Purple Dragonfire

Battle Approaches (Chapter 2)

Hope you enjoy, and thanks for reading!

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After they had rowed out to the current, Lance and Hunk quit rowing and lowered the sails before catching their breaths.

"Man, that oar hurt my fingers more than my bowstring, and that's saying something," Lance complained, rubbing his blistered fingers.

"What are you complaining about?" Hunk groaned, leaning heavily on his own oar on the opposite side of the ship. "At least you're not working while you're seasick."

"Alright, you two," Shiro interjected with a small and calm smile. "Take a break. Now that we've found the current, it'll be smooth sailing, and we'll get to the Dragon's Island in a few hours."

The two nodded, and got to checking their armor and weaponry.

Lance didn't have much, since armor on his arms would weigh him down and affect his aim. No, he had a simple chainmail chestplate to protect his vitals. He checked the bowstring, and had extra should it snap, then he counted the arrows in his quivers.

There were a little less than twenty, all sharply tipped and ready to fly at a moment's notice. It wasn't enough to kill a massive dragon, but hopefully it would do to protect Hunk and Shiro.

Hunk on the other hand, had more armor, since he could better support the metal protection with his larger body structure. He also had a large axe on strapped behind him.

Shiro's armor was honorable yet efficient, with a lion's head on his right shoulder, and chestplate and arm guards. With the gauntlet given to him by Pidge, he also had a long sword at his hip, resting in its scabbard as he sat and steered at the rudder.

It would be a long and hard trip, yet Lance knew that this was the most exciting moment of his life! It was far better than taking care of farm animals and harvesting crops with his many other younger siblings.

His father had died in battle a few years ago, so Lance had to really help his mother provide for the large family. Yet, he hoped if he proved himself to Shiro, and hopefully Alfor, he'd make a name for himself and help his family.

He had almost blown his chance before their adventure even began. Why was I even feeling pity towards a ghastly dragon?

Hunk had been raised in the court, always with his mother helping in the kitchens. When he wasn't preparing food, his mother sent him to the barracks, where some soldiers had given him tips to fighting with an axe.

On the rare occasion when he wasn't cooking or training, he was following Lance on one of their many adventures. This wasn't any different. It was actually Hunk that recommended Lance.

The hours baking in the sun dragged on, but soon the dark, barren, and jagged island grew closer on the horizon.

No dragon soared in the clouds though. "Okay guys," Shiro whispered as they leapt onto the rocky shore. "Stay sharp, and stay quiet. We can do this. You know the plan?"

They both nodded, and followed their leader up the gravel and up the jutting crags, climbing to the only cave on the island. That was where their enemy lay asleep, unaware of the thieves climbing to steal away his prize.