Ashalan awoke, covered in a blanket, to the sound of crackling wood and opened her eyes partially to see a fire burning before her. She jumped to her feet, the amulet banging against her chest, thinking that she had set something ablaze, but then realised that it was just a campfire. Fish were cooking and the aroma filled her nostrils then hit her stomach. She was ravenous.

The blanket fell to her feet and Nighlon came quickly towards her holding another blanket, covering her. She had forgotten that she would be naked after the transformation back to her human form. He quickly wrapped it around her before the other men saw. She gratefully took the blanket from him and held it to herself.

“Thank you. How did you know where I was?” Ashalan asked, blushing.

“We have been following you all day. You're quite easy to spot in your dragon form.” Nighlon smiled softly.

She blushed again and looked down. “I hope you were the only ones that could see me though. Seraphine and her guard will be searching the skies too.”

“This is true. We will eat then move on.” Nighlon said, as he stoked the campfire with a stick.

Ashalan didn't protest.

:You weren't scared of me?” She looked at him.

“No, I have seen worse. Like my father's temper when he can’t find his trident.” He smiled at Ashalan.

She smiled back and laughed. It felt good to laugh.

“What does it feel like to change? You seemed to be in a lot of pain?” Nighlon asked, his smile changing into a concerned frown.

“Yes, it is unbearably painful. Even more so for the older ones.” Ashalan sighed.

“There are more of you?” Nighlon said, surprised.

“Yes. Thousands. Seraphine has cursed many poor souls, and is amassing a great army of us. The five Kingdoms will be no match against it. That's why I have to get this amulet to Monterey. He will know what to do. She has to be stopped otherwise lots more people will die.”

“You couldn't fly it to Monterey in your dragon form?” Nighlon asked.

“I have no control over it. I never know where I'm going to end up. When I was a captive in the caves there was a special cavern they used for the transformations. They would chain us in there, feed us then leave us until we changed back to our human selves.”

“That is awful. I'm sorry that you've had to go through that.” Nighlin shook his head in dismay. “I wasn't scared because I know what it's like to be feared and considered a monster too. We are kind people but many legends have created us into beasts because of what we look like when we change or are angered. You saw for yourself.” He said sheepishly.

”Yes, but people still fight beside you in the war though?” Ashalan asked in curiosity.

“Yes, because we are in our human form then too so people don't really know that we are different to them. Don't worry Princess, as long as you stay good in heart, you will be good in mind.” Nighlon smiled softly again.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Ashalan smiled meekly. That's what she was becoming afraid of. The anger of the beast was taking over her soul and she didn't know how to stop it, maybe Monterey would help her too.

“Your clothes are there Princess, along with another satchel, we got you some new ones. Then come and eat before we leave.” Nighlon picked up on her discomfort and pointed to a pile of clothes on a log beside the flour.

Turning, Nighlon went to sit in front of the fire with his back to her to give her privacy. She quickly pulled her clothes on underneath the blanket and looked at her arm. The map was completely gone, she should have known her skin would heal in her dragon form. She saw the canvas bag next to where she had slept and saw it was torn and ripped.

Nighlon moved to allow her room to sit beside him by the campfire.

“The others are keeping watch.” He said, pointing into the distance past some tall trees that silhouetted the night sky.

She examined the remains of the bag. The map was ripped to pieces, the provisions were gone.

“Your dragon self was hungry. It ate through all the provisions before setting off and killing some wild boar in the forest.” He smiled. “The map is of no use to you. Just remember that we go north towards the Hocharian forest and keep going north over the mountains.”

Ashalan nodded. Nighlon handed her a plate of fish and fruit, and ripped off a piece of bread then handed the rest to her.

“I will remember, thank you.” She said as she took the plate. She hungrily ate the fish, not stopping to take a breath. It was delicious and she licked her fingers when she had finished.

“Still hungry Princess?” She blushed again. Nighlon turned to her so she could see his handsome features as the firelight flickered upon them and handed her more food. He understood her, both monsters in a way, not by their own design.

She shivered.

“Are you cold?” He looked concerned and before she could say anything he jumped up and looked at the sky.

“What was that?” As he leapt to his feet. His men came crashing through the undergrowth yelling.

“Run, there are many dragons and soldiers coming. We are no match for them! We must warn the others.” They cried.

Ashalan leapt to her feet. “Seraphine.”

As the men ran towards them they were engulfed in a large fireball that sprang from the sky.

“Night breathers!” Ashalan cried in shock.

A large black and purple dragon with huge wings swooped down before her and screeched with it's talons outreached to grab her. Nighlon jumped in it's path and swung his large sword at the beast connecting with it's flank. It fell to the ground and Nighlon ran and leapt burying his knife in the chest of the rider on its back. His men stood and fought the onslaught but they were outnumbered. Ashalan drew back her hands and released a fireball into the dragon's side as it gnashed it's teeth at Nighlon.

“Run Princess, run. We will hold them off. You must go, now!” Nighlon called as he swung his sword again into the beast's side.

Another dragon approached them, filling the night sky and blocking out the stars. She sent another firebolt into the oncoming dragon's head. It cried in pain, but set to attack. She wondered who the dragon was, which one of her old friends she was having to fight against. Throwing another fireball, she had to keep them back from Nighlon and his men.

Nighlon ran up to her.

“Go now!” He yelled, putting up his shield to protect them both as fire shot back at them. He looked into her eyes and she into his. This was goodbye.

She nodded and began to run as fast as she could. She heard the men screaming as she reached the brow of a hill by the riverbank and turned to look back. As she did so she saw Nighlon being overtaken by two dragons, their jaws ripping at him. He continued to swing his sword while in their grasp until she saw him go limp and silent. He was thrown to the ground.

Dead.

Tears fell down her cheeks and she watched the dragons feed on the carcasses. Those dragons were humans no more. They had turned for eternity and would now hunger for human flesh and blood.

She quickly turned and ran, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand as she did so.