Burning chains

Ch1: Final peace

In this beautiful yet cruel world we call our own there are two important things to know.One is that among all the races in the world, humans like us are generally considered weak and pathetic and don't deserve that much respect from the other races.Two is that dragons reign supreme,they glide through the clouds as they survey their territory for new prey and people to exploit for their own good,but mostly they only hang around others of their kind because they find their subjects boring and lackluster.The worst among them is the Dragon King,a black dragon,dragons so powerful and feared by other dragons as the incarnation of chaos and order itself in draconic form,the former dragon king an egoist who saw the other races as servants and slaves not Worth the earthy rock that they walk upon, after his death his Queen took on the role as leading Monarchy until their son became of age,but that all 700 years ago from what the neighboring kingdoms say.

"Anne wake up, it's The Day of of Ignia!" My little sister's voice was full of joy and happiness.

"I know Emily, just let me get dressed and we'll go to the shrine okay?" I got out of bed and hastily dropped out of my sleeping shirt and into something that isn't ripped or withering away.

I took my Emily's hand and we existed our old tiny house and out into the village. The villagers roar in amazement and awe as two women clad in only revealing black lingerie spewed fire from their mouths as most dragons did,it was truly The Day of Ignia,the goddess of fire and mother to all dragons. This day is meant to honor her,the dragons enforced this day on the world so that all could remember her and and her fires that brought warm and protection to all before the reigned supreme. It was odd,but atleast it gave everyone something to look forward to,I honestly don't like it,and the women parading around practically naked are the pets of the dragons, specifically high ranking dragons in the monarchy.

"Anne let's go to the shrine first, maybe if we pray on today of day's,then maybe mom and dad will come back" her voice was full of childish innocence that nearly broke my heart in two.

All I could do was gently pat her head and take her to the shrine. We stood before a Bason with a dark crimson seemingly still burning despite being in water,and above the Bason was a painting of a great crimson dragon with four wings breathing a dim crimson flame,it was a painting of Ignia. we both bowed and clasped our hands together,I know that my sister prayed for our parents to come back,but I prayed for new life with my little sister,one where we don't have to worry about when our next meal will be or whether we'll survive the harsh cold environment of the haunting winter approaching,I just want a life where we're safe and together.

"By the Fire's Ire,I did not expect this,gutt me up and call me a bald headed drake!" A large fat man was behind,his breathe was ashy and smelled like alcohol,and as if the blue scales on his forehead didn't make me feel worse,a wyrm in human

"Don't mind me missy, I'm just a humble old drunk looking for my nephew, I'm not violent or hating of other races like others of my kind" he gently patted my head like a father would cheer up his crying daughter.

"I'm sorry my Lord but it's improper for me to not address you properly" my voice was shakey and full of fear as my hand went to grab Emily's.

"Don't young ones,I know it's the rules,but honestly you both remind me of my own daughters,they are well known warriors of our kind and snobby to the scale" his voice was saddened and full of some kind of regret.

"May I ask your name sir?" All my fear evaporated and was replaced by curiosity at this dragon that was kind to us.

"Oswald,count Oswald Melios, I'm the prince's uncle,oh my has that boy grown" he seemed both proud and annoyed.

This man chuckling to himself was uncle of the prince and the queen's older brother. Fear once again gripped me hard and I wanted to just take Emily and run,but he'll probably kill us.

"Don't worry little ones, like a said I have no ill will for your, I'm here to supervise my nephew and drink some good ale and get drunk,but that aside what are your names,and is your red hair natural?" He gently ran his hand through my hair.

"I'm Anne,and this little one is my little sister Emily,and also yes my red hair is natural" I grit my teeth and try to sound respectful.

"Well then Anne,I must say you other races with red hair are as rare as a black dragon that doesn't value sleeping for centuries, incredibly rare",he gave us a small smile and handed us a weird looking rocky badge,"in case we meet again, I'd love to reward you for answering truthfully,we dragons value honestly and tradition above all else,but it's nice to see a strong willed human every century or so",he left us by the shrine as he ran to a group of drunken men and began having fun drinking with them

I immediately take Emily's hand as we go back to the crowd and stay together with the people.the crowd bows down in awe and respect to the center of the festival,the prince of the dragons himself, Arthur Caliber,his regal attire suits a man of his standards,and his short black hair down even move in the wind,and the black scales that are above his his eyebrows look sharp and sealy, and his golden eyes shine with pride and curiosity at the humans that would soon be under his rule.

"Anne look! The prince!" She shouted so loud that even the prince's servant stop in shock.

In less than a second the prince in standing before Emily,I nearly want to just pick her up and run away.

"Hello little one,you have such a loud voice" his voice was insanely gentle for a dragon,even more than Oswald,and he gently pat Emily's head.

"Forgive me my prince,my little sister is just naturally loud, please spare her from the gallows" I say through choked sobs as my world nearly comes crashing down.

"Only if you become my slave bride,Anne" his voice was gentle but with a tone of authority.