Ian wrapped up the smithy's operation and shut the service windows, and shut the door. After locking the door from the inside, he ducked under the counter and pulled out a low wooden block that had been carved into the shape of an unusual saddle, and placed it on the worktable.
It had been two days since he and a dragon saved each other, and it did not fail to amaze him that it really happened.
After tracking the dragon the next day, a Sunday, Ian found it hiding in a cavern about seven miles away. When Ian entered the cave, the dragon lifted its head sniffed a few times, before rising from its crouched sleeping position and walking over to its human friend, to whom it crooned to.
Ian felt, after spending the day with his new companion, that the dragon was male, based on his apparent personality (or was it 'dragonality'? He didn't think there was any way to know), as well as his overall appearance. The black skin, body build, and intelligent eyes all pointed to masculinity.
Taking into the dragon's sparky attitude, Ian named him Firecracker. The pair went for a gentle flight after dusk had settled, for sake of the safety of darkness. It was really Firecracker's idea, as he picked Ian up the same way he had when the two saved each other, except, this time, Ian wasn't terrified like he was the first time, only mildly startled. Ian was quite certain that Firecracker would never hurt him, not only since he had several chances to do so, but his whole demeanor towards Ian was quite relaxed and even friendly.
Spending a few hours flying on Firecracker's rough, somewhat spiky back with no padding hurt, giving Ian serious aches. To remedy that, Ian had created the custom made saddle. It would provide not only comfort to Ian, but also security. A system of metal springed hooks and loops would attach to a harness that he had already created would hold him on, as he found out by flying with his reptilian friend that Firecracker liked to go fast. Very fast.
The only thing that he needed to do now was the leather covering, the gentle padding where the saddle sat on Firecracker's back, and the metal harness loops.
As he secured the leather, Ian found that it was fairly easy to attach via a series of small nails that were embedded into the underlying wood through.
The padding on the bottom of the saddle was simply a heavy blanket that was stuffed between the leather and the wooden block.
The safety hooks were attached to the saddle by being screwed on. It was too difficult for Ian to do by hand, so he took a scrap rod of metal, stuck it through the eye of the loop, and cranked the screw into the wood of the saddle through the leather.
After testing the safety straps on his belt harness by applying his weight, the saddle was ready for a good polishing.
Locating the shoe polish in the shop wasn't hard. The stuff was hiding on the top shelf of the supply closet. Lathering the polish onto the entirety of the saddle wasn't hard, but it took some time.
By the time Ian was finished it was about nine in the night. He heard a knocking sound on the smithy door.
"Ian, are you in there?" called Gabi's voice.
After quickly stuffing the saddle beneath a worktable in the back of the room, the boy in question launched himself over the counter to the door, where he slammed the key into the keyhole, hence unlocking the door, allowing him to swing it open.
"Hey," Ian said opening the door to reveal Gabi and Jacob.
"Where have you been?" Gabi asked, clearly frazzled. "I've been looking all over town for you! I was so worried, I had to get Jacob. I didn't know what happened, if you were fine, or if that monster caught you…"
"I'm okay," he said as Gabi stopped her anxious rant to embrace her symbolic little brother/son. "I've just been really busy today. The wedding's tomorrow right?"
"Yes," Gabi said, regaining some composure once Jacob placed a hand on her shoulder. "Promise you'll be on time?"
"I'll do my best," Ian said. "The entire town will be there, so I think I can keep the shop closed tomorrow."
"Okay," Gabi said. "So, can we walk you home?"
"Actually, I'm going to finish up here," Ian said.
"Okay," Jacob said, passing Ian a quick wink, to which Ian returned with a blink and a knowing look.
"Well, don't stay up all night," Gabi said.
"I won't," Ian said with a smile as the happy couple left.
Ian rounded the service counter, and picked up the bundle containing the saddle and his safety harness, after sticking his head out the door and looking around, he exited the shop, shutting the door silently, locked it, and stole off into the night.
The night was quiet and cool. Coming over a ridge, Ian saw the cavern that Firecracker stayed in. Jostling the saddle onto a better position on his shoulder, the boy strode up to his friend's home.
"Firecracker," Ian called. The young animal stuck his head out of the cave opening, and gave off a gruff hoot. Ian held up the bundle slightly. "I got something for you." Firecracker came closer, inquisitively sniffing as Ian set the bundle on the ground and removed the harness from the top of the pile.
