Chapter 2

Time passed and soon three months went by quickly and Azora grew used to her legs enough to run, jump, and play. Every now and then Azora gave into instincts and acted like a pure nightfury infant but she was getting better at it. During her lessons, Maaran taught her all about dragons by telling her how many species there were, what kind of dragons they were, what dragons were alpha's and queens, and what each dragons abilities and weaknesses are. Maaran gave her tips for how to defend against aggressive humans at her age but wasn't worried about her fighting them off at this age.

Her lesson today was the history of the Aglovale Helmar and the reason why so many humans fear them. "We are dark as the night and so attacks coming from us in a village, while rare, has happened as recently as this year. Though these attacks from one of our species is odd in this circumstance, it's been going on for over 2 years but there has been no human casualties from his personal attacks so I nor our species will intervene. Do you know why killing humans is a big no in dragon culture?"

Azora shook her head no and tilted her head as Maaran smiled at her.

"A long time ago, when humans first discovered dragons, there was a pact agreed on both the human race and the dragon race to never kill one another. Sadly our connection to magic and the Earth made our vow permanent but most humans didn't have that connection and after years of peace the humans soon got scared of our power and strength. The first killing happened when a dragon, long extinct, saved a young child from an attack by a bear. Once the child was safe and returned, the village thought the dragon was the cause of the child's fear and bruising and turned on all dragons. And so, the war between dragons and humans began and continued for 8 thousand years till today." He looked at his attentive student and cleared his throat. "Our lesson for today is over." He bent down and nuzzled her. "Now go play little one. I will be back with dinner." He then turned and left the cave.

Azora smiled and ran off to the newest addition to the cave where a bunch of toys from her old hut. She was so surprised and happy when Maaran came back to the cave one day with a bunch of her old toys and books that she exhausted herself out playing that very day. When he went off for food, she found herself playing with her stone ball the most along with her dolls. This time though, only twenty minutes after Maaran left for food a storm echoed through the cave sending Azora into a panic. Memories of the storm from months before came into her mind and without thinking, she looked around wildly for a place to hide. It didn't matter if she was in a cave that was sturdy and safe, the thunder sent all thought out of Azora's mind and she ran. Out of the main cave, out of the cave entrance, and into the forest wilderness she ran tripping over sticks, getting hit by branches, and being covered in mud and rain.

Azora soon ran into trouble as she soon slipped into a ditch and was trapped. Her hearing picked up the sounds of the wind, thunder, and creatures around her. She huddled in a ball whimpering, her instincts were running rampant inside not allowing her to think one thought. She just continued to huddle with fear as small whimpers came from her throat.

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Maaran returned swiftly to the cave once he heard the thunder start. He rushed into the main part of the cave forgetting the fish he managed to catch and worriedly looked around the room. He sniffed and his eyes widened in panic as he realized that Azora's scent was getting faint and cursed himself for his stupidity. He saw the clouds, he knew of Azora's extreme fear of thunderstorms but he thought he'd be back in time to be there to comfort her. Maaran immediately turned and ran out of the cave to the outside. "Azora!" He yelled. He lifted his ears for anything. After getting nothing he looked to the ground and tried to find her tracks in the pouring rain and mud. He found them soon and raced after them. "Azora!" He yelled again as the wind picked up ferocity. "Azora!" Suddenly, he heard a tiny wail and headed towards it yelling for Azora again. The wail became louder and louder the closer he got and pretty soon he found her.

Azora was in a small ditch, covered head to tail in mud and grime, she was shivering, and she had a wild look in her eyes that told Maaran that her logical mind wasn't there and that she was running on pure instincts. He purred and growled comfortingly and after gentle coaxing he was able to lift her up by her scruff. As the thunder rumbled he sent soothing growls to Azora, turned back towards the cave, and ran as fast as he could to it. Soon enough, they were both back in the cave and Maaran immediately started to bathe Azora from the mess she got herself in. He wasn't mad at her, he couldn't be mad at a fear that drives your instincts to control you but he knew that he would have to teach her to not be afraid of storms because she will have to fly through them. Hours passed and Azora slowly calmed down during the duration of her bath. Finally after 4 hours, Azora fell into a deep sleep in her guardians forelegs and soon Maaran followed after.

