For the Love of A Dragon

There weren’t always dragons in the valley. I grew up being told that dragons were only of myth and legend. Nothing but stories of smoke. Only told to the mountain children to keep them from wandering off into the cliffs and caves of their home. Oh, how I wish they stayed a myth.

“Helia! Where are you, useless boy?”

I sighed and turned to find my father leaning on the door frame for support. I was cutting wood in the yard and turned to my father with the axe in my hand. “What can I do for you, Hern?”

He pointed his index finger at me. “You don't talk to me like that boy. I am your father.” Debatable. My hair was long and sandy blond like my mother's and my eyes were blue. My father had dark curled hair and muddy eyes. You would think that we would somewhat resemble each other but thank the gods, we don't. My sister doesn’t either. She looks like a younger version of mom.

“I can speak to you how I like Hern. Now, what do you need?” He huffed but didn't comment on my attitude.

“I need some more ale, boy.”

I sighed deeply. “Aren’t you supposed to be herding the south sheep today?” He waved his hand dismissively.

“It's still early. I’ll get it done.” I looked at the sky and the sun was high in it. I raised an eyebrow.

“It's passed noon, Hern.” He tried to stand straight but he never seemed to achieve that. He stumbled toward me. He grabbed a hand full of my hair and pulled me close to his face. I could smell the stale ale mixed with his BO.

“You need to learn to respect me. I am your father boy.” I smashed my forehead on his nose. I heard the crunch and he let go of my hair. He bellowed in pain as blood flowed from his nose.

“You need to learn not to treat your family like shit. So we both have some learning to do.”

“You broke my nose, you little bitch.”

I rolled my eyes and turned away. I grabbed my shirt from where it lay on a chair. “Well, while you are in pain I’ll go get you your ale and you can sober up enough to go herd the sheep.”

I turned and walked away. I pulled the leather strap out of my now messed up hair. I sighed and stroked my fingers through it to make it more presentable. I pulled it over my shoulder and bounded it there. The sun was shining down on us today for a change. When you live in your home for months at a time, you take any good weather you can get. I walk down the valley to my village of Holma. People were buzzing around me to make preparations for the upcoming winter. The weather could change fairly quickly, so my neighbors knew to keep on their toes. When I entered the edge of town I heard a familiar, “Helia!”

I sighed and tried to smile as I turned to the voice. “Hello, Elma.”

Elma was a friend of my sisters. She came over to me swaying her hips slightly and I internally groaned. Her brunette hair was in a bun and she was wearing a grey long-sleeve frock.

“How are you today?” She fluttered her eyelashes at me. For some reason, this girl has had a crush on me for the longest time. I haven’t encouraged this in any way but she doesn’t seem to get the hint.

“I’m fine, Elma. I just need something before I get back to work.”

She smiled brightly. “If you have a moment my father would like to speak to you.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Why would Mr. Stanford like a word with me?”

She giggled. I hate giggles. “I’m not sure. Daddy just wanted me to relay the message to you.”

I nodded. “I’ll come by your house on my home if I have time.”

She brightened up and smiled widely. “I’ll go tell father. See you soon, Helia.”

I tried to smile but my face hurt and it might have come off more as a grimace than a smile. I turned away quickly and made my way through town. Some people were huddled together. I saw my friends talking outside the tavern. One of them spotted me. “Helia!” I smiled genuinely. These men I could trust with my life.

“Noah. What is going on? I see worried faces all around town.”

I look to my other friends Caster and Regan. The concern is obvious. “Guys?”

They look at each other and then at me.

I turned to Noah, “Dragons,” he whispered.

My eyes went wide. “What happened?” Dragons were no longer a myth in these mountains. The smoke of the legends was hiding the raging fire underneath it. Dragons were very much real.

“I ran into Fallon and his men today. Their village was attacked by dragons only a few days ago. Most of their livestock is gone and their homes are burned to ash. Many will be without shelter for the winter.” My fist clenched. The dragons were a menace as of late. They first appeared over a year ago. They would go to a village and take most if not all of the livestock and burned homes on their way out. They never appeared before then. I wondered what made them come out of their caves. They have burned and nearly destroyed more than half of the villages on this mountain. Holma may be protected by the valley slopes and the high peaks of the mountains that surround it but it is not impenetrable. I felt the rage simmering in my veins.

“Are we next?” My friends looked worried. They wondered the same thing.

Noah looked at me, “I heard that two families have moved down the mountain. They don't want to take the risk that we might be attacked next. I do not know who else will leave.” I sighed and nodded my head. My village will have to decide whether or not they would also leave.

“Well, I am not one of them. My sister is here and my mother was born here. This is my home. I am not leaving!” My friends nodded their heads. “What about you my brothers. Will you stay or will you leave?”

Caster stared at his ale. “My parents are dead and buried. I have no one here other than my brothers.” I nodded in understanding.

I looked to Regan, “My brothers and sisters are here. I will not flee my home.” I nodded then turned to Noah. He looked down at the table. I placed my hand on his shoulder.

“You are not a coward if you leave Noah. Your mother just had your little sister. Your family is vulnerable right now. I would understand if you left.” He nodded. “Noah,” he peered up at me, “You are a brave man with a good head on your shoulders. You are the man of the family. You need to make the best decision for your family. I will miss you, brother.”

He smiled sadly, “Maybe we will return one day.”

I smiled wistfully. I did not think he would come back here. He would not put his family in jeopardy like that. Even if it was a chance. I hugged him. “You are my friend and brother till the day I die. No matter where you might be.”

