The Dragon Slayer

(1) Living Under A Dragons Roof

It started a long time ago. Dragons from all around would come and choose the weak children to work for them.

I was one of the chosen. I was taken away from my family. The pleased looks I saw on their faces upsetted me. It hit me then, that I wasn't wanted by them.

I was thrown carelessly on the dragons bed along with some other weak children. Their families cried for them. I yearned to hear my family cry for me. I yearned to see tears fall from their eyes. I yearn for it now.

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I cursed under my breath as the last dish fell. Master will be pissed with me. I silently cleaned up the shards of the dish.

I stepped away from the trash when I heard the door open. I looked at the person that walked in, and saw Master looking at me.

Master was a old fellow. He had a bald head, with a long white beard. He was round in the belly, but tall. I walked with a cane, for he had hurt his leg while he was in the war.

I wipped my hands on my dress and bowed to him. 'You always bow to your owner', I remembered, Kayala, the chef, had told me.

I saw him nod his head, which is a cue for 'you may stand', so I stood. When I was fully standing, I felt a blow to my left cheek.

I held my hand up to my cheek and looked at Master. He had a shard of the dish I had broken in his hand. His eyes narrowed into slits.

Rule 1: Never madden a dragon

"Another dish this week, Aria!" He yelled.

I flinched at his harsh tone. I know I was used to it, but it still frightened me. I tightly closed my eyes, and took a deep breath, then opened them again. Master was gone.

The shard clinked on the ground like it was thrown. I bent down and picked it up, then threw it away. I turned around, and walked back to the sink to finish my work.

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Next morning:

I woke up to the sound of the kingdom bell. I groaned and sat up. All the other workers did the same.

All of Masters workers have to sleep in the same room. He says it keeps room for the wanted. So we all sleep in the smallest room, by the dungeon.

I slowly rose up out of bed. The room was cold, as is every night, and day. I slipped on my shoes and walked out the door.

I stepped in the dinning room, seeing breakfast was already cooked. I went to take my seat when Master walked in.

"Ah! No, Aria, your punishment after yesterday's stunt, is no breakfast," He growled taking his seat.

I nodded my head and turned, leaving Master, and everyone else, to eat.