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A deep but comforting rumble awoke Azora from her sleep and the smell of fish made her tummy hungry. As she opened her eyes she took in the form of Maaran sitting by the fire gazing into the flames and remembered the trouble she caused last night with the storm and lowered her ears in shame. She didn't mean to let her instincts take over but she was just so scared.

Maaran looked over at the slight shuffling noise of his pupil and he silently sighed at her position. 'She looks so guilty,' he thought. 'For something that was hardly her fault…' he silently got up and went to sit next to her. "Azora," Maaran said gently. "I am sorry for last night."

Azora's head snapped up to him in surprise and confusion. What did he have to be sorry for? It was her that ran and got into trouble….It was her that couldn't handle a storm….

"I knew how much you feared storms due to past ones these couple months but when I saw the clouds, instead of turning back and going straight to you, I went and thought I could get our dinner in time before the storm hit." Maaran looked into her eyes. "Forgive an old dragon for his moment of foolishness."

Azora couldn't cry, dragons didn't have that luxury, but she crooned in sympathy and in a silent apology as well. She didn't know how to show that it wasn't his fault so she nudged him in a comforting gesture.

Maaran chuckled slowly. "I guess we should stop the blame game now shouldn't we?" He said lightly. Azora nodded into his arm. "Very well then. Let us get to your lessons today." He stood and walked over to the far side of the cave. "Today's lesson is wing strengthening. To be able to fly you first need to have strong wings. Today you need to run from wall to wall while flapping your wings hard and fast. Our fast flight is what makes our species so hard to spot by humans and so respected by other dragons." His look turned from relaxed to stern. "Now, begin."

Azora did as she was told and for 30 minutes she ran, flapping her wings consistently, being driven by her will do do her teacher proud. She was finally able to take a break when Maaran huffed, a sign for her to stop training.

"You did well young one." Maaran said proudly. "Now, for an hour a day we will do this and everyday you will feel stronger until instincts soon hint to you that you are ready to start to fly. The hints are restlessness, feeling the wind even when it isn't blowing, and sensitivity to weather."

Azura nodded in understanding. She needed to learn this, to be successful, to be free, and to be the best pupil Maaran has ever seen. She will succeed and never let anyone down.

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Soon time passed and Azora has finished her tutelage with Maaran and she lived with him now helping out with chores and adventures. There were difficulties through the years, but they survived and thrived through the hardships. Azora amazed Maaran when she started speaking draconian a full 3 months before expected time but he just said that she was his special little one.

She was happy and free for 10 years under his care until one day during her flying, humans managed to shoot her down. Maaran was hunting a ways away from her and couldn't fly to her quickly but he did hear her terrified screech as she fell into ice cold waters.

"Maaran!" She screeched loudly as the humans sailed up next to her struggling form in the water and heard a far away reply in return signaling he was on his way. Their ship was not of viking nature, she could see that, but what drew her attention to them most were the many weapons that hung off the ships sides and how the humans communicated in a different language. She didn't understand any of what was being said and that alone terrified her.

She screeched in fear even more as they threw a net over her and started to pull her up onto the ship. She tried fighting and struggling but it was no use as soon she was in chains and pinned to the floor with a muzzle to prevent fire breathing. Azora looked to the sky frantically searching for Maaran but knew he was still too far away for her to be rescued. It may be nightfall before he would be able to help her and until then, she had to be as brave as she possibly could.

She looked at the humans around her and took notice of them talking to one in particular. He had long blond hair, about 6 foot, heavy armor on with a gold helmet protecting his head, his eyes were a deep brown, and he wasn't heavy or burly like a viking but had enough muscle on him to signal that he was strong enough to beat a worthy opponent. The other humans seemed to be asking him stuff and looking to him for approval but when he gazed at her, she grew even more frightened. 'His eyes,' she thought gazing into deep brown eyes that froze her in place. 'They don't have emotions…'

The human barked out an order and suddenly all the humans scrambled around deck, sailing into the unknown.

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Maaran heard Azora's screech of fear and immediately stopped fishing for food, answering her back with his own call and rushing towards her. Maaran knew that she was capable of handling herself at times but he had a feeling deep within himself that this time, this time she will need all the help and support she can get.

