonely life?" It didn't take long to decide. "No, no I don't want to be alone."
A hand rose to feel the dragon medallion that was now hidden under her shawl. It was a constant reminder of the task Trinket gave her. If I complete his quest, would he let me go? I bet he would, and I would still be rich.
"Maude Za'Carn," shouted a voice from outside causing her to jump. Alarm bells sounded off in her head. She got up and hurried to the window. Outside a mob of villagers was rapidly approaching her house. Why are they carrying torches? It isn't dark yet. She wondered. Shit, they got pitchforks and axes as well.
The villagers pointed and shouted.
"There she is!"
"In the front window."
"Do you see her eyes?"
"Her eyes!"
My eyes?
"Maude Za'Carn," shouted the ringleader. "Come out, you're on trial for being a She-Demon!"
Oh, for fucks sake. Most red haired women would have been terrified at the charges shouted by a lynch mob. Not this one, not after the kidnapping, theft, and attempted murder. She was tired of this and now was pissed. Enough is fucking enough.
With the power of righteous anger and the fury of her red hair she strode to the front door, threw it open and stepped outside to confront them. Hair flying wildly behind her, she strode towards the group, arms spread wide.
"You want me? Here I am, and we're going to set a few thing straight."
ForgeHawk: Chapter 6
Chapter 6 – Setting things straight
"First," started Maude as she strode towards the villagers. Her walk was purposeful and aggressive, with her shoulders leaning forward like a mother preparing to scold a petulant child. "My name is Claire Forgehawk, and you will only use that name from now on."
The village mob slowed their pace, their steps becoming unsure. They did not expect her to confront them, especially not head towards them with such strength. The gaggle whispered in shock.
"She has no fear?"
"She's a Forgehawk?"
"Her eyes are like they said."
"What do we do?"
"Second," continued Buttons. Though she could hear their whispers, she ignored them. "This is MY family farm. Only I say what happens on MY farm."
With an uncanny ease her right hand fell to the dagger at her waist, pulled it out and held it straight out to the side for all to see. That chill raced down her spine again.
The mob came to a stop. What was supposed to be easy prey had morphed into a furious predator. Like any peasant army they had no backbone, a few began to hedge away. Discontent grew within their ranks.
"She's coming at us."
"She has the sword."
"The blade burns!"
A Sword? Buttons eyes shot to the right to look at her dagger. It had stretched into a sword with its blade as long as her arm. It was near weightless, and the edge glowed like red embers leaving tracers. Holy shit, it's a sword!
Feeling the momentum shift in her favor she couldn't help but press her advantage, though a part of her told her not to, she blurted it out anyway.
"Finally, I need a man!"
Regret filler her instantly. Shit, that sounded bad. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Sure enough, the crowd faltered. Any semblance of courage had melted away. Individuals at the edges turned and fled. Their panic began to spread.
"She wants a man?"
"She-demon!"
"No you fools," cut in Buttons. The distance had closed. She could see the whites of their eyes. Caught up in the moment, she threw off her shawl exposing her dragon medallion. "I come from the Dragon, he demands it." Dammit, that sounded even worse.
"She's the Dragon Princess," shouted a man in the crowd.
Dragon Princess? I like the sound of that!
A woman screamed, and then the crowd broke. They turned and ran back to the perceived safety of the village. The would-be-lynch-mob disintegrated before Claire. Like a hound watching rabbits run away she was compelled to chase after them. She hiked up her skirt with one hand and chased after then while swinging her sword in the air above her as she shouted.
The village square was normally about an hour walk. She gave up the chase in less than minute because her rational mind took hold. What am I doing? What would I do if caught up with them? I don't want to actually kill anyone.
She stopped in the middle of the road. She could see the torches of the villagers as they ran. Many had discarded their pitchforks and other impromptu weapons along the path. Claire looked back to her farm, thoughts raced through her head. I have to keep going and finish this.
Claire continued on to the village in a trot, but she went off the main path to come in around the side. There was no need to let everyone see her coming. It wasn't long before she could see the village proper. It consisted of one main street with the few shops along either side, and a couple secondary streets with some houses and stables of those who lived in or near the village. The west side fell into farmer fields that had been recently been ploughed and seeded. The small lake that collected water from the hills, and then fed the river buffeted the east side.
She skirted to the lakeside, keeping low along the embankment. It was a clear night sky, and the lake was still. Claire found the outcrop of boulders by the lake. She knew them well because in her youth she and the other kids would sit on the big flat one, and on hot days, would jump into the lake. She could see easily, but she carefully crept up to the edge, dropped down to her hands and knees and looked down into the water.
Her reflection left her speechless. She could hardly make out her face other than the orange glow of her eyes. She took turns closing one eye, then the other, glad her eyelids hid the shine, but they were definitely growing bright when open. She looked down at the dragon medallion. Its orange eyes also glowed.
Stunned she scooted back and lay flat on her back starring up at the sky. My eyes shine like the stars. Stars? The stars are out... Buttons propped herself up on her elbows and looked at the village. She could clearly see as if it was only dusk. I can see at night! It should be dark, but I can see. She blinked a few times as she processed the new information. I would be scared of me too.
She sat up on the rock, legs crossed, the red blade still in the shape of a sword. She could hear the din of conversation coming from the village square. They're probably discussing what they plan to do with me. I'd better go and tell them before they come up with their own stupid ideas.
Claire jumped to her feet and made her way down the rocks. She snuck around to the far side of the village. At the far end was the blacksmith shop, closed up for the night. She peeked around the corner and could see the majority of the adult villagers, some sixty strong assembled at the square. It wasn't much of village square. A raised platform for a speaker, and bench seating for those who would listen. The crowd was dispersed among the benches in small groups debating what happened and what they should do next. They were completely distracted.
Seeing her opportunity, she darted forward. She kept low and stayed along the buildings. She bowed her head and watched the ground below her so not to give herself away with from the glow of her eyes.
She got up to platform stage. A flat wooden structure not more than knee high. It was four feet deep and ten wide, an adequate for the size of the village. She jumped up on it, rose to her full height, and strode to the edge near the villagers. Her sword remained drawn, but she held it low in a non-threatening posture. The villagers were so enraptured in their discussions that they didn't notice right away and she stood silently watching.
Finally, one of the men noticed her. She lifted her free hand, palm facing toward the crowd in the universal sign to stop. The villager stood his ground in silence. Soon the others caught on, and all the faces were turned to Claire who stood over them on the speaker's stage.
"Now that I have your attention, I would like to have a calm discussion," said Claire. She waved her sword in their direction. "I assume you're all done trying to lynch me and we can talk like adults?"
She got a series of nods in response. She had planned it so that it would seem to the villagers that she magically appeared before them and who knew what other powers she may possess?
"Great."
Yeah, Just great, now they are all staring at me. I better say something fast.
"I am Dragon Princess Claire Forgehawk," she said as she touched the dragon medallion with two fingers. "This is the mark the dragon gave me to prove my claim."
The villager's eyes fell on the medallion and nodded again.
Okay, they bought that. Umm, what's next?
"I intend to come in peace, and leave in peace."
A noticeable layer of tension lifted from the crowd. Seeing that, Claire put her sword into the sheath. As the straight blade disappeared into the sheath it morphed back into its dagger length, which drew several gasps from the crowd at the casual display of magic.
"But we need to establish a few rules. Like I mentioned, my farm remains in my possession. But I will need a caretaker to tend it. Any volunteers?"
Silence.
Buttons scanned the crowd. She spotted Kantar and a flood of emotions welled up. There was so much she wanted to ask, so much she wanted to say, but with all eyes on her she sensed that this wasn't the time. "You, Kantar. You seemed eager to help, so I appoint you."
A gasp rang through the crowd as they all turned to the suddenly panicked looking young man.
"Fear not. All I ask is one tenth of the profits in rent. I will know when crops are strong, and when they are weak. I will expect a full accounting when I come to check up on you. Do you understand?"
Kantar nodded, he didn't looked as spooked, but he swallowed hard.
"Oh yeah, we're not betrothed anymore. You can marry whoever you want."
It wasn't going to work anyway, but did he really have to look so relieved?
"On to the next matter. I trust you took the Great Lord Dragon serious when he requested two hooved animals for him everyday?"
"Yes Dragon Princess, we're taking it very seriously," said Marvik, Leland's father, who was on the village council. Possibly the elder now that Troyer was gone.
"Good," said Buttons and was thinking about how to word her next demand when Marvik interrupted.
"Dragon Princess, If I may," he started, then hastily took off his hat and fidgeted with the brim as he held it over his stomach.
Claire nodded for him to continue.
"Giving two hooved animals a day will run the village dry in a few months leaving us without any. What do we do then to appease the dragon? Or even work our fields and keep us fed?"
Claire didn't consider that, but now she saw the problem clearly. She looked over the villagers again. After what they planned to do her she thought she would hate them, but she knew all the faces and all the stories behind them. She couldn't let them starve or fall on hardships. It wasn't fair for all of them to suffer because a few leaders made bad choices.
"I will speak to the Great Lord Dragon on your behalf," replied Claire, though she had no idea how she could convince Trinket to change his mind. She winced as she realized what she promised. So much for running away.
"Thank you Dragon Princesses Forgehawk," said Marvik as he bowed his head in gratitude.
"I'll take the first offering tomorrow morning myself so that I may speak with the Dragon," said Claire committing herself to see Trinket once more.
This time most of the villagers bowed their heads and murmured words of gratitude, thankful they didn't have to face the dragon themselves.
She thought of her quest. Looked over the crowd, and decided go for it again. "One more thing," said Buttons, "I need a man to accompany me to meet the dragon."
They responded with silence from their lips, and fear from their eyes. She couldn't tell if it was because Leland told them what she wanted, or just the idea of going into the dragon cave was bad enough.
"Any volunteers?"
Crickets could be easily heard in the background.
"Someone has to come with me. It's the dragon's request. You will be safe and I need just one brave soul? Trust me, you will like it. Anyone?" Maybe Leland didn't blab about my request?
Every man in the crowd took one measured step backwards.
"Fine," said Claire as she jumped off the stage and began to walk through the crowd. "I'll pick one myself."
Claire was tall for a woman, but she still had to look up at most of the men. She scanned faces of parents twice her age, or those she grew up with and she realized how incredibly awkward of a scenario she found herself in. The former had often scolded her for getting into mischief, the latter often accomplices. Yet she held her chin up and fought her inner misgivings.
"You, Leland. I choose you." He is good looking, those were some strong hands and I know he likes me. Or at least liked me."
Leland's eyes popped open and shone with terror. He stooped his shoulders, clasped his hands together as if he was praying and begged, "Please Dragon Princess. Please spare me from this fate."
Claire's brow knitted together. He knows I want him for sex, so what's the problem? A part of her wanted to slap him both ways.
The other villagers around her also began to plead for him on his behalf, begging her for mercy and to spare him.
Do these idiots know I just want him for a pervy dragon sex show? Claire opened her mouth to explain, but then realized how bad that would sound to a bunch of old people.
Instead she turned, leaned into Leland's ear, and through clenched teeth whispered. "Will you relax, I'm trying to get you laid."
Leland dropped to knees and wailed all the louder. "Puh-lease, spare me Dragon Princess!"
Claire threw her arms out, palms to the sky in disbelief. Then she leaned forward and grabbed Leland by the collar and attempted to lift him to his feet.