Smiling at Firecracker's juvenile curiosity towards his human and the items he brought with him, Ian put on the vest-like apparatus. After clicking the front straps together to hold it in place, Ian tugged on it firmly. A perfect fit.
"Come 'ere, boy," Ian said as he picked up the saddle. Firecracker crept forward cautiously, sniffing at the object Ian was now holding.
Ian reached over Firecracker's back, and tried to put the saddle on him.
The dragon backed away, wary.
"Come on, now," Ian said soothingly. "This stuff won't hurt you."
Placated by the young human's words, the dragon calmed down, and lowered himself down to his clawed hands and feet, so Ian could attach the saddle.
"That's it," Ian said, softly placing the seat on Firecracker's back, guiding the small, round spikes into the pockets carved into the underside of the saddle's base. The dragon raised himself slightly so the human could go under him in order to guide the straps around his torso to the other side of the saddle.
After attaching the straps to the loops on the other side of the saddle, Ian tugged on the knots he tied.
"Okay, Firecracker, stand up," Ian said accompanying the command with the action of raising his hand with his palm facing up.
The dragon rose to his hind limbs, watching as Ian walked around, inspecting the quality of his work.
"That's good," Ian said. "That is damn good. Alright, boy," he said closing his hand to a fist. "Down."
The dragon dropped to his resting position, allowing Ian to climb on.
"That feels much better," he said, clipping the carabiners into the metal loops in front of him. "Don't you think, bud?"
The dragon shifted, unfurling his wings, anxious to get in the air.
Ian patted the dragon's right flank once, signaling the dragon to go. Firecracker gladly obliged. The sudden takeoff jerked Ian back, stretching the straps, but luckily they didn't break.
The wind rushed through his hair, his hands gripping the handles tightly. Ian had never gone so fast in his entire life. Apparently, Firecracker knew that the saddle would let him go faster without his rider falling off.
At the height of their climb, Firecracker leveled out, letting Ian adjust to the high altitude. Looking down at the ground, Ian saw that they were over his town. Luckily, they were high enough that anyone who looked up would not see them well, if they were able to at all. Gliding the dragon along, Ian noticed they were right over the butcher's shop.
"You hungry, Firecracker?"
The dragon growled in agreement, to which Ian pulled out a few coins.
"Dive," Ian said pointing at the ground. The dragon chick dove, shrieking. As the dragon approached the ground, Ian dropped the coins, letting them fall to the ground, and as they two started to rise back up, he grabbed some of the meat from the display window that the butcher always left open. Then he was jerked back into the air.
A flawless shopping experience via dragonback. And no one saw them.
Once they were back up in the safety of the air, the pair flew along gently. Ian tossed one of the steaks in front of Firecracker. With an excited yelp, the dragon dove after the slab of meat and caught it forty feet down. Gaining back the altitude lost from the short dive, the pair turned back to the cave.
On the gentle glide back, Ian noticed the wedding recession area was half set up. It was in a clearing that was located one mile from Firecracker's cave.
As the dragon landed, Ian slid off the saddle, and pet his friend's rough, reptilian flank. Firecracker crooned softly, a mournful goodbye.
"See ya, buddy," Ian said, giving the dragon the other steak they bought. "I'll stop by tomorrow."
After stuffing his safety harness in the saddle bag, Ian gave Firecracker one last pat on the chin, and turned back towards home.
The next day, Ian woke with a start. Today was the day of the wedding. He all but flew out of bed, and threw on his nicest clothes, combed his hair, and made himself a quick breakfast.
Afterwards, he made his way to the blacksmith's shop and retrieved the custom-made rings Jacob had asked for. Once the rings were safely inside his pocket, he strode confidently to Gabi's house. As he knocked on the door, he heard a lot of people inside the building.
Gabi answered the door in her wedding dress.
"Ian!" she said, her face beaming. She gave him a quick hug, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek in the same motion. Pulling away, she placed an eager hand on his shoulder and guided him inside. "Come in, come in. Everyone! Ian's here!"
The crowd of smiled in greeting. Making his way through the throng of familiar faces, Ian found Mayor Johnson.
"Ah, Ian," the mayor said in a greeting. "How have you been?"
"Pretty good, I suppose," Ian said, shrugging his shoulders. "I've felt a bit relieved since the beast hasn't attacked lately."
"As have I," Johnson said, nodding. "Perhaps it's moved on."
