Chapter 3: Fox Hunt

Alerak and his dragon had walked all that day and part of the night to find a suitable place to camp. Shyg, of course, was the pack horse of the two. He had the blankets, pots and various other things strapped to his back. He was at least big enough to help with that. He tried not to complain much outload, but Alerak had heard a few complaints through the link between their minds. He was quite amused at his dragon actually, which earned him a wack from Shyg's tail.

The area they had set their supplies was completely open. Alerak felt nervous about it out of fear of being found, but Shyg had insisted. There was a small stream nearby, though not many, if any, trees at all. The golden dragon liked the openess while Alerak was still paranoid. They were still currently unpacking.

You're making a big deal out of nothing. Shyg reassured his rider and gave the back of his leg a nudge. Alerak stumbled a bit. He had been putting down a blanket and now dropped it. He grumbled a few words then picked it back up.

"You're definition of nothing could very much get us caught or killed." Alerak replied as he laid the blanket down neatly in the grass. It was a clear evening and he was planning to sleeping without a tent up this time. It took too much work and he just didn't feel like it after the long hike here. It wasn't even worth it.

Don't you ever lighten up? We are far away from any path, or civilization. We are safe here and we are free and we are together. Shyg told him and sat by the blanket and looked up at him. He let out a low rumble. Don't you trust your dragon?

Alerak let out a sigh as he sat on the blanket, crossing his legs comfortably. "I do trust you Shyg. It's just...some things you don't always get right. And I'm worrying about this. I've tried all my life to protect you-"

And you have done a great job. Shyg cut in insistingly. I have always followed your judgement and now follow mine. Trust me Alerak, we will be safe.

Alerak let out a low rumble of displeasure in his throat as he thought it over. "Fine," He agreed finally. "I will trust you." He offered a smile to his dragon. "But...only if you find me some food. These berries won't last forever and there's nothing around."

Shyg twitched his nose in annoyance as he stood. Fine, fine. I will get you your berries. I don't see what you like about all these vegetables and fruits anyway. I tried one last week and uck! His rider let out a chuckle at him out of amusement.

"No matter how mad, sad or annoyed I am, you always seem to make me laugh." Alerak mused with a smile and leaned his hands back against the blanket on the ground, supporting his weight. He watched the gold hatchling stand slowly, shake his scales then head off into the openness.

The fire crackled gently from a stick breaking in the flames. Embers surrounded the small fire pit that had been made temporarily. Alerak had made it last night due to Shyg wanting some cooked meat. He had caught a pidgeon and was pretty proud. His rider had agreed of course and cooked it for him whole. It was a tasty snack.

The sun shone down clearly from the sky onto the two of them since there was no shade or protection from its rays. Shyg's scales seemed to shimmer, the scales rippling with each breath that filled his lungs that caused the rise and fall of his chest. Alerak was laying on his back, stirring just a bit from the bright morning sun.

His brows drew together and he took in a deep breath as he woke himself. He let out a yawn, sitting up and rubbing one of his eyes. It took a moment to actually be able to look around. Smoke drifted from the small fire still left burning and he saw his dragon still asleep. All's good. He head perked up and turned toward the left side of camp at noises.

"See the smoke?" A far off voice said. Alerak was barely able to hear it but he could estimate the distance. "There's someone here."

"Maybe it's just the sun getting to your head, lad. I barely see anything." A second, rougher voice responded.

"But, captain, I really do see it. Look!" Alerak could almost guess that the man who said that was pointing in their direction. He froze. Their direction. He hurriedly stood as he said to his dragon, Shyg, wake up you lump! We've been discovered! He shouted urgently in his mind. The young dragon woke almost immediatly and pushed himself to his feet after a long stretch. Keep down! Get out of here!

Shyg looked toward his rider with an expression of worry. Alerak bit his lip as he felt the emotions through their connection. I'm not leaving you. We stick together as partners.

We don't have time for arguing! Please go before they see you. I'll be right behind you. Alerak ushered and began pushing his dragon gently away. Shyg let out a small whimper and nodded, knowing he was right. He could always trust his rider. He dashed off in the opposite direction as the second voice came again.

