Dragon in Disguise

A couple of days passed, and Viren started settling into caravan life. Keeping watch wasn’t too hard (especially when you had night vision), and he was becoming fast friends with Nevron. It was dinnertime right now, and Viren was eating with Valor and the others. They were joking and talking about life as a mercenary. Viren didn’t have a lot to add.

“So,” started Valor, “How did you become a mercenary, Viren?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” he responded. Valor raised an eyebrow.

“You know, refusing to answer just makes you look suspicious,” he said. Viren shrugged.

“I was going for mysterious, but whatever.” Valor shook his head. Darmer stretched and yawned.

“Well, I am going to sleep now. Have fun on watch duty.” Soon the others were fast asleep. Viren was on first watch, and he got up to patrol around the camp.

As he circled the inside of the camp circle, he enjoyed the peace of nature. The moon glowed boldly, and the wind sang as it blew through the fields. The stars winked and twinkled, almost like they were dancing to the wind’s tune.

Then he reached the edge of the circle and caught a glance of the forest through the wagons. He frowned. ‘I can’t get the thought that we are in danger out of my head.’ Being this close to where Kastra’s forces hung out made him uneasy, sure, but it wasn’t that. He sighed. ‘Nothing I can do, I suppose. Even if I left, no one would come with me and they’d be in danger anyway, except with one less person to protect them.’

…

“Alright kid, ready for another long day of scouting?” Viren and Valor were at the front of the caravan.

Someone shouted before Viren could answer. It came from the head trailer. Viren whirled and ran to the very front, Valor not far behind him. Taron had been the one to shout. With good reason too, because blocking the caravan’s path was a group of men armed with swords and dressed in black armor. Viren immediately drew his sword, eyes narrowed. ‘So much for hoping we wouldn’t run into Kastra’s army.’ The soldiers had been advancing on Taron’s caravan when Viren arrived, and they now turned their attention to him.

Behind him, Valor gave a shrill whistle. It would let the others know something was wrong. Then he drew his sword as well. They stepped out a few feet in front of the trailer and waited. The soldiers didn’t hesitate and rushed towards Viren and Valor. When they were close, Viren jumped into their midst and started fighting.

He was able to quickly knock out one by slamming the hilt of his sword into his head before they could react. Then he stepped out of the way of one soldier’s stab and parried another’s slash. Valor was at his back. Viren didn’t have time to think, so his training took over. Three soldiers came at him at once, and he parried one and dodged the other two. Quick as lightning he responded with a downward slash to the one on the right, knocking the soldier’s sword away and probably taking a few of his fingers.

The soldier cried out in surprise and pain, and Viren kicked him away before he had time to recoup. Another soldier immediately took the place of the one Viren took out and stabbed toward him. Viren ducked under and around it, moving behind the soldier quickly and swung at him. It clanged against his armor without causing any real damage, but it knocked him off balance. Then Viren circled around him and swung the flat part of his blade at one of the other soldiers closest to him, hitting his chin.

“Uhff-” His cry was cut short by Viren ramming into him shoulder first to avoid another sword swinging at him. The soldier went down and Viren rolled back to his feet and stomped on the soldier’s face to knock him out.

Then he was forced to quickly parry another slash, and exchanged a couple blows with another enemy. He heard another one coming up behind him and dodged out of the way. He wasn’t fast enough, and the soldier’s sword cut his shoulder. Viren grimaced but made use of the opening. He got up into the soldier’s guard and… punched him in the face. It was hard enough to send the soldier reeling, but it didn’t knock him out. Viren danced back a few steps and swung his sword at the soldier’s helmeted head with all his might. With a mighty clang the soldier fell.

Then a loud yell broke through the fighting. Viren saw Darmer and Thorn. Darmer had yelled. Thorn was as silent as a shadow. A very intense shadow. Between those Valor and Viren had already taken out and the added support of Darmer and Thorn, the battle was over within minutes.

Thorn knelt down and started removing the soldier’s armor and Darmer followed with a rope to tie them up. Valor leaned on his sword tiredly. “You’re good,” he said to Viren, “even with that rubbish sword.” Viren nodded, taking in his partner. Valor was bleeding from a stab wound to the stomach and several cuts. ‘I was lucky to only get away with a cut to my shoulder.’ Then Taron walked up to them, with Nevron close behind.

Taron eyed the situation before turning to bark out some orders. “Get someone to treat guard Valor’s wounds. After he’s been attended to treat the soldiers with more serious wounds as well. We’ll turn them in at the next city for a bounty.”

While Taron was giving orders Nevron walked up to Viren. “Are you ok?” he asked. Viren nodded again.

“I’m fine,” he said. “Nothing some disinfectant and bandages can’t fix.”

The two walked over to a quieter spot, and Viren started digging through his bag in search of the medical kit he bought back in Edgedale. Finding the kit, he started examining the wound. “Looks like a clean cut. Not too deep either. Should heal quickly.” He frowned. “Its too bad about the shirt though.” It was torn badly where the cut was and bloodstained. Nevron raised an eyebrow.

“Really? It’s the shirt you’re worried about?”

“Hey, you try being broke,” Viren retorted. Nevron scoffed.

“You’re hardly broke anymore, just stingy.” Viren rolled his eyes.

Once he finished bandaging the cut, Viren and Nevron headed back to where the scene of the battle was. Taron was talking with the other guards. His arms were crossed, and he had a grim look on his face. Valor was there too, despite his injury.

Viren and Nevron walked up to them. “What’re we going to do next?” Nevron asked. Taron shifted and sighed.

“For now, we head to the next city as usual,” he said, “but we’ll need to change our route.”

“Is it safe to continue traveling this road?” asked Nevron.