"Not just perhaps, but hopefully."
"So, when are you going to get married, Ian?" the mayor said with a cheeky smile.
"I don't know," the boy answered. "I haven't really thought about it, and nobody has really interested me that much."
"Fair enough," Johnson said, clapping his hand to Ian's shoulder. "I'll see you later, Ian. I'm going to talk with my soon-to-be son in law."
Ian could only nod as the mayor left.
Looking around, he located Gabi, who was surrounded by some of her friends.
Noticing him, Gabi excused herself from the gaggle of people and made her way over to Ian.
"You okay?" she asked.
"Yeah… more or less," Ian sighed.
"What's wrong, Ian? I know you, and whenever you distance yourself, something is wrong."
It's just...Life's going so fast. You're getting married, and I need to start looking for someone eventually. It seems like lately I can only stop every so often and enjoy life."
"I know what you mean… I can't believe this day is here."
Eventually, it was time for the reception. Everyone made their way to the clearing, where chairs were set up in rows.
Everyone gathered in the seats, with the bridal party to the right and the groomsmen to the left. The pastor motioned for the two lovebirds to come together.
"We are gathered here today to bear witness to the union of a man and woman. Once they are wedded, they will be one, as they have given unto each other their hearts. Their families will also be joined through them. If anyone here sees for any reason that these these two should not be wed, please speak now."
No one spoke.
"Then we may proceed.
"Now, whoever has the rings, please bring them forward." The pastor turned towards Jacob. The groom shook his head. Gabi looked disappointed.
That was Ian's cue to stand. As he rose, everyone turned to look at him. Gabi turned to look as well. When she saw who it was, she was first confused, then beaming.
Reaching into his pocket, Ian produced a small box and held it out to Jacob.
"Thank you," Jacob said. Ian nodded, then returned to his seat.
When Jacob opened the box, Gabi gasped. She knew Ian's work, and this wasn't any different. Jacob's was simple, yet visibly strong. Hers was very elegant, with a twisting braided vine gracing hers. On the top of the ring, the vines wrapped around a beautiful diamond.
Gabi took Jacob's ring from the box, and Jacob took hers.
"Jacob, do you swear to protect and keep this woman, for better or for worse; for richer or for poorer; in sickness and in health, so help you God?"
"I do," Jacob replied.
"And Gabi, do you swear to protect and keep this woman, for better or for worse; for richer or for poorer; in sickness and in health, so help you God?"
"I do," she replied.
"Place the rings on each other's fingers."
They did so.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you two man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The two lovebirds came together and kissed, thereby sealing their vows.
Unfortunately, fate can be cruel sometimes.
As soon as they pulled away, a loud gunshot sounded throughout the clearing, accompanied by loud shouting. A group of men wearing handkerchiefs over their mouths and nose riding horses stormed into the recession. One man rode right through the grassy aisle, and swept Gabi up onto his horse, and started ride away, Gabi screaming curses at the men.
That's when Ian stood up.
"Hey!" he shouted towards them men. They all stopped and turned towards the boy, who had a sword on his hip.
"What do you want, boy?" one growled.
"You to let my sister go," Ian snarled.
Gabi's mind was racing. Where did Ian get a sword?
"What do you have to trade?" another man asked.
"Cold, hard steel," Ian replied menacingly.
"Not interested," the first man said.
Gabi saw a very large, muscular man ride up behind Ian, and hit him over the head, sending him to the ground.
"Ian!" she cried.
Then, the men stole off with her, taking her away to Lord-knows-what atrocities.
Groaning, Ian rolled over, only mildly hearing the screaming of the crowds.
"It's coming!" someone screamed. "It's going to kill us all!"
Through a lot of incoherent screaming, Ian felt something large scoop him up, and a large jerk brought him back to reality. Opening his eyes, Ian saw the ground rushing away from him. When he looked up, he saw that all-too-familiar reptilian face with large conical teeth.
"Firecracker!"
The dragon gave off its gruff hoot as a greeting and he leveled out his flight. Ian started to climb out of the dragon's hands and clambered onto the saddle. Luckily, he had the foresight to put the in safety harness in the saddle pack, but the lack of foresight to take the saddle off. Sometimes forgetting things can be beneficial.
As he clicked the harness together, attaching the safety straps to the saddle, he chastised the dragon.
"You're a dork, you know that?"
