"Look out!" someone shouted from the crowd. Actually, it sounded like several people had said that. Whirling around, Max ducked just in time to avoid the Tabikat's swinging tail. Missing him by a hair, the blue dragon spotted its new victim Mel and went after him. Standing up, Max glanced up.
The entire village was watching the training lesson with anticipation.
Sighing softly when he saw his dad give him a thumbs up, Max looked over at the dragon. Whoever could defeat the Tabikat today would win the honor of killing their first dragon tomorrow. The young Terrierson prayed that it wouldn't be him but there was a chance it might be. He wasn't going to let anyone hurt another dragon while he stood by and watched.
"Hey!" a voice barked at him. Max turned around just as Gidget pointed her sword at him and muttered, "Stay out of my way. I'm gonna win this thing if it's the last thing I do." Without another word, she ran off to find cover so she could catch the Tabikat by surprise. Sighing heavily, Max looked over at the dragon sympathetically before making his move.
Crouching behind one of the huge gray stones that had been provided to the teens for cover, Gidget held her sword in a white knuckled grip. She could feel her father's cold eyes burrowing into her soul. "For you Dad..." she whispered under her breath. She could hear the Tabikat coming closer. A snarl coming up from her throat, she jumped up, ready to strike the beast down.
However, Max had done the job for her.
Lowering her sword, Gidget glanced up at the crowd surrounding the training arena. Her father had already left though. Feeling sad and angry at the same time, she hung her head in defeat. In the meantime, the rest of the class hoisted Max up on their shoulders. There was no denying it. He was the winner. He was gonna slay his first dragon tomorrow. Not exactly thrilled though, Max sarcastically commented, "I am so excited..."
