S. R. Waagan

Ascension

There weren’t always dragons in the Valley. However, rumors abounded among the servants of the gods for weeks that one had been found, which meant that the time for ascension had come. Dusk began to set upon the small sandy village nestled at the base of the mountains and rocky caverns. The mountain caves were where those who sought the cavern deities blessing of immortality, went to die. Awaiting such an audience, Bahadur lounged upon his bedding of animal skin blankets. The rugs beneath him raised the bed off the sand. Low fires and incense burned within his tent, creating a heated musk which circled around him. Sweat glistened on Bahadur’s body in the low light, highlighting his bronzed skin, heavily muscled frame, and chest- length beard.