Talan POV

"Damn that wolf thing!" My voice thundered through the halls of my manor as I stirred from my meditation. Flames heat in my hands from my burning frustration. “What creature was that!” I feel the flames illuminating across my whole body.

“Sir.” A voice calls my attention away from my frustration.

"What is it, Nefrisse?" I gritted through my teeth.

She cowered in her place trying to keep eye contact. Her lips trembled bringing a smile to my face. I love it when she trembles. I pull her chin up to look up at me. Her fear is almost enough to rid me of my frustration. Almost.

"Speak." I demanded from the woman.

"S...sir. Lord Ulrich is here." She stuttered as I released her chin.

The last thing I want is to see that doofus. "Tell him that I am not receiving guests today." I commanded as the large brown doors behind her creaked open. The frumpy, round Lord Ulrich came creeping in. Damn, nosey elf.

"Hello, old friend." His raspy voice sounds rough like a sword dragging across the stone floor.

"What do you want, Ulrich?" My frustration returned just looking at his plump, greasy face. This man was a poor excuse for a woodland elf. His greed got him his lordship, but unlike other elves this man had no pride. Only a greedy love for money. But, the man had resources, which is the only reason I tolerate this disgraceful elf.

"Come on, Talan. You could be a bit kinder to a friend who brought you a little, generous opportunity." He said with a disgusting grin.

"What generous opportunity?" I mocked him, gesturing at his empty hands.

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

"Come in, Ms. Athyra Eshwyn." He called back to the wooden door.

In walked a young, female dragon from behind the wooden door. Her ice blue skin and silver hair stood out in the dark, gloomy study. She wore a bright blue robe that complimented her silver eyes, black pants and black knee high boots. Her garments hit each small curve of her body, perfectly. I could easily devour this little dragonette, however, that is part of the allure of dragons. She stood confidently with her arms crossed.

"Ulrich, what brings you and Ms. Athyra Eshwyn here?" I stifled the sarcasm in my voice. I watched the little dragonette with amusement. My mind lived in fantasies waiting for an explanation.

"Well, my friend, Ms. Athyra is looking for employment, and I heard you lost one of your assets in Old River Woods." His toothy grin pulled my mind from the wonderful fantasy world.

"Your resources never fail you, Ulrich. I did indeed lose an asset earlier today, but it’s not really mine. I managed the asset for an associate. Tell me, how did you find out so quickly? It happened less than an hour ago." I asked him without hiding my sarcasm. This elf is slicker than a greased eel.

He gave a chuckle. "Talan, you know as well as I that someone is always watching. But, that's another matter entirely. We are here to discuss employment for Ms. Athyra."

She stood there with no emotion on her face. Her beauty was almost ethereal like the fairies. Dragons really are a unique race. "Yes, I believe you mentioned that. Well, Ms. Athyra, tell me what kind of employment you are looking for." I cross the room to the sitting area and gesture for them to join me. I look back at Nefrisse standing like a statue until she notices me. She disappears into my study kitchenette momentarily before returning with tea and vanilla cookies. Once we are all settled, I turn back to the little dragonette. "Go ahead, Ms. Athyra."

She drinks her tea quietly just to make me wait. I am enjoying this little woman so much. She was trying to control the situation as much as possible. My smile must have been obvious because I could see Ulrich smirking in the corner. She finally put her cup down revealing her ice blue glistening lips. I sat at the edge of my seat waiting for her to speak. She finally looked at me with a small smile.

"Sir Talan," Her voice sent shivers through my spine. "I am new to this land, and Lord Ulrich said you could help me find some high paying work. I am a skilled fighter and tracker where I come from, and I believe my skills may be of service to you."

"Fighting and tracking, you say. Hmm." Maybe, this little dragon can help me attain that magic item I encountered earlier and exact revenge on that wolf thing… "I may have just the job in mind, Ms. Athyra." Her eyes showed a hint of excitement at my words. "First, I would like to test your skills. You see, I have a job in mind, but I don't want to send you to your death." I could hear my amusement in voice as well. This dragonette is driving me wild just by being here. She gave me a nod, accepting my proposal. "Great. You can stay at the manor tonight, and get a fresh start in the morning. Ulrich, I will send you a finder's fee and your bonus tomorrow. Please let yourself out. Nefrisse, please show Ms. Athyra a guest room. I am going to retire for the evening." I stood and walked out of the room. Manifesting a clone of myself takes a lot of energy and magic to maintain, and I am at my limit.

Entering my room, I stumble to my bed. Exhaustion overwhelms me as I climb into my bed. Rogue thoughts float into my head of the wolf thing that destroyed my clone earlier. A wave of heated frustration flows through me again. Where did that thing come from? Was it a person? It talked, so it had to be. Maybe a shifter? Whatever it is, I will have it's pelt hung on my wall for interrupting my acquisition of that powerful magical item and the emerald eyed woman who had it. I will come for you, emerald eyes.