by Nira Steele
“But it’s brilliant!” her little companion effused. “No ordinary human would do what you did. You really are the most wonderfully odd creature. We’re not surprised one bit your aunt is our Merchant.”
It turned out her aunt was well known to House Lunaris.
“The gem you are carrying is actually called a Dragon’s Eye. It is the property of a Mercator, or merchant in your native tongue. Without the services of your aunt we’d have trouble obtaining things from the human world.”
Andie had always known her aunt was a bit different - but not quite this different. Suddenly everything about her made sense. The house hidden in the woods, the regular overseas trips….
“I’m sorry but this is a lot to take in,” Andie muttered.
“Please don’t let it change your mind as I’d really like you to stay. We’re really not much different to you,” Tessa pleaded.
Looking at her little companion’s face Andie could see the sincerity there.
“Oh I’ll hang around. Someone has to keep that dragon here,” she replied.
“He really likes you,” Tessa gushed as she gave Andie’s hands a big squeeze. “We all really like you, in fact I consider you my friend now. It doesn’t matter we’ve only known each other for a little while.” Then her smile faded away as her eyes widened into a stare.
“My dear old friend,” Andie responded with a smirk.
Tessa started pursing her lips.
“Okay, I’ll let that pass because it’s cheering you up.”
At least Andie knew the truth now. She understood why the Draconarid lived like this, hiding themselves up in the mountains. Humanity would never accept a race that lived ten times longer than they did.
“Just one more thing,” her little friend added. “We all have the same surname but it’s not because we’re related. It’s simply our tradition to take the last name of the House we belong to.”
“Alright,” Andie murmured with a little frown.
“Come on. I know what’ll take your mind off all this,” Tessa chirped. “I’ll take you to a special shop which stocks this delicious cider.”
“Cider?” Andie asked as her frown deepened.
“Okay - it’s not really a shop.”
✽✽✽
A smooth sweet drink did wonders for Andie’s nerves.
The ‘shop’ Tessa had taken her to was actually a small bar. Tucked into a space between a bakery and a pie shop it was filled with the scent of ale and freshly baked pastries. The tiny space was packed to capacity with male patrons dressed in workwear. There were no long robes being worn in here, just plain tunics teamed with pants and sturdy boots. Squeezed into narrow stalls or balanced atop wooden stools the men did not seem to mind how busy it was.
It really was a strange little place. There was no actual bar as such - just a long table covered with bottles and kegs. Everyone helped themselves to the drinks and poured as much as they desired. Completely intrigued, Andie watched as the men moved in a perpetual stream past the counter.
Quite a few of them were enjoying some tasty-smelling baked products. Looking around she noticed two small hutches set into the dark panelled walls. Apparently the patrons could order hot food from either of the adjoining shops.
Positioned near the exit were a large sink and two drying racks. Every person dutifully washed their glasses before leaving the tiny tavern. Apparently there were no staff here actually running the place. Andie thought this was unusual but it wasn’t the strangest thing she had noticed today.
Nobody was paying a cent for anything. In fact, the whole town appeared to run on a currency-free system.
“They could do with some music in here,” Tessa blared over her drink.
Andie could barely hear her over the din of conversation.
“What? You bring your mother in here?” she shouted back.
Tessa started cackling like a witch using her favourite cauldron.
Rolling her eyes Andie gave her head a little shake. The truth was she could not understand what anyone was saying. However it wasn’t just the noise giving her problems right now. It seemed no one in the tavern was speaking in modern English. She did catch snippets of conversation, as there was the occasional bit of vaguely familiar dialogue. Trouble was they weren’t using a modern form of the language.
At least half of the patrons were speaking in a dialect she had been hearing since she arrived. Andie was starting to think it could actually be old Latin. Shuffling her stool up against Tessa’s, she leaned into the side of her head.
“So people speak a lot of different languages here,” Andie yelled.
“They do but we generally use the language of our forefathers,” Tessa bellowed back. “It’s an old language though so we sometimes have to use others. It cannot be adapted to modern concepts like other dialects can.”
Smiling with satisfaction Andie made a mental note to question her again later. Then she quickly changed the subject, as she was curious to know more about their social habits.
“This place is really popular. Do all the men come here?”
“Oh no, there are a few taverns around the town. We have a much bigger one down near the Collegia where all the young people go,” her little friend yelled back. “It’s my favourite place to go in the evenings as they always have good music. I’d love to take you there sometime but it regularly lives up to its name.”
Andie managed to catch most of what Tessa had said. Hanging outside this tavern was a wooden plaque displaying an image of two fighting roosters. When Andie had asked what the sign stood for she nearly choked on her cider.
She wasn’t game to ask what the other bar was called.
During their stay in the tavern they were approached by several people. They all seemed very keen to say hello to their exotic human visitor. The men all varied in their clothing and stature but they did share some interesting traits. They were all incredibly polite, even the ones who obviously worked in heavy labour. Andie was starting to realise just how different Lunarians were. She wondered how much more she would discover while staying here.
