The Dragon Targe by D.L. Gardner

Author:D.L. Gardner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Dragons, novella, gaming, young adult
Publisher: D.L. Gardner
Published: 2023-05-04T00:00:00+00:00

The Attack

Ian and Brad felt relief as the trail leveled out and narrowed. The towering cedars gave way to aspens and maple trees. Sunlit ferns brushed against their legs and an occasional mosquito buzzed by their faces. The day was warm and dry. Their armor grew heavier as the day passed. Brad was tired. His calves ached and his shoulders were numb. He saw a dim haze through the trees and knew that they were coming into view of his computer. Brad stopped for breath, and Ian waited for him.

Across a ravine, they noticed rustling in the bushes. Ian signaled to Brad for silence. They stood motionless as two large, dark creatures scurried into the brush. Brad could see long vicious fangs flashing in the woody thicket.

“Javelin,” Ian whispered.

No sooner did he say it, than the beasts rushed at them. The first boar attacked Brad, whose sword was ready, but the blade was too long and awkward for close range. The other boar fixed his teeth on Ian’s boot as Ian struck it with the dagger he had pulled from his belt. Ian dropped the dagger and drew his sword. With one full movement of his arm, Ian lanced both of the wild pigs across their backs. The boar that attacked Brad fell to the ground and the boy thrust his sword into its hindquarters. The mangled creature squealed and limped away.

The other javelin shook Ian’s leg and his teeth dug into his boot. Ian stabbed it but dropped his shield and lost his balance. He fell to the ground, and the wild boar lunged at the arm that held his sword.

“These beasts are real!” he hollered as he wrestled with it. Brad ran to Ian’s side and dug his sword into the boar’s back. It let out a loud screech and fell.

Brad helped Ian to his feet, but no sooner did their hands touch when a sudden blow whipped Brad’s sword out of his hand. He dashed to grab it and looked back at his assailant. Ian reached to grab his shield when the intruder targeted him.

Brad was horrified. It was the character that he had created. Mr. Black Tights. He didn’t look like a cartoon character anymore. He was barbaric. His movements were swift and deliberate. He picked up Ian by his jacket and pushed him against a tree before Ian could arm himself. Brad lunged at him, and the man turned to counter his attack. His mask was tight against his flaming red face; his yellow cape flowed with resilient moves. His sword pushed aside Brad’s hauberk from around his neck and drew blood. Brad fell backwards on the rocks.

Ian came at Mr. Black Tights from behind, and the attacker swung around to meet him. They fought blade to blade, covering the rugged ground in giant leaps. Dust and sweat covered Ian’s face. His arm bled, but he pressed on. He fought gallantly. Brad pulled himself up, grabbed his shield and his sword, and ran after them towards the edge of the forest.

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