Dragon Wing

Chapter Six

    I squinted my eyes, shading them with my hand. Why is the Sun so bright? I scanned the trees from a cliff top, looking for anything that wasn't green.

    "AHA! THERE!!!" Birds flew out of the surrounding undergrowth. Maybe that was a bit too loud...oh well. I spotted the roof of a house peeking out from under the canopy. I gathered my bearings and set off that way. That has to be Flavem.

    Flavem was a small village nestled deep in the Emerald Woods, a huge forest covering about one ninth of the continent (so, in other words, really big). The population Flavem was 35 at most. It was tiny.

    After around 30 minutes, I arrived at the village. I was met by the lord of the village, who was actually a woman. She was in her early 30s, and had long golden hair, sky blue eyes, and a white flowing dress.

    She smiled brightly as soon as she saw me. "Welcome to Flavem! I'm the lord-well, lady-here, Lady Emmalyn. I haven't seen you around here before."

    "I'm not from this area, just passing through," I said politely. Her eyes scanned over me, and seemed to linger on the scales adorning my belt."They're not real, you know."

    "Pardon?"

    "The scales," I gestured to my belt. "It seemed as if you were studying them. They're fake." I lied. I've been getting better at that.

    "Oh!" She laughed nervously. "I'm sorry. I just haven't seen dragons, or any evidence of one, as long as I've lived."

    I nodded, and changing the subject, asked, "Is there any place I could stay for the night here?"

    "Ah, yes. We have a small inn in case of visitors, but there aren't many. Follow me."

    Lady Emily led me to a large building. Well at least, large in comparison to the rest. I bowed slightly, thanking her, then she left. I walked up to the man behind the desk.

    "Could I have a room, please?" I asked.

    He nodded. "Of course, that's what an inn is for. What brings you to our small town?"

    "A journey," I answered simply.

    "Really? You look quite young to be out adventuring by yourself," he said.

    I shrugged it off, and he led me to my room. Once his footsteps echoed down the hall, I took my map out of my bag, proceeding to throw said bag on the bed.

    I sat at the small table, which was in one corner of the room. The bed took up the one opposite to the desk. There was a bookshelf, empty of course, in the third corner. The door was in the last. The It was simple.

    I liked it.

    I drew my finger over the map, tracing my path. It's been twelve days, and there's still a whole lot of ground to cover. I need to pick up the pace. I had considered not staying in Flavem, but I needed to stop and plan. My departure from home was rushed, and I didn't want to run in blind.

    A knock on the door startled me from my thoughts. I flipped the map over, and walked to the door. It opened to reveal a girl about 18. She had curly red hair that went to about mid-back, bright green eyes, and freckles on her pale face. Her grin could light up a room.

    People in this town sure are peppy. On the walk to the inn, I was greeted only by smiles. No harsh looks, stares of scrutiny, nothing. Except for the innkeeper. He was...normal, I guess.

    "Hello?"

    I jumped from my thoughts yet again. "Sorry! What was that?" I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly.

    "It's fine!" she said cheerily. "I was just saying that my name's Penny, and I work a little bakery here in Flavem. You're welcome to eat there anytime!"

    "I'm Kaylie, nice to meet you. Thanks for the offer, but I-" I was cut off by a loud protest from my stomach. Darn you stomach.

    Penny laughed. "C'mon, it's right this way! Our special is rabbit stew-"

    I was out the door before she could finish her sentence.

* > * < *

    I leaned back in my chair, sighing. "That's the best rabbit stew I've had in a while!" I sat at a small table in the cafe. A few other villagers sat at other tables, but otherwise, it wasn't very busy.

    Penny smiled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it!" Her voice was sweet and kind, similar to Lady Emmalyn's. It was a stark contrast to the gravelly voices of dragons.

    The door opened, and a strange voice filled the room. "Hey, sis, I-" she cut off as she saw me. "Who's this?"

    The girl looked my age, and was very similar to her sister (I assumed, since she addressed her as such) in the physical traits department. She had a slender figure, curly orange hair, and a lot of freckles. The only difference was the younger girl's eyes, which were a sharp violet.

    "Sabrina, meet Kaylie. She's a traveler who happened to pass through here on her journey," Penny explained.

    I stood up from the table and extended my hand towards Sabrina. She shook it, then looked me over, as I had done with her. She peered at my eyes.

    "Is...something the matter?" I inquired nonchalantly.

    She shook her head briskly. "My apologies! I just noticed the abnormal color of your eyes. They're like mine!" She ended her sentence with a grin.

    I'm going to start calling this town the Village of Smiles.

* > * < *

    A young cloaked girl walked towards the Lord's house. She knocked three times when she arrived, and waited for a response.

    Lady Emmalyn opened the door after about a minute, and said sleepily, "Huh? What are you doing up this late?"

    She glanced around, making sure no one else was within earshot, and whispered, "Dragon Wing."

    The blonde's eyes widened, instantly awake, and ushered the girl inside. Once in the privacy of her house, she asked in a still hushed tone, "Are you sure?"

    She slipped down her hood. "Almost positive. She fits all of the descriptions, especially the eyes. She has vibrant aqua blue eyes."

    The lord gasped. "That's right! How did I not notice before? But what can we do?"

    "Nothing but watch. Watch and see how this story unfolds."

* > * < *

    I tossed and turned, trying to find sleep. I just ended up discovering the headboard. As I rubbed my head, a chill went up my spine.

    I feel like someone just walked over my grave...