The dragon glanced back at his human with a gaze that said 'And your point is…'
"Never mind. Let's got to work." Ian pointed at the ground. "Dive!"
The dragon dove, charging down straight towards the earth, his wings folded hin.
"WOOOOO HOOOOOOO!" Ian screamed. It felt so exhilarating to be flying straight at the ground.
On the ground everyone was panicking when the dragon started to dive again, but when they heard Ian's exhilarating yell, people watch in fear as the local boy rode the beast. Surely it must be a form of witchcraft to have a monster like the one Ian was riding to obey commands.
Just when they were at the level of the tree canopy, Ian signaled with his hand for Firecracker to level out.
Firecracker spun, leveling them out, while not losing any speed.
"That way, bud," Ian shouted, pointing with his hand to the group of horses that were galloping at full speed. The dragon turned slightly, and increased speed slightly. The horses were fast, but no horse ever born could move this fast.
They were upon the horses in minutes. Down below, Ian could see the ensuing panic. He saw the lead man, the one who had Gabi, shove the girl off his horse, in a last-ditch attempt to buy him and his men some time, no doubt as a sacrifice to stave off the oncoming doom.
Gabi saw the beast coming, its dark hide in sharp contrast to the light blue sky. She screamed as its large forelimbs snatched her off the ground, and flew off with her.
Once they cleared the canopy, the wedding recession was already in sight.
I'm going to die!
Before she could form another thought, she was gently set on the ground, and she watched as the dragon took off straight up into the air.
She turned and saw Jacob running up to her.
Ian felt the the safety straps straining against his weight. His fingers ached from holding onto the handles, but he didn't care. Signaling for Firecracker to level out, he looked towards the men. He saw them conferring, then they charged back towards the recession.
They never know when to give up.
"Head down, bud." The dragon went into a fast, yet controlled, spiraling glide down to the ground.
The men on horses burst through the treeline. Jacob stepped in front of his new wife protectively.
Suddenly, the black monster slammed down on the ground, extending its wings a bit and growling menacingly, which caused the horses to panic.
The leader of the men dismounted from his steed, handed the reigns to another man, and pulled out his sword before striding forward.
The figure on the beast climbed down from his saddle and strode forward. Gabi gasped when she saw who it was.
Ian?!
"You," the man said dangerously.
"Aye," Ian said.
"On guard!" the man said, swinging his sword at Ian's head. Just when the blade was about to split Ian's skull open, the boy felt something pull his legs out from underneath him. Looking up, he saw Firecracker, standing protectively over him, roaring furiously. Ian rose to his feet, and set a calming hand on the dragon's left flank. Firecracker settled down, his eyes closing in relief for a moment before the pair turned back to the group of men before them. Ian stepped in front of his reptilian comrade, placing a gentle hand on the space between his nares.
"You know, right now, he would love nothing more than to rip your throats out."
The lead man glared at the boy before he barked an order.
"Kill them both!"
A man raised a gun and aimed it at the boy.
Ian heard a sizzling behind him, turning around he saw Firecracker opening his mouth, heat pouring out, an orange-ish light beginning to glow in the back of his throat. Ian quickly ducked down, very confident in what he thought was about to happen.
With the loud sound of a cannon, a vicious stream of fire shot out of the dragon's gullet, a loud roar blasting through the air. The man aiming the gun misfired into the air as he jumped out of the way of the blazing jet, yelling in terror. The lead man swore in pain angrily as the edge of the stream singed his arm, the fabric of his shirt burning, his skin reddening.
The men scrambled about, trying to dodge the dragon's fire attacks, in an attempt to mount their horses and get away alive.
Deciding they weren't moving fast enough, Firecracker felt he could hurry things along by charging. This certainly encouraged the retreating men to quicken their pace.
Soon, they were all more or less on their horses and galloping away as fast as their horses could.
With a final shrieking roar that started high, then lowered in depth and pitch, Firecracker turned and strode back to his human.
Crooning gently, the large dragon's temperament turned from what would fit a hellion to what was more along the lines of a playful kitten. The young animal pinned Ian down with a scaly hand.
"Oh, no! Please!" Ian said playfully as he struggled against the dragon's 'attacks'. " Agh! It's ugly!" The dragonlet batted at the human beneath him with his free foreclaw. "Dragons and humans, enemies again!"
The young animal dropped his head down onto the human.
"Aaaauuhhh," Ian imitated a dying sound.