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Azora was getting more and more scared as time slowly seemed to tick by. The humans were finally calm and not rushing about the deck but the main human that everyone looked to and acknowledged seemed to have eyes for only her. He kept trying to talk to her, despite of her not being able to understand him, and a couple times he touched her roughly by the wings or tail while talking to another human.

'Are they…studying me?' She thought warily. Suddenly she felt the ship slow to a stop and humans started to carry her off. She growled lowly at them since she couldn't roar in their faces due to the muzzle but her growling stopped as she noticed the arena coming into her vision. 'What? Are they going to make me a prisoner here like the other dragons?' She wondered as they arrived to the center of the arena and set her down.

"Well look at this beauty," a deep male voice said in norse. The human who spoke soon came into her vision and she had to glare at the ugly smile he had on his face. He was a very bulky viking with armor and a fur cape on, a long white beard with a matching mustache, ice piercing blue eyes, a helmet on with long horns on it, and tan skin. "Careful with this one lads," he said to the men around him. "She is going to be a real spitfire." He then turned and the men who captured her disappeared with the bulky man.

Azora tried to struggle out of her chains and muzzle but due to not being full grown, she didn't have the muscle strength so all the struggling did was tire her out. She let out a long sigh through her nose and closed her eyes but soon sleep caught her in its grasp and she fell into its embrace.

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Maaran kept flying to where he heard Azora's roar but still saw nothing on the waters. Fear and concern grew for his pupil who he personally thought of like a daughter. "Where are you my little one?" He softly growled.

"Hey Aglovale Helmar!" A female voice from below called. Maaran looked down and was surprised to see a small green and yellow Bhimasara Egill or, in human language, a Terrible Terror. "I thought you were captured?" She asked, her big eyes inquisitive.

Maaran's heart nearly stopped in fear. "Captured?" He asked back.

"Yeah," the Bhimasara Egill confirmed. "I thought I saw you pinned by thick metal and wood to the humans wood floater."

"Where did they go?!" He asked her urgently flying into her face. "That was my daughter!"

The Bhimasara Egill's eyes grew wider. "Your daughter?" She murmured before getting serious. "I know where they might have gone. Those humans on the water usually go to only one island to give their dragon catches to."

"Please take me there!" He pleaded.

"Of course." She started to fly into the direction of the lowering sun. "Follow me."

Maaran flew beside her and asked, "What is your name?"

The Bhimasara Egill looked at him. "Anthia. My name is Anthia." She said. "What is yours?"

"Maaran." he replied. "I thank you for your help Anthia. My little one just turned 10 seasons old. She is too young for this…" he looked off into the distance, eyes unseeing but mind focused. "No dragon deserves being captured." He whispered.

"Maaran," Anthia said soothingly. "Your daughter will be strong but she needs you to be alert and focused on how to go about saving her. She will need her father, and that is you."

Maaran looked to Anthia again and nodded. "Let's go save my daughter."

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Azora woke up and noticed immediately that she was unchained, unmuzzled, and in a small cave-like room that was barely big enough for her form. "Hello?" She called out. "Anyone here?" She listened carefully but no one seemed to respond. She sighed in hopelessness. Maaran probably was still out over the ocean searching for her and she didn't want to risk getting muzzled again by letting out a screech to him. "I'm on my own it seems." She mumbled.

She looked around a little noticing the door that was made of heavy wood that probably did not burn easily or was covered in a flame resistant material but she didn't care. She walked up to it and let out a tiny flame stream onto the middle of the door and waited. Time ticked by but it seemed to slowly work as a hole as big as a coin appeared and she was able to see a bit of the outside world.

It seemed that she was in the arena cage and it was probably around midday since the shadows seemed to not show much and the noises of talking indicated that someone was conversing but it was too muffled to interpret correctly. Suddenly a huge clang was heard and a group of 6 teens were led into the center of the arena. She took note that all of them were gruesome looking, had strong looking weapons, were all bulky, and had horrid fashion, one even had his face covered by a draconic skull of some sort.

Azora huffed quietly and listened as the instructor viking walked in front of them.

"Today we begin your training for dragon hunting." The instructor said his voice growled low and raspy. "Now the first rule is to never loose your weapon. Do you all have your weapon?"