He hugged me back. “Thank you, Helia.” I let go of him and grinned. His eyes glistened a little and I chuckled lightly and swept away his tears. I put my forehead on his and closed my eyes. “Brothers always.”

He gripped my shoulder. “Brothers always.”

I pulled back and smiled widely at my friends. It could be the last time I saw them if the dragons attacked.

Caster slapped Regans back, “Enough of that. More drinking, fewer emotions.” I chuckled. Castor hated tension and silence. Regan glared at him but drank his ale. “So, Helia why are you here?”

I sighed, “Hern.” Noah’s brows pinched. I turned to Castor. “Try not to get plastered, I need you to tend the south flock today.”

Castor groaned, “Come on, Helia I did that yesterday and the day before.”

I sighed, “I’m sorry, Castor but Hern won’t even leave the damn house. He gets so sloped up on ale that he falls asleep for the rest of the day. Please, my friend.”

He sighed and nodded. “Thank you.” Regan regarded me, “Why do you feed his habit?” I swiveled and snapped at him, “Hern is a sloppy drunk and he’s a mean asshole when he’s sober. I would choose a sloppy drunk any day to protect my sister.” Regans' eyes turned downcast and the mood soured. I sighed, “I’m sorry, Regan.”

He shook his head, “No, I should know better.” Silence descended on the group. I could be a real asshole sometimes myself. I gazed upon my friends and brothers.

“I’ll see you later.”

They all nodded and I patted Noah’s back before I went into the tavern. I went up to the bar and ordered Hern’s ale. The bartender knew who the ale was for but he said nothing as he got it for me. The tavern was the same. The tension in the air was thick and the trouble was inscribed into the air and the walls of this place. I could smell the fear. I grabbed the ale and put it in my flask and escaped while I could. I did not want the fear to set into me. I had things to do and no time for despair.

I walked swiftly trying to avoid Elma. I walked home and noticed that the sun was about to set. The cool night was about to descend upon us. When I got home I brought the wood I had cut into the house to store for later. Hern was in his chair in the corner when I returned and I gave him his drink. He said nothing as he drank.

Celia came out of her room and smiled, “Brother! Where have you been?”

I sighed, “Mr. Stanford wanted to talk to me.”

She laughed. “Oh no. How did that go?”

“I am not marrying, Elma, Celia,” I stated.

She frowned a little. “Why not?”

I sighed, “Celia. I am just not interested in Elma.”

She nodded her head. “So what’s for dinner.?”

She smiled. “Some rabbit.” I could smell it cooking.

“Sounds great. I can't wait to eat all of it.”

She shoved me, “You won't be eating all of it silly. I have to have some too.”

“Oh really says who?”

She smacked me, “Says me!”

“Shut up!”

Celia stiffened beside me, “Let me drink in peace! I’ve worked all day. I think I deserve some peace.” Celia said nothing and rage washed over me. I checked on Castor before coming home and Hern wasn't even in the field today. Not that I am surprised at all. I was too tired to start crap with him tonight. I turned away from him ignoring him and smiled at Celia. “I can’t wait.” She brighten up a little and went back to cooking.

The evening went on as the night descended on Holma. Hern was asleep in his chair and Celia was cleaning up from dinner when I heard a crashing sound. I put my book down on the table and got up. “Did you hear that?” Celia shrugged. I moved closer to the door and heard a louder crash. I moved over to the hearth where my bow and arrows lay next to it. I strapped on my arrows. “Stay inside Celia.” She nodded. I was about to go to the door when I heard a boom. The ground shook a little and I heard screaming. A shiver went down my spine. “Celia.” I went over to her. She was trembling. The screams grew louder.

Celia's eyes went wide. “Helia?”

A dragon descended on my home and broke through the roof. When it landed, its bright blue eyes glanced around the room and then stopped on me. His head came down to my level and peered at me. I trembled but not from fear from anticipation. Before I could grab an arrow, the dragon grabbed me and took off into the night.

“Helia!” I heard my sisters’ scream.

The wind was knocked out of me and its claws dug into my flesh. I felt the wind blow through my hair and it gave me chills. Where was it taking me? We flew into the high peaks of the mountains. I didn't try to move. If it decided to drop me because of my movements, I would die. I peered up at the dragon that had me in its clutches. Why did it take me? The dragon looked at me and I was captivated by its Ice-blue eyes. Arad?

We started to descend into a cave on a cliff high in the snow-tipped mountains. My stomach was dropping. Was I food? He dropped me before he landed behind me. I did a roll and got up quickly. I pulled my ankle knife and I whirled toward him. When I turned I did not see a dragon but a man. He had short black hair and ice-blue eyes. He slowly walked toward me and held my gaze. He had defined muscles and was very agile. He got closer and yanked the knife out of my hand and threw it to the side. “What do you want?” I asked him. As he looked me over, his stoic expression did not change. When he looked back into my eyes, my heart skipped a beat.

“Name.” His voice was gravley. I looked at him. What is going on here? He got closer and towered over me. “Name,” he demanded again.

“My name is Helia.” He smirked a little. I was caught off guard by it. “Like the sun.” He said.

I glared at him. “Are you, Arad?” His face changed from stoic to angry.

“No,” was all he said. I was getting very aggravated.

“Name,” I demanded.

He smirked, “Aiden.” He turned to walk away.

“Why did you take me?” He looked over his shoulder and looked me dead in the eyes with possessiveness.

“Mine.”