Gabi inched closer, causing the dragon to snap his head up and turn to the approaching stranger. Gabi faltered her approach at the threatening display. Jacob took her arm, holding her in place.
Ian rose from the ground and placed himself between the crowd of townspeople and the dragon. This relaxed Firecracker, but the people were still on edge.
"Ian?" Gabi finally said, extremely, yet understandably, nervous.
"It's alright," Ian said calmly. "If you don't try to hurt me, he won't hurt you."
Gabi took a tentative step forward, but stopped when her father stepped forward.
"No," the mayor said. "Ian, you were with this beast the whole time?"
"No, we became friends a week and a half ago."
"You mean you enchanted this beast a week and a half ago."
"No, we befriended each other a week and a half ago," Ian insisted.
"You're a sorcerer," the mayor stated accusingly.
"Father," Gabi said. "Stop."
"Stay out of this," her father barked, then turned back towards Ian. "I thought that by raising you, I would be doing you a favor, teaching you how to be a proper gentleman. And I thought I had succeeded. But then you go and do something like this… I distinctly told you that witchcraft is forbidden!"
"It's not witchcraft," Ian insisted, removing his hand from Firecracker's snout.
Gabi took a step forward, towards the dragon and her 'brother', with Jacob going with her. Ian reached out a hand to them.
"Stay away from him!" Mayor Johnson roared.
Gabi froze, unsure of whether to move away or not.
Firecracker looked on curiously. It seemed that the female human wasn't a threat, nor her mate. But this large male human making loud noises seemed like trouble.
The young female looked close to tears. In an attempt to comfort her, Firecracker moved forward, nudging her shoulder.
Ian smiled, but it was short lived because the mayor bellowed again.
"Stay away from my daughter, you monster!" he said, rushing forwards, shoving Gabi aside, sending her sprawling on the ground.
The dragon snarled at the rough treatment of a female. The mayor stood his ground, but the dragon stared the competitor down.
"Leave," the mayor said to Ian. "Take your beast and go. I never want to see your face again."
"But, Father…" Gabi began.
"Here this, everyone!" the mayor said. "Starting tomorrow morning, the bounty on the beast in doubled if you bring this boy in with it!"
Shaking his head slowly in disbelief, Ian backed away slowly, until he was next to Firecracker's right flank. He hauled himself up, and Firecracker didn't need any cue to take flight.
That night, Ian flew Firecracker to the blacksmith's shop. After grabbing some repair tools for the saddle, a small, travel-sized anvil and a set of billows, his crossbow and a set of bolts, he ran outside and put the items in Firecracker's saddlebags. Once the bags were secured, the pair took off towards the cave.
But two people saw where they were going.
As Firecracker alighted on the ground outside the cavernous hole, Ian rubbed his scaly friend's neck.
"We're heading out on a long flight, bud," he said, climbing down from the saddle.
Sensing the troubled emotions coming from his human, the young dragon reached his head around to his rider and nuzzled him.
"Thanks, Firecracker."
From the woods behind them, the two members of two very different species heard a branch snap. Whipping around, Ian saw the newlyweds, Gabi and Jacob, stepping out into the clearing. Jacob was carrying a bundle of items that were wrapped in cloth.
"Ian," Gabi said. "Don't leave."
"Why shouldn't I?" Ian said. "In the morning, I will be a target of opportunity. Anyone who wants to make a fortune will be after me. Knowing Firecracker, he will undoubtedly attack them to defend me, therefore they will get him as well."
Gabi sighed, knowing there was no way to stop Ian from leaving.
"Since there's no feasible way for me to make you stay here, at least let me give you some things than can help you."
Gabi took the fabric and held it up. It was a new hooded robe, but this one wasn't brown like Ian's current one, but jet black.
"I made it dark to help you hide in the night more effectively," Gabi said.
"I love it," Ian said. "Thank you."
Gabi took the rest of the bundle from Jacob, and placed it in Ian's arms.
"There's a small pot, a small frying pan, a spoon, a fork, a dagger, and other things that I thought might help you."
"Thanks a lot, you guys," Ian said, smiling. "Really. I truly appreciate this."
"Where will you go?" Jacob asked.
"North," Ian said. "Then maybe East, to Northern Europe. I think there may be more dragons there, and I think they need help. Since dragons do exist, then the legends must be true as well."
Firecracker came over and nudged Ian.
"We have to go," the boy said.
Gabi rushed forward, throwing her arms around Ian, pulling him into a squeezing embrace.
