The Dragon Hunter

4

Quin woke up to the sound of a familiar voice shouting and screaming. He shrank back as the words floated up to knock him down.

"You heathen! For the last time, filthy street rat, where is Quin?"

"How should I know? He's your kid," Luna's voice droned back, seemingly indifferent. "Could you just get lost? I'm trying to get ready for school."

"A beggar like you going to school...don't make me laugh!" The gruff, masculine voice snapped. "I have solid evidence you were seen with him. The night-watchmen may not give a damn about you but that member of the Hunter's society I've seen knocking about doesn't leave until twilight tonight. He'll have you and that dragon of yours for kidnapping and illegal possession of a beast!"

Quin heard Luna sigh and risked crawling forwards, peering through a crack in the wood. Luna was squaring up to a man at least twice her size. His muscles bulged and the veins on his forehead stuck out like angry sores. His eyes were filled with hatred.

"Ok, first. I'm licensed. I'm legally allowed to participate in the taming and selling of beasts. Just because I specialise in dragons doesn't mean I'm a heathen. Besides, Minx isn't my dragon; dragons don't have owners. I'm a tamer. It's more like she works for me and in return I provide her with food, water and shelter."

The man started to say something but Luna held up her hand for silence.

"Second, if this kid you're talking about was with me, he isn't now. I've seen him about but there's no way in hell I'm going to tell you where he is. Especially if you're going to talk to me like that."

The man raised a fist. "Now you listen here-"

"-Thirdly, if he is your kid I suggest you have a serious talk with him about his tattoo."

He fell silent and Quin watched as they stared at each other, neither willing to back down.

"Slaves are illegal. Now," She held up a finger as he tried to cut her off. "You're going to leave and stop looking for Quin or I'll report you to the Night watch. I happen to be on good terms with them and no matter what you do I can pull enough strings to make sure you get put away for a long, long time."

"You little brat!"

The man lashed out, his fist missing Luna by inches. He caught her hat, the straw garment falling to the ground. She dodged again as he kicked, taking a step back whilst all the while maintaining a calm exterior.

"Last chance," She stated. He bared his teeth and charged towards her. She sidestepped and he crashed into the wall, the wood shaking, dust flying up into the air and twirling around Quin's face. He fought the urge to cough and leaned closer to the gap, pressing his eye against the crack.

Luna had her fists up as the man swung, missing her head. She punched him in the nose before darting back and circling around, running straight at his unprotected back. He crashed to the ground, knocking the wind out of him before struggling to get up. She placed her boot on his back and cupped he'd hands around her mouth.

"Run Quin! Keep running!"

Quin started to get up but felt someone push him back down. He turned to see Minx behind him, a clawed hand on his shoulder. She lifted a finger to her lips.

"Shhhhhh!"

He nodded. He heard Luna yelp, followed by a heavy thud. Quin scrambled back to watch as she continued to scream.

"East, to the river! Run!"

He slammed both hands down on her head and she slumped to the ground, her face sinking into the dirt, before he ran off towards Nyx's family farm. As soon as she was sure he was gone Luna pushed herself up into a sitting position. Blood poured freely from her nose and her right eye was blotchy and red. Quin darted to his feet and ran outside.