All the villagers amped up there pleading for her to spare his life.
Do they think I'm going to feed him to the dragon? This isn't going the way I thought it would.
Leland's mother broke through the crowd, fell to her knees, and begged. "Please spare my youngest son. He is a good boy. Please Dragon Princess."
Claire threw her hands up in the air in disbelief. She was about to press her point when she saw their fear, her heart broke and she felt pity for them. She let go of Leland's collar, pushed him away from her so he fell on his rear. Exasperated, she jumped up on the nearest bench so that she towered over the crowd.
"Shut UP! Everyone just shut up!" She shouted, and they obeyed. Claire looked down at the adults and could not help but to be angry. "I was never going to hurt Leland. I wanted to prove my point how horrible it is for you to sacrifice anyone!" She saw the relief sweep through the crowd. She pointed at Leland, "It doesn't matter if it is a young man like Leland." Then she pointed to herself, "Or a young woman like myself."
Shame and guilt filled the faces of the onlookers. Claire let her words hang in the air, which made many look away or fidget.
"I'll soon be leaving you. If I ever hear the slightest rumor, even the hint of a rumor, that you set someone up to be sacrificed I will make sure the Dragon burns you all to the ground for your wickedness. Do you understand?"
Like scolded children the villagers cast their eyes down, nodded their heads and mumbled they understood.
"Good. In the morning have the two hooved animals ready for me and I will take them to the Dragon." Claire looked in the direction of her home. "I'm going now and will be back in the morning." She stepped down off the bench and the crowded parted to let Dragon Princess Claire Forgehawk through.
Two sides battled inside of her. One was excited about her new status, the other furious that it involved meeting the dragon.
"First," started Maude as she strode towards the villagers. Her walk was purposeful and aggressive, with her shoulders leaning forward like a mother preparing to scold a petulant child. "My name is Claire Forgehawk, and you will only use that name from now on."
The village mob slowed their pace, their steps becoming unsure. They did not expect her to confront them, especially not head towards them with such strength. The gaggle whispered in shock.
"She has no fear?"
"She's a Forgehawk?"
"Her eyes are like they said."
"What do we do?"
"Second," continued Buttons. Though she could hear their whispers, she ignored them. "This is MY family farm. Only I say what happens on MY farm."
With an uncanny ease her right hand fell to the dagger at her waist, pulled it out and held it straight out to the side for all to see. That chill raced down her spine again.
The mob came to a stop. What was supposed to be easy prey had morphed into a furious predator. Like any peasant army they had no backbone, a few began to hedge away. Discontent grew within their ranks.
"She's coming at us."
"She has the sword."
"The blade burns!"
A Sword? Buttons eyes shot to the right to look at her dagger. It had stretched into a sword with its blade as long as her arm. It was near weightless, and the edge glowed like red embers leaving tracers. Holy shit, it's a sword!
Feeling the momentum shift in her favor she couldn't help but press her advantage, though a part of her told her not to, she blurted it out anyway.
"Finally, I need a man!"
Regret filler her instantly. Shit, that sounded bad. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Sure enough, the crowd faltered. Any semblance of courage had melted away. Individuals at the edges turned and fled. Their panic began to spread.
"She wants a man?"
"She-demon!"
"No you fools," cut in Buttons. The distance had closed. She could see the whites of their eyes. Caught up in the moment, she threw off her shawl exposing her dragon medallion. "I come from the Dragon, he demands it." Dammit, that sounded even worse.
"She's the Dragon Princess," shouted a man in the crowd.
Dragon Princess? I like the sound of that!
A woman screamed, and then the crowd broke. They turned and ran back to the perceived safety of the village. The would-be-lynch-mob disintegrated before Claire. Like a hound watching rabbits run away she was compelled to chase after them. She hiked up her skirt with one hand and chased after then while swinging her sword in the air above her as she shouted.
The village square was normally about an hour walk. She gave up the chase in less than minute because her rational mind took hold. What am I doing? What would I do if caught up with them? I don't want to actually kill anyone.
She stopped in the middle of the road. She could see the torches of the villagers as they ran. Many had discarded their pitchforks and other impromptu weapons along the path. Claire looked back to her farm, thoughts raced through her head. I have to keep going and finish this.
Claire continued on to the village in a trot, but she went off the main path to come in around the side. There was no need to let everyone see her coming. It wasn't long before she could see the village proper. It consisted of one main street with the few shops along either side, and a couple secondary streets with some houses and stables of those who lived in or near the village. The west side fell into farmer fields that had been recently been ploughed and seeded. The small lake that collected water from the hills, and then fed the river buffeted the east side.
She skirted to the lakeside, keeping low along the embankment. It was a clear night sky, and the lake was still. Claire found the outcrop of boulders by the lake. She knew them well because in her youth she and the other kids would sit on the big flat one, and on hot days, would jump into the lake. She could see easily, but she carefully crept up to the edge, dropped down to her hands and knees and looked down into the water.
Her reflection left her speechless. She could hardly make out her face other than the orange glow of her eyes. She took turns closing one eye, then the other, glad her eyelids hid the shine, but they were definitely growing bright when open. She looked down at the dragon medallion. Its orange eyes also glowed.
Stunned she scooted back and lay flat on her back starring up at the sky. My eyes shine like the stars. Stars? The stars are out... Buttons propped herself up on her elbows and looked at the village. She could clearly see as if it was only dusk. I can see at night! It should be dark, but I can see. She blinked a few times as she processed the new information. I would be scared of me too.
She sat up on the rock, legs crossed, the red blade still in the shape of a sword. She could hear the din of conversation coming from the village square. They're probably discussing what they plan to do with me. I'd better go and tell them before they come up with their own stupid ideas.
Claire jumped to her feet and made her way down the rocks. She snuck around to the far side of the village. At the far end was the blacksmith shop, closed up for the night. She peeked around the corner and could see the majority of the adult villagers, some sixty strong assembled at the square. It wasn't much of village square. A raised platform for a speaker, and bench seating for those who would listen. The crowd was dispersed among the benches in small groups debating what happened and what they should do next. They were completely distracted.
Seeing her opportunity, she darted forward. She kept low and stayed along the buildings. She bowed her head and watched the ground below her so not to give herself away with from the glow of her eyes.
She got up to platform stage. A flat wooden structure not more than knee high. It was four feet deep and ten wide, an adequate for the size of the village. She jumped up on it, rose to her full height, and strode to the edge near the villagers. Her sword remained drawn, but she held it low in a non-threatening posture. The villagers were so enraptured in their discussions that they didn't notice right away and she stood silently watching.
Finally, one of the men noticed her. She lifted her free hand, palm facing toward the crowd in the universal sign to stop. The villager stood his ground in silence. Soon the others caught on, and all the faces were turned to Claire who stood over them on the speaker's stage.
"Now that I have your attention, I would like to have a calm discussion," said Claire. She waved her sword in their direction. "I assume you're all done trying to lynch me and we can talk like adults?"
She got a series of nods in response. She had planned it so that it would seem to the villagers that she magically appeared before them and who knew what other powers she may possess?
"Great."
Yeah, Just great, now they are all staring at me. I better say something fast.
"I am Dragon Princess Claire Forgehawk," she said as she touched the dragon medallion with two fingers. "This is the mark the dragon gave me to prove my claim."
The villager's eyes fell on the medallion and nodded again.
Okay, they bought that. Umm, what's next?
"I intend to come in peace, and leave in peace."
A noticeable layer of tension lifted from the crowd. Seeing that, Claire put her sword into the sheath. As the straight blade disappeared into the sheath it morphed back into its dagger length, which drew several gasps from the crowd at the casual display of magic.
"But we need to establish a few rules. Like I mentioned, my farm remains in my possession. But I will need a caretaker to tend it. Any volunteers?"
Silence.
Buttons scanned the crowd. She spotted Kantar and a flood of emotions welled up. There was so much she wanted to ask, so much she wanted to say, but with all eyes on her she sensed that this wasn't the time. "You, Kantar. You seemed eager to help, so I appoint you."
A gasp rang through the crowd as they all turned to the suddenly panicked looking young man.
"Fear not. All I ask is one tenth of the profits in rent. I will know when crops are strong, and when they are weak. I will expect a full accounting when I come to check up on you. Do you understand?"
Kantar nodded, he didn't looked as spooked, but he swallowed hard.
"Oh yeah, we're not betrothed anymore. You can marry whoever you want."
It wasn't going to work anyway, but did he really have to look so relieved?
"On to the next matter. I trust you took the Great Lord Dragon serious when he requested two hooved animals for him everyday?"
"Yes Dragon Princess, we're taking it very seriously," said Marvik, Leland's father, who was on the village council. Possibly the elder now that Troyer was gone.
"Good," said Buttons and was thinking about how to word her next demand when Marvik interrupted.
"Dragon Princess, If I may," he started, then hastily took off his hat and fidgeted with the brim as he held it over his stomach.
Claire nodded for him to continue.
"Giving two hooved animals a day will run the village dry in a few months leaving us without any. What do we do then to appease the dragon? Or even work our fields and keep us fed?"
Claire didn't consider that, but now she saw the problem clearly. She looked over the villagers again. After what they planned to do her she thought she would hate them, but she knew all the faces and all the stories behind them. She couldn't let them starve or fall on hardships. It wasn't fair for all of them to suffer because a few leaders made bad choices.
"I will speak to the Great Lord Dragon on your behalf," replied Claire, though she had no idea how she could convince Trinket to change his mind. She winced as she realized what she promised. So much for running away.
"Thank you Dragon Princesses Forgehawk," said Marvik as he bowed his head in gratitude.
"I'll take the first offering tomorrow morning myself so that I may speak with the Dragon," said Claire committing herself to see Trinket once more.
This time most of the villagers bowed their heads and murmured words of gratitude, thankful they didn't have to face the dragon themselves.
She thought of her quest. Looked over the crowd, and decided go for it again. "One more thing," said Buttons, "I need a man to accompany me to meet the dragon."
They responded with silence from their lips, and fear from their eyes. She couldn't tell if it was because Leland told them what she wanted, or just the idea of going into the dragon cave was bad enough.
"Any volunteers?"
Crickets could be easily heard in the background.
"Someone has to come with me. It's the dragon's request. You will be safe and I need just one brave soul? Trust me, you will like it. Anyone?" Maybe Leland didn't blab about my request?
Every man in the crowd took one measured step backwards.
"Fine," said Claire as she jumped off the stage and began to walk through the crowd. "I'll pick one myself."
Claire was tall for a woman, but she still had to look up at most of the men. She scanned faces of parents twice her age, or those she grew up with and she realized how incredibly awkward of a scenario she found herself in. The former had often scolded her for getting into mischief, the latter often accomplices. Yet she held her chin up and fought her inner misgivings.
"You, Leland. I choose you." He is good looking, those were some strong hands and I know he likes me. Or at least liked me."
Leland's eyes popped open and shone with terror. He stooped his shoulders, clasped his hands together as if he was praying and begged, "Please Dragon Princess. Please spare me from this fate."
Claire's brow knitted together. He knows I want him for sex, so what's the problem? A part of her wanted to slap him both ways.
The other villagers around her also began to plead for him on his behalf, begging her for mercy and to spare him.
Do these idiots know I just want him for a pervy dragon sex show? Claire opened her mouth to explain, but then realized how bad that would sound to a bunch of old people.