Glancing at a large wall clock Tessa drank the last mouthful from her glass. Emitting a sigh, she then grinned at her new-found friend.
“It’s time I took you upstairs for your midday ride,” she declared.
It was time to meet the red dragon again. Together they shuffled towards the sinks and started cleaning their glasses. After they were placed into the drying racks the two young women moved through the exit. Andie fixed her cloak into place, carefully positioning her hood before starting their journey.
When they arrived at the platform they found the space completely empty.
“Is anyone coming to watch?” Andie asked quietly.
“No spectators today,” Tessa replied. “From here on out you’ll get to fly unmonitored.”
Andie was relieved beyond words. The anticipation of an audience had been making her stomach churn. Together they approached the large cave, entering it slowly to allow their eyes to adjust.
Tessa was the first to spot him. Curled up in a back corner the dragon’s big golden eyes shot open when he detected them. Making a large huff he rose and ambled straight towards Andie.
Taking a few steps back she held onto her breath as his huge primeval head came down in front of her. Staring at an enormous pair of nostrils, she watched as they suddenly flared before closing with a little popping sound.
A deep rumble filled the air.
“Someone’s grumpy,” Tessa declared as she placed her hands onto her hips.
A large eye turned towards the little Draconarid before rolling up to the ceiling. Andie couldn’t help but smirk - these two really were hilarious. Then something warm and wet touched her hand….
“Oh for goodness sakes don’t lick her!”
Andie’s eyes snapped down to see a vast expanse of pink tongue being withdrawn.
A high cackle rang out through the air.
“Hey someone r
eally missed you!” Tessa chortled out.
“You’re disgusting. You both are.”
A low huffing sound resounded around the cave. Then the dragon started lumbering towards the large saddle stand positioned next to the entrance. Raising their eyebrows the young women watched as he dropped down in front of it.
They promptly headed over and began moving the saddle. Lifting it up, they hefted it awkwardly across the dragon’s neck. Holding onto the large stirrup straps they slid it back into place.
Patiently the dragon watched on, rumbling softly as they discussed where it was sitting. Once they were satisfied he then raised himself up so they could fasten the buckle of the harness. When that was done he ambled outside, letting his huge claws scrape noisily over the tiles. Thudding slowly across the platform he sent vibrations rippling through its entire structure. When he reached the centre he dropped down with a thump before turning his head to smile.
Well Andie thought it could have been a smile. The corners of his mouth turned upwards as his lower eyelids rose.
“That went rather smoothly,” Tessa remarked.
“So you weren’t expecting it to?” Andie asked her.
“You weren’t here when he first arrived,” Tessa commented with a grimace.
“Wow, you were here then?”
“No, I was with you at the time. I certainly got to hear about it later though,” Tessa said with a slight eye roll. “Okay it’s time you saddled up and got airborne. Remember to chew your gum and stay down in the valleys where the air pressure is higher.”
Andie pulled out one of the little sticky wads Tessa had given her. These were great as they would stay in her mouth, unlike the leaf did yesterday. Popping a piece between her back teeth Andie bit down until she tasted oranges. Then she climbed up into the saddle and slipped her feet into the stirrups.
“Press down until you hear a click,” Tessa instructed her. Andie obliged and quickly locked her heels into the metal casings.
“Excellent,” Tessa declared with a nod.
As soon as Andie was locked in the dragon started moving off. Taking a deep breath she could feel the pace of her heartbeat increasing. Clutching the pommel between both hands she focussed on the lip of the platform.
Then she saw it.
There was a large diamond-like object jutting out from the edge. As they moved gradually closer the incredible structure grew into clear view. It was the tip of an enormous faceted crystal, refracting the sunlight in a dazzling array of colours.
Staring intently at its beautiful form, Andie found her eyes becoming inexplicably drawn to it. Twisting her head she kept gaping at the huge object as she felt a hard jolt beneath her. As they left the platform she caught a glimpse of a vast crystalline structure beneath it.
Then it disappeared from view. The next instant a blast of cold air slammed into her. Clenching her teeth she turned to squint forward into the icy headwind.
Just like before the dragon levelled off when they reached a breathable height. Blinking some moisture back into her eyes Andie gazed around at the magnificent view. The dense canopy of the forest rolled by beneath her, the treetops wavering like a thick carpet. Off to one side sat the towering cliffs looming over them like the wall of a vast fortress.
It was so peaceful up here, almost eerily tranquil.
As they reached the end of a long narrow valley they turned in a graceful curve. Then Andie flinched as a wall of warm gusty air thumped into them. Looking to either side she watched as huge membranous wings billowed out around her.
However they weren’t heading back to the town yet as the dragon had not completed the turn. Instead she saw a blinding peak looming up in front with its upper reaches covered in snow. Within a few seconds they were almost upon it, the stark white surface becoming clear. Wings started flaring as the summit approached….
Andie found herself suddenly being tilted backwards. Gripping the pommel she lunged forward in an effort to compensate. Staring mutely she braced as four sets of enormous claws spread out beneath her.
