My two front Teeth!

The day had started out like many others, a nice sunrise, a warm breeze and then the roar of the dragons as they woke. It was the routine of the land everyone grew up with. Strangers to the land found it rather unnerving, but grew accustomed to it if they stayed any length of time.

Today, however, Hanston was taking a large steer as a gift to the old black dragon, Sareth. His normal routine broken, due to his desire to acquire something very important for his friend, Derth. The steer would be the bargaining chip he needed to get what he wanted.

Hanston removed his swords and hid them into a crevice that was hard to see. He knew that Sareth would consider this visit an attack if he went in with weapons on his person. It was better to go in, with a gift, then Sareth would allow him an audience.

The entrance to the cave was huge, as would befit a dragon of his size. Hanston stood there for a moment, contemplating what he was doing. His mind went back and forth between calling out to Sareth and running away. Finally, he took a deep breath and called out.

“Sareth the Black, I have come, unarmed and bearing a gift. May I gain an audience with you?”

Silence followed for what seemed an eternity. He knew from the past that dragons often used this tactic to let fear drive people away. He was too well trained to fall for this trick.

“Sareth the Black, will you accept my pitiful gift and speak with me?”

He knew that he had to fill the dragon up with pride. He knew that the dragon had to have the feeling of complete control, so he kept on.

“I am in awe of your lair, great Sareth. I stand here trembling, awaiting your answer, praying you will speak.”

“Hmph”

Hanston stood his ground, knowing Sareth was about to engage him.

“What could you have for me that would make me want to have any dialogue with you?” Sareth finally asked.

“ I have brought you the largest steer I could find in the land. I am hoping for only a few minutes of your time.” Hanston said, trying to keep his tone low.

“Then enter, but be warned, I may just eat you.” The dragon said, chuckling to himself.

Hanston entered the lair, the steer not wanting to go in. He pulled on the rope, attached to the nose ring and the animal followed.

“Thank you, great dragon. I am humbled that you would accept a small gift from me. I hope I stay in your grace so as not to be eaten.”

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Hanston smiled as he ran through the woods. His ranger training coming in especially handy right now, especially with a large black dragon on his heels. He knew that the camouflage and hiding classes would come in handy someday. He also knew that the side class he took on “Avoiding your enemy” would be somewhat helpful as well. Now, he just had to remember all of those tedious lessons right now, on the spot.

He could hear the old black crashing through the trees in a rage. This had to be the dumbest thing he had ever done and he hoped it would be the dumbest thing he would ever do. What made him even think this would be fun? He just couldn’t remember.

He knew, though, that these front teeth from the black would make a wonderful gift to his Gold dragon, who had been complaining that his two front teeth had been knocked out in his last air fight. He loved his dragon, so he knew he would do anything he could to get him some replacements.

After several hours, he finally escaped the big black and headed to his cave. He knew Derth would be there, he hoped he would be happy and surprised; after all, it was Christmas Eve.

He walked into the cave and called out to Derth.

“Hey Derth, what do you want for Christmas?” He yelled

“My two fronth theeth!” Derth yelled back.

Suddenly a huge shadow covered the cave entrance and Hanston shuddered. He knew what this meant. Fear suddenly gripped his heart as he felt the hot breath on his neck. Sweat started to drip from his forehead as his mind raced to try to find some escape.

He Could feel the breath getting closer, and could also hear Derth shuffling into the room. Hope suddenly filled his heart, but not enough to let him move.

Quietly, almost at a whisper, Hanston called out to Derth, “Derth, I think we have a visitor.” He took a deep breath and spoke a bit louder this time.

“Derth, I really think you need to come and meet our guest.”