Instead she turned, leaned into Leland's ear, and through clenched teeth whispered. "Will you relax, I'm trying to get you laid."
Leland dropped to knees and wailed all the louder. "Puh-lease, spare me Dragon Princess!"
Claire threw her arms out, palms to the sky in disbelief. Then she leaned forward and grabbed Leland by the collar and attempted to lift him to his feet.
All the villagers amped up there pleading for her to spare his life.
Do they think I'm going to feed him to the dragon? This isn't going the way I thought it would.
Leland's mother broke through the crowd, fell to her knees, and begged. "Please spare my youngest son. He is a good boy. Please Dragon Princess."
Claire threw her hands up in the air in disbelief. She was about to press her point when she saw their fear, her heart broke and she felt pity for them. She let go of Leland's collar, pushed him away from her so he fell on his rear. Exasperated, she jumped up on the nearest bench so that she towered over the crowd.
"Shut UP! Everyone just shut up!" She shouted, and they obeyed. Claire looked down at the adults and could not help but to be angry. "I was never going to hurt Leland. I wanted to prove my point how horrible it is for you to sacrifice anyone!" She saw the relief sweep through the crowd. She pointed at Leland, "It doesn't matter if it is a young man like Leland." Then she pointed to herself, "Or a young woman like myself."
Shame and guilt filled the faces of the onlookers. Claire let her words hang in the air, which made many look away or fidget.
"I'll soon be leaving you. If I ever hear the slightest rumor, even the hint of a rumor, that you set someone up to be sacrificed I will make sure the Dragon burns you all to the ground for your wickedness. Do you understand?"
Like scolded children the villagers cast their eyes down, nodded their heads and mumbled they understood.
"Good. In the morning have the two hooved animals ready for me and I will take them to the Dragon." Claire looked in the direction of her home. "I'm going now and will be back in the morning." She stepped down off the bench and the crowded parted to let Dragon Princess Claire Forgehawk through.
Two sides battled inside of her. One was excited about her new status, the other furious that it involved meeting the dragon.
ForgeHawk Chapter 7
Chapter 7 – Responsibilities
Trinket had spent most of the day perched on the peak of his mountain. Thankfully, it wasn't covered in snow like the taller mountains to the southwest. The air still had bite, but was held at bay because he heated the rocks around him to a nice dull glow.
He looked over his territory and contemplated what he should do. Every time he woke into a new age he felt, and began to think different. In the previous age, he was an adolescent and rarely thought beyond the day or himself. Now that he matured, he had a sense of…what was the right word… responsibility.
As the adult forge dragon of the age, he sensed that he should take care of his territory and the inhabitants. Unfortunately, he wasn't sure what that was suppose to mean because he didn't understand, and maybe didn't pay as much attention as he should have, to the lessons of the elder dragon.
Buttons baffled him. At the time, it made sense, but now he wasn't sure. What do I do with her when she completes my quest? He contemplated their relationship. Humans are food and taste good, but now she is my possession, and I love those, but surely I don't love her. He pictured his treasure pile. I don't think I should eat her, at least not yet, unless she does something to irritate me. He wished he paid more attention to the lessons.
He wondered about the dragons he grew up with and wanted to confer with them. Ellantor, the northern forest dragon, was a long time companion, and he was curious how the big green dragon was getting along. Or perhaps Ferrix and Splinn, the local sky and water dragon prodigies.
He thought, napped, and thought some more. When the sun set he had enough of the cold and headed back home gliding down in a wide lazy circle. The sight of his treasure comforted him. He was about to find his spot, but stopped short when he noticed the three Lutin fairy folk who stood in front of it. They were easy to miss at only seven inches tall.
Trinket remembered them well. Dull red scales, long toothy maw, clawed hands, clad in leathers and how they fawned over the previous elder dragon.
The dark red one in the middle, with brass bands going up both arms, stepped forward. "Great Forge Dragon Razler," the Lutin said using the dragons' real name. "I am Kappennin, Khan of this clan." His voice was squawky and grated like rock.
Trinket glanced around. There was no sign of any others.
Kappennin dropped to one knee and bowed deeply. "We are pleased to see that you have grown into a glorious full-fledged forge dragon. Strong. Majestic, Powerful, and beautiful," he said emphasizing the compliments.
Trinket nodded his head. I like where this is going.
The small Lutin looked up with his big yellow eyes, and folded his hands together. The other Lutin followed suit with those big pleading eyes. "If it pleases you, great and glorious Razler, we ask that you allow us to be your lutin, and you our Boss Dragon."
Dragon laughter echoed. There was only three Lutin, but it was a coming of age achievement to have his own clan. "Yes, I will be your Boss Dragon, and you will be my clan."
Kappennin shot up, clawed hands reaching high as he cheered. "The pact is sealed, Razler is our Boss Dragon, and we are his Lutin Clan!" Immediately scores of Lutin erupted out of crevices and hidey-holes. They celebrated together, singing a cheerful song about how wonderful forge dragons were and how glorious it was to be in his clan. Some played brass instruments while others danced in circles holding hands.
"Oh my, there are a lot of you," said Trinket. He wasn't sure if he wanted so many under foot.
"Many of us have come across the land once you woke up," said Kappennin. "If it pleases you, may we start cleaning your lair?"
Perhaps it is good that there are so many of you. "Yes, proceed."
Kappennin clapped his hands and shouted out names. "Quinby, Lonny, Stanson, Reyna," the four Lutin dashed up to their Khan, sneaking admiring peaks at their new Boss Dragon while receiving instructions. They scurried off to create work details and got busy cleaning up the bone pile, the molting, and all the loose stones lying about.
Kappennin turned back to Trinket, "Do you wish to rest while we clean? There is much work needed to make your dwelling measure up to your majesty. Do you have any wishes?"
"Not at the moment, carry on." It had been a long day of introspection. Trinket decided to rest and lounged on his pile of treasure. A single gloss black claw casually carved trails through gold and silver. The corner of his fanged maw curled up in smile and a purr rumbled out of his chest. The industrious Lutin were hard at work and he loved every second of it. He could hardly wait to tell the other dragons.
"You, Quinby," Trinket called out. He noticed the darker the scales, the older Lutin, and he was sure this one was Quinby.
"Yes, Boss Dragon," replied the Lutin as he scampered up on all fours, big dreamy eyes eager to please.
Trinket asked a series of questions, and Quinby filled in answers. He was quite knowledgeable and Trinket learned that this Forge Dragon Lair was established only two dragon ages ago when the previous one was compromised. Much of the treasure and artifacts were saved by the Lutin clan who transported it through their network of tunnels that spread through the mountains and even to many of the larger human settlements in the territory. The Lutin clan had sub terrain smelters and they enjoyed mining and crafting ores. Which warmed Trinket's heart because more silver and gold was always appreciated. Quinby himself had lived in Port Amber, the major city to the west.
"Beg your pardon, Boss Dragon," said Kappennin. "We've prepared your other chambers for your viewing."
Trinket was surprised to have Kappennin pop out of the rock. These guys have secret tunnels everywhere. Wait, what?
"Other chambers?"
"Yes, Boss Dragon, follow me," replied Kappennin as he scampered to the back of the lair with Quinby and others hot on his tail.
Curious, Trinket had to followed.
A crowed of giddy Lutin formed around Kappennin who stood next to the back wall. "Boss Dragon," he said and bowed.
Trinket looked over the wall, he didn't realize there was more to it earlier. Did the elder dragon mention this?He spotted three vertical slashes running the height of the wall. It felt familiar. Intuitively he ran his claws down the slashes and a huge segment of wall dropped with a grinding thud.
The Lutin cheered and rushed in, "Behold, your hall of wisdom," said Kappennin his arms wide, chest puffed out as he smiled.
Trinket looked inside. The walls were a catacomb of dragon-sized scrolls. At foot level were human sized written works. Reading? I don't have time for that.
"What else you got?" asked Trinket.
Kappennin merrily led him to another chamber that he called the Forge. It was filled with organized stacks of red and black scales, fangs, horns, and spikes that he, and other dragons had shed. As well, there were neat stacks of ingots of refined metals, steel, brass, tin, iron, and others. This feels like work.
"Next."
"Here we have your armory," said Kappennin at the next chamber.
Now this sounds interesting, but when he saw what was inside he was deflated. "Why are these so small?"
"For the humans allies you deem worthy to be your warriors and champions, of course," said Kappennin. Trinket gave him a quizzical eye, not sure if he was serious. The khan and the Lutin around all had big toothy grins.
They seem proud. Trinket looked back at the armor and weapon pieces on display. Many had built-in magical enchantments with embedded crystals and wiring. He could tell the ones at the back were dragon forged because they were deep red trimmed with black.
He had distant memories of previous ages when he was constantly hiding from human hunting parties. He had witnessed other youngling dragons get caught and butchered. It was reasonable to be wary of humans, even respect how dangerous they were, but consider them friends? Ridiculous and somewhat offensive.
Yet, he had vague memories of the elder dragon mentioning something about dragons and humans working together. If only I paid more attention.
"Did the previous elder dragon have any human champions?"
"Of course, Boss Dragon. Some were close friends."
Trinket burst out with laughter, and then saw their faces. "Oh, you're serious."
"I know it sounds strange Boss," said Quinby, "but they ain't all bad. I got some who are kinda good friends."
Trinket glared at Quinby. Others around him nodded and chattered in agreeably. Lutin love me, which means they're smart. If they have human friends, maybe humans have merit.
Buttons was the first human he didn't outright dismiss as a threat or food. If she proves herself worthy…
"I'll consider this, but I grow weary and will rest," said Trinket.
"Boss, boss, um boss," said Quinby as he rushed closer. "Could we groom you while you sleep.
"I'm clean," snapped Trinket. He had grown weary of all the commotion and wanted down time. He was no longer completely sure if he wanted all these Lutin scurrying about.
"Sorry Boss, I meant to ask if we can polish yer scales to make 'em even more gorgeous."
Trinket paused. "Tell me more."
"Me and my crew will work our magic. You'll wake up sparkling like you've never sparkled before!"
Trinket narrowed his eyes. Even more sparkling? Interesting, but "Will you disturb my sleep?"
"You won't even notice us!"
Trinket drew in a deep breath. It hardly seemed worth the effort because how much more gorgeous could he get? Though, they seemed very eager and he supposed that he should make an effort to keep them happy. "Fine, go ahead. Just don't wake me." He found his spot on his treasure pile, turned once, twice, settled down and fell asleep.
He felt like he didn't get as many hours of sleep as he would have liked when he was disturbed.
"Boss, a human approaches," said a dark red Lutin, probably Rayna, who sheepishly fluttered her eyes at him.
Trinket cracked an eye open as he woke. "A human?"
"Yeah, Boss. She gots red hair, a cow, and a goat. Should we let her up?"
"Where is she now?"
"She just started the climb up the switched backs, boss dragon," replied Rayna.
"Let me know when she gets to the top," replied Trinket. He snoozed, content the Lutin would keep watch.
"She's here boss." This time it was Quinby. "Waiting outside."
Her thin voice came through the tunnel. "Great Lord Dragon, I bring your breakfast offering."
Trinket stirred, letting loose a jaw cracking yawn. Night was gone and it was already morning. At least food was being delivered to him. I could use some meat.
Now that he was awake, he could sense her through the medallion. He still wasn't sure what he wanted to do with her. Time to find out.
