The torchlight now allowed her to track the dragon and so when she saw the beast had turned its back to her, she crept away from the rock to duck behind a crowd of stalagmites. The rocks were tight and uneven, but she managed to slip through the first few rows to an open spot where she hunched down and waited.

Another plume lit up the cavern as the words again flashed across her H.U.D: Do you know where you are little thief? Are you here to steal from my mother? Or are you a lost little lamb in search of a way out?

This last bit caused her pause. She was hesitant to reply, but perhaps it would keep the creature busy. Who is your mother?

My mother is my mother. She and her lover are keepers of this dungeon. So if you have come seeking fortune or fame, you will here find neither. There is only us. There is only death.

And just who are you?

There was a pause before the dragon answered, I suppose it is right you should know who will kill you. My mother named me Vevic, which means ‘Again’ in our tongue.

And just why would a mother name her child ‘Again?’

Because it is a word that also means ‘seer’ in our tongue.

How ironic, Calista replied.

The dragon laughed, You know not who you taunt, little Delver, for I have seen my death and it is not this day.

So you know who I am?

No, but I will, and then I will present your body to my mother so she can know that I kept safe our home.

The dragon now neared the rock Calista had just left and as it snaked its head around it, she sank even further into the stalagmites, hoping it wouldn’t see her.

The dragon spoke again, You must know now that you cannot stay hidden. I have looked and seen that we battle. I know that I live and so I know that can mean only one outcome. Come now and I can see that we will end this quick and honorably.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Huddled behind the rocks, her hand grasped the hilt of her Emberblade as her H.U.D flashed a warning of [Danger: Heat Signature Nearby].

Are you here or are you there? If you call to me, I will come.

There was a short burst of flame as the dragon’s tail whipped across the ground and struck a rock. The stone bounced between the stalagmites until it landed next to her thigh. She let out a shallow breath and replied, I don’t know where you think I am, but I’m not there.

Ah ha! I knew it! The dragon laughed and then sent a burst of fire into the stalagmites and the flames roared past her right shoulder.

“Vevic,” called a voice.

The fire stopped as the dragon turned away. Huddled against the rocks, Calista waited until she heard the claws traveling away. Then she got down on all fours and crawled out of the stalagmite formation, she found the cavern wall and, keeping an eye on the dragon, began creeping in the opposite direction. A woman had appeared at the far end of the cavern, opposite where Calista had entered, where she was speaking with Vevic in hushed tones.

She could see now how the dragon had figured out where she was. Studying the burn marks on the walls and the rocks, she could see it had systematically searched the cavern until only the stalagmite formation was left. Clever beast, she thought.

Standing where she was, Calista could see only the back of the dragon as it stood between her and the mysterious woman. And somewhere over there is the door I need to get through. There was no other escape. Ever since the dragon had lit the torches, she had searched for another way out, but the only one she had spotted so far was that far door. So, moving slowly, she kept her eyes on the back of the dragon as crept along the wall. Then, as she reached the edge of the shadows, the dragon turned and gave her a glimpse of the woman.

Dressed in white robes, she had olive skin and hair that shimmered a deep blue-green. Wait, what is that? Watching the robed woman, Calista’s eyes turned to her hair. Is that what I think it is? Something on the robed woman’s head was moving, but before Calista could be sure what it was, the woman walked behind the dragon and into the shadows.

She took a step forward, but then her foot found something and she stopped and looked down. On the cave floor was a pile of coins. She took a step back and looked around. More coins. A chalice. A rod encrusted with gems. It’s a horde. I’ve found the dragon’s horde. This IS its lair. Careful now, the treasure is almost certain to be warded.

Stepping carefully, she continued her way along the edge of the cave. Swords, jewelry, staves, wands, armor, rods, amulets, and coins and more coins were all laid out before her. Then she saw something even more valuable and stopped. There, nestled between a treasure chest and a diamond studded crown was a dull brown, oval shaped object. A dragon egg.

By the lady …

Her thoughts were interrupted when a blast of fire shot out across the cave floor and engulfed the stalagmite formation she had just fled. The dragon was still looking for her.

Well shit.

No sign of the robed woman remained, but then a blast of air hit her as the dragon took wing. Her stealth would not hold up for long if the dragon started blasting down from the air. The black shadow was already hovering above her. One blast in her direction and she would either be incinerated or spotted. And I’m way too far away from that door to make a run for it. It was time for one last ditch effort to save herself. Activating her H.U.D, she selected her [dungeon sense] ability and set it to [search for hidden doors]. Then she activated it.

Above, the dragon was slowly circling the cavern as its four eyes searched the floor. She heard the beast breathe in as it prepared its next blast. This is it. I’m going to die.

Then, just as the dragon let out its blast, her [dungeon sense] highlighted a spot on the wall. Fire rained down right next to her and she covered her face as a blast of ash and dust blew over her.

I see you now, delver. Prepare for your death.

There was a tremor as the dragon landed. Calista glanced back to see four glowing eyes peering down at her from the dark.

You are too arrogant to be burned. I have decided that I will pin you to the rock and sever you limb from limb.

Ignoring the threats, Calista dashed to the wall where she found a small stick protruding from the rock. No, that’s a handle. She grabbed it and pulled just as something red flashed across her H.U.D. Oh no, it’s trapped.

There was a snap as the room disappeared and she fell into nothingness.