Dawn of Dragons

Chapter 1: Dragon

"Run, Aria!" He snapped. "Run and don't look back."

Aria didn't hesitate. She ran.

"Catch her!" The knights shouted. "Don't let her get away!" Footsteps thundered behind her, before being cut off by a scream of pain.

"A dragon!"

Aria shot a quick glance behind her. The silluete of a dragon reared in the light, then struck down, resulting in another scream of pain. It was incredible.

"Mom? What are dragons?"

Aria's mother hugged her gently, then whispered. "They are dangerous creatures, born to rule the heavens and the land with their ruthless magic. But they are also majestic creatures, their magic bringing prosperity and peace to the land. Let me tell you one thing, dear child." She clutched Aria's shoulders and looked deep into her child's ebony eyes.  "And never forget this. The dragons are your future."

* * *

The dragons are your future.

Aria's mother's words echoed through her head as she walked to the little shop.

"Hello, Aria!" A cheerful merchant greeted her. Aria veered off toward him.

"Good morning, Mr. Baker." She said politely. "How are you today?" Aria didn't know his real name, so she just called him Mr. Baker.

Mr. Baker chuckled. "Good. Would you like a piece of bread?"

Aria looked down at the still warm pieces of bread, her mouth watering. She was tempted to draw out her only coin from her pocket, but then politely declined.

"I'm sorry, I have to get going now." She dipped her head, then walked away. Unknown to her, the merchant watched her every move.

"You're late, kid," a deep voices boomed when she entered the shop. Brunner, a dark skinned, muscular man crossed his arms behind the counter. People milled about the shelves. Aria broke into a grin. This where she could be herself.

"Why, forgive me," she said sarcastically. "I was attracted to a piece of bread that was far more attractive than this shop."

Brunner playfully growled at her. "Are you suggesting I would lose to a piece of bread?"

She winked at him. "Only in my eyes." Crossing the gap between them, Aria pushed him away and stood behind the counter, as the rightful "cashier".

For the rest of the day, she sold items at the shop, like wheat, vegetables, and the general stuff that everyone needed. She flirted with the men, getting them to buy even more, and by the end of the day, almost everything from the shelves were gone. Brunner came up to her.

"Good job," he admitted kind of grudgingly. "Here's your pay." He tossed her a small satchel filled to the brim with gold coins. Aria beamed.

"Thank you!" She skipped out the door.

Brunner watched her leave. "That one's special." He murmured.

"I agree."

Brunner didn't even flinch at the sound of the newcomer's voice. "Hello, Skie." He said.

Skie slinked out of the shadows, eyes glowing bright green. "It is almost time." Was all he said.

"Yes." Brunner agreed. "It is time."

* * *

The next day, Aria's world shattered.

It started as a normal day. She was woken up by her obnoxious little brother, ate breakfast prepared by her mother, and headed back to the little shop. But when she entered, there was no one to be seen. Even Brunner was gone.

Aria sighed in exasperation, then turned around to head back out when she almost slammed into something. Strong hands grasped her shoulders.

It was Brunner.

His eyes were wild. "Kid, follow me and don't make a sound." He walked out. Aria didn't notice it before, but there was almost no one left in the street. Totally creepy.

She followed him into a dark alley toward the direction of the house, when  Brunner stopped. "Come out, Skie." He called.

"Hello," a familiar voice murmured in her ear. Aria almost screamed, then got a closer look at this "Skie". She then gasped.

"You-you're the merchant that was selling bread on the street!"

He nodded. "Indeed. My name is Skie. Pronounced sky but spelled with an "ie" instead of a "y"." He turned to Brunner. As if they had silently had a conversation, they both nodded.

"Aria, there's no easy way to put this," Skie began. "We have been watching you for sometime now." The next words he spoke made her think she was hallucinating.

"Aria, you are a dragon."

Hey guys!

Did you enjoy the first chapter of "Dawn of Dragons"? If you did, comment and please share with your friends. Read the next chapter to figure out what happens next!

-AX