"Quinby, stay nearby. I may need you soon."
"You got it boss," said Quinby as he walked to the edge of the treasure and looked up at Trinket with those bulbous yellow eyes like an expectant child.
"Not that close. Stay out of sight."
"You got it boss," said Quinby as he happily scurried away on clawed feet and disappeared into the rocks.
Sometimes you really got to spell it out for these Lutin.
Trinket travelled through his cave, but paused when he caught sight of her. She stood in the open waiting. She wore normal clothes today, a brown skirt and blue top that fluttered with her hair in the cross winds. She was singing to herself, not really singing, more like musical sounds where coming out of her. The dragon medallion hung from her neck catching the sun's rays. A part of him regretted giving it to her. She's no warrior or champion. He thought about disposing of her and finding a human who might be more worthy, but that seemed like a lot of bother right now, so he decided to give her a chance and try to keep an open mind.
Behind her, near the edge of the plateau a goat and cow were tied off. His stomach growled, urging him to strike. He knew it was safe, but when came out, he made a display of cutting right, then left just to make sure. Besides, how else would Buttons get a full viewing of him?
"Great Lord Dragon Trinket," she stammered. "You-you've changed?"
"Oh? How so?"
"You're absolutely sparkling in the sunlight!"
Trinket stretched out a claw. The blacks were glossier, and the reds gleamed brightly. He had forgotten about the Lutin polish job. I like Quinby, he might be my favorite.
"You noticed?"
"Of course. Yesterday I thought you were a great dragon. Now, I know you are the greatest!"
Trinket purred. I think I will keep her around for a bit longer. "I see that you've returned?"
"Yes, Great Lord Dragon. I wished to meet with you."
Trinket stood to his full height and looked from Buttons, to the cow, then to the goat and back. "No human male?"
"No, my Lord Dragon."
"Then do you plan to mate with the goat or the cow?" He was familiar with the look of wide eyes and open mouth. Why is she so surprised? How else does she plan to do this?
"My Lord Dragon," she stammered. "These are your food so you won't attack the village. Not for me to mate with."
"Then where is the human male? What's your plan?" Maybe she's incompetent and I should eat her now.
Buttons cleared her throat and dropped to a knee. "Forgive me Great Lord Dragon Trinket, I could not convince any of the males from my village to, umm, mate with me while you watched."
"No? Why not?" asked Trinket. "Do they find you repulsive?"
"No, Lord Dragon Trinket, that's not the problem," said Buttons. She shifted her weight and her complexion grew redder. "The men, well…they're too terrified of you to dare be in your presence.
Trinket nodded his head. I am rather terrifying. His chest swelled and he stretched out his wings to make himself look larger. "When will you acquire a male who might be brave enough to mate with you? Do you need to tie one up for this?"
Button gave him a flat stare, stood up, and started to talk about her plan. Trinket lowered his head and narrowed his eyes, for the first time he looked at her, really looked at her as an individual.
He liked how her hands fluttered about when she talked. Excitable.
His dagger was fastened across her belt to be quickly drawn. Prudent.
The words from her generous mouth sounded passionate. Entertaining.
Strands of hair fluttered across her face. I like red.
Her scent was clean, her limbs long. She would be delicious. Maybe if just licked her pale skin. His forked tongue flicked out in anticipation. Just a nibble. His stomach encouraged him with a growl. His mouth salivated.
He realized Buttons stopped talking and had a look of concern. "Are you okay?"
"I'm hungry." He drew back and pounced. He flew over Buttons, shot out a stream of fire breath on the cow as he descended. He landed hard, using his magic to have the rock beneath the cow jut up launching the creature in the air. Trinket snapped it up as it reached its zenith. Three crunching chomps and it was gone.
The goat got blasted off the ledge and tumbled down. Trinket took a moment to watch it cart wheel down the mountain as it crashed off rocks and through brush until it disappeared from sight. With the show over and hunger dealt with, he turned back to Buttons.
"What were you saying?"
Trinket had spent most of the day perched on the peak of his mountain. Thankfully, it wasn't covered in snow like the taller mountains to the southwest. The air still had bite, but was held at bay because he heated the rocks around him to a nice dull glow.
He looked over his territory and contemplated what he should do. Every time he woke into a new age he felt, and began to think different. In the previous age, he was an adolescent and rarely thought beyond the day or himself. Now that he matured, he had a sense of…what was the right word… responsibility.
As the adult forge dragon of the age, he sensed that he should take care of his territory and the inhabitants. Unfortunately, he wasn't sure what that was suppose to mean because he didn't understand, and maybe didn't pay as much attention as he should have, to the lessons of the elder dragon.
Buttons baffled him. At the time, it made sense, but now he wasn't sure. What do I do with her when she completes my quest? He contemplated their relationship. Humans are food and taste good, but now she is my possession, and I love those, but surely I don't love her. He pictured his treasure pile. I don't think I should eat her, at least not yet, unless she does something to irritate me. He wished he paid more attention to the lessons.
He wondered about the dragons he grew up with and wanted to confer with them. Ellantor, the northern forest dragon, was a long time companion, and he was curious how the big green dragon was getting along. Or perhaps Ferrix and Splinn, the local sky and water dragon prodigies.
He thought, napped, and thought some more. When the sun set he had enough of the cold and headed back home gliding down in a wide lazy circle. The sight of his treasure comforted him. He was about to find his spot, but stopped short when he noticed the three Lutin fairy folk who stood in front of it. They were easy to miss at only seven inches tall.
Trinket remembered them well. Dull red scales, long toothy maw, clawed hands, clad in leathers and how they fawned over the previous elder dragon.
The dark red one in the middle, with brass bands going up both arms, stepped forward. "Great Forge Dragon Razler," the Lutin said using the dragons' real name. "I am Kappennin, Khan of this clan." His voice was squawky and grated like rock.
Trinket glanced around. There was no sign of any others.
Kappennin dropped to one knee and bowed deeply. "We are pleased to see that you have grown into a glorious full-fledged forge dragon. Strong. Majestic, Powerful, and beautiful," he said emphasizing the compliments.
Trinket nodded his head. I like where this is going.
The small Lutin looked up with his big yellow eyes, and folded his hands together. The other Lutin followed suit with those big pleading eyes. "If it pleases you, great and glorious Razler, we ask that you allow us to be your lutin, and you our Boss Dragon."
Dragon laughter echoed. There was only three Lutin, but it was a coming of age achievement to have his own clan. "Yes, I will be your Boss Dragon, and you will be my clan."
Kappennin shot up, clawed hands reaching high as he cheered. "The pact is sealed, Razler is our Boss Dragon, and we are his Lutin Clan!" Immediately scores of Lutin erupted out of crevices and hidey-holes. They celebrated together, singing a cheerful song about how wonderful forge dragons were and how glorious it was to be in his clan. Some played brass instruments while others danced in circles holding hands.
"Oh my, there are a lot of you," said Trinket. He wasn't sure if he wanted so many under foot.
"Many of us have come across the land once you woke up," said Kappennin. "If it pleases you, may we start cleaning your lair?"
Perhaps it is good that there are so many of you. "Yes, proceed."
Kappennin clapped his hands and shouted out names. "Quinby, Lonny, Stanson, Reyna," the four Lutin dashed up to their Khan, sneaking admiring peaks at their new Boss Dragon while receiving instructions. They scurried off to create work details and got busy cleaning up the bone pile, the molting, and all the loose stones lying about.
Kappennin turned back to Trinket, "Do you wish to rest while we clean? There is much work needed to make your dwelling measure up to your majesty. Do you have any wishes?"
"Not at the moment, carry on." It had been a long day of introspection. Trinket decided to rest and lounged on his pile of treasure. A single gloss black claw casually carved trails through gold and silver. The corner of his fanged maw curled up in smile and a purr rumbled out of his chest. The industrious Lutin were hard at work and he loved every second of it. He could hardly wait to tell the other dragons.
"You, Quinby," Trinket called out. He noticed the darker the scales, the older Lutin, and he was sure this one was Quinby.
"Yes, Boss Dragon," replied the Lutin as he scampered up on all fours, big dreamy eyes eager to please.
Trinket asked a series of questions, and Quinby filled in answers. He was quite knowledgeable and Trinket learned that this Forge Dragon Lair was established only two dragon ages ago when the previous one was compromised. Much of the treasure and artifacts were saved by the Lutin clan who transported it through their network of tunnels that spread through the mountains and even to many of the larger human settlements in the territory. The Lutin clan had sub terrain smelters and they enjoyed mining and crafting ores. Which warmed Trinket's heart because more silver and gold was always appreciated. Quinby himself had lived in Port Amber, the major city to the west.
"Beg your pardon, Boss Dragon," said Kappennin. "We've prepared your other chambers for your viewing."
Trinket was surprised to have Kappennin pop out of the rock. These guys have secret tunnels everywhere. Wait, what?
"Other chambers?"
"Yes, Boss Dragon, follow me," replied Kappennin as he scampered to the back of the lair with Quinby and others hot on his tail.
Curious, Trinket had to followed.
A crowed of giddy Lutin formed around Kappennin who stood next to the back wall. "Boss Dragon," he said and bowed.
Trinket looked over the wall, he didn't realize there was more to it earlier. Did the elder dragon mention this?He spotted three vertical slashes running the height of the wall. It felt familiar. Intuitively he ran his claws down the slashes and a huge segment of wall dropped with a grinding thud.
The Lutin cheered and rushed in, "Behold, your hall of wisdom," said Kappennin his arms wide, chest puffed out as he smiled.
Trinket looked inside. The walls were a catacomb of dragon-sized scrolls. At foot level were human sized written works. Reading? I don't have time for that.
"What else you got?" asked Trinket.
Kappennin merrily led him to another chamber that he called the Forge. It was filled with organized stacks of red and black scales, fangs, horns, and spikes that he, and other dragons had shed. As well, there were neat stacks of ingots of refined metals, steel, brass, tin, iron, and others. This feels like work.
"Next."
"Here we have your armory," said Kappennin at the next chamber.
Now this sounds interesting, but when he saw what was inside he was deflated. "Why are these so small?"
"For the humans allies you deem worthy to be your warriors and champions, of course," said Kappennin. Trinket gave him a quizzical eye, not sure if he was serious. The khan and the Lutin around all had big toothy grins.
They seem proud. Trinket looked back at the armor and weapon pieces on display. Many had built-in magical enchantments with embedded crystals and wiring. He could tell the ones at the back were dragon forged because they were deep red trimmed with black.
He had distant memories of previous ages when he was constantly hiding from human hunting parties. He had witnessed other youngling dragons get caught and butchered. It was reasonable to be wary of humans, even respect how dangerous they were, but consider them friends? Ridiculous and somewhat offensive.
Yet, he had vague memories of the elder dragon mentioning something about dragons and humans working together. If only I paid more attention.
"Did the previous elder dragon have any human champions?"
"Of course, Boss Dragon. Some were close friends."
Trinket burst out with laughter, and then saw their faces. "Oh, you're serious."
"I know it sounds strange Boss," said Quinby, "but they ain't all bad. I got some who are kinda good friends."
Trinket glared at Quinby. Others around him nodded and chattered in agreeably. Lutin love me, which means they're smart. If they have human friends, maybe humans have merit.
