My Knight in Dragon Scales

2. A dragon quest

I left the castle with just a bag and never looked back. How long ago was that? I can't remember. A month... A year... 2... Logan just sent me a letter too. He mentioned how Father was getting sick again, and how things were getting harder with the neighboring kingdom. He worries there's going to be a war. My heart ached for him but... This is why I left. I'm not one for politics. I'm for brave acts of heroism that borders on stupidity. I looked at the flyer in my hand and sighed. 

"Dragon spotted off of Mt. Diablo. Ironic if you think about it." I looked at the picture and frowned. It was a poor quality picture but you could tell it was young. Maybe about 100... 200 years old tops. To think that there's a dragon so close to home. I wonder if Logan knows. He never mentioned it in the letter. I looked over at the bartender and he nodded bringing me over another drink. "You got any information that could help?"

"Let's see?" He took the flyer and narrowed his eyes. "I see. You going to be a dragon slayer, huh?"

"That's been the plan." He handed the flyer back to me and sighed.

"There isn't much known about it. It's behavior patterns are all off." I shot him a confused look and he just laughed. "It's only ever seen during the day, and no one knows where its nest is."

"So in other words..." I felt a smile tug at my lips and the guy just laughed again. "A challenge."

"Be careful, Roman. I'd hate for our best fighter to end up a flambe." 

"Oh, ha ha ha... Asshole." I finished my drink and left, laughing the whole time. It's nice though. Know how kind the guild is. The first time I came here I was trying so hard not to be noticed as a prince. They actually thought I was poor. They kept trying to help me out and I had to keep telling them I was good. The simple fact that they cared so much or a stranger, was proof that they're good people.

Mt. Diablo... Grandpa told me a legend once about it and of the Prince who once called it home. Mt. Diablo... Home to the kingdom of ash. 

I sighed as I wrapped my arms around myself as I started to climb the path. I wonder what kind of dragon it is. It obviously is dark colored. I could see that from the picture, but I wonder what kind he is. I started to shiver and I sighed. Maybe I should set up camp. It was well past sundown and it was only getting colder. 

"Ok, then camp it is." I called as I set my stuff down and went to search for firewood. By the time I got back to my things, the moon was high in the sky. I couldn't believe how beautiful it all looked. The wind picked up and I hugged myself to try and block the chill.

"Why is it so cold?" I groaned as I struggled to get the fire going. My first night and I got lost. Of course, I did. Logan always said that I had bad luck. I looked up at the stars and fell back, lying in the grass. The sky was clear. The stars were bight. So getting lost wasn't that bad. When the sun comes up in the morning. I'll find my way to town, and everything will be good. I looked up to see small flakes falling from the sky, making me shiver even more. "And now it's snowing."

"I can help." I jumped up with a start to see this man staring at me. He had this big coat on and honestly, I felt a little jealous. "It's not much but I can offer you a warm place for the night. That is if you're ok with staying in a cave."

"I'm laying in the grass, dirt, and snow..." He held his hand out and I took it, allowing him to help me up. "I think a cave would be an improvement."