The Golden Rider Book 1: The Golden Traitor

Chapter 2.5

Chapter 2.5

Night was slowly falling, and the large Dragon guarding the house was beginning to stir.  I sat in a dark alley directly across from the house as I kept a lookout.  I wanted to get the reconnaissance done as quickly as possible, so I planned on heading to check out the house as soon as Hunter left his post.  Wilhelm still hadn't emerged from the tavern which was a good sign.  I was afraid of what would happen if we ran into each other again.  I had a bad feeling that it was going to happen sooner rather than later.

You know, you could talk to me while you wait.  Adonis chimed in.  When I didn't answer, he humphed.  Fine.  Message received.  I can tell when I'm unwanted.

Shut it.  I'm trying to concentrate.

On what?  You're watching a house.  He did have a point there.  I crouched down deeper in the alley and faced the wooden house across from me.

Is there anything you wanted?  I asked.

Well, I want you by my side, but that's not going to happen right away, so carry on house sitting.

You are such a baby.  Maybe next time I'll leave you back in the caves.

Please.  You'd need me to fly you here.  Maybe next time I'll leave you in the caves and do the reconnaissance by myself.

So what have you done all day?  I asked changing the conversation.  In my time with Adonis I have learned that some battles were just not worth fighting.  I may be stubborn, but that Dragon could out stubborn anyone.  He got what he wanted when he wanted, and if he didn't get it when he wanted he would throw the biggest temper tantrum.  It's only happened a couple times, and I've learned when he is about to go off.

Well, I have been alternating between napping and trying to listen in on your conversations.  It has been a lovely day, thanks for asking. How was your day sweetie?  I rolled my eyes.

It has been great.  I've walked around a ghost village and was nearly groped by a dwarf.  All around it has been just fantastic.  A spectacular, foggy day.  I peered around the corner and saw the brown Dragon still sleeping next to the house.  The fog had lifted just a bit, so it was easier to see, but the village still seemed to be missing people.  No one was walking around, and all of the shops were already closed.  Everything was quiet except for the sounds of someone having a really good time in the tavern.  I would bet my purse it was the lovely Wilhelm.

Just as I began to turn around, something moved in the corner of my eye.  I looked over and saw Hunter slowly shake his head before stretching out and rising to his massive feet.  Hunter was easily bigger than Adonis and looked a lot stronger even from this distance.  He had massive muscles, and I could see many scars on his chest.  He had a long white scar running across his eye, and I wondered if he could even see out of that eye.  It had healed, but it must have been an awful injury.

The Dragon twisted its neck back and forth before moving away from the house.  He looked straight ahead as he walked in my direction.  I ducked behind a couple empty baskets and pulled myself into a tight ball, so he would not see me.  I could hear the scraping of claws in the muddy dirt as he came closer and continued past me.  I waited until I could no longer hear his footsteps to peek out.  The house now sat unguarded and dark in the twilight hours.  I slowly got up and kept close to the walls as I made my way to the main road.  I peeked behind the corner, and sure enough no one was there.  Everyone had long since gone home.  I saw the end of Hunter's tail go sliding down another alley, so I took the chance to make my way to the abandoned house.