The Dragon's Faith

Clever

CORY:

I had gone out hunting again. I know, without Captain's permission, I couldn't go into the woods. But I knew I wouldn't get into any trouble. Clevers were like that. They didn't make plans, just floated along in their universe, until they were in trouble. Then, their brains would leap into action, taking control of the situation. For example, maybe a boy would be playing baseball in their yard. SMASH! The ball crashes against the window, splintering glass everywhere. Now, here is the difference between Clever and Wise. Clevers won't try to make intricate plans on how to beat the Dragon Of The Kingdom, like the Wise do. Wise can do futuristic thinking, making plans, studying behaviors, blah blah, all that good stuff. But Clevers, they can get out of almost any bad situation at the last minute, can rest easy until the bad news arrives.

CAPTAIN FOXER:

Where is Cory?! I had been looking for him for a long time, and he still hadn't arrived at our usual meeting! He is-was my apprentice, and now, he isn't, for disobeying the rules of our base camp. If he wants to fight in the Dragon Battle by the end of the year, he better be good! Really good. Or else he'll be stuck here like everyone else. And I'll be happy about it. Because if he keeps running off, there'll be no second chances again! That Cory, always getting into trouble, and then barely getting away whole. I'll bet, he's going to be sorry this time!

Plus, this meeting is very important. We were giving out the Battle jobs. Lots of determined men are going for the Leader spot, and now that Cory just forfeited it, Hansel will probably earn it. Take that, Cory! I know they don't get along, so this is punishment. Consequence. Cory's not actually a bad kid, he just needs more action. His mother had run away when Cory was a child, and his father did not know how to take care of children. His mother didn't run away because she didn't want Cory, but because the Elders had told her to kill him, and she wouldn't. I took Cory in after a few years, so the Elders couldn't say anything.  After all, I'm still a captain.

CORY:

I whipped around, hearing noises in the brush. I knew there was probably no threat, but I knew to be careful. If there was one thing that Captain taught me, it was to be careful. Of course there was nothing. But... there was a sound! Far off in the distance, but there was a sound. I was sure of it! I reared up my horse and raced toward the sound. It was probably a person in distress! I ran into the clearing silently. It was the Fast leader, Dane, and his subjects. What was he doing in Clever territory? I knew. He was probably spying on us. I leaned in, trying to hear what Dane was saying.

"-attack the Clevers by midnight." said Dane, peering at the others. A murmur of agreement passed through the crowd.

What?! Attack the Clevers? Fast and Clever have always been more friendly towards each other. Why attack us?

"Do you all know what you need to do?" asked Dane.

"Yes, Dane!" cried a familiar voice from the back. The murmurs stop, leaving only silence.

"Who? Who dares to call me by my name?" asked Dane ferociously.

"I do!" chirped a boy, coming to the front of the crowd.

I gasped (silently), and I almost fell out of my hiding place. It was Joseph! Joseph was a Clever boy, son of Marsy, the top Clever. What was he doing here?