Buttons was the first human he didn't outright dismiss as a threat or food. If she proves herself worthy…
"I'll consider this, but I grow weary and will rest," said Trinket.
"Boss, boss, um boss," said Quinby as he rushed closer. "Could we groom you while you sleep.
"I'm clean," snapped Trinket. He had grown weary of all the commotion and wanted down time. He was no longer completely sure if he wanted all these Lutin scurrying about.
"Sorry Boss, I meant to ask if we can polish yer scales to make 'em even more gorgeous."
Trinket paused. "Tell me more."
"Me and my crew will work our magic. You'll wake up sparkling like you've never sparkled before!"
Trinket narrowed his eyes. Even more sparkling? Interesting, but "Will you disturb my sleep?"
"You won't even notice us!"
Trinket drew in a deep breath. It hardly seemed worth the effort because how much more gorgeous could he get? Though, they seemed very eager and he supposed that he should make an effort to keep them happy. "Fine, go ahead. Just don't wake me." He found his spot on his treasure pile, turned once, twice, settled down and fell asleep.
He felt like he didn't get as many hours of sleep as he would have liked when he was disturbed.
"Boss, a human approaches," said a dark red Lutin, probably Rayna, who sheepishly fluttered her eyes at him.
Trinket cracked an eye open as he woke. "A human?"
"Yeah, Boss. She gots red hair, a cow, and a goat. Should we let her up?"
"Where is she now?"
"She just started the climb up the switched backs, boss dragon," replied Rayna.
"Let me know when she gets to the top," replied Trinket. He snoozed, content the Lutin would keep watch.
"She's here boss." This time it was Quinby. "Waiting outside."
Her thin voice came through the tunnel. "Great Lord Dragon, I bring your breakfast offering."
Trinket stirred, letting loose a jaw cracking yawn. Night was gone and it was already morning. At least food was being delivered to him. I could use some meat.
Now that he was awake, he could sense her through the medallion. He still wasn't sure what he wanted to do with her. Time to find out.
"Quinby, stay nearby. I may need you soon."
"You got it boss," said Quinby as he walked to the edge of the treasure and looked up at Trinket with those bulbous yellow eyes like an expectant child.
"Not that close. Stay out of sight."
"You got it boss," said Quinby as he happily scurried away on clawed feet and disappeared into the rocks.
Sometimes you really got to spell it out for these Lutin.
Trinket travelled through his cave, but paused when he caught sight of her. She stood in the open waiting. She wore normal clothes today, a brown skirt and blue top that fluttered with her hair in the cross winds. She was singing to herself, not really singing, more like musical sounds where coming out of her. The dragon medallion hung from her neck catching the sun's rays. A part of him regretted giving it to her. She's no warrior or champion. He thought about disposing of her and finding a human who might be more worthy, but that seemed like a lot of bother right now, so he decided to give her a chance and try to keep an open mind.
Behind her, near the edge of the plateau a goat and cow were tied off. His stomach growled, urging him to strike. He knew it was safe, but when came out, he made a display of cutting right, then left just to make sure. Besides, how else would Buttons get a full viewing of him?
"Great Lord Dragon Trinket," she stammered. "You-you've changed?"
"Oh? How so?"
"You're absolutely sparkling in the sunlight!"
Trinket stretched out a claw. The blacks were glossier, and the reds gleamed brightly. He had forgotten about the Lutin polish job. I like Quinby, he might be my favorite.
"You noticed?"
"Of course. Yesterday I thought you were a great dragon. Now, I know you are the greatest!"
Trinket purred. I think I will keep her around for a bit longer. "I see that you've returned?"
"Yes, Great Lord Dragon. I wished to meet with you."
Trinket stood to his full height and looked from Buttons, to the cow, then to the goat and back. "No human male?"
"No, my Lord Dragon."
"Then do you plan to mate with the goat or the cow?" He was familiar with the look of wide eyes and open mouth. Why is she so surprised? How else does she plan to do this?
"My Lord Dragon," she stammered. "These are your food so you won't attack the village. Not for me to mate with."
"Then where is the human male? What's your plan?" Maybe she's incompetent and I should eat her now.
Buttons cleared her throat and dropped to a knee. "Forgive me Great Lord Dragon Trinket, I could not convince any of the males from my village to, umm, mate with me while you watched."
"No? Why not?" asked Trinket. "Do they find you repulsive?"
"No, Lord Dragon Trinket, that's not the problem," said Buttons. She shifted her weight and her complexion grew redder. "The men, well…they're too terrified of you to dare be in your presence.
Trinket nodded his head. I am rather terrifying. His chest swelled and he stretched out his wings to make himself look larger. "When will you acquire a male who might be brave enough to mate with you? Do you need to tie one up for this?"
Button gave him a flat stare, stood up, and started to talk about her plan. Trinket lowered his head and narrowed his eyes, for the first time he looked at her, really looked at her as an individual.
He liked how her hands fluttered about when she talked. Excitable.
His dagger was fastened across her belt to be quickly drawn. Prudent.
The words from her generous mouth sounded passionate. Entertaining.
Strands of hair fluttered across her face. I like red.
Her scent was clean, her limbs long. She would be delicious. Maybe if just licked her pale skin. His forked tongue flicked out in anticipation. Just a nibble. His stomach encouraged him with a growl. His mouth salivated.
He realized Buttons stopped talking and had a look of concern. "Are you okay?"
"I'm hungry." He drew back and pounced. He flew over Buttons, shot out a stream of fire breath on the cow as he descended. He landed hard, using his magic to have the rock beneath the cow jut up launching the creature in the air. Trinket snapped it up as it reached its zenith. Three crunching chomps and it was gone.
The goat got blasted off the ledge and tumbled down. Trinket took a moment to watch it cart wheel down the mountain as it crashed off rocks and through brush until it disappeared from sight. With the show over and hunger dealt with, he turned back to Buttons.
"What were you saying?"
ForgeHawk Chapter 8
Chapter 8 – Bargain
Sweat glistened off her brow. She looked paler, and smelled of fear. "I thought you were going to eat me."
Trinket picked a rib bone from his teeth. "A valid concern. Carry on."
She took a measured breath. "Like I was saying, I plan to travel to Port Amber. There are many men there and I will find someone…worthy enough to mate with me."
"You mean someone who is brave enough."
Buttons held back a groan. "Yes, Lord Dragon. I meant to say, someone who would be brave enough to mate with me."
"I would imagine it would take a lot of courage," replied Trinket. "As for Port Amber, you mean the big city to the west?" He looked in the direction. "How long will this take you?"
"I've never been, but between horse and boat I think I should able to get there in about a fortnight, maybe a bit more. "
"Thirty days round trip? I don't want to wait that long," replied Trinket. "I'll take you there myself."
"I can ride you to the city?" asked Buttons. Her eyes lit up and were almost as bright as her smile.
Trinket lowered his head and narrowed his eyes. "No one rides a dragon."
"Forgive me Lord Dragon, I misunderstood."
Trinket kept his stare level. "It's like you want me to eat you."
Sensing the threat, Buttons swallowed hard and bowed her head. She clamped her hands together to hide their trembling. "Forgive me Lord Trinket, I don't understand the way of dragons as well as I should."
Trinket drew in a deep breath to catch her scent. Fear mixed with a sliver of courage. She clearly lacks social awareness and must be ignorant.
"Very well. I'll forgive your foolishness this one time."
"Thank you, Lord Dragon." Then after a moment of silence, she dropped to one knee and bowed even deeper. "Lord Trinket, would you be so gracious to let me propose a bargain with you?"
A bargain? How fascinating. "Speak, but choose your words carefully."
"Thank you, Lord Dragon Trinket," said Buttons as she lifted her head and gestured to where the two animals had been tied up. "As you saw the village brought you two animals today as you commanded. But, if they bring two animals everyday they will soon run out and fall onto hardships."
Trinket waited for more, but then realized that was her whole point. "And?"
"If the Great Dragon Lord Trinket pleases, your servant Buttons can go to all the towns and villages in the area, and they can each offer animals to satisfy your hunger so you won't have to attack the other human settlements. This way, neither you or the humans will run out of animals."
Trinket cocked his head to the side. Interesting idea.
"If you allow me to negotiate with the other humans settlements on your behalf, you will always have food. You won't have to raid towns, risk injury or them banding together against you."
The dragon lowered himself to rest on his haunches and elbows, much like a giant cat, as he contemplated the idea. He remembered the hunting groups and had noticed how the larger towns had better defenses than before. His eyes narrowed, he looked her over as he thought about how previous dragons had human allies.
"Will I have to do anything?"
"You will have to agree not to attack the human settlements. The humans will agree to keep you fed, and will live under your protection. If I'm not mistaken, this is your territory and other dragons will not cause trouble because of you. Also, if you don't have to spend time hunting, you would be free to pursue other interests."
This little human is full of good ideas. I definitely won't eat her today.
"Your plan has merit. You are right in that the other adult dragons will respect my territory. However, I will not be responsible for the hatchling and younger dragons because they have yet to develop beyond primal instincts."
"Forgive me for saying, Lord Trinket," said Buttons. She paused to consider her words. "I believe, that the humans may find it unfair if the young dragons still can attack them, which will lead the humans to have difficulty with the agreement."
"You really do not know much about dragons," replied Trinket. "To be clear, I will not be responsible for the actions of the young dragons, but I will also give leave for the humans to defend themselves freely. How else will the young dragons prove themselves strong enough to advance to the next dragon age?"
"I think I understand," said Buttons. She recalled from the stories that the youngest dragons were like the large forest predators. "Then you will agree that you will see to it that the adult dragons will not bother the humans in your territory if they keep you fed?"
Trinket contemplated her deal for a moment. "If you can convince the humans to the proposed terms I will meet with their leaders, verify they understand the details, and then make a pact with them."
Buttons kneeled and bowed deeply, "Thank you Lord Dragon Trinket. May I ask that until other settlements help that my village only offer one animal per day? This will allow them to sustain the offerings for much longer."
"One?" Trinket scoffed. "They try to trick me with the virgin thing and need to be kept in line."
"They were foolish indeed, Great Lord Dragon," she said as she bowed even deeper by going to both knees and head nearly touching the ground. "But they cannot sustain two animals per day for very long before they run out, and then how will they keep serving? Please Great Lord Dragon, show them that you can be merciful, lower it to one per day until help arrives."
Trinket remembered the elder dragons words to spare her specific village and wondered why. He couldn't remember the reason, but decided he should show a degree of mercy. "Very well, for the next two days they will bring two hooved animals, then it will be one per day after that. In three days, it will be a full moon. On the next full moon I will expect that you succeeded in your task and I will be given two animals a day again."
"Yes, of course Great Lord Trinket," said Buttons slowly straightening up to make eye contact with him. She nodded several times, her face solemn. "Forgive me for asking, but if you only need two, why did you eat so many over the last several weeks?"
Trinket shrugged. "Waking up from slumber I need large amounts of food. I feel much better now."
"I understand Lord Dragon Trinket. I will get to work right away and make it happen. Thank you for your consideration." She stood up and dusted off her skirt.
Buttons is industrious, thought Trinket as she reminded him of his Lutin clan. Perhaps I will keep her as an ally.
"If you would be so gracious to share your wisdom, I do have two questions," asked Buttons.
"I'm listening," said Trinket. He did find her rather interesting with the things that kept coming out of her mouth and wondered what his little human would ask next.
