The Dragon-Witch Chronicles - Prinxiety AU

Chapter Five

~Roman~

I rode my trusty steed through the forest and up towards the mountains. By the time that the trees were replaced by jutting rocks the sun had set and been replaced by the moon. Silver light bathed over the land, casting shadows over my path. Wolves howled in the distance. I wasn't scared. The setting was just a little too eerie for me.

My mind kept drifting off as I maneuvered my horse over the rock path. I saw Patton crying in the great hall. The guilt sat in my stomach as heavy as a boulder. I knew that Virgil ran away because of me. Next thing to come-that is if I couldn't find Virgil-would be one of Patton's depressive episodes. Virgil was prone to being depressed and gloomy, but Patton was so emotional all of the time. He tries to be strong for us, but it's hard for him to. I had to find Virgil. If not for the younger boy, then for Patton.

I was pulled out of my thoughts as a scream pierced through the nightly silence. It sounded like some damsel was in trouble! I kicked my horse forward and we raced up the mountain. I came to the mouth of a great cave. I dismounted my horse and drew my sword. I entered the cave cautiously.

The cave was dark; the moonlight was unable to enter the gaping hole. I ventured forth, checking for footing with each step. My eyes adjusted to the light and I saw him.

Virgil, laying on the ground unconscious. Bloody. I dropped my sword and raced to his side. "Virgil!" I begged. "Don't be dead. Please, don't be dead." I pulled his sleeve back and felt his wrist for a pulse. I felt it, but it was slow. I stood and began to lift him in my arms as a woman emerged from the shadows.

She was dressed a tight gown, a dagger in her hand. I reached for my sword, but I wasn't able to reach it without having to leave Virgil. I glared at the woman. "Who are you? What did you do to Virge?"

She laughed. "What did I do? The little thief attacked me first. Besides, he deserves it."

"What are you talking about?"

"He should've been more careful of what cave he walked into," she sneered. The lifted her arm and a scepter appeared in it. She began to chant in some ancient language and purple smoke surrounded her. The smoke cleared and looked up at her.

Sharp yellow eyes. Even sharper teeth. Purple and green scales. I felt myself scream on the inside at the sight. She was a dragon-witch.