"Be safe, and come home," she said quietly. Ian could hear the tears in her voice.
"I will," he said as Gabi released him.
"Take care of him, Firecracker," Gabi said to the black dragon, who was nosing his way into their goodbye. The dragon crooned in response, rubbing his head against the female human's shoulder. It was clear that she cared deeply for his human.
"And you two take care of each other," Ian said. "I expect a kid to be, at least, on the way when I get back."
Jacob blushed to a shade of deep pink at hearing this, while Gabi just laughed.
As the young couple walked back to their house, Ian continued to get ready. He placed the things Gabi had given him in the saddlebags, but he paused when he came to the black robe. He slid the long garment over him, and found it to be very light. The hood covered his eyes all the way to his nose. His harness slid easily over it when he put the safety mechanism on.
"Firecracker, down," Ian said. The dragonlet hunkered down, allowing Ian to climb into the saddle.
There was no turning back now.
Ian patted the dragon's right flank, and the dragon took off slowly, flapping his leathery wings, gaining altitude.
At Jacob's house, the townspeople were all gathered to see the newlyweds enter their new home.
"There you two are," the mayor said as the lovely pair walked up through the crowd. Everyone was congratulating them on their marriage. "And where have you two been?"
"For a walk," Gabi said. Some of the women in the crowd sighed wistfully.
"Well," Jacob said. "Welcome home."
As Jacob help Gabi up to the doorstep, a loud roar blasted over the congregation, causing the people to scream. Gabi tore away from her husband and looked to the sky.
Hovering just at treeline was the black dragon, with Ian clearly visible on its back. He waved down at the couple, who returned the gesture.
"What's he doing here?" Mayor Johnson asked Gabi, who was smiling at the sorcerer.
"Saying goodbye," she said sadly.
Firecracker shot out a blast of flame into the air, and the duo did an aerial somersault, spinning off, heading north.
Ian took one last look back at the crowd, and saw Gabi standing with Jacob. Everyone there was watching them depart.
Goodbye, Gabi.
Goodbye, Ian. Come home safe.
Ian and Firecracker flew on through the night. Near daybreak, the pair of runaways came to a forest somewhere in Massachusetts.
"Let's land, Firecracker," Ian said. The dragon had no qualms about doing so. He may be a great long-distance flyer, but even he, like all animals, had his limits. There was a light mist in the early morning gloom. After settling down lightly, Firecracker waited patiently until Ian was finished removing the sacks of equipment and the saddle.
As Firecracker perched on the ground like a gigantic, reptilian crow with teeth and a long tail, Ian went about organizing their gear. Most of it was in good condition, as he had packed the items with the fabrics he had brought along. Just a few things jostled about during the flight. This was understandable.
"I'm going into the town for a bit," Ian said.
The dragon stared at him for a moment, then closed his eyes, ready for a nap.
Ian walked off towards a small town that he spotted while airborne. It wasn't too far, and it was a nice morning for a walk to stretch his legs. A light breeze was blowing.
In about a half hour, Ian located the town. The shop owners were just starting to open. Looking around, he saw many families walking around, beginning their day. A young woman, possibly about twenty years of age, who had wavy, brown hair noticed Ian looking about.
"Excuse me, young man," she said. "I could help me with my horses? My husband is getting some things of ours mended."
"Of course," Ian said walking up to the woman. "My name is Ian."
"I am Rosalie." The young woman led him to a small, wooden house with a handsome barn behind it. There was a trio of horses inside the barn.
"I just need some help getting these three out to the pasture over there," the woman said, pointing to a fenced enclosure.
Ian nodded, and took the ropes that were tied around two of the horses. When Ian clicked his tongue, the pair of animals walked behind him obediently. The woman took the other horse, which followed her.
Once the three horses were in the paddock, Ian smiled and gently took the woman's rope from her hand.
"Here," he said, gently removing it from her hand. "Let me take this for you." He jogged back to the barn and hung the ropes on a hook. When he returned to the woman, he nodded that the ropes were hung up.
"Have you had something to eat yet this morning?" Rosalie asked. Ian shook his head. "Come inside, I'll cook you up something as a 'thank you'."
"Oh, you really don't have too…" Ian began.
"Oh, I insist," she said, taking the boy's hand.
Ian pondered for a moment before giving a smiled nod. Rosalie was pleased at this, and led him to her home.