Buttons stood up straight, lifted her chin, and pointed at the dragon medallion that glistened in the sunlight. With her other hand she pulled out her red bladed dagger. "Last night both of these did, surprising things. Could you explain how they work?"
Trinket smiled. The previous dragon told him about medallion and he wondered how soon the magic properties would start to manifest. If they happened already, that would mean his Buttons had magic potential. Feeling coy, he lowered his head, bringing it near her. "Do you really want to know how they work?"
Buttons nodded her head, "Yes, Lord Trinket, desperately so."
Trinket looked to his left and right to make it look to her that he was making sure no one was around. Lowering his voice, he whispered. "They work, by…you ready?" Buttons vigorously nodded, he could smell the excitement on her. "They work by…magic."
Buttons waited in silence for the rest of it, but realized no more was coming. The look on her face caused Trinket to throw his head back and laugh at his joke. It was so boisterous he didn't hear her annoyed groan and mutterings. His mirth subsiding Trinket called out to his Lutin, "Quinby, show yourself."
A rock by Buttons feet flipped over and a reptilian snout with sharp teeth popped out of the hole. Startled, Buttons yelped and jumped back.
The head of a Lutin came out into the sunshine. He woe dark goggles over his bulbous eyes to protect them from the light. He lifted himself up with his clawed four fingered hands., jumped out of the hole, dusted himself off, and then rose to his full seven-inch height. He wore dark burgundy leathers, with copper banding around the shoulders, and some sort of a brass contraption strapped to his left forearm. His leather pants ended at mid-calf exposing his reptilian dark red feet. Three clawed toes in the front, and one claw coming out the back of his heel.
"Hi Boss. I'm here Boss."
"Good. I need you to keep an eye on this human. I'm sending her to Port Amber for a quest and I need to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid," said Trinket as he gestured to Buttons.
Quinby turned and looked at the human, his eyes going from her ankles to the hair on her head. He looked back to Trinket. "You want me to babysit a human?"
"What's that?" asked Buttons cutting in as she pointed at Quinby.
"He's a Lutin Faerie," replied Trinket. He had tucked his paws inwards as he lay on the ground.
"I thought Fairies had wings?"
Quinby's jaw dropped.
"Don't mind her. She's ignorant," said Trinket.
Quinby's eyes narrowed behind the dark lens of his goggles. "Us Lutin prefer solid rock and caves over the flighty wind," he said as he stomped the ground to prove his point.
Buttons leaned forward to get a better look. She remembered her books mentioned other types of fairies, but since had never seen any of them before she had thought they weren't real. "My, you're a cute little thing aren't you?" She reached forward to scratch his head like he was one of her cats.
Quinby snapped his sharp teeth at the approaching finger that Buttons quickly withdrew. "Listen here lady. I ain't fuckin cute, I ain't your fuckin pet and I ain't your fuckin friend."
Despite his obvious perturbed demeanor, Buttons couldn't help to smile, but had the good sense to cover her mouth with a hand. "Okay, okay," she said as she lifted a hand showing she wasn't going to press the issue.
With the human heeled, Quinby turned back to the dragon. "Boss, do you really want me to babysit this human?" He flicked a black-clawed thumb at Buttons.
Trinket was horribly amused watching the exchange between the two. I should've done this sooner.
"Yes, Quinby. This human is going in my name to Port Amber and I need someone smart like you to keep her in line," said Trinket, then explained the part how she would negotiate the animal deal.
Quinby shifted his lower jaw as he processed the request. "Please Boss Dragon, can't I stay here and hang out with you?"
"Did you notice her hair Quinby? See how it's so long and red?"
Quinby turned around and eyed up the human's hair that had fluttered with the wind. Like all Lutin, he had a thing for long hair.
"Take care of Buttons for me Quinby."
"Yeah, sure Boss. I'll do it for you," said Quinby. He turned to Buttons, eyes narrowing again, but not in anger this time. "Your name is Buttons?"
"I named her Buttons," said Trinket cutting her off. He wanted the credit for the clever name.
"That's interesting," said Quinby.
"I named her after the pink dots on her front mounds. They remind me of buttons that humans fancy," said Trinket to further highlight how well he thought out the name.
Quinby's eyes focused on Buttons front mounds. "You mean on her boobies?"
"Boobies?" asked Trinket.
"Her front mounds are called boobies."
"They aren't called boobies," cut in Buttons, "they're called, breasts."
"They have more than one name?" asked Trinket. "That makes no sense. An arm is an arm, and a leg is a leg."
"They have lots of names," said Quinby. "Boobies, titties, melons, bazongas, fun ones, cupcakes, milk monsters, twins, snugglies, jugs, ta-"
"Breasts! Can we just call them breasts?" blurted out Buttons.
"Boobies is more fun to say," said Quinby.
"Agreed," said Trinket. "Boobies is more fun to say. If we need to refer to her front mounds again, we will refer to them boobies." How many names do those things need? Humans are so strange.
Quinby laughed. "Great choice, Boss," He gave Trinket a thumbs up. Buttons quietly groaned but keep her comments to herself.
Trinket quickly stood up and spread his wings. "Quinby, jump into Buttons arms."
Before Buttons could react, Quinby darted to the hem of her skirt and used his claws to quickly scale up her. He was nestling in her cleavage before she knew what was happening and had managed to wrap himself up in some of her hair. She cradled him in her elbows like a baby to stop his claws from scratching through her clothing.
"Ready," asked Trinket. Not waiting for an answer, he spread his leathery wings, sprung forward on strong limbs, beat his powerful wing muscles, caught the air, and launched himself up and forward. He scooped up Buttons in his right hand, careful not to break the frail human. I do need to be careful, she has a quest, and she's rather entertaining.
Trinket took delight in the lutin's and human's shocked screams as he took flight and rapidly gained altitude on hot upward gusts of air he created.
He watched his passengers with one eye. Quinby had buried his head as far into Buttons as he could, nearly hidden in her hair. Buttons on the hand, didn't look frightened at all. One hand held Quinby, and she held onto trinkets finger with the other. She looked forward and was smiling. The red hair that Quinby wasn't using was whipping around behind her like dancing fire.
"You've flown before?" asked Trinket as he sought an explanation to why she wasn't terrified like the Lutin. Both were ground dwellers.
"Nope, never," she shouted back over the wind.
"Would you like to?"
Buttons turned towards him, a quizzical look on her face. "I thought I was."
Trinket smiled. "I mean real flying," then with a flick of his wrist he flung her and Quinby into the air allowing them freestyle flight. He laughed as he watched Buttons shriek as her limbs flailed wildly, though she had the presence of mind to hang on to Quinby.
He beat his wings, and caught them still laughing. "That's real flying!"
"Can you do that again?"
"Really?"
"Yes, Lord Dragon. Again Please!"
Trinket tossed her in the air again. This time she squealed instead of shrieked like she enjoyed it. She soared through the air without grace, but her limbs flailed less this time. Trinket caught her as she reached the top of her flight arc and started to drop.
"Another?" Trinket asked. He was intrigued, impressed, and surprised how much fun he was having.
"Please!"
This time Trinket wound up and gave her a good throw. He used his natural magic to heat the air below her that created an updraft rush of warm air to extend her flight. This time she leveled out and spread her arms wide like they were wings. She let go of Quinby who soared beneath her, though he was all screams and thrashing. Seeing his distress, she carefully reached down and held him. It kept him from thrashing about, but he clung tightly to her hand.
Trinket let them fly along for a while before he had to catch them. "That's enough for now. Take care of Quinby." He didn't like how Quinby was so terrified. He was one of his favorite lutin after all.
"Yes, thank you," shouted Buttons as she nuzzled Quinby and watched the landscape pass below them.
He gave her a long sideways look. You're more than I thought
Sweat glistened off her brow. She looked paler, and smelled of fear. "I thought you were going to eat me."
Trinket picked a rib bone from his teeth. "A valid concern. Carry on."
She took a measured breath. "Like I was saying, I plan to travel to Port Amber. There are many men there and I will find someone…worthy enough to mate with me."
"You mean someone who is brave enough."
Buttons held back a groan. "Yes, Lord Dragon. I meant to say, someone who would be brave enough to mate with me."
"I would imagine it would take a lot of courage," replied Trinket. "As for Port Amber, you mean the big city to the west?" He looked in the direction. "How long will this take you?"
"I've never been, but between horse and boat I think I should able to get there in about a fortnight, maybe a bit more. "
"Thirty days round trip? I don't want to wait that long," replied Trinket. "I'll take you there myself."
"I can ride you to the city?" asked Buttons. Her eyes lit up and were almost as bright as her smile.
Trinket lowered his head and narrowed his eyes. "No one rides a dragon."
"Forgive me Lord Dragon, I misunderstood."
Trinket kept his stare level. "It's like you want me to eat you."
Sensing the threat, Buttons swallowed hard and bowed her head. She clamped her hands together to hide their trembling. "Forgive me Lord Trinket, I don't understand the way of dragons as well as I should."
Trinket drew in a deep breath to catch her scent. Fear mixed with a sliver of courage. She clearly lacks social awareness and must be ignorant.
"Very well. I'll forgive your foolishness this one time."
"Thank you, Lord Dragon." Then after a moment of silence, she dropped to one knee and bowed even deeper. "Lord Trinket, would you be so gracious to let me propose a bargain with you?"
A bargain? How fascinating. "Speak, but choose your words carefully."
"Thank you, Lord Dragon Trinket," said Buttons as she lifted her head and gestured to where the two animals had been tied up. "As you saw the village brought you two animals today as you commanded. But, if they bring two animals everyday they will soon run out and fall onto hardships."
Trinket waited for more, but then realized that was her whole point. "And?"
"If the Great Dragon Lord Trinket pleases, your servant Buttons can go to all the towns and villages in the area, and they can each offer animals to satisfy your hunger so you won't have to attack the other human settlements. This way, neither you or the humans will run out of animals."
Trinket cocked his head to the side. Interesting idea.
"If you allow me to negotiate with the other humans settlements on your behalf, you will always have food. You won't have to raid towns, risk injury or them banding together against you."
The dragon lowered himself to rest on his haunches and elbows, much like a giant cat, as he contemplated the idea. He remembered the hunting groups and had noticed how the larger towns had better defenses than before. His eyes narrowed, he looked her over as he thought about how previous dragons had human allies.
"Will I have to do anything?"
"You will have to agree not to attack the human settlements. The humans will agree to keep you fed, and will live under your protection. If I'm not mistaken, this is your territory and other dragons will not cause trouble because of you. Also, if you don't have to spend time hunting, you would be free to pursue other interests."
This little human is full of good ideas. I definitely won't eat her today.
"Your plan has merit. You are right in that the other adult dragons will respect my territory. However, I will not be responsible for the hatchling and younger dragons because they have yet to develop beyond primal instincts."
"Forgive me for saying, Lord Trinket," said Buttons. She paused to consider her words. "I believe, that the humans may find it unfair if the young dragons still can attack them, which will lead the humans to have difficulty with the agreement."
"You really do not know much about dragons," replied Trinket. "To be clear, I will not be responsible for the actions of the young dragons, but I will also give leave for the humans to defend themselves freely. How else will the young dragons prove themselves strong enough to advance to the next dragon age?"
"I think I understand," said Buttons. She recalled from the stories that the youngest dragons were like the large forest predators. "Then you will agree that you will see to it that the adult dragons will not bother the humans in your territory if they keep you fed?"
