the dRaGoN one

The Inn

Anna's POV:

At the top of this hill, we look out over a northern village, feeling a cold breeze make its way over to us. In the distance there are the enormous mountains that mark the border between Gloann and Brinn. The mountains are deep, misty, ominous. In years past, thousands upon thousands of soldiers had been killed in its depths, and there is an unspoken probability of a mass haunting. Because of this, mostly dangerous folk live in the northern village. After the first few battles, all women and children evacuated. Now it was mostly a hide out for dark figures, evil citizens. Most of the guard didn't dare reside near the mountains, leaving the northern village's law up to its inhabitants. If there ever was a place to host a hostage, this was it.

A howl from deep within the mountains echoes, followed by an impressive wind that causes our horses to stagger back a few steps. "Whoa," I say soothingly, putting my hand on his neck, rubbing in circles. All of our horses continue to pounce antsily, but mine immediately rests, holding out against the wind. "Weird," I say, resolving that my horse was probably just the most superior.

"Is everyone okay?" Leya asks, as we all calm our horses, looking a little shaken at the peculiar howl.

"What was that," Reden asks, a hint of awe in his voice.

"A wolf," Leya says, "A strong one."

"There's no way that was a wolf," Reden disagrees, "That howl carried all the way from the mountains--thats miles of space to travel through."

"Wolves from my land are said to be the Equus dragon's descendants," she states, trying not to sound like a geek. "They possess the ancient dragon's power; it's voice and strength."

I glance eerily at the mountains, and Reden asks nervously, "Are the Equus dragons descendants fond of the Elder Dragon's?"

I laugh lightly.... "Reden, there's a reason they haunt the border between our nations. You may recall having to send our armies by fleet?"

He nods. "Oh." Reden interrupts, "Still, there's no way one wolf could be THAT loud."

"We have you as proof that that's possible," myself and Rykor say together, high fiving.

"Whatever," Reden says halfheartedly. "Let's go rescue this dude."

"Yes," I say, a smile lighting up my face. "He's here, I'm sure of it." I begin to head down the hill, tightening my cloak around you as the cold of Brinn's nearness deepens. Reden swiftly follows, not letting me stay in the lead without a fight.

Leya's POV:

I chuckle at the childish interlude and am about to follow, when I look behind me and see Rykor, frozen in place. "You good?" I ask, backing up a little bit. He looks up at me and I see beads of sweat on his face, despite the sudden chill. His face is pale and, contrasting everything I know about his character, he looks terrified. I remember how, at the shooting field, he ran out of breath very quickly.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine."

"You don't look fine." I say honestly, earning an offended look from him.

"Wow, thanks," he straightens up in his saddle, giving me a haughty look.

"You know I didn't mean it that way," I say frustratedly, crossing my arms.

"Listen," he wipes his forehead shakily. "I'm fine. Let's go catch up with them," he urges his horse forward, down the hill. I follow.

As we near the entrance to the village, we see hundreds of deserted huts, two or three people walking along each visible street, all a large distance away from each other.