The Dragon Slayer

(2) The stranger

Master had left, along with all the other workers. I don't know why he would leave me alone. I could do tons of damage. I could even set the castle on fire.

I busied myself with cleaning the rooms. It would keep me from ruining anything. The rooms were filthy though. It was almost like they were never cleaned.

I sat on a messy bed, and picked up a tunic. Not many people in the castle let their clothes lay around,  but I guess this person isn't many people.

I brought the tunic up to my nose and smelt it. It smelt of pee. I groaned, realizing Max, Masters son, still isn't potty trained.

I threw the tunic in the dirty laundry basket, and made his bed. When I was done, I took the clothes to the laundry room.

I put the dirty clothes into the washer. When I turned around, a young man stood before me. For a second I thought it was one of Masters workers, then it hit me, he doesn't work here.

"I'm sorry, but you shouldn't be here," I said.

He had nicely slicked back black hair, perfect tan face, white teeth that glowed with his smile, and a outfit of a royal.

"King Herld, I'm looking for King Master," He said.

King? I inwardly groaned. His clothes showed he was a king, how could I not know? I swiftly bowed, waiting  for his nod.

He gave it. I stood and looked at him. "Master isn't here. He went out this morning," I said backing away from him.

"Well, perhaps I should stay awhile and wait for him."

I don't understand why he would want to stay here when I am the only one here. I nodded and followed him out the door. I showed him to the kitchen, where I put a tea kettle on the stove.

"Who are you? If you don't mind me asking," Herld said sitting down.

"I am Aria. One of Masters young workers," I said sitting across from him.

"A worker he took almost ten years ago?" He asked.

"Yes, I was five," I said remembering the horrible day.

"Five? How old was the rest?" Herld asked sounding truly interested.

"Somewhere between 7-9."

Herld nodded his head in understanding. The tea kettle screeched making me jump. I got out of my chair and poured Herld and me a cup of tea.

"How has Master been treating you workers?" He asked when I sat back down.

I slid him his cup and said, "Good, I guess. We sleep by the dungeon, he beats us, starves us even," I said.

Herld nodded his head I understanding.

"I wanna show you something," He said standing up and holding out his hand.

"I really shouldn't leave," I said.

"Master will be fine with it. You will be with me," He said sounding confident.

I sighed, and took his hand.