Trinket contemplated her deal for a moment. "If you can convince the humans to the proposed terms I will meet with their leaders, verify they understand the details, and then make a pact with them."
Buttons kneeled and bowed deeply, "Thank you Lord Dragon Trinket. May I ask that until other settlements help that my village only offer one animal per day? This will allow them to sustain the offerings for much longer."
"One?" Trinket scoffed. "They try to trick me with the virgin thing and need to be kept in line."
"They were foolish indeed, Great Lord Dragon," she said as she bowed even deeper by going to both knees and head nearly touching the ground. "But they cannot sustain two animals per day for very long before they run out, and then how will they keep serving? Please Great Lord Dragon, show them that you can be merciful, lower it to one per day until help arrives."
Trinket remembered the elder dragons words to spare her specific village and wondered why. He couldn't remember the reason, but decided he should show a degree of mercy. "Very well, for the next two days they will bring two hooved animals, then it will be one per day after that. In three days, it will be a full moon. On the next full moon I will expect that you succeeded in your task and I will be given two animals a day again."
"Yes, of course Great Lord Trinket," said Buttons slowly straightening up to make eye contact with him. She nodded several times, her face solemn. "Forgive me for asking, but if you only need two, why did you eat so many over the last several weeks?"
Trinket shrugged. "Waking up from slumber I need large amounts of food. I feel much better now."
"I understand Lord Dragon Trinket. I will get to work right away and make it happen. Thank you for your consideration." She stood up and dusted off her skirt.
Buttons is industrious, thought Trinket as she reminded him of his Lutin clan. Perhaps I will keep her as an ally.
"If you would be so gracious to share your wisdom, I do have two questions," asked Buttons.
"I'm listening," said Trinket. He did find her rather interesting with the things that kept coming out of her mouth and wondered what his little human would ask next.
Buttons stood up straight, lifted her chin, and pointed at the dragon medallion that glistened in the sunlight. With her other hand she pulled out her red bladed dagger. "Last night both of these did, surprising things. Could you explain how they work?"
Trinket smiled. The previous dragon told him about medallion and he wondered how soon the magic properties would start to manifest. If they happened already, that would mean his Buttons had magic potential. Feeling coy, he lowered his head, bringing it near her. "Do you really want to know how they work?"
Buttons nodded her head, "Yes, Lord Trinket, desperately so."
Trinket looked to his left and right to make it look to her that he was making sure no one was around. Lowering his voice, he whispered. "They work, by…you ready?" Buttons vigorously nodded, he could smell the excitement on her. "They work by…magic."
Buttons waited in silence for the rest of it, but realized no more was coming. The look on her face caused Trinket to throw his head back and laugh at his joke. It was so boisterous he didn't hear her annoyed groan and mutterings. His mirth subsiding Trinket called out to his Lutin, "Quinby, show yourself."
A rock by Buttons feet flipped over and a reptilian snout with sharp teeth popped out of the hole. Startled, Buttons yelped and jumped back.
The head of a Lutin came out into the sunshine. He woe dark goggles over his bulbous eyes to protect them from the light. He lifted himself up with his clawed four fingered hands., jumped out of the hole, dusted himself off, and then rose to his full seven-inch height. He wore dark burgundy leathers, with copper banding around the shoulders, and some sort of a brass contraption strapped to his left forearm. His leather pants ended at mid-calf exposing his reptilian dark red feet. Three clawed toes in the front, and one claw coming out the back of his heel.
"Hi Boss. I'm here Boss."
"Good. I need you to keep an eye on this human. I'm sending her to Port Amber for a quest and I need to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid," said Trinket as he gestured to Buttons.
Quinby turned and looked at the human, his eyes going from her ankles to the hair on her head. He looked back to Trinket. "You want me to babysit a human?"
"What's that?" asked Buttons cutting in as she pointed at Quinby.
"He's a Lutin Faerie," replied Trinket. He had tucked his paws inwards as he lay on the ground.
"I thought Fairies had wings?"
Quinby's jaw dropped.
"Don't mind her. She's ignorant," said Trinket.
Quinby's eyes narrowed behind the dark lens of his goggles. "Us Lutin prefer solid rock and caves over the flighty wind," he said as he stomped the ground to prove his point.
Buttons leaned forward to get a better look. She remembered her books mentioned other types of fairies, but since had never seen any of them before she had thought they weren't real. "My, you're a cute little thing aren't you?" She reached forward to scratch his head like he was one of her cats.
Quinby snapped his sharp teeth at the approaching finger that Buttons quickly withdrew. "Listen here lady. I ain't fuckin cute, I ain't your fuckin pet and I ain't your fuckin friend."
Despite his obvious perturbed demeanor, Buttons couldn't help to smile, but had the good sense to cover her mouth with a hand. "Okay, okay," she said as she lifted a hand showing she wasn't going to press the issue.
With the human heeled, Quinby turned back to the dragon. "Boss, do you really want me to babysit this human?" He flicked a black-clawed thumb at Buttons.
Trinket was horribly amused watching the exchange between the two. I should've done this sooner.
"Yes, Quinby. This human is going in my name to Port Amber and I need someone smart like you to keep her in line," said Trinket, then explained the part how she would negotiate the animal deal.
Quinby shifted his lower jaw as he processed the request. "Please Boss Dragon, can't I stay here and hang out with you?"
"Did you notice her hair Quinby? See how it's so long and red?"
Quinby turned around and eyed up the human's hair that had fluttered with the wind. Like all Lutin, he had a thing for long hair.
"Take care of Buttons for me Quinby."
"Yeah, sure Boss. I'll do it for you," said Quinby. He turned to Buttons, eyes narrowing again, but not in anger this time. "Your name is Buttons?"
"I named her Buttons," said Trinket cutting her off. He wanted the credit for the clever name.
"That's interesting," said Quinby.
"I named her after the pink dots on her front mounds. They remind me of buttons that humans fancy," said Trinket to further highlight how well he thought out the name.
Quinby's eyes focused on Buttons front mounds. "You mean on her boobies?"
"Boobies?" asked Trinket.
"Her front mounds are called boobies."
"They aren't called boobies," cut in Buttons, "they're called, breasts."
"They have more than one name?" asked Trinket. "That makes no sense. An arm is an arm, and a leg is a leg."
"They have lots of names," said Quinby. "Boobies, titties, melons, bazongas, fun ones, cupcakes, milk monsters, twins, snugglies, jugs, ta-"
"Breasts! Can we just call them breasts?" blurted out Buttons.
"Boobies is more fun to say," said Quinby.
"Agreed," said Trinket. "Boobies is more fun to say. If we need to refer to her front mounds again, we will refer to them boobies." How many names do those things need? Humans are so strange.
Quinby laughed. "Great choice, Boss," He gave Trinket a thumbs up. Buttons quietly groaned but keep her comments to herself.
Trinket quickly stood up and spread his wings. "Quinby, jump into Buttons arms."
Before Buttons could react, Quinby darted to the hem of her skirt and used his claws to quickly scale up her. He was nestling in her cleavage before she knew what was happening and had managed to wrap himself up in some of her hair. She cradled him in her elbows like a baby to stop his claws from scratching through her clothing.
"Ready," asked Trinket. Not waiting for an answer, he spread his leathery wings, sprung forward on strong limbs, beat his powerful wing muscles, caught the air, and launched himself up and forward. He scooped up Buttons in his right hand, careful not to break the frail human. I do need to be careful, she has a quest, and she's rather entertaining.
Trinket took delight in the lutin's and human's shocked screams as he took flight and rapidly gained altitude on hot upward gusts of air he created.
He watched his passengers with one eye. Quinby had buried his head as far into Buttons as he could, nearly hidden in her hair. Buttons on the hand, didn't look frightened at all. One hand held Quinby, and she held onto trinkets finger with the other. She looked forward and was smiling. The red hair that Quinby wasn't using was whipping around behind her like dancing fire.
"You've flown before?" asked Trinket as he sought an explanation to why she wasn't terrified like the Lutin. Both were ground dwellers.
"Nope, never," she shouted back over the wind.
"Would you like to?"
Buttons turned towards him, a quizzical look on her face. "I thought I was."
Trinket smiled. "I mean real flying," then with a flick of his wrist he flung her and Quinby into the air allowing them freestyle flight. He laughed as he watched Buttons shriek as her limbs flailed wildly, though she had the presence of mind to hang on to Quinby.
He beat his wings, and caught them still laughing. "That's real flying!"
"Can you do that again?"
"Really?"
"Yes, Lord Dragon. Again Please!"
Trinket tossed her in the air again. This time she squealed instead of shrieked like she enjoyed it. She soared through the air without grace, but her limbs flailed less this time. Trinket caught her as she reached the top of her flight arc and started to drop.
"Another?" Trinket asked. He was intrigued, impressed, and surprised how much fun he was having.
"Please!"
This time Trinket wound up and gave her a good throw. He used his natural magic to heat the air below her that created an updraft rush of warm air to extend her flight. This time she leveled out and spread her arms wide like they were wings. She let go of Quinby who soared beneath her, though he was all screams and thrashing. Seeing his distress, she carefully reached down and held him. It kept him from thrashing about, but he clung tightly to her hand.
Trinket let them fly along for a while before he had to catch them. "That's enough for now. Take care of Quinby." He didn't like how Quinby was so terrified. He was one of his favorite lutin after all.
"Yes, thank you," shouted Buttons as she nuzzled Quinby and watched the landscape pass below them.
He gave her a long sideways look. You're more than I thought
Forgehawk Chapter 9
Chapter 9 – Port Amber Catacombs
Logrith took a sip of his steaming spiced owl wood tea. He always thought the red Forgehawk symbol emblazoned on his granite mug was pretentious, but appearances were important. He held the mug around its body to warm his hands against the chill in his bones and from the dank catacombs.
"Magistratus Forgehawk," said a green robed SilverSpirit mage who stopped pushing her cart to give him a formal bow.
"Acknowledged," said Logrith as he nodded his head. He glanced at the glassware on her cart. One of the bowls contained a slop of meat with the used cutting instruments next to it.
He took a sip of his tea taking a moment to savor the aroma and how it reminded him of home. An indulgence he imported all the way from King City because the local variety wasn't the same.
The tunnel was well lit with the Stormrider glow orbs, but he made note to have his Forgehawks make some more heat stones because the cold was too annoying. He stepped from the tunnel into the all-metal discovery room. Large glow orbs in each corner and a particularly large one in the center of the ceiling let no shadows remain. Here the soft yellow glow of the heat stones kept this room pleasantly warm.
"Greetings Magistratus Forgehawk," said the woman sitting in the corner next to a tray of diamonds. She was sipping tea from a glassware cup flaunting a Stormrider symbol. She also believed in appearances.
"Greeting Magistratus Stormrider," replied Logrith as he gave her a shallow bow.
"Here to check up on your favorite?" she asked with a smile.
Logrith stepped over to the table in the center of the room. He looked down at the man strapped to it. "Of course Greta. You know two forty-seven is of special interest."
"I know," she said. She walked over to stand next to Logrith. "He still is unable to move it." She ran a finger along the dragon scales grafted to his right arm. "A shame."
Logrith saw her sideways glance at him. A sudden itch ran across his chest but he refused to scratch it. He leaned forward to get the attention of two forty-seven. "Is that true?"
