In the eyes of a dragon

The Discovery

"Catch me if you can!" called Kai to his brother as he set off. The young man jumped up between the trees, looking around him as the suns were setting, day melting away into night. Forest animals were starting to go back to their hiding places, their homes. Meanwhile, the night predators were opening their eyes and taking off in search of prey.

Kai took a deep breath, his short brown hair flying in the cold evening wind. Kaylen, close behind him, was just as awake as Kai. They had nearly arrived at the lake, where their race would end. Something suddenly caught Kai's, who was convinced he would win, eye. Kaylen just laughed as his brother tripped and fell over.

"I win!"

He stood up straight, digging his heels into the damp earth. The winner looked at his twin, who was still sitting on the ground and grinned in triumph.

"Looks like you still have a lot to learn, Kai. You may be faster than me, but you need to be more aware of your surroundings. You can't beat seven years of hunting with mere speed, you know. Don't be discouraged, you'll get there eventually...maybe." He laughed.

Kai just calmly stood up and brushed the dirt off his white shirt, grumbling.

"Yeah yeah be more aware, I get it... Anyway, we should do what we came here for, don't you think?"

Their eyes locked together; there was a long moment of silence before they both just burst out laughing.

"What distracted you anyway?" asked the victor, pulling his bow and quiver back over his shoulder.

"I honestly don't know." replied Kai. "I just saw a rather colourful long fluffy tail run into a bush. It was probably just a forest cat."

Kaylen frowned. "How long was the tail? Was it very long? Did it have a black tip at the end and black stripes on light brown and white fur?"

"Now that you mention it... I only caught a glimpse of it, but I think it did."

"In that case, we have to be very careful, those aren't cats. They are Slurakas, large felines. They are enemies of us humans, although they are not seen often, they are extremely dangerous and feral. Anyway, we should get the fresh water for Father and go. He needs to heal, and we don't even know if he will... You know what the town doctor said... He said there's a big chance Father won't survive..."

The two twins walked around the lake, trying to decide which spot had the freshest water. They leaned down, taking a sip... But a loud explosion got them back to their senses. The forest was troubled, reptiles clambered into hiding, the birds flew away, and deer ran away from the loud noises. The clamour was growing, and the two twins looked at each other, worried.

"Is this normal in the forest?" Kai asked?

Kaylen whispered back. "Not at all... We have company... Try to be as quiet as possible. They're not from around here..."

Both of them hid behind the bushes, looking through the leaves. What was happening before them took their breath away. About thirty hooded figures were surrounding a few dozens of small creatures. Unusual creatures with scales. Some with horns, others with larger fangs or steaming backs. But all these creatures had wings! They were dragons! Dragons with colourful, shining scales reflecting the moonlight and razor sharp claws!

"Kaylen... Are those what I think they are?" Kai whispered, astonished.

"It can't be... Dragons? In this world? They're mythical creatures!"