King Amethyst

There weren't always dragons in the valley.

My head between my knees, I try my best to steady my breathing. In situations like this, the ability to stay calm will ensure victory. Everything else will hasten your trip to the grave.

Cirania told me what to do at times like this. Breathe in, breathe out, let go, and focus. "Name a thing for each of your senses, and take your time. You know, kind of like one thing you can smell, something you can taste; things like that. It will steady you if things get crazy," she said with full cheeks, as scone crumbs littered her dress. She knew the things that could happen to me when reality bends. I need to heed her words to get out of this with my head still on my shoulders.

One thing I can taste is my own mouth, thank The Answer. The taste of blood can't soothe a damn thing, so I'm grateful that Baylor's tincture is finally working for me. One thing I can smell is wet earth. If there is anything that can truly pacify my heart, it would be rain and this. I can truly lose myself in this scent; the true purity of the ground. Losing myself in it now, my ears tune in. Waters from past rain are falling off the leaves while a bird can be heard faintly in the distance. My breathing is finally steady. It's time.

Picking my head up, I slowly open my eyes. There is a pain, and notes of an impending migraine, but overall, it's safe to say that I'm okay. The blinding I just went through should be enough action for one day - but I know it isn't. Not until I reach my goal.

It's hard to gauge where exactly I am. I ran into the valley not taking notice of direction. I was so focused on running away from Owen and his bastards that Baron Jessup's contract completely slipped my mind. A dragon of thunder found to frequent the valley must be slain. Dragons "coming back" was far-fetched enough; of course, the people all but rioted when a true dragon seemed to have nested in the valley. Warriors, rogues, and bounty hunters of all kinds began to journey to our town, Hutchinson, in order to try their hand at glory. Glory and 10,000 macons, that is. My own life was exciting enough - I did not need to pay attention to such things. I stand up, cursing my lackadaisical approach to town news. Had I been better informed, maybe I wouldn't have ran head first into the beast. Maybe I would've taken my time or even found a way to avoid the valley altogether. Instead, I nearly rammed myself into the beast's leg, saved only by a crackle of electricity that sent me flying backward into dense forest. A heaping plate of pain with a side of temporary blindness is enough to fill any stomach, I thought wryly to myself.

Looking to the land, I feel an odd tinge of gratitude. My anxiety gave me pause and forced me to stay still. It may have protected me from being found - if the dragon had looked for me. Had it?

Pushing down cold fear, I began to step forward from whence I came. I am woefully unprepared, but I am here. No sword, no breastplate, not even my twin daggers are available for me to use. I planned to have at the dragon myself. Of course, that isn't the smart move now, but reconnaissance is. I can get my bearings, find the nest, formulate a plan, and go home. Once I'm ready, I will be that much closer to what I need. What we need.

As I walk, a loud crackle of thunder pierces my ears followed by a rumble that shakes the earth. Dragons of fire were the most common in the Days of Old. Water dragons favored the North while dragons of Earth favored the South. There are 12 elements that dragons can be, but these three were always the staple then. No one knows when they were deemed extinct, but they were. Most townfolk born before me had banished the elemental dragon to nursery rhymes and old wives' tales. At 4 years old, wandering in the fields, I watched a dragon of fire fly across the sky, bellowing it's return. 20 years later, people are finally believing that my story was true. No matter. I've always been "Other" and looked at strangely in town. At least they understand the truth now.

There is nothing that says "nesting" in this area. I have noticed no game or anything that would entice a dragon to come this long way. It's possible that I need to go back into the open valley. Maybe the dragon is there, so it can clearly see impending attacks or other enemies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's a short distance into the open valley, and it's vastness takes my breath away once again. It's a radiant green that would be sharper in noon light, but the sky shows a canvas of red, orange, and violet for now. Maybe tomorrow I can see it in all it's glory when I get moving.

I look up to the clouds while I walk. It's the best option - camping out here. Wherever this dragon is, I'm not going to find it tonight. Answer knows that going home tonight might bring another fight my way. Owen, or worse, Ajax, may be waiting to greet me. Plus, it's peaceful out here.

I walk along the outskirts of the forest along the valley, until I notice a fallen tree not completely fallen. It's massive and leans on another tree; it's roots not completely uprooted. The base where the roots are look like a perfect place to make camp. It brings me ease as I smile softly, thinking of where to get wood for a fire. However when the word "Bitch," is yelled behind me with such vitriol, the mood is spoiled. I whip around in shock, followed shortly by confusion.

