How to Save a Dragon Rider

Tomorrow

Her hooded cloak swayed near her feet as snow fell all around, silver clouds rolling into the forest. The fog was so thick she couldn't see thirty feet away, but she could hear the steady beat of the ocean. If she stayed near that, eventually she would hit the town. And she did.

Gold lights misted through the haze. Once close enough she could see huts dotted around the center of the village. It was surprisingly bigger than anticipated, over run with busying merchants and fishermen. No one seemed to notice her as she wandered into town. She kept her head down as much as possible , while looking for the local tavern.

She found one near the docks. It was an old run down place that looked like it was about to fall over. A horrid stench floated through the door as she entered the bar. For the most part the rowdy vikings ignored her. The room was poorly lit and a few tables had been knocked over. The food was less than appetizing and the ale even looked like the wrong color. Still, she slapped a coin on a table asking the waitress for a drink. She eyed the crowd, on the lookout for any danger. She took a deep breath not finding a serious threat. Someone in here must know something. She thought. While she was deciding on who to approach, a tall man with red hair came to her. His jaw was sharply cut and his brown eyes were upturned. He wore black arm cloths, a red tunic and belt. He sat down across from her and folded his hands.

"You look like your not from around here." His voice was cautious yet also mischievous.

"Nope."

"If you want I can show you around." She rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair, folding her arms.

"I'll pass." She thanked the waitress who had set down an ale right in front of her. Raising the mug to her lips, she guzzled it down, hoping when she opened her eyes he would be gone. He wasn't. She slammed the cup on the table and licked her lips. It was completely empty. His face seemed to be covered in fascination, like a girl who could drink was all he ever wanted.

"Are you sure I can't show you around?" He pushed. Instead of hurting him in some way, Astrid decided to take this opportunity and play him like a flute.

"No, but you can tell me about those dragon riders I've been hearing about."

"Let me take you around, and I'll tell you everything I know." She considered her options and decided this wasn't the worst. After all if she went around asking everybody what she knew, it would look suspicious. Besides, if something turned sour, she had one person to deal with, not several. She caved.

"I suppose, I could use a guide." She said hesitantly. He broke into a smirky grin.

"Great we can start at the hall of Blank island. I'm riff." he held out a calloused hand.

"I'm Kala." She lied. As they stood he bowed deeply.

"After you milady." She tried desperately to not roll her eyes. She only liked to be called that by one person. He followed her out of the room into the freezing air.

He led her back through town maneuvering around the tables of merchandise. Children were playing in the snow banks, while a brawl was going on near by. For the most part it seemed like a normal Viking village.

"So where are you from?" Riff asked his hands behind his back.

"I'm uh- here with a friend. Just visiting." She avoided the question.

"Oh really, which friend?" He spun around walking backwards looking at her in the eyes. Seeing that he wouldn't give up she answered.

"You probably wouldn't know her."

"I find that hard to believe."

"My turn for questions." She demanded. "So what do you do around here for work?"