Two forty-seven's head was strapped down and a copper tube ran under his nose venting yellowish fumes into it. The numbers 247 were tattooed on his forehead. His eyes were glazed over and made no sign he heard the question.
"He has lasted longer than most," said Logrith. He turned to Greta. Her left eyebrow had been removed and was replaced by diamond studs that glittered in the light. Many thought it was eloquent and distinguished, Logrith found them distracting. "Ninety-two still lives as well?"
"She has proven very resilient," said Greta. "We should pass the motion that we should only experiment on more mature practitioners."
"Agreed," said Logrith. "Otherwise they don't last."
"Agreed," replied Greta. "It is better to be patient at the beginning so we can learn more later."
A pair of SilverSpirit mages entered the discovery room and made their formal greetings to the guild masters. They were pushing a cart each. One had knives, a saw, and bowls of pastes. The other had a corded bundle of branches nearly four feet long.
Logrith leaned back over the table trying to catch two forty-sevens attention. "Are you ready for your next surgery?" He picked at a scale on his chest and peeled it back to where he knew it would be excruciating. "Are you still in there Bradley?" he whispered.
The man's dark eyes focused on Logrith and flashed anger.
"So much anger. I have told you this is nothing personal, you just have what I want," Logrith took a sip of his tea. "You need to stay alive for me. Can you do that?"
Two forty-seven feebly pushed against the straps. Logrith patted him on the dragon scales. "There is that fight I admire." He stepped back and nodded to the SilverSpirit mages to proceed. They began to smear the paste over two forty sevens left shoulder.
They heard the running footsteps before the man entered the room. He wore Stormrider creams and purples, and was breathing heavy. He bowed deep, "Magistratus Stormrider and Magistratus Forgehawk. The forge dragon has been spotted. It continues towards us." His eyes darted between Greta, who he was affiliated with, and Logrith because the Forge dragon was associated with his magic house.
"Fascinating. Does it still fly along the Ridgeback Mountains?" ask Logrith. The dragon had been spotted by the guilds in the town along its flight path. They had been tracking its progress all morning.
"Yes, Magistratus. It continues along the face of the mountain. We have confirmed that it has its adult sheen."
"Then this is the one," said Logrith.
"Contact Magistratus SilverSpirit and WaterBear," Greta said to the messenger. "Have them meet us on top of central building."
"Acknowledged," said the messenger as he bowed then quickly ran off.
Logrith and Greta made their way through the catacombs and exited through their respective hidden entrances that lead to their faction's private keeps. They made their way to the central building where the various magic houses would meet. At the top of the central tower the four leaders of the magic guilds met and made their formal greetings.
The top of the tower had the most advanced looking scope in the city. It was a large brass tube the size of a large man. It was wrapped with copper and silver windings and embedded with quartz, sapphires, and diamonds. It needed a tripod because it was so heavy. An umbilical like bundle of copper dropped down from its underside and snaked to the glass topped table. Logrith suspected the StormRiders had an even more powerful version in their private keep. They had the distinct advantage of having magic abilities that allowed them to see beyond visible site. He had little doubt they he would keep the absolute best to themselves, but that was to be expected.
"Bring it into view," commanded Greta.
One Stormrider mage kept her eye on the sight glass. Her delicate fingers made fine adjustments on the dials and controls were connected to the base of the tripod. Another one spoke the incantations to power the magical connections activating the glass tabletop.
They stood around the table and the image of the forge dragon materialized. It soared, wide wings slowly beating. The guild had heard reports of its awakening to the east, far beyond established towns. They had sent some of their mages to try to triangulate its cave. Now it was coming straight at them.
"What would bring it this far west?" asked Amroth Waterbear. "It must have a reason."
Greta squinted. "What is that in its hand? Bring it into focus."
The attending mages made careful adjustments to the delicate instruments. The image shifted, blurred, and refocused on the streak of long red hair flapping in the wind.
"Is it carrying a woman?"
Logrith leaned in. "I think so." He turned and looked at the blue sky where the looking glass was pointed even though he knew there was no chance to see the creature. He turned back to the tabletop image.
"Fascinating," said Jaya Silverspirit, her ever-present cat positioned itself at the edge of the table and watched the images with them. It was black with white markings, with a solid muscular frame.
The four master mages, head of their respective households watched silently, plans and thoughts circulating in their heads.
"I recommend careful observation and discussion," said Amroth.
"Agreed," said Greta. "Though we will have to notify and direct the Amber Guard soon." She glanced at Logrith. Though they were equals, he had a slight jurisdictional strength because it was a forge dragon.
Logrith watched the dragon fly on the screen, waiting until he felt the eyes of the others on him. "Agreed, we will have Surefoot notified. For now, I recommend that the dragon is not attacked or otherwise provoked. I doubt it plans to attack us and I want to see how this unfolds."
The other Magistratus quickly agreed. They believed in appearances as well.
Logrith took a sip of his steaming spiced owl wood tea. He always thought the red Forgehawk symbol emblazoned on his granite mug was pretentious, but appearances were important. He held the mug around its body to warm his hands against the chill in his bones and from the dank catacombs.
"Magistratus Forgehawk," said a green robed SilverSpirit mage who stopped pushing her cart to give him a formal bow.
"Acknowledged," said Logrith as he nodded his head. He glanced at the glassware on her cart. One of the bowls contained a slop of meat with the used cutting instruments next to it.
He took a sip of his tea taking a moment to savor the aroma and how it reminded him of home. An indulgence he imported all the way from King City because the local variety wasn't the same.
The tunnel was well lit with the Stormrider glow orbs, but he made note to have his Forgehawks make some more heat stones because the cold was too annoying. He stepped from the tunnel into the all-metal discovery room. Large glow orbs in each corner and a particularly large one in the center of the ceiling let no shadows remain. Here the soft yellow glow of the heat stones kept this room pleasantly warm.
"Greetings Magistratus Forgehawk," said the woman sitting in the corner next to a tray of diamonds. She was sipping tea from a glassware cup flaunting a Stormrider symbol. She also believed in appearances.
"Greeting Magistratus Stormrider," replied Logrith as he gave her a shallow bow.
"Here to check up on your favorite?" she asked with a smile.
Logrith stepped over to the table in the center of the room. He looked down at the man strapped to it. "Of course Greta. You know two forty-seven is of special interest."
"I know," she said. She walked over to stand next to Logrith. "He still is unable to move it." She ran a finger along the dragon scales grafted to his right arm. "A shame."
Logrith saw her sideways glance at him. A sudden itch ran across his chest but he refused to scratch it. He leaned forward to get the attention of two forty-seven. "Is that true?"
Two forty-seven's head was strapped down and a copper tube ran under his nose venting yellowish fumes into it. The numbers 247 were tattooed on his forehead. His eyes were glazed over and made no sign he heard the question.
"He has lasted longer than most," said Logrith. He turned to Greta. Her left eyebrow had been removed and was replaced by diamond studs that glittered in the light. Many thought it was eloquent and distinguished, Logrith found them distracting. "Ninety-two still lives as well?"
"She has proven very resilient," said Greta. "We should pass the motion that we should only experiment on more mature practitioners."
"Agreed," said Logrith. "Otherwise they don't last."
"Agreed," replied Greta. "It is better to be patient at the beginning so we can learn more later."
A pair of SilverSpirit mages entered the discovery room and made their formal greetings to the guild masters. They were pushing a cart each. One had knives, a saw, and bowls of pastes. The other had a corded bundle of branches nearly four feet long.
Logrith leaned back over the table trying to catch two forty-sevens attention. "Are you ready for your next surgery?" He picked at a scale on his chest and peeled it back to where he knew it would be excruciating. "Are you still in there Bradley?" he whispered.
The man's dark eyes focused on Logrith and flashed anger.
"So much anger. I have told you this is nothing personal, you just have what I want," Logrith took a sip of his tea. "You need to stay alive for me. Can you do that?"
Two forty-seven feebly pushed against the straps. Logrith patted him on the dragon scales. "There is that fight I admire." He stepped back and nodded to the SilverSpirit mages to proceed. They began to smear the paste over two forty sevens left shoulder.
They heard the running footsteps before the man entered the room. He wore Stormrider creams and purples, and was breathing heavy. He bowed deep, "Magistratus Stormrider and Magistratus Forgehawk. The forge dragon has been spotted. It continues towards us." His eyes darted between Greta, who he was affiliated with, and Logrith because the Forge dragon was associated with his magic house.
"Fascinating. Does it still fly along the Ridgeback Mountains?" ask Logrith. The dragon had been spotted by the guilds in the town along its flight path. They had been tracking its progress all morning.
"Yes, Magistratus. It continues along the face of the mountain. We have confirmed that it has its adult sheen."
"Then this is the one," said Logrith.
"Contact Magistratus SilverSpirit and WaterBear," Greta said to the messenger. "Have them meet us on top of central building."
"Acknowledged," said the messenger as he bowed then quickly ran off.
Logrith and Greta made their way through the catacombs and exited through their respective hidden entrances that lead to their faction's private keeps. They made their way to the central building where the various magic houses would meet. At the top of the central tower the four leaders of the magic guilds met and made their formal greetings.
The top of the tower had the most advanced looking scope in the city. It was a large brass tube the size of a large man. It was wrapped with copper and silver windings and embedded with quartz, sapphires, and diamonds. It needed a tripod because it was so heavy. An umbilical like bundle of copper dropped down from its underside and snaked to the glass topped table. Logrith suspected the StormRiders had an even more powerful version in their private keep. They had the distinct advantage of having magic abilities that allowed them to see beyond visible site. He had little doubt they he would keep the absolute best to themselves, but that was to be expected.
"Bring it into view," commanded Greta.
One Stormrider mage kept her eye on the sight glass. Her delicate fingers made fine adjustments on the dials and controls were connected to the base of the tripod. Another one spoke the incantations to power the magical connections activating the glass tabletop.
They stood around the table and the image of the forge dragon materialized. It soared, wide wings slowly beating. The guild had heard reports of its awakening to the east, far beyond established towns. They had sent some of their mages to try to triangulate its cave. Now it was coming straight at them.
"What would bring it this far west?" asked Amroth Waterbear. "It must have a reason."
Greta squinted. "What is that in its hand? Bring it into focus."
The attending mages made careful adjustments to the delicate instruments. The image shifted, blurred, and refocused on the streak of long red hair flapping in the wind.
"Is it carrying a woman?"
Logrith leaned in. "I think so." He turned and looked at the blue sky where the looking glass was pointed even though he knew there was no chance to see the creature. He turned back to the tabletop image.
"Fascinating," said Jaya Silverspirit, her ever-present cat positioned itself at the edge of the table and watched the images with them. It was black with white markings, with a solid muscular frame.
The four master mages, head of their respective households watched silently, plans and thoughts circulating in their heads.
"I recommend careful observation and discussion," said Amroth.
"Agreed," said Greta. "Though we will have to notify and direct the Amber Guard soon." She glanced at Logrith. Though they were equals, he had a slight jurisdictional strength because it was a forge dragon.
Logrith watched the dragon fly on the screen, waiting until he felt the eyes of the others on him. "Agreed, we will have Surefoot notified. For now, I recommend that the dragon is not attacked or otherwise provoked. I doubt it plans to attack us and I want to see how this unfolds."
The other Magistratus quickly agreed. They believed in appearances as well.