Standing behind me at 5 inches taller is Kohkon The Lesser, Owen's youngest bastard. The anger I felt at the curse is washed away by utter confusion. Owen and Kohkon have a history of, well, no history. What on earth could he want? "I'm sure you aren't speaking to me. If you are, then you can't know who I am. Care to explain what you want?" I asked, finding my footing.

"Amber, daughter of Aerith The Witch and Ambrose The Greater?" Kohkon looks at me and then turns to spit on the ground. I shrug. "And granddaughter of Amox The God, if we are laying out family trees. I know that you are one of Owen's. I repeat: what do you want?" Kohkon visibly falters at the mention of my grandfather, as most people do. I'm thankful his name covers me so long after his death.

It doesn't do enough though, as Kohkon unsheathes a greatsword that has to be at least 3 feet in length. He wields it with both hands and levels me with a glare. "You have stolen from my father. Either pay what you owe, or face me now." My eyes widen. Now I know my confusion is well earned. "What the hell are you talking about? I've never stolen from your father. What would it even matter to you? Your father has never bothered to claim you, or even treat you as half human. Why on Earth would you care about what anyone does to him?"

Kohkon's jaw flexes as his eyes narrow. "My father will claim me once I prove my worth. Those who do wrong by him will meet my blade." My eyes roll in nonchalance. "Your father tried to force himself on me and it didn't work out in his favor. I wouldn't call it "wrongdoing", but to each his own, I guess." Kohkon's nostrils flare as he launches a full-frontal attack. I saw that coming, but it still surprised me.

If I had chainmail and a massive shield to maneuver with, Kohkon would've been a formidable opponent. However, as nimble as I am without it, and my levels of agility? This 'battle' wasn't much more than a cheap joke. I could see every swing before it happened, already knowing where to place my body. He swung up and I danced to the side, landing a satisfying kick to his stomach. Kohkon growled, throwing his sword and coming at me with his hands. Now this is definitely more interesting.

I ran into the forest, now more painfully aware of my lack of weaponry. The Lesser was actually the strongest of the bastards, and his muscle spoke for itself. If he actually were to catch me, that would definitely be too tough of a fight. I have to find a way to weaken him from a distance before I go in for a close kill. Seeing stones along the way, I pick them up while racing toward a small cave that seems to have more stones within. "Fight me! Enough of this childish racing. Ambrose must have done better with you than this." Kohkon roars, slowing down after me. "That's the problem with you bastards," I say as I wind up for the pitch. "You are too preoccupied with your daddies. What is it? Was Mommy not enough?"

With precision, I throw the rock with all my might at Kohkon's head. It makes contact right above his right eye, and he flinches back. I begin to move closer still throwing stones, waiting for my chance of a close attack. As Kohkon attempts to dodge my attempts, a strong rumble is felt again - this time so strong that we both lose our balance. My focus leaves me. The dragon has to be right on top of us at this point to have this kind of effect. I need to ditch this nonsense and find some real cover. Unfortunately, upon getting up, my adversary is gone - nowhere to be seen. "Fuck," I mutter. This is not good.

The dragon's deafening roar discombobulates me as a look around myself trying to swallow my fear. Where is this beast? The roar is coming from everywhere, or at least it seems to. Wait. Coming from everywhere?

I lift head up to the sky. Nothing. I was hoping to see the dragon over head. What I was not hoping to see was Kohkon as I was bringing my head down. Poised and ready to strike, he was ready to pounce on me from above and I had no time to dodge. A sinister smile is plastered on his face. I have to think fast. I immediately drop down to manuever out of the way. Just as immediately, the strongest gust of wind I have ever felt ripped across the land, and we both go flying. Before I could properly curse the elements, there is a sharp pain in the back of my head, and darkness is all I know.

~~~~~~~

Heat. All I can feel is heat. Why is it so hot?

I wake to see the sky above. Twilight is giving way to night. I try to sit up.

The crushing pain in the back of my head reminds me of everything that lead up to this moment. My slow movements pick up speed, but I stand to the most unbelievable sight.

Kohkon is wide eyed and bloodied, holding one arm as he stares down the dragon of thunder. The beast is magnificient, with shining scales the color of the most brilliant gold and sharp teeth that glitter from its own saliva. Random flashes of electricity light it's body and valley; it's breathing giving way to menancing growl. When I move, the dragon's body shifts it's movements to match my own, it's eyes still on my enemy. Are my eyes deceiving me?

Is this dragon protecting me?