The Racer and Ryder

Prologue

All that could be heard was the cold harsh rain on the mud consumed ground. Fires burned as the crumbling remains of buildings continued to fall. Dragons were a gift to the land, but in the wrong hand they could just as easily be a curse. Wars would erupt between those who fought for king and country and racers, who's hearts where consumed by greed. All around racers where known for their piracy and savage nature. In common villages they are frowned upon and are often referred to as rats.

The only survivor lay curled up shivering, clutching onto the hand of her dead father as she cried. She was a small red dot on a sea of brown and black, a spot of life among ruin. The ripped and sodden rags provided no heat but the young Dragon curled at her side did. "Serena, will the pain ever leave?" she croaked, her voice barely a whisper. The dragon moved curling next to her stomach at the sound of her name. Aria, she replied worry dripping from her words as the girls head fell back down. All around men began to appear, circling Aria and Serena their weapons at the ready. Serena bared her teeth a vicious growl rumbling in her chest as she stood above Aria. She opened her large wings making a protective shield over the small girl as she glared at the men, daring them to even try to touch her. The men began to continue with caution, as the blue dragon snarled and snapped if they got any closer. "Serena? What's happening?" Aria croaked as her head raised slightly again only to fall back down. Serena looked at her owner pained at the sight of her master in such a weak state.

"Now, now dragon, we wont hurt her." Said a Low smooth voice as a man stepped closer. Serena snapped at him causing him to jump back hand up in surrender.

"I will decide that!" She snarled showing her long canines, eyes glued to his weapons belt. He fallowed her gaze a smirk forming on his lips as he dropped his hands down in defeat.

"Your a smart one little dragon, I will give you that. Alright, have it your way, everyone drop your weapons." He ordered, looking at the men surrounding. All at once everything was dropped, as the clang of swords sounded Serena relaxed but didn't fold her wings. The man ran a hand over his unshaven face before putting his hands up. "See, nothing. Can we at least have a look at her injuries?" He asked, pointing to where Aria was lying under Serena's wings. There was no doubt about is Aria was in trouble, Serena could feel the bond between their mind quivering. She didn't want to give Aria to Racers, especially the ones that no doubt killed her parents, but she had no other options. This was the only way to save her and that's what she lived for, to keep Aria safe. Serena cautiously began to fold her wings her stare never leaving the man. He may be their only option, but she wouldn't hesitate to kill him if he showed an sign of violence, and he knew that. He glanced at Aria taking in her small body as she shivered being exposed to the cold rain. He began to walk towards her watching Serena at every step, slowly he titled Arias chin to see her face.

She was just a child, she couldn't have been older than ten. Blood was running down from her head but what startled him was that her blood was the same scarlet colour as her hair. She was truly the most beautiful thing he had seen, she almost seemed unreal.

"She's split her head open and has a concussion. I cant heal her here we have to take her with us." He said except it wasn't to his men, it was to Serena. She thought for a moment before finally nodding. The man took of his jacket and wrapped it around Arias shivering body. It covered most of her but it still wasn't enough to keep her warm. Wrapping an arm under her legs and one on her back he stood up, keeping her small head on his chest. "come on, you have to keep her warm on the way." He said, nodding his head in the direction of a small horse driven cart.

"I was planning on anyway," Serena hissed as she followed behind of him. Aria was slowly laid down, quickly Serena lay next to her a wing protectively placed over her."Your name?" She asked causing him to look up shocked.

"Marcus." He stated smiling kindly, Serena simply looked down fondly at her owner.

"Her name is Aria and I am Serena."