Tale of a Lost Hero
The warming sun of spring had just started to rise on my village of Darcioanan. The light peeking through the small cracks in the windows washed over my face stirring me from what little slumber I had. I sat up from my straw palate and rubbed the sleep dust from my eyes. My dreams had been somewhat fitful as of late, dark apparitions clouding the sleeping peace that I now longed for. These dreams were not out of place either. Over the past few months, the attacks from the demons had significantly increased; with the attacks came the increase of my patrols. See I'm a member of the Guardians, a sect of people who are in ample skill of both magic and swordsmanship skills. Our purpose is to protect our village from harm. The many types of demons that attack along with the magical misfits that like to cause trouble....well let's say it leads to a full days work patrolling let me tell you.
Of course in the forest, there aren't only bad things that wander among the growth of the forest. Scattered among the trees are Elves, Dragons, Satyrs, Gryphons, Nymphs, and many, many more types of creatures of lore that thrive. Of course encounters with them, depending on the day, you might have rather run into a demon in their stead. I got up and stretched my muscles and joints, going through each in turn for maximum mobility in preparation for my day. Once completed and fully awake, I donned my simple white tunic. It was soft, softer than the rough wool that was cheaper, but I loathed how it scratched my skin. After my tunic, I walked over to my cache of weapons. Mostly swords and knives, but a few axes and shields as well as a mahogany bow that a local craftsman made for me as a favor. I strapped on my dual short swords, made from folded steel. It was a lucky find during a raid against an attacking demon faction. The sliver blades and black handles shone in the morning light. I also put on my leather bracers across each wrist. Each one had four throwing knives hidden within. Even my fur lined boots had a knife hidden within each one. However, I wore no armor. You may think this is ludicrous, but since speed is my greatest ally I don't like to slow myself down with armor.
I opened my door, the hinges creaking as the cool air rushed in. Spring was my favorite season and the cool breeze lifted my spirits. The village way still quite, for it was dawn and only just. Dew still lined the blades of grass that had already covered the lush fields. Flowers still hid their petals like the people that still lingered within their huts until the sun rose higher in the heavens. I started my route for I wanted to enjoy this morning for as long as I could.
The moist dirt kept my footsteps almost silent as I walked along the trails that took me around the outermost parts of the village. It was quiet as the flowers started to unfurl their petals to reveal their blue, red and yellow hues to the world. Upon opening their petals, so did the flowers release their scent, covering the village in their sweet aroma. I did so as I kept my pace, taking in the rich smell of fresh dew that lingered on the grass and the flowers. It was as if everything in the world was right this morning. Everything was in balance and tranquil. I should have known it was too good to last.
Four Valhara, pig demons, jumped from the bushes on either side of the trail, encircling me. They squealed at the sight of fresh meat on my bones, but they would not be so lucky. I unsheathed my swords, sending a sound like a distant chime into the air, and prepped myself for battle, brandishing the silver blades in defense. Four would be no challenge for me. These were the lowest ranking demons in the Hells armies.
"Rota me ha!" The creature said in Hell Speak. I only knew a few scattered words of the language, and could not make out what the creature said. Only when I felt something bludgeon me on the back of the skull did I realize what the pig demon had ordered to the fifth demon that had snuck up behind me to do. I fell to the ground, my blades falling beside me and out of my grip, but I did not loose consciousness. I was dazed, that much was true, but I was still aware of what was going on around me. However, I did loose all mobility in my limbs.
"Let's boil him, I yasha orsa his bones!" One of the creatures said.
"Let's eat his raw! I havn't dunka blood in so long!" Another squealed.
"
Roasting!" Lovely, they were debating how to eat me. It was ironic that on such a beautiful morning I would surely meet my end. Suddenly, the demons started squealing in fear just as my head started to clear. One started to make a gurgling noise that came from the throat but stopped just as soon as it started. I dared to open my eyes to see three of the five demons running at full speed down the trail, kicking up dirt with their misshapen feet. I heard struggling behind me and dared to move my head in the opposite direction. I didn't know whether to groan or sigh with relief. Munching on one of the demons was the most magnificent dragon I had ever laid eyes upon. Scales a pearl white luster that sent rainbows of color when the sun's rays hit them just right, eyes of the deepest blue that gave the ocean a run for its money, the neck and wings were delicate yet powerful which gave me the impression the dragon was female, and the talons looked as sharp as razors. She looked stunning, even as she gulped down the rest of her pig breakfast. She then began eat the other, the head hanging at an odd angle, and quickly devoured it. No blood stained her scales from the demon. She wasn't that large by dragon standards, maybe about eighteen feet from nose to tail, and her body only just bigger than my own.
I sat up, crossed my legs, and watched as the dragon licked the menacing black claws clean of any blood, the long pink tongue wrapping around each in turn. Once she finished, only then did she seem to notice me sitting there, watching. She flinched a little, a snarl spreading across her lips showing the clean white fangs beneath as a threat to me.
"I owe you my life, dragon friend." I said with admiration and made sure no hostility was in my voice. The snarl ceased, and she eyed me up and down, sizing me up in case I was a possible threat, the deep blue piercing through me.
"You are right, human. If I didn't come around you would most likely have been a skimpy meal for them, instead of my pork feast." She smiled at her own joke, again showing her teeth but in a strangely warming smile. The sound of her voice confirmed my suspicion that the dragon was indeed female, and it was delicate like her form. I got up and walked over to her, grabbing my sword that lay beside me in the process. Still a little shaky from the knock I received on my skull, I walked over to her with legs of jelly. She shifted uneasily, so I stopped a decent distance from her and kneeled, presenting the sword to her with open palms.
"Dragon friend, I owe you my life. Without you aid I would most likely have satiated those vile creatures. For that I do declare fealty upon you until my debt is repaid." Her tension eased, and I felt her gaze piercing through me but I could not decipher what was going through that mind of hers.
"I have no need of one who can't protect himself, human. Find someone else to "protect." She then did something I didn't expect. She stood on her hind legs and began walking upright like a human! Never in my twenty years have I ever seen or heard of a dragon walking like a human. Her build was even humanlike now that I looked closer, her form very feminine.
"W-wait! There must be something I can do for you!" I called after her. From what I hear of dragons, they may not ask for anything right away but will come back a few years later and look for the favor that was bestowed upon them. She turned her delicate neck to look behind her. She looked at me again, staring right into my eyes this time. She then turned her body around and crossed her arms impatiently.
"Alright," She sighed. "If you are so desperate to declare your protection upon me, I suppose I will allow you a simple duty. Spring has come and with it the cleaning that is required of this season." Cleaning? I get to clean? It's not really my forte but if that is what she wished..
"Follow me, human. Since you have no wings we will have to travel on foot." She said in a bitter tone. Like it's my fault I wasn't born with wings!