Midnight Rider

The Discovery

Tanwen had reached her 16th winter relatively unscathed. Formora was a ruthless taskmaster. She taught Tanwen the Rimgar in order to strengthen her body and improve her flexibility. Tanwen would complete the levels until they were flawless under her piercing gaze. She would be instructed in the bow until she could shoot and hit pretty much any target. And she began using simple spells. Starting with stenr reisa, she could now complete semi complicated spells. And her knowledge of the Ancient Language only continued to improve.
The most surprising lessons though, were how to care for dragons. Formora would instruct Tanwen on simple things like scale cleaning, to aerial combat. Tanwen was always under the impression that dragons were meant to be proud and intelligent creatures. However, Formora’s dragon rarely spoke and the amount only lessened as the few years went by. When Tanwen eventually gathered the courage to ask her instructor  the dragons name she received such a harsh punishment that she never dared ask again.
She hadn’t seen Formora in about a month now. She was currently out hunting in the mountains and was instructed not to return until the snow had melted off the trees and spring made its way across the land. Tanwen was fine with this though. She’d done training exercises like this before and knew it probably wouldn’t be the last time. She preferred the forest on her own to the patrols with the soldiers.
She was deemed of the skill to lead a small group of soldiers and had sworn a loyalty to the king the year before. Then she saw how the land was truly ruled and couldn’t help but think that the people did not look happy. They always glared as her and her troop marched and rode past, curses mumbled under their breath, but never out loud. But she saw no other way. And the executions for treason ensured the people stayed in line.
She had heard whispers of the group called the Varden. Those that fought for the people, but going against the king was unwise. She had, learnt that much in her short years.
Tanwen flicked the black braid of her hair over her shoulder and shook the thoughts from her head. Melzar had told her to enjoy this freedom as it may be the last time before she goes to the capital. Formora had warned him that her father believed she was ready to do her duties.
She looked to the leaf litter and saw the faint markings left by the buck she was hunting. She’d tracked him for a couple days and believed she was close. She checked her bow was properly strung, then creeped forward. She saw the young buck taking a drink from the small bubbling stream. Making sure she was ready, she pulled back the string then gave a low whistle. When the buck looked up and stood stock still for a moment, she released the arrow. It flew true and struck it in the heart. A successful hunt.
She made her way to the carcass and whistled for her horse, a dappled grey stallion by the name of Artax. Throwing the buck over his back she secured it before swinging onto him herself. He snorted and pawed the ground, ready to go. She squeezed his sides gently and they went at a steady trot, weaving through the trees.
As they travelled the heavens opened, soaking both horse and rider. Her black cloak was heavy with the rain, the water dripping down onto her face. She guided Artax towards the cliff face, hoping she would find some shelter so she could let the storm pass. Thankfully she found a large cave that would serve her purposes.
After dismounting she lead the horse into the cave and removed his equipment, she knew he’d stay nearby and would welcome the break. She then gathered some wood that was miraculously dry near the entrance.
“Brisingr" she whispered, setting the small pile aflame. It instantly warmed her fingers some. She removed her cloak and set it near the fire to dry somewhat. She pushed the wet fly-aways of her hair from her face and looked at her surroundings. The cave was dark but rather large and dry. She grabbed a torch from her pack and lit it on the fire.
“I’m just going for a wander Artax, watch my stuff while I have a look around.” Tanwen mumbled while rubbing the spot behind his ear. He nickered softly to her, before continuing to rummage about the small amount of greenery by the entrance. She then moved further in, ensuring her blade was strapped to her waist, and her daggers secure.
The cave went a fair way back, the light of her torch bouncing off the walls and giving the area a warm glow. When she reached the back, she found what almost looked like a nest, but seemed to almost be made from melted rock. Tanwen’s eyes widened at this as she got closer. This was a dragon nest, probably long abandoned. And there, sat in the centre was a large midnight blue, almost black rock. She wasn’t fooled though; she had learned enough to know that this was a dragon egg.
She crouched by it. Its polished surface glistened in the torchlight; its almost black colour only broken by slight white veins that spiderwebbed across it. She reached out and it was cool to the touch.
She couldn’t believe it. A simple hunting trip had turned into one of the greatest discoveries of her life. She thought of how proud Melzar would be when she brought it to him. The slight upturn of his lip whenever he praised her. But the thought then made her frown. Formora would certainly have something to say about this. And a dragon egg was worthy of the kings attention.
She picked up the oval object, it weighing a few pounds, and brought it back to her meagre camp. Setting it by her pack, she took out some rations and sat and stared at it while she ate pondering what to do, the fire warming her back. She could run with it, hope it hatched or take it to the Varden. But if she did that, they’d probably strike her down before she could open her mouth. She was a captain in the army after all, despite her youth.
She could take it to Formora who would use it to gain the king’s favour. It would probably gain Tanwen favour also as the king was sure to search the mind of the rider to ascertain where she received the egg. But all she could think of was the sad look of Formora’s dragon. Something must have happened to cause its condition and she knew from experience that it was a touchy subject.
She finished and pulled out her bedroll, laying it near the fire. She lay on her side and looked at the egg. She turned and started at the ceiling as she felt sleep come to her, coming to a decision. She would take the egg with her and show Melzar in secret. She could shield her mind from Formora if she happened to be there until they decided what to do. She drifted off, thinking about flying through the sky with her own dragon.