Opening the door to her small house, she smiled.
"Come in, come in," she said, beckoning the boy inside. Ian gladly accepted. As he was ushered inside, Ian looked around the interior the small building. There was a small fireplace, and a wood stove that was used for cooking. A small, square table sat in the center of the room, with four chairs surrounding it. She held out her hand, into which Ian placed his black cloak.
"Would you like some eggs and ham?" Rosalie asked.
"Yes, please," Ian replied. As Rosalie prepared Ian's breakfast, she was curious about the boy.
"So, Ian, tell me," she began. "Where are you from?"
"New Jersey."
"That's quite a ways away," she commented. "And you're traveling all by yourself?"
Deciding against telling the woman about Firecracker, Ian improvised.
"Yes, but I have a good amount of experience and a fast mount." Not exactly a lie.
Smiling as she cracked the eggs into the frying pan, Rosalie seemed pleased with the answer.
"Well," she said. "While those are cooking, I need to inform you about something that has been going on in this region for the past few months."
"Okay..." Ian said slowly, unsure of where this was going.
"For the past few months, there have been feedings happening to some of the families."
Ian gasped. He'd heard about these.
"You don't mean..."
"Mhm," Rosalie said, nodding grimly. "Vampires."
The very mention of the word sent fear into Ian's heart. Humanoid beast which couldn't be out in the sun, slept in coffins, gained sustenance through drinking the blood of mortals, and could only be killed by a shot to the head, burning, or a stake through the heart.
The eggs were then finished, along with the ham, which had been sizzling in the pan with them.
Setting a full plate in front of him, Rosalie, looked out the window.
"You had best be careful out there, Ian. Those beast know no mercy. Do you have any weapons on you?"
"I have a knife, a sword, and a crossbow," he said nodding.
"A good selection," Rosalie said. "You eat up. I'll go get changed."
Right after Ian ate his breakfast, he heard Rosalie calling him from the back room.
"Ian, could you be a dear and come help me?"
Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Ian rose to what go see what Rosalie needed. He didn't mind helping the woman. She was very kind, and she always had a pleasant smile.
As he entered her room, he saw her facing away from him, struggling to put on corset.
Blushing profusely, she glanced back at him.
"Could you help me with this?"
"Uh..." Ian, realizing he was staring with his mouth open, nodded his head, shutting his mouth. "Sure."
Ian walked up to the young woman, and took the ties of the garment, and placed a gentle yet firm foot on the woman's back, wrapping the ties around his fingers.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Ready."
Ian pulled on the strings, constricting the woman's torso. After a second or two of hard pulling, Ian relaxed.
"Tighter?"
Rosalie nodded.
Swinging his leg up again, Ian braced himself, and pulled tightly. Rosalie gasped, placing a hand on her stomach.
"That's good," she gasped out. Ian quickly tied the straps in the back, and when he finished, Rosalie relaxed her breath, exhaling quickly.
"Think of how awkward it would be if your husband came in and saw us right now," Ian mused.
"I know," Rosalie agreed. "Thank you."
Ian nodded and left. He was admiring the painting that hung above the fireplace when Rosalie emerged, wearing a dark red dress and a white bonnet.
"Thanks so much," she said.
"Not at all a problem," Ian said, turning towards the door. "I think I should press on."
"Oh, okay," Rosalie said, seeming slightly disappointed. "Are you going to keep proceeding on your journey?"
"No, I think I'll stay for a day or two. I need a few supplies before I head out."
"Would you be interested in visiting again?" Rosalie asked, her big, brown eyes staring into Ian's.
"Absolutely," he said with a nod. "I don't know when though."
"Oh, you'll always be welcome here," the young woman said.
"I appreciate the hospitality."
Rosalie reach to retrieve Ian's hooded cloak, stretching to grab the garment. Once it was in her grasp, she handed it to the boy.
"Thank you," Ian said, putting on the cloak. "Thank you for the breakfast as well."
"Oh, it was not a problem."
"Also thank you for your gracious hospitality," Ian said as he took the woman's hand and kissed the top of it.
"You're very welcome."
Just as Ian was reaching for the door, Rosalie planted a kiss on his cheek. Ian smiled at the gesture.
"Goodbye."
"Goodbye. Come visit me again."
"I'll do my best." And with that, Ian left, going back up to his camp.
When he arrived back at the landing site, Firecracker was waiting for him, sitting on the ground, still in a birdlike pose. The blood around his mouth indicated that he had found something for his breakfast.
