A Guardian 's Vow (Open Novella Contest 2021)

Chapter 7

"Well?" The lead hunter demanded. His sword moved closer to Aiden's throat. "If you don't choose, I'll just have to choose for you. I don't think you'll like my choice though, so I would rather you chose."

A growl grew in my throat. I looked to Aiden once again.

His blue eyes were wide, filled with a terror for both me and him. He was ridged, stiff and leaning away from the sword pointed at him. The guard gripped Aiden's arms, not allowing the young boy to lean back any further from the lead hunter's sword.

Master Duke stood to the side. He looked unsure about this whole situation, yet he made no move to free Aiden or help him in anyway. I doubted that Master Duke would though, especially with how Aiden described him to me and what I had seen of him.

There were no other options for me, it was either me, or Aiden. The choice was an easy, but difficult, one.

My claws retracted and I relaxed my posture, growling in defeat.

"I thought so," the leader said, a smug smile on his face. Hunters swarmed me, training their crossbows at me.

"Now let him go," I said, the snarl in my voice gone.

"Very well," the leader said, sheathing his sword. He signalled with his head for the hunter to lead Aiden away.

Aiden looked back at me, desperately trying to keep his eyes on me. "Takiaya, go, please!" He called, squirming in the hunter's grasp. I watched as the hunter harshly pulled Aiden along.

"That boy is quite attached to you," The lead hunter commented, turning his own gaze away from Aiden and back to me. He huffed in amusement. "Shame, and sad, honestly. To be more attached to a murderous beast than his own race; it's a pity."

"Too bad he doesn't have the same passion towards this farm," Master Duke muttered as he too walked away, following the hunter and Aiden.

I snarled at him as he walked past. I couldn't help but enjoy as he jumped and scampered away, but it was short lived as the hunters stepped closer, their grips tightening on their crossbows. It was a not so friendly reminder that I was trapped by them, and that they had the upper hand.

Master Duke cast me one last look before he turned his back. My eyes narrowed, following his retreating figure.

The lead hunter drew his sword, stepping up to me. I closed my eyes, and bowed my head in submission. I savoured the wind on my fur, the grass under my feet, and the sun's soft touch on my fur. I waited for the sword to fall. I felt it touch my fur, then lift up again. I heaved my last breath, noting the sweetness of freedom. It was going to be the last I ever knew. Relaxing, I felt the air part as the sword descended.

"NO!"

My eyes snapped open.

Aiden held the hunter's wrist, pulling the sword away from me. There was rage in his eyes, as he pulled the hunter away from me, the leader not wanting to release the sword. The other hunters around me didn't seem to know what to do. They just watched, not sure if they were to jump to their leader's aid, or keep me where I was.

The leader wrenched his sword from Aiden's grasp, knocking the young boy to the ground.

"You lost your chance, boy," The leader snarled, pinning Aiden to the ground with his foot. He swiftly raised his sword.

"Aiden!" I surged forward, moving to help him. A crossbow bolt whizzed past my face, grazing my cheek. I reeled backward upon instinct, and that was when the sword plunged down.

A sudden intake of air filled my hearing, followed by the heat of flames. The fire never touched me, only attacking the hunter's around me. They scrambled back, some letting out screams of pain and fear as the fire covered them. A dark shadow rippled along the grass as two talons snatched the lead hunter off of Aiden, just as the sword touched his shirt. I couldn't help but smile as Kaliden threw the lead hunter away.

"Uldin, you scum. I told you to stop hunting my kind!" The drake roared, rising back into the air.

I didn't waste any more time.

I threw my wings out, scattering the remaining hunters. My paws thundered on the ground as I ran towards Aiden. I barely slowed down as I arrived at his side. Aiden didn't need any invitation as he swung himself onto my back. He bunched his fists in my fur as I leapt skyward, joining Kailden.

I breathed in the cold air, letting it ruffle my fur. Closing my eyes, I glided along.

"Whooo!" Aiden cheered from my back. His hands left my fur as he threw them in the air. I laughed, understand his joy.

I looked back at him. Aiden's face was filled with a pure, overwhelming joy. He was relaxed, and for the first time since I had met him, Aiden looked happy. His shoulders looked lighter, not as weighed down.

I smiled. "Welcome to the taste of freedom."