Then they made contact with the surface. As plumes of snow flew up around them Andie released a loud yelp. Fortunately the stirrups kept her feet firmly in place. The dragon levelled out much too quickly though, causing Andie’s rear end to smack backwards onto the saddle.
She wailed into the air.
As clumps of hair unravelled from her braid she glimpsed the large wings retracting. Gasping loudly she looked sideways as a huge head snaked around.
“Hey remember I’m back here!” she yelled at a large golden eye.
A deep rumbling sound reverberated beneath her.
“It’s not funny!” she spat out as she prised her fingers from the pommel. “If you want me to ride you don’t be so rough.” She then made an attempt to whack him, flinging one hand out into the air.
However he was far too quick for her. Swinging his head away he released a short grunt.
Taking in a deep breath Andie raked some loose hair out of her eyes. Then she gazed around at the billowing white clouds rolling silently past them. They looked like enormous cotton balls just drifting along through the air. Under their flat grey bases long tendrils of rain sheeted down, dissipating into the atmosphere before reaching the ground.
This really was such a joy. A moderately terrifying joy at times, but still a real joy.
Andie closed her eyes and allowed the moment to sink in. This was something she wanted to remember for the rest of her days. She felt the cool crisp air as the dragon rumbled beneath her.
Then a deep soft snuffle interrupted the moment. Opening her eyes she realised the dragon’s head was right up next to her again. An enormous golden orb was now examining her intently. Staring back she watched as the catlike iris shifted.
Andie could not help but smile at him. Reaching out slowly she patted his cheek, feeling the smooth plated surface beneath her fingers. It was lovely and warm to the touch, not cold and chilling as you would think it might be. His shiny red scales gleamed softly in the sunlight like the enamel on a luxury car.
He had a strange, savage beauty to him like so many of the apex predators. Yet within his huge deadly body she could sense the sweetest softness. It was there in his eyes - in the deep dark shadows between the glowing flecks.
A deep rumble vibrated through the air.
“What a beautiful boy you are,” she said softly.
The big iris widened as the upper eyelid fell slowly closed. They sat together for an endless moment, all alone in the wide expanse. Around them the clouds rolled by in gentle silence.
Chapter 5 - Wild Things
The next two days were like an amazing dream.
Andie continued her daily flights with the red dragon. It was a thrill, a joy beyond anything she had imagined. To have this kind of experience was truly miraculous to her.
There was one thing she found a bit disappointing though - the fact she was always flying on her own with him.
Apparently her big scaly companion did not like Lunaris’s dragons. True to his nickname he would grumble if they were even mentioned around him. Not that Andie had actually seen one, Tessa was banned from taking her anywhere near them. She had been warned another dragon’s scent would really put grumpy face off.
So here she was, stuck on her own with him. It wasn’t a big issue though as just getting to be with one dragon was wonderful.
She had seen images of Lunaris’s dragons in beautiful frescoes around Tessa’s home. There were several decorating the long hallways which led to the bedrooms and private areas. They really demonstrated just how different the Lunarian dragons actually were. Unlike the primeval-looking red dragon, these creatures were much softer in appearance.
Andie spent hours studying their forms when she thought nobody was around. In her mind she could easily imagine one right before her, stretching out its wings before it launched into the air.
However it was nothing in comparison to seeing a dragon. When Andie stood before he
r scaly mount she was always astounded by his size. Sitting upon his back was like nothing else in the entire world. It made her appreciate just how extraordinary his existence was.
Flying was an experience Andie found difficult to describe. It was like being in a dream - a sense of complete freedom mixing in with a deep reverence. When she was gliding high above the forest she would occasionally become lost in those feelings. In the beginning she found it quite easy, just sitting back and enjoying the view but she soon realised she needed to be more than just a passive passenger.
Andie began observing how the dragon behaved when his interest was piqued. When his attention was being drawn he would slightly the change direction in which he was flying. If he became excited then his wings would slightly twitch just before the spinels on his cheeks flared out.
He was easy to read if you paid attention to his reactions, it was a skill Andie found very useful at times. Because when she wasn’t doing it….
Lost in her thoughts today she found herself floating up out of the saddle.
“No!” Andie screamed out.
The dragon had dived straight towards the forest far below them. After hearing her distress he quickly levelled out but it was clear he wasn’t pleased to do it. Starting to rumble he began lumbering through the air like an enormous sulking bird.
Andie thought his mood would pass but he was far from being over it. He began banking around to one side, rapidly gaining speed as he sliced through the air. Gripping hard onto the pommel she winced as the centrifugal force pressed her down.
Then a savage scraping sound tore through the air. Glancing sideways she saw a wall of dark stone flashing past her view. Gritting her teeth Andie clenched everything she had.
Abruptly they came to a complete stop. Gasping loudly she gazed around at the narrow rocky shelf they had landed on. Prising her hands from the large pommel she shook them vigorously in the air. Then she almost fell forward over the saddle as she started being bounced up and down.
Andie practically fell to the ground in the rush to dismount. Sinking onto the stones she watched as the dragon lunged off the ledge. Scrambling backwards she pressed herself against the wall to escape the dizzying view below her.