"Hey, bud," Ian said, patting the reptile on the head. The dragon crooned, pressing his head against his human's hand.
The pair spent the entire day together. They couldn't go flying as they would've like, due to it being daytime, but they spent the majority of the day relaxing in the sun. Around dusk, the human and dragon settled down for supper. It was Ian's first time eating brook trout cooked over dragon's fire. In Ian's opinion, it was quite good. Firecracker couldn't complain much either.
As the pair was getting ready for bed, the slight crack of a twig caught both sets of ears.
Ian looked around, trying to find the source of the sound. Firecracker was looking around, his head moving in little jerks, his eyes superior to Ian's in the dim light.
Another cracking sound came from straight ahead of them. Firecracker, who Ian trained to remain passive when a human was near but not threatening, was growling darkly, his pupils slitting. Ian, trusting the dragon's judgement, hid behind a tree, and waited.
A second later, a humanoid figure stepped into the clearing. Ian could clearly see the figure's pale skin in the dim light, and it was too pale for a normal human. He lunged at the figure, grabbing the figure's neck, eliciting a startled cry from the figure, and pinning them to the ground.
"Don't move," Ian said in a low-pitched voice, holding the point of his knife against the back of the figure's rib cage.
The figure stayed still. Ian saw, getting a good look at the figure beneath him, that this was a girl, no more than a year or two older than himself. The skin was indeed very pale. Her hair was jet black, and she wore an equally black dress.
"Please don't kill me," the girl begged. When the girl spoke, Ian saw something that confirmed everything he suspected.
Fangs. She was a vampire.
But, surprisingly, this vampire girl didn't seem to resist Ian's secure hold. She seemed willing to cooperate.
"I will if I have to," Ian said. "And if you even just try to kill me, my dragon will kill you."
The girl seemed bewildered, trying to turn her head to see the dragon.
"Firecracker," Ian said. "Here, boy." The dragon melted out of the shadows, growling lowly. The girl gasped.
"I'm going to let you up now," Ian said. "Get up slowly, no sudden movements." The girl complied, her movements slow. She turned to see her attacker.
Ian looked the girl over. She didn't seem like a threat, but he knew well that looks can be deceiving.
"Who are you?" Ian asked sternly.
"My name is Mavis," the girl answered, not moving.
"Are you a vampire?"
The girl started to back away.
"I'll take that as a yes. Am I correct?" Ian asked.
The girl nodded.
Ian sighed. There was no way he would kill someone without just cause, no matter who, or what, they were.
"Alright, Mavis, I'll make you a deal," Ian said. The girl stopped backing away. At least she was willing to listen. "If you don't try to hurt either me or my dragon, we won't try to hurt you. Does that sound fair?"
Mavis nodded.
"Good. Very good. My name is Ian," Ian said as he put his knife away, and extended his hand. Mavis took it and shook Ian's hand. Ian turned his back to the girl, and finished making preparations for bed. firecracker relaxed, going back to his spot on the ground, near the fire. He sat out the sleeping mat and sat a rolled up blanket at one end, and sat down on it next to the fire. "Come, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the spot on the mat next to him.
Mavis looked at him suspiciously, but nevertheless cautiously made her way over to the boy and sat down next to him.
"So, Mavis, I'm sorry about the whole, threatening-to-kill-you thing. We've just been traveling for a while, and we left because we had a bounty on our heads. I had to make sure you weren't going to try to kill us."
"That's okay. I understand. What did you do to get a bounty on you?" Mavis asked him. At least she seemed willing to hold a conversation.
"I befriended a dragon, which the mayor views as a form of witchcraft. I tried to explain that it was just a friendship based on trust, but he wouldn't listen. What about you? Why are you running around here?"
"Pretty much for the same reason as you; I'm on-the-run, hiding from humans who try to kill me."
Firecracker yawned, his maw gaping, teeth gleaming in the firelight.
"I agree, bud," Ian said, stretching before turning to face Mavis. "You're more than welcome to sleep on this mat. I'll sleep underneath Firecracker's wing."
"Oh, okay," Mavis said, shocked by this display of kindness. "Th-thank you." Ian just smiled at the girl, before Firecracker lowered his wing, enveloping him in darkness. Ian snuggled up against the dragon's side, the warmth from the fire inside him keeping him warm.
He fell asleep quickly.