Tail of the Dragon by Craig Halloran

Author:Craig Halloran
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Coming of Age, Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult, Genre Fiction, Literature & Fiction
Publisher: Two-Ten Book Press
Published: 2015-08-27T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

Dragon Home. On the outside, things had changed. Dragons soared the nearby skies now. Colorful families of the scaly beasts huddled in the peaks. The deep valleys at the bottom of the mountain showed glimmers of the families hunting and frolicking with one another.

Lava flowed in small streams down the mountainside. The caves smoldered and sputtered out smoke.

A pair of blue razor dragons darted by, making friendly squawks. Several heads popped up at Nath’s flying approach. They squawked hellos and welcomes. Fire Bite dragons the size of piglets swarmed the air and blew hot puffs of fire at him.

Nath was elated. In all his days before, he’d never received so much as a welcome, but he was accepted now. He was a friend. A fighter. A champion. He was their king to command them.

“They sure are making a fuss about you,” Selene said as they flew, eyeing two columns of silver dragons that were guiding them toward the great mountain. “I guess they don’t know any better.”

“Funny, Selene. Hah-hah.”

They dropped into the largest mouth of the cave and landed. The massive cave led to a very tall and wide passageway. Gorlee hopped down onto the carved stone path. “It’s an awfully big place, isn’t it?”

“You might want to shift shapes, Gorlee.” Nath’s heart was pounding as he eyed the passages that led to the throne room. “We wouldn’t want to confuse anybody.”

“Good idea,” Gorlee said, “But who should I be?”

“Why don’t you try being yourself for a change?” Nath suggested.

“Seems boring, but why not?” Gorlee made a face. “Uh, Nath, what do I look like?”

***

Nath gazed at the huge chamber doors towering over his frame. He studied the dragon images inlaid in the brass. Selene stood at his side, and Gorlee stood down between his feet. The changeling’s skin was hairless and pinkish, his head bald, and his eyes big green baubles in the sockets. He was odd looking and lanky and wearing a set of loose cotton robes.

Nath raised his paw up and started to knock. “Wait a minute, this is my throne room.” He shoved the door open and gazed upon the heaping piles of gleaming treasure. “After you,” he said to Selene.

Inside, coins jangled and shifted under his feet. The throne room with its high columns didn’t seem as big as it used to. Of course, he’d spent most of his time the size of a man before. At least that was how he had departed it last. He eyed the great throne, a backless chair plenty big enough for him and crafted from the finest metals. He made his approach, head moving side to side. “I guess I’ll have a seat and wait then.”

“Hold it right there,” said a gruff voice. From behind one of the throne’s legs, a stout black-bearded figure stepped out.

“Brenwar!”

“Aye,” said the dwarf. “No need to get all emotional.”

“I’m just glad you’re well,” Nath said, leaning down. “I was worried.”

“Humph.” Brenwar lowered Mortuun to the treasure floor and rested his hands on the butt of the shaft.

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