The Dragon King, Book 1

Chapter 9. When Worlds Collide

With no horse to pull the wagon, a finally peaceful Vamor, and a tired Princess Ronin decides that hey should make camp. Ronin doesn't just want to regroup his thoughts but pry information out of Vamor. Indrim sleeps soundly in the wagon while Ronin sits in meditation near a tree.

So what are you doing? Edgar asks.

Trying to concentrate. He says out loud.

Sorry, I thought I was being quiet. Vamor says.

Something on your mind?

Yes, actually. You don't look like you fit in here, in this world I mean. So where did you come from?

I don't think I should talk about that.

Then, let me tell you about me. I died in a great disaster that befell my city. I was 59 when I died, It was very painful, as I'm sure being consumed by lava would be.

What was the name of your city?

Pompeii.

Great... Ronin thinks to himself.

Does that mean she is from your world? Edgar asks.

The past of my world. Ronin respond in thought.

After that, I was reborn to a vampire father and elf mother, we were a happy family. No one ever bothered us, but now that I think about it, that might have been out of fear for my father. My father is insanely strong, that has earned him the name Shadow of the East, opposite the Kind of Dragul who is the Shadow of the West. Father insisted I be trained as an assassin...

Kinda out of touch on that, aren't you?

I may not be as fast as you during the day, but I am stronger at night.

Like now?

Yeah. Vamor smiles with a giggle. Want me to show you?

Ok, then. Ronin stands up and stretches and points at a large tree on top of a nearby mountain. First one to that Tree wins. If you win, I spill all my secrets.

And if you win, I'll be your's to command.

Command? Ronin thinks. What do you mean? He asks Vamor.

Vamor moves closer to him. I mean I'll do whatever you say from now on.

Oh, like a knight under my command.

Vamor looks disappointed. I was hoping for something a little more exciting than that, but I guess that will work for now. She shrugs it off and gets into a starting pose, looking up she sees Ronin just standing there. Aren't you going to get into position?

Nah, Just say go when you are ready. Ronin smiles.

GO!

Both of them take off, side by side. Running through the woods, towards the tree, they pass a large black bear, looking around confused as they pass but sees only dust. A helmet with two horns falls to the ground with a clang. Ronin and Vamor remain side by side till they reach a thicker patch of trees. They weave through them, Vamor crosses paths with Ronin in an attempt to slow him down, but he slides under her as she poll-vault jumps over him with a smile. Finally reaching a clearing, Ronin begins pulling forward, but Vamor manages to catch up to him and begins bearing her shoulder into his to push him down. Ronin pushes back as they near the large tree. Ronin thinks fast and grabs Vamor's arm, spinning around with her and lets go slingshooting himself at the tree and buries his hand into it.

You got too close. Ronin looks back.

Vamor stumbles around dizzy. No... fair.

Ronin walks over and puts his hand on her head pulling her ear to his mouth. You did good, but I guess you're mine now.