Arthur's Point of View

Deep Forest

Deep in the forest, I ran from place to place. A large mountain was said to be the home of a creature of the Old World. Coming back to familiar sights left me with mixed feelings. It wasn’t far from here where I had originally appeared in this world. Even when I was transferred to the past, this was Old Capital, despite the Hollow Forest taking over. Thankfully, I was much faster this time.

With the mountain range insight, one that I remembered well, I stopped to observe it some. Just like last time, the smell of something burning filled my senses. Approaching carefully, not wanting any unexpected surprises, the cave entrance came into view once again. Soot still covered the ground, and more animal bones were scattered about the area.

When I got to the entrance, the heavy breathing became heavier. “Run away, little mouse, lest you be caught.” A voice called from the cave.

Quirking a brow at that, my reply was more curious than anything. “It amuses me that someone would call me a mouse.”

“Amusing, is it?” Without any further warning, a deep breath could be heard.

It wasn’t long until a small flickering sound reached my ear before growing. I passively watched as a wall of flames coated the entire cave entrance. Holding out a hand, the flames bent around me before shooting into the dirt. Part of me expected it to last longer, but it only lasted a few seconds.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

There was a snort. “Amusing indeed.” The voice continued after I took another step. “I don’t know what you want, Elf, but this is my home. Leave or you will perish.”

Walking into the cave, I called out. “I care not for you or your home. Nor am I an Elf. All I seek are the answers to a few questions, and my search has led me here.”

“No other creature could survive my flames but an Elf or another Dragon, and you are certainly not a Dragon.” A hissing sound could be heard. “So, if you’re not an Elf, then what are you?”

“An excellent question. One I don’t have an answer to, but that’s okay because you don’t seem too willing to answer any of my questions.” I replied. “I’m not in a particularly pleasant mood, so I suggest moving along.”

The voice called out again. “You demand answers, just like me, but refuse to give them, just like me.”

Turning a corner, I came to a large cavern. “Yeah, well, I’m not exactly keen on being helpful. Truth be told, I’m a bit of an ass and unpleasant to be around. Other people’s concerns, their questions, and curiosities are not my problem.” I explained. “I tend to be more forceful and push people around, which is why I’m starting to wonder if I need to rip your tail off when I catch you.”

To my surprise, the Dragon called out once more from the back. “And now you resort to threats of violence.”

“Spraying fire at me with the intent to kill seems pretty fucking violent to me. So, you know,” I shifted my two hands up and down. “This seems pretty fair. About par for the course for most of my interactions, really. Everyone tries to kill me, or at the very least, resort to violence of some manner.”

“You’re very confident for a mere Human.” The Dragon said as I kept a close eye on the energy shifting in the shadows of the cavern. “But you’re obviously no ordinary Human. Your eyes are different, and your presence is something no human could accomplish, which just makes my curiosity grow.”

A single ray of light was able to squeeze into the cavern, which made it more difficult to see, but my eyes could counter it. “Oh. Compliments. Feel free to continue buttering me up. I’ll be your turkey.” I told him as my eyes stayed on him as he moved about. “Nothing?” My inquiry made the Dragon pause as he stopped and finally realized I was following him.

“You can see me…” The Dragon stated, almost dumbfounded.

“Clear as day!” Was my fake cheerful response. “Those shadows won’t do much to protect you.” I warned.