The Gateway

Chapter 1

A ray of sunlight broke through the roof of leaves that the forest created. Matthew was woken by it and shielded his eyes. The young man got up to look around. A warm summer breeze greeted him as he regained his focus. He was in a forest that looked as if it could go on for miles. Matthew wasn't quite sure how he had gotten to where he was, or why he was here. The only thing next to where he had been laying was a sword. As soon as he picked up the sword, the ray of light vanished. He examined the sword, which was made from a very fine metal, and had green gems throughout the handle. Matthew called around him for help, but the forest was still. The only creatures around were squirrels hopping from branch to branch, and birds that filled the air with music. Matthew called out once more in hopes that someone might hear. 

A roar from the distance was a response that Matthew didn't expect. Instinctively, Matthew drew the sword in a defence, and slowly made his way in the direction of the noise. Another roar, closer this time, made Matthew drop to the ground. As he peered over a large rock, Matthew saw what looked to be a large creature with wings at the end of the hill. He instantly recognized the creature. This was a dragon. The large beast was resting in the entrance of a cave, and in front of it was a bear. The dragon let out another roar that made Matthew drop his sword to cover his ears. He looked back over to see the bear walk away, and the dragon lie down to rest.

Matthew sat down against the rock to think. He had no idea where he was, who he was, or who this sword even belonged to. All he knew about himself was his name. And now he was less than a hundred yards away from a dragon. Matthew looked down to see that he was wearing what seemed to be a military uniform of some sort. The colors were black and gold, and had the insignia of a lion. Still clueless as to where he got it, Matthew felt a sudden sharp pain in his ribs. Wincing at it, he saw that there was a clean cut on his side that had been dripping blood. Matthew held his hand over it as he winced once more. He had no way of stopping the bleeding right now. The only thing he could do was rip of a large stip of fabric from the sleeve of the shirt he was wearing and wrap it around his torso.

Matthew finished poorly patching up his side, then decided to peer over the rock again. But when he looked over, the dragon was gone. Matthew looked to see if he could see where the dragon had gone, but there was no trace. As Matthew continued to look down at the cave, he suddenly felt a breath on his back. Matthew slowly turned around, only to find himself face to face with the giant, silver dragon. Matthew fell to the ground as the winged creature continued to glare at him. Not sure what to do, he decided to slowly move his hand to the sword. But as soon as he made movement towards the sword, the dragon swiped it away with his giant paw.

"What are you doing here?"

Matthew couldn't believe his ears. The dragon spoke! He heard in clear as day! It had a suprisingly soft, but firm voice.

"Y-you can talk? You speak my language?"

"No, Matthew. You are speaking draconic."

Matthew was confused. How did the dragon know his name? How is he speaking draconic? None of this made any sense to him.

"How do you know my name?"

The dragon looked irritaed at him.

"You never answered my question. What are you doing here?"

Matthew looked down and thought for a moment. How was he supposed to answer her question when he didn't even know the answer himself? And if he didn't answer her, would she kill him? Have pity on him? Leave him? Matthew had to react fast.

"I don't know. I'm not sure even how I got here or who I am. All I know is that I woke up a little ways that way with that sword. Where even is here?"

The dragon leaned away from Matthew in thought. After a moment of silence, she looked back at Matthew.

"Grab your sword and come with me. I will give you as many answers as I can."

Without question, Matthew picked up his sword and walked along side the magnificent beast. He could see that she was leading him to her cave. When they got there, she motioned him to go in. Matthew looked in the cave, and saw nothing but darkness. Slowly making his way in, Mathew saw a glimmer in the walk way. He looked back at the dragon in confused excitment, while she smiled and nodded forward. As he made his way closer, the twinkle of light morphed into a giant portal. Matthew jumped back in startlement. Was this some kind of magic? Before he could make the decision to continue froward, the dragon moved along beside him and brought him in with her.