The Princess & the Dragon

Chapter 1: Revenge Takes Place

The moon shined casting shadows along the town of Lindo, a peaceful land where fairytale creatures lived happily away from the darkness that lurked near the edge of town. One mysterious night, when light gave away to dark, a heathen man escaped the gates of hell.

Chains bounded to his ankles, with eyes blazing red and teeth that drooled for the thirst of human flesh. Even though he had no true identity all the creatures knew his name, although never spoken, they feared him just the same. News spread fast about the man and a low, yet shallow screech sent echoes of fear thrusting through the village. No man, nor child would dare open a door, or peek through a window to curiously seek out the evil that lurked outside their homes.

Fog crept slowly, moving under the feet of the heathen. Somewhere in the distance crows perched on the branch of an old oak tree. A wolf howled up at the night sky. Death followed him like a curse embedded deep into his skin. The heathen moved up the road to a dark alley. He moved in such a manner it appeared as if he was floating above the ground. The black leather cloak he wore like a blanket covering him, revealed his pale white face and beaming red eyes.

At the end of a dark alley stood a man with a single cigarette hanging from his mouth. His hand moved up, pinching the cigarette between his first two fingers. With a deep inhale of breath the smoke filled his lungs, then he exhaled releasing it into the air.

The heathen gripped the handle of his sword that hung from his waist. He wasn't looking for a fight, but if one came upon him he would be ready to fight back. There are no second chances and revenge will take place. Whoever crossed him was either left cursed or dead. Neither would live to tell the story.

Cold rushed over the alley sending warning to the man that evil was upon him. Suddenly his life flashed before his eyes. A scream so loud it could be heard for miles, escaped him as he searched for a way out. The heathen man moved closer stopping him from getting too far away and closing any space between them. Only a few feet away the heathen reached his hand up toward the man's face. His claws glided down the man's cheek until it reached under his chin. Sharp as blades the claws cut a thin line into his skin ripping the top layer. Small drops of blood dripped down his neck.

Nowhere had the man seen such a dangerous creature. Startled by his appearance and willingness to harm others the man stood frozen. His eyes remained on the beast in front of him only to feel the danger beam from his red eyes and quickly look away. Breathing became difficult and the ability to speak was impossible as if he never knew it all along. Like a child he waited and watched, hoping the heathen would excuse him and let him be on his way. The heathen smiled and let out a crackling laugh almost as if he could hear what the man was thinking.

Pieces of hell breathed out of the heathen as he opened his mouth and a thick, black, cloud floated out from his lips. It moved above his head and stayed there like a pet of his. Then he removed his hood letting it fall until it rested on his back. The light of the moon shined down on his bald, crystal-shaped head. The man recognized him and stepped back pressing his back against the cold, brick wall.

"Rosark," The man spoke softly in fear. "Please, forgive me. I did not see you coming this way."

Rosark, the heathen, clenched his teeth threatened by the man's ability to speak his name. He felt vex toward this man and frightening him further would only give him the answers he needed. A snarl came through his fang-like teeth as his tongue drooled for revenge. "River, you are the reason I escaped hell. Treasures have been stolen from my possession. A creature had entered the gates of hell and taken them from me. Who is brave enough to steal from a heathen such as myself, River? Tell me where my treasures are."

"I would never steal from you Rosark. You are a great and powerful man. Only the dense would think to steal from you. They must have wished for death to do such a punishable deed."