Where the Dragons Went

Chapter 1 - Poet

A/N: Only the first three chapters will be published as they are written. Unless popular opinion votes I release all chapters as they come. This is still  a work in progress. Please expect errors. Any criticism will be helpful to the development of this book! Enjoy!

Nikolai pulled his horse into the sandy stables, sweat pouring down his face as he looked to the West. An estimate said he had an hour until the sun vanished behind the horizon. Out in the desert, the nights grew intensely cold. A wise traveler was always home before the night arrived in Feyt.

With a heave, Nikolai tossed a hay bale onto the ground; the horses moved to feast on the dried grass.

He only had to drop his tools off at the forge to call it a day. Moving down the busy street, the smell of smoked meat, roasted peppers, and fresh spices flooded his senses. It was the one thing he liked about living in Feyt.

He'd dreamed of seeing the world. Aside from a day trip to neighboring settlements, he hated the dessert: the heat, sand, the barrenness. Nikolai had seen it all.

When he reached the forge, the smell of soot and iron was apparent. Nik could hear clanking metal inside. Entering the hut, Grant stopped mid-swing, wiping his brow with sweat.

"Ahh, Nikolai! How was the delivery? Smooth I hope?" His gruff voice echoed through the walls.

The orange glow gave the older man a demeaning look as long shadows cast from the fire. A leather apron covered his chest; various old tools tightened to his belt.

"Just any other day," he grumbled. Nik dropped his pack onto a nearby workbench and headed for the door. Nikolai felt as if he would collapse at any moment without rest.

"Hey, kid. One more thing. I got a job for you. There's a shopkeeper in Grainger I need you to run by for some supplies."

The scraggly blacksmith handed Nikolai a parchment with a list of ores and tools to collect.

He'd only been to the capital once. Only to remember only the bustling streets, the looming cobble buildings, and the stone castle at the city's center.

"He's an old friend. Already paid, so you just need to pick it up."

"And how much for this trip?" He held out his hand, waiting for the blacksmith to respond.

"Ah, right. Business is slow, so fees have gone down."

The light in Nik's eyes vanished in a second. He didn't have the energy to argue, so he slumped and took the soft pouch the man was holding out. Nikolai could only count five coins in the coin purse.

* * *

When Nikolai returned home, he started packing his saddlebags for the trip. It didn't take long, considering he was only bringing a spare set of clothes, water, and his shortsword.

With the sun now hidden behind the sandy mountains of his home, Nikolai retired to his room.

The night felt short to him. When he woke up, the sun hadn't risen from the East yet. With groggy eyes, he got dressed and grabbed his things. An early start on the road was good for a long trip. He would be tired and sore from hours on horseback.

Nikolai found his horse waiting for him at the stables. The silver mustang he grew up with was fast, agile, and a hard worker. Thimble's coat of fur shone under the dim light of the sunrise. Nik slumped his bags onto the saddle and climbed up to take his seat.

"Let's get going."

He nudged the Thimble to an almost full speed gallop, following the dirt trail south along the river. The cold wind nipped at his face, the orange sky only just warming the air.