The bitter cold of winter froze the woods. Mist curled around the skirts of the evergreens. The northern winds had abated and the leaves that had yet to be shivered off the trees were still. As the sun rose over the horizon, the remaining yellow leaves of an aspen quivered. Concealed under the leaves was a pale golden dragon. His scales were as forever bathed in sunshine. He crept across the boughs. The dragon leapt from the last branches. He walked regally over to another tree trunk. He was no snake to slither on the ground.
A weather-beaten parchment had been nailed to the tree. A simple message was written, yet on it rested a desperate hope.
Reward
1000G
For the
Rescue of
Princess
The dragon didn’t revel in the strife he had caused, but contemplated the difficulties ahead.
“More men will come. I won’t have much time and the princess will awaken soon.” He turned and bounded home under cover of dissipating mists.
He stopped at a small knoll. After skirting it, he found an intricately carved stone door nearly covered by leftover autumn leaves. The dragon heaved it open. Ancient stairs led down to a maze. Doors lined the infinite halls. The dragon entered a door without hesitation and made his way past the riddle room. Only a dragon could get past these guards. His ancestors learned long ago, a dragon must protect himself and his treasure.
Past the riddle chamber was a large circular room. Rooms and stairs were cut in the rock.
“Rike, Lord of the Lair, you’ve returned,” spat a resentful feminine voice. Rike looked to his left. One of the rooms had been outfitted with bars. A young woman stared venomously at Rike from behind them.
“Still sulky?”
“I told you, release me and you’ll get whatever you desire. I need to go!”
“You think I want your stolen gold, Princess?.”
“Then tell me what!”
“You’re so naïve. I know what will happen if you aren’t present for the signing of the treaty. The power balance between the two kingdoms will fall into chaos, but you have no idea what your race has done to my family.”
“So it’s revenge.” She paused. “Haven’t you petitioned, fought back? You’ll let two nations rip each other apart and let thousands of innocent people die?”
“You don’t think we fought back!?” Rike turned away, his temper slipping. He calmed himself and began to walk away. “You will stay here until what you have said, is true.” The princess argued but he didn’t hear. Something was nearby. He heard the sound of claws on stone. Another dragon emerged. She was like Rike, but misted in crimson.
“Let her go, Rike. You blame them for the same death you intend. How are you any better than they?” Fury entered again into Rike.
“Traitor,” he snarled.
“Don’t make me fight you.” Regret flew across her face. Soldiers filed out from the shadows. “Too much has been lost.”
