Draegon Rider History (Draft 1)

Chapter 12

Together we trekked to one of the numerous nests among the Holy Mountains. Upon arrival the mother to the hatchlings rose to her feet, nuzzling every one of her five children. "Goodbye for now." Quietly drifted through the bond but I got the message.

Nodding I pat Sage's nose, "I'll see you later." Sage nodded in return, the mother draegon watching the interaction. Sage made a series of rapid clicks and together the two draegons walked off.

The hatchlings having no clue what to do cooed as they turned their attention onto me. "Hello." I waved. Deciding I wasn't worth more of their attention they started to play wrestle with each other. Giving each other ferocious roars of battle cries as they tackled each other, when one took it took far the other being hurt would give a cry of distress. The one attacking immediately easing up on the force of the bite.

It wasn't too hard to watch the gaggle of hatchlings, all I really had to do was follow them as they ran around the area. Making sure to continuously count in case one wandered off, and then bring that one back to the group. Not that any of them really went off on their own.

It was clear as time went on that these particular hatchlings were going through some sort of molting as baby scales were dropping to the ground from time to time. Trailing behind I pick up a few of the scales. Inspecting them closely. Wondering if they would make good arrow tips.

As the day went on I began to craft a few new arrows to replace the ones I had lost, using the baby scales as experimental arrow heads. Soon I had a few crude arrows added to my stockpile. Nothing like I could make at home but they would have to do.

The hatchlings all paused at the same time, their heads tilted to the side then all surging towards what they heard. As we moved closer to the source of the hatchlings excitement the call could be by my more primitive ears.

Trailing behind I did final number count. Only to count four instead of five. Searching the area I check the bushes and the overhanging trees, only to turn up empty.

"Looking for this?" A deep voice trying to sound suave spoke from behind. In the man's grasp the missing hatchling. His grasp tight on the squealing and wiggling baby draegon.

My eyes narrowed on the stranger. Drawing my bow, deciding this was the perfect opportunity to test my new creations. "Not so fast." The man called out as he held up a sword, placing it near the hatchling. Angry I release an arrow. It came close to his hand only to miss by less than an inch. The man flinched, having though it would hit or maybe he thought I had missed on purpose. "I told you not to do that! Why are you protecting these creatures anyway?"

Drawing another crude arrow I lace it onto the string, taking aim once more. "These draegons are the only thing standing between true evil and the human race. Now release the hatchling." The man hesitates but doesn't let go of the baby draegon.

He seemed confused, "What evil?" Becoming impatient I release the second arrow. Proud that it hits its mark as it knocks the sword out of his hand.

Taking out a third arrow I take aim. The tension within the air rising higher as we continued our stare down, "I will not miss a second time. Now release the hatchling and leave." Getting the seriousness of the situation the man raised his free hand in the air. Bending down he gently let the small draegon go.

Now free the fifth draegon races after its siblings, not wanting to get caught again. I relax the string of my bow, placing the unused arrow back in the quiver. "Now leave. The other draegons won't be as forgiving as I am." Giving the unknown man one last glare, turning my back on him to follow after the hatchlings.