"I see it now, Regald. Come on lads, let's see what we got here today." Alerak crouched in the grass and put a hand on his sword's hilt, prepared for battle. He watched as the group came into view. In front was a middle aged looking man with gray and black hair and a close trimmed beard. He rode a white stallion. Behind him were three others, all four having the igsignia of the king on their chests and all on horses.

"Captain Thomas, look!" One of the men he didn't know exclaimed and pointed in Alerak's direction. Alerak felt his heart skip a beat and his eyes widened slightly. What if they saw his face? What if they reconized him? Everything his mother had done would've been for nothing then. She couldn't help anymore though since- He shook his head to clear his mind. Now wasn't the time for memories of the past. Now he had to live in the present.

"You there!" Thomas called out as he rode up. "Show yourself and explain your business." He spotted the warning action and added, "Drop your hand from your weapon." He ordered as he dismounted once close enough. Two of the others also dismounted, leaving the last in the saddle.

Alerak froze for a moment and slowly rose to his feet. He didn't remove the hand off the weapon though. He heard one man gasp, so he guess he saw his face. Can't do anything about it now. He drew his sword slowly. "I don't want any trouble. I'm just passing through."

"You look familiar boy." Thomas grunted as he examined Alerak. "Who are you?"

"I'm someone you shouldn't mess with." Alerak said in a warning voice. "Back away and I'll leave you be."

The captain frowned at his tone and drew his own sword. "I only do the ordering around here. Now, lower your weapon or I'll attack."

"Do it." Alerak dared. The captain didn't speak again, he only charged forward and met blades with the younger man. Alerak grunted at the strength of the blow and gripped his sword tighter as he pushed the captain away. One of the other two came for him, but a kick to the stomach quickly sent that man wishing he hadn't. Thomas was back in balance and struck out again and again, each time getting parried by Alerak easily. Alerak waited for an opening then finally struck out his own blow toward the captain. The captain grunted as it ran across his chestplate, leaving a deep mark but not hitting skin. Alerak took the chance and turned, dashing in the direction that Shyg had went.

Shyg! Don't stop! What ever you do! Alerak shouted ahead. He didn't look back, he didn't grab anything, he just ran. He had left all his supplies back there but he still didn't care. All that mattered was getting him and Shyg to safety and unharmed. He heard the thunder of hooves and finally looked back. The troops were on horses again and charging him down. They gained on him quickly, but he was tricky.

Alerak suddenly jumped in front of one of the horses. The brown mare whinnied in surprise and tried to jump the new obstacle. Alerak grunted as hooves knocked him to the ground, and heard a cry as the man was thrown from the saddle. The horse had tripped on him and was now thrashing on the ground with the man under it, still struggling.

He gasped at sudden pain as he tried to get up and held his ribs. He was pretty sure the hooves did a bit more than bruise him up. He could only hope though. One man down, three to go. He turned when he stood and saw Thomas advancing on foot. He raised his sword instinctivly and blocked a quick oncoming blow. He grunted at the force again and stumbled back, suddenly falling onto his back. He cursed now at jumping in front of the horse and regretted it. His ribs ached badly. He scowled and looked up as Thomas came over. Quickly, he swung a leg out and tripped the man, giving him enough time to stand again. On his feet now, he struck blow after blow until it as Thomas who was on the ground groaning.

He glanced around and saw that the other men had no interest in him after what he did to their captain and friend. Alerak smirked at the remainder and took off as fast as he could to find Shyg, still holding his aching ribs. He didn't make it too far before he suddenly began to grow dizzy from the pain. Was he bleeding on the inside too? He wouldn't know. His world spun around him and he stumbled a few more feet. It finally began to fade as he collapsed onto his side on the ground. He saw a large, blurred head, black because of the shadow from the sun, come over to him. It nudged him then he couldn't feel anymore as he passed out.

*Ohhh, sudden ending. Sorry, had to put something odd up. Lol. Anyway, another chapter done. I'll do the next one tomorrow. Review please!