Zugal Soldier's Point of View

Northern Forests

“What in the world do you think a child of the Dragonlands is doing out here?” I questioned one of my fellow border patrolmen.

We looked around the area as the trees that had caught fire had been burned down. Thankfully, the snow and ice prevented the flames from spreading too far. Those snow beasts were an issue, but it appeared the young Dragon took care of them well enough.

“Burning down parts of our forests if I had to guess.” One of them replied.

Another turned to me. “We should report this.”

Crossing my arms, our group looked amongst ourselves. “I’m hesitant about doing anything. If his parents are nearby-“ I began but was cut off.

“If they were nearby, they’d be here already. They’ve either abandoned him or he ran away from home.” One spoke. “Do you know what we could do with a tamed Dragon?”

Gesturing to the boy, I replied. “He just chased off a group of those magical beasts. You really think any of us could hold him?”

The one who spoke of taming the boy waved a dismissive hand. “So, we put him in a room of pure metal. Something even he can’t melt or will take him a long time to. Maybe a cave! Who cares!? As long as we can hold him long enough to get him to rely on us. Show him some succor, or play to his ego, and in a few years, pet Dragon! This could be huge for us. If we take him to the Emperor, imagine how much our lives would change!”

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“No more border patrol.” Another said as I frowned, hesitant at the idea.

“I don’t think this is a good idea. He’s just a boy.” I told them. “Clearly, he’s lost.”

“He’s trespassing.” Then he looked around. “So, what’s the verdict?”

My third companion chuckled at that. “Here, there be Dragons.” He said smugly, liking the idea as he reached out for the child.

“Here there be monsters.” A cold dark voice cut in directly behind us.

All of us froze. Behind me felt like death itself. Had I turned around, I knew I would not survive. A pressure filled the air and surrounded us. Almost like it was challenging us, begging us, to act rashly. More sweat poured down my body than any previous day of hard work that I had ever done. My wings twitched as I felt the snow pierce my clothes as I felt naked in the icy breeze.

The one who recommended taking the Dragonkin reached for the boy foolishly. We saw him reach out before exploding before our very eyes. His blood splattered across the entire area. He simply ceased to exist any longer. Our bodies were now covered in crimson, as was the Dragon. My eyes widened as I could practically hear the blood drip from our bodies onto the snow. Blood coated my entire left side as I felt the difference in heat. Almost like it was a blanket covering half of my body from the cold. Every strand of hair was standing on edge.

Slowly, for what felt like hours, my wings extended. Stretching them out bit by bit, I flapped once. Nothing happened, but I still felt the presence behind us. With what I assumed was approval, our group quickly left the scene. None of us spoke. With us in the air and flying away, part of me expected to feel safer, but it was still there. Watching us. Waiting for any signs of disapproving actions.

Blood was in my mouth and stayed there as I was too scared to spit it out. It wasn’t until the taste had begun to linger that I realized I had swallowed it. Likely with whatever bits and pieces had lodged themselves in my mouth as well. I couldn’t even feel if I was still breathing. My mind was reeling from being so horrified, terrified, and numbed, that it wasn’t until I was back at our outpost that I realized we might be safe. Might…

Even as dozens surrounded us and our Captain questioned us, no words left my lips as my eyes felt like they had been frozen over. Collapsing as the white of snow covered my vision, concern and the ruckus of others could be heard, but they all seemed too quiet. When compared to that horrible sound of someone exploding beside me, everything seemed muted.