Draegon Rider History (Draft 1)

Chapter 4

When the wing was fully extended I could see claw marks running along its length. The marks weren't deep enough to shred the wing, but they were deep enough to not have closed yet. Some still having blood run in continuous streams. If the flow wasn't staunch it could be fatal if infection set in.

The dragon made a light growling noise that I knew wasn't threatening. Instead it was trying to tell me something. "Is this why you followed me? So that I could help stop the bleeding?" The task wasn't impossible but I would need a fair amount of healverk weed. A weed that was poisonous if consumed raw. If cooked and grinded down into a salve it had fantastic healing properties.

Laying the wing down, I nod at the dragon, "Alright, I will help you in exchange for not being eaten." Come to think of it I used similar words but in a different situation when I freed the other dragon from its trap. The green dragon made a sharp chirping noise, sounding almost like it was laughing.

I question it by raising one of my eyebrows, though it only shook its head in reply. What I wouldn't give to speak dragon.

"Alright stay here. I need to fetch more water from the stream and gather healing herbs." The dragon not really responding laid its head down on its claws, which I take to mean a yes. Taking a few necessary items I trek the ten minutes to a nearby stream.

Once by the stream I gather up five smooth stones. After drying those off I light a small fire around them to warm them up. Next came the healverk, difficult to find unless one knew what to look for. Glancing around for a flower that appeared to be a smaller version of a sunflower but only purple and grew in patches near water.

Hidden by a trio of oak within the shadows grew a large patch of healverk. Thinking back to the wounds I gather at least a third of the bush, just in case I needed extra. Further down the bank were yuj berries, the same berries that were used as pain anesthesia for patients back home. I gathered a few handfuls of those berries as well. The leaves of the bush were large and often used a pain reducers as well as a cover.

A humming purr coming from behind me made me spin around on the spot. The dragon making its way towards me, carefully keeping its wing half extended. "I told you to stay put." The dragon answering with a chirp. Sighing I run a hand through my hair, "Well if you are here you might as well help. I'm going to need some of these leaves. Think you can carry them?" I finger the yuj berry bush leaves.

The dragon extended out its head and ripped an extended portion of the bush off the main bushel. Nodding my thanks I make my way back to where the stones where. Putting the fire out by kicking dirt on it. Leaning next to the stream I fill one of the sheep skin bags with water and carefully move the stones into the water bag, bringing it to a boil.

"I'll let the healverk soak in the boiling water as we walk back. By the time we make it back to camp they should be soft enough to make into a salve." I mutter to myself more than the dragon. Though its ears perked in my direction as I talked. Throwing in three large handfuls I mix it around with a nearby stick.

Silently I stood, making my way back towards the camp. The dragon following close behind with the leaves. In no time we made it back and as I created the salve I had the dragon eat the berries to reduce the pain. I warned the dragon that the salve might sting as I applied it. But it made no noise as I carefully placed the salve on its wounds and covering them with the leaves.

Night passed quickly and soon enough I started back on the trail heading for the base of the mountain. The dragon still fast asleep where it had curled against the trees.

Dawn had long sensed passed and it was approaching noon when the horses started to become jittery. I understood why when the green dragon bounded out of the woods, coming to walk along side of my horse. "Why are you following me? No need to thank me or replay me. You have done that already by catching those bucks for me." I shoo the dragon away with my hand.

It only shook its head, refusing to leave my side. "Alright, suite yourself. But as a warning I am going to meet up with three of my brothers who are also hunters. If you don't want to be shot at I would make yourself scarce before then." Shrugging my shoulders.

When we made it down to the base of the mountain the sun was a couple hours from setting. The neighing of horses up ahead warned me that I was coming upon my brothers within the minute. "Indrasena, there you are. Got I nice load there. Trying to show off?" Vex called out from where he stood.

Turning around I saw no hide nor scale of the dragon. It must have taken my warning seriously as it had suddenly left and was nowhere in sight. Feeling a bit sad about the dragon leaving I turn back to my two brothers. Carter trotting up not long after.

Together we make our way back to Valehin, but I couldn't help but glace back at the forest line every once in a while. Kind of hoping the dragon was following. But I saw nothing but trees as we continued along on our journey.

The stars had come out when the lights of Valehin were coming into view. The guards by the gate were still as glassy eyes as ever. "Those guards creep me out." Jax whispered as we road passed. We hummed our agreement as we moved through the town.

The laughter of the night life of Valehin echoing through the streets. Busy bodies going in and leaving the taverns, shouts of the drunks. Giggles from the women hanging off the men's arms.

The jubilant atmosphere was replaced in a second my screams of fear. Fire began to rain down from the sky as bodies streaked over the town. People tripped and pushed each other trying to get out of the way. "Dragons! Dragons are attacking!!!" People screamed as they ran for cover.

Getting off my horse I take my arrows with me. "Jaxon, get on my horse and you gallop out of here. Don't stop for anything or anyone until you get home, you understand?" I yank him off from my brother's horse and forcefully push him onto mine.

"What are you going to do?" He tightly gripped the reins. Vex and Carter nodding at each other.

A second later Vex got off his horse, giving the reins over to Carter. "She's going to go help the guards as we wait for the Keepers. And I am going with her. Carter make sure to get Jaxon out of here. Now go!" Carter nodded, spurring Jaxon into action.

Together we fire arrows into the sky. Aiming for the flying bodies whenever they passed by. Few began to land, letting their anger be known as they roared. My feet were yanked out from underneath me, a black tail swirling in the air above me. Before I could move an ivory claw trapped me in place. The owner of the claw snapped their teeth in my face causing me to panic.

Just as suddenly as I was trapped I was freed. The dragon that was pinning me down having been tackled by another dragon a bit larger than it. The scales of my savior flashing a sea green in the torch light. Its tale curled around my form as it clawed at the head of the black dragon who snarled back.

The wings of the dragon protecting me were folded tightly against its back. It's back curved towards the sky as it hissed out a warning. One claw flexing waiting for the black dragon to take another step forward. The dragon roared charging forward.

The green dragon reared up onto its hind legs grabbing the black dragon and digging its claws into its hide. Both snapping their teeth at each other trying to find a hold around the other's neck. The black dragon gave off a pain filled roar as the green one got a hold around the upper part of its neck and clamped their jaws down. Blood spilling from the wounds created. The black dragon growling trying to free itself from the green dragon's hold.

Its claws catching the green dragon on the face creating shallow wounds. The surprise of the attack caused the green dragon to let go of its hold. Now freed the black dragon gave one last growl and took to the skies.

The dragon slowly turned around as to not startle me, bring its head close to mine so I could stare into its emerald green eyes with reptilian slits. I recognized those eyes. Bringing my hand up, I stroke its snout as it nuzzled into my hand. "It's you isn't it. The one I saved from that hunter's trap."

Its eyes filled with warmth as it purred, giving me a toothy grin as I continued to stroke its muzzle.