The teens raised their sharp weapons into the air. "Yes sir!" They shouted in unison.

"NO!" The instructor shouted back at them, making the teens all flinch. "You do not have all your weapons! You are missing the one weapon that will help you in a fight!"

Azora sniffed in disdain at the teaching methods the instructor was doing. Yelling only got you fear and confusion, not understanding and knowledge.

"What else do we need sir?" One of the teens asked. "We have the most strongest weapons

made."

The instructor groaned and Azora had to silently chortle at the teens confusion.

"A shield you dunderheads!" he sighed. "You need a dang shield to protect you from fire that a dragon breathes." All the teens groaned at that revelation.

"But they are so heavy and get in the way." Another teen complained. "All we need are fists and blades!"

Azora couldn't help but be in slight amazement at the stupidity this teen just showed and apparently the instructor agreed with her unknowingly.

"So you believe you can defend yourself against a dragon attack with a fist and an axe, eh Edgert?" All the teens now looked apprehensive at their instructors tone. "Fine let's do a quick test shall we? The stand over in the corner has shields on it so feel free to grab one." The instructor suddenly went our of Azora's field of vision but she heard what he said next. "Let's try our newest and only resident dragon to the tables then."

"Shoot." Azora grumbled as she backed up as far as she could ready to try and escape. The sound of her prison doors being unlocked and opened reached her ears and light started to flood into the small cave prison. When they were opened fully, Azora stayed perfectly still, her eyes mere slivers in order to camouflage herself with the darkness of the cave. She could see the teens ready for when she would come out and the instructor looked slightly confused as he tried to see inside the darkness. 'Now.' She thought as she speedily zoomed past the instructor and teens trying to find an easy way out.

"After it!" The teens yelled as they raced after her, weapons raised.

Azora knew flying to escape wasn't an option, the chains above her head were too tightly wound together in a barrier formation and the door to the arena was shut and most likely locked. She stopped by a wall and looked back to the teens only to narrowly miss an axe that imbedded itself into the stone wall after it was thrown. The scent of metal made her instincts run wild in fear and she ran, once more avoiding another weapon. Soon she had the advantage as the weapons the teens threw were far from their grasp and she turned to face them charging up a small plasma ball.

"RUN!" A teen yelled as he turned to run with the others following suit.

Azora aimed carefully and fired, the small ball if flame hitting one of the teens in the butt making him fall and groan in pain as he held his hurt rear. She smirked and did it again to another teen, and another until all six were down but she then felt a weight on her and a chain that flew into her mouth. The instructor, it seemed, thought it was a fantastic idea to get a handle of the situation by treating her like a horse. She bucked, rolled, flapped and ran trying to get him off as the chain dug deep wounds into her mouth. Azora was frightened that this human was hurting her, making her bleed, making her weak but she couldn't give up.

Azora watched the teens as the teens watched in horrid fascination as their teacher fought to get her under control but the blood dripping down from Azora's mouth made a couple of teens sick to their stomaches as they haven't witnessed a dragon bleeding so freely before. They probably have only seen the aftermath of the raid dragons and weren't allowed to participate in the killings until they were trained. They watched as she bucked frantically and started to foam at the mouth due to exertion but wouldn't give up.

Her eyes darted frantically around, trying to figure out a plan and soon she was running at the wall and hit the side of it knocking the instructor loose and letting her flee to the other side of the arena. She watched at the instructor got up and took out a whip and whimpered in fear, eyes wide and pupils dilated. The first whipping hurt like hell and she whimpered at the feel. The teens still were watching her and she begged with her eyes for someone, anyone to help her but of course no one did. No humans would ever help a dragon even as it suffered punishments like this.

Azora closed her eyes as he felt the whip strike at her body over and over again, making her feel light headed, her hearing grew muffled, and she felt nauseous at the blood that collected onto the ground. She whimpered and whined but there was no letting up of the whip. If anything it seemed to come down harder at each whimper she gave. Suddenly, it stopped and she slowly opened her eyes only to see dust and debris all over the place and a large hole in the chain roof of the arena but thats not what caught her eye. It was Maaran flying towards her with another small dragon. 'He came…' she thought. 'He came.'