YOU FOOLISH LITTLE HUMAN GIRL! Hirador's thoughts came with such force that Neena's head started pounding. An explosion was heard somewhere in the huge house, and several screams followed.
Neena recoiled in shock as Hirador rammed the door down, his face locked in a snarl against his arched neck, wings unfurled, tail snapping back and forth threateningly. He dragged her out of the master's bed and dropped her onto his back.
I will leave, but you are coming with! he snapped. He waited impatiently as Neena tried to move into a position that would end with both legs on either side of his neck, but to her horror, she couldn't feel or move her broken leg.
"Wait! Go to the Varden! They'll protect you!" Sarah said, quick as lightning, the cook placed her hands on either side of Hirador's head. Neena saw glimpses of images through Hirador's eyes.
Thoroughly frustrated with her attempts, Neena all but gave up when her leg was surrounded in a blue light, and it moved on its own into proper position. Suddenly the master appeared in the doorway, surrounded by several other men. But unlike the master, these men looked physically capable.
"Get the witch and her monster!" the master commanded, and Neena's anger boiled under the surface, merging with Hirador's. Hirador snarled and charged, sinking his teeth into one of the man's throats and decapitating him with a jerk of his head. That's not what frightened Neena. What frightened her were the emotions Hirador was feeling. She felt his bloodlust and satisfaction as he had killed that first man. The other men hesitated, fear dancing clearly in their eyes.
"What are you waiting for? Get them! That monster is smaller than you are!"
They hesitated, and then charged forward at once. Hirador crouched, and Neena tried to move with him when he leapt, pinning one man to the floor and tearing his throat open. She twisted around and saw the men swinging swords at his wings.
"Look out Hirador!" she screamed. Hirador slammed his tail spines into one of the men, and then with a powerful thrust, he sent the man slamming into the other. His bloodlust coursed through her, and he growled deeply at the other two men. They turned to run, but he leapt, nearly unseating Neena this time. She had to be extremely careful of his spines as he came down, impaling the men with his talons as he came down. Their eyes glazed over horribly at once. Neena looked up and saw that the master wasn't there.
Quit calling him that in your mind! He is no master of yours. Hirador snapped, obviously reading her thoughts. He scented the air, and his lips formed into a wicked snarl.
Little man, I am coming for you. I am coming to kill you, my prey. He called, his broadcasting thoughts almost joyful. Neena was jerked out of her thoughts when Hirador charged out of the room after the master. Looking around, she saw dead, bloody corpses everywhere from Hirador's attack. Suddenly her stomach didn't feel so sturdy. They saw the master dart around a corner, and Hirador sped up, wheeling around the corner with ease. Neena couldn't help but feel a little pride at his ability; they had worked on his agility both on land and in the air for many hours. They overtook the master at a frightening rate. Hirador tackled him, pinning him to the ground as Neena had seen him do others.
"Please! Slave girl, call your beast off! I'll do anything!" the pudgy man cried desperately. Neena felt Hirador take a deep breath in, and she could sense the concentration that Hirador took. The bronze dragon opened his maw and let out a mighty roar, one that shook the very earth they were standing on.
"I'm…….
At that moment Hirador's jaws closed around the master's throat. Neena felt her stomach heave and she emptied its contents as far away from Hirador's side as she could.
Close your eyes, Neena. You won't want to see the rest of the house. Hirador said gently when he was done. Neena complied, and she felt Hirador turn somewhere and walk. In a few minutes, she felt the heat of fresh summer air hit her, and she opened her eyes. She let a small smile grace her face.
You roared Hirador. Neena said quietly. She felt him swell with pride.
Yes. I did. And soon, I will be able to breathe fire as well. He replied as he trotted towards the forest.
No……wait. Neena said, and Hirador turned and walked towards the pasture, already knowing what she wanted. He turned again towards the barn, and when he got there, he broke the door down, asking Neena what tack she needed, and dropping it into her hands. He leapt over the fence to the pasture, using his wings to slow the landing and prevent Neena from being jolted. Immediately all the horses galloped towards the lean to, except one that stood his ground, baring his teeth at them.
He is either brave, or foolish. He will make a proper mount for you until I am large enough to fly with you in either case. Hirador commented. Neena swung her leg over Hirador's back, puzzled as to why it worked again. She flexed it, finding the bones completely healed.
Hirador, did you heal my leg? Neena asked.
Yes. I did……when you are injured I use the fire that is in my belly to heal you.
Neena caught the bay stallion with ease, pulling the halter over his head. He followed her quietly towards Hirador.
He does not fear me. Hirador said, stretching his neck out to touch noses with the stallion. He jerked his head away suddenly, and Neena put the bridle on the stallion.
What is it? She asked as she dropped the reins and commanded the stallion to stand. When she turned to look at Hirador, she blinked. He had gone through another growth spurt while she had been unconscious. How could she have missed it even with all the chaos around them? Instead of being the size of a large dog now, he was the size of a small pony. She smiled. The perfect size for her, if not for his still developing wing muscles.
She lifted the saddle off of Hirador's back, lifting the saddle blanket as well. She finished tacking him up, noting that for once the stallion didn't suck in his belly. Hirador walked over to her wordlessly and lifted her into the saddle, slightly surprised that the stallion didn't shy away. She nudged the stallion's sides, and Hirador set his weight against the gate of the pasture, breaking the lock. From now on, it would be just her, the master's old horse, and Hirador.
A/N: Well, that's chapter #10! How did you guys like it? Review for me please! Oh, and as for the eating raw meat without getting sick, that's part of the story as well, I won't give you any clues except it has to do with Neena and Hirador's bond. Well, that's all for now, cya!