“It should be alright,” Valor answered. “We’re nearly at the end of the forest border. At this point it would be more dangerous to turn back.” Nevron nodded and didn’t say anymore. Taron spoke again.

“I don’t want the caravan guards scouting anymore until we are away from the forest border. You’ll all stay at the caravan and take a night shift.” Valor nodded.

“Understood,” he said.

“Understood,” the other three repeated.

…

The Academy is a neutral establishment that is sponsored by almost every kingdom on the continent. With a diverse student body consisting of Fay, Elves, Humans, and many more, every student is welcomed, regardless of station or species.

We provide many scholarship options for students unable to pay the school fees…

Starla put down the brochure. “I don’t need to read this, it’s all common knowledge.” King Treion looked at her hopefully. Khastri took the discarded brochure and began reading it.

“What do you think,” he said gently. Starla shrugged.

“I don’t mind going. It will be a nice change of pace, I suppose.” Her uncle smiled.

“Great,” he said, “I didn’t want to put in an application for you before you agreed, but now I’ll send it in.” Starla nodded.

“When do I leave?” she asked.

“The school year starts in a month, so you’ll have some time to prepare.” Treion answered. He stood. “I’m proud of you Starla. You're growing up into a beautiful young woman right before my eyes, inside and out.” He smiled sadly, his usually jolly eyes crinkling around the corners. “Your parents… they would be so proud of you.” For a moment his eyes went somewhere far away, as if imagining his brother’s happy grin, his sister-in-law’s proud smile.

“Thank you, uncle,” Starla said softly. He nodded and strode out of the study. Khastri dropped the brochure back onto the table.

“This Academy sounds fun,” he mused. “Almost wish I could have gone there. You think they might have chosen a better name though.” Starla reclined back into the sofa.

“I’ll miss you,” she said. “It’s a boarding school, so I’ll live there until the mid-year break.” Khastri yawned.

“Don’t worry. I’ll just show up unannounced every now and then to keep you company.” Starla rolled her eyes. “All jokes aside,” Khastri continued seriously, “We can write, and there are plenty of visiting opportunities with all the festivals and fancy events they host.” Starla’s eyebrows rose.

“Festivals? Fancy events? Where did you hear that?” she asked. He held up the brochure smugly. She huffed and looked away. Khastri laughed.

“What nothing to say?” he teased. He started flipping through the brochure until he found what he was looking for. He held it out, showing a picture of four smiling girls. “Maybe you could make some new friends. You know, ones that aren’t your cousin and years older than you.” She swatted at him, and he ducked back.

“Hey, I have lots of friends other than you,” she said loudly. “You know, like Jan,”

“Who is your teacher,” Khastri said wryly,

“Marise,” she continued,

“The head cook,” he said,

“Mizri,” she said, ignoring Khastri.

“who is also Dad’s advisor,” he said. Starla broke off and glared at him. “Whoa, it’s almost like you need to socialize with people your own age more,” he finished, and crossed his arms triumphantly.

…

“Viren. Your turn.” Viren flinched awake. He opened his eyes to see Thorn standing over him. He exhaled and got to his feet. Thorn nodded at him and went to his sleeping bag. Viren stretched his arms over his head and started walking around the camp. Once he had done a loop or two, he stopped.

Closing his eyes, he just listened. The cool night air brushed his skin, and he heard the soft munching of the few animals awake. An owl hooted somewhere in the distance. He stood still and a sort of peace washed over him. It felt like flying high, high above the clouds, where no one could touch him, where he was surrounded by sky and nothing else, where he could finally feel safe. He just stood there for a few moments, fully aware of the smallest details all around him, and yet fully consumed by the peace.

“Viren,” someone whispered. “Viren, are you out here?” He opened his eyes and looked around. A few feet away stood Nevron. He was whisper-calling to Viren and straining his eyes to look for him in the dark. He was also facing the wrong direction.

Viren silently stole up behind him. “What are you doing awake at this hour?” he whispered. Nevron yelped- though quietly, to his credit- and turned quickly.

“Viren! There you are,” he said. “And in answer to your question, I am looking for you. Though it seems like you found me first.” Viren smiled but said nothing. Nevron coughed. “Well, you are on shift right now, so shall we continue patrolling?” Viren nodded and they started walking. ‘Wait a minute, how did he know when my shift was?’

“How did you know I would be on shift?” he asked.

“Well, I obviously listened to you when you guys assigned shifts.” Viren frowned.

“Really? I didn’t notice you.” Nevron snorted.

“Yeah, well you’re not the only one who can be sneaky, Mister Shadow Man,” he said.

“Do you have a literal shadow affinity?”

“Um, no.” Nevron’s eyes widened. “Wait, do you?” When Viren nodded he gasped slightly. “You never told me you had magic!” He paused. “Does this technically make me superior to you since I didn’t have magic to help me?” Viren gave him a look.

“No.” Nevron rolled his eyes.

“Well anyway,” he said, “I wanted to ask you, do you think we’ll be in any more danger before we leave Kastra’s territory?” The question took Viren by surprise, and he thought about it for a few minutes.

“No,” he said finally. “I don’t think so. We might be a pretty target, but Kastra isn’t hurting for funds and the commander in charge of this area is just a few steps away from incompetent. He’s probably only just realized that a scout group is missing.” Nevron gave him a sideways glance.

“You sure seem to be familiar with the Dark Lord and how he works.” Viren looked away. ‘Sloppy.’ They continued in silence for a couple of minutes. Nevron didn’t push the observation. When they reached the edge of the camp Viren looked at him out of the corner of his eye. ‘I can't risk telling anyone, can I?’ He thought back to all their interactions over the course of Viren’s employment. ‘But… I can trust him, right? He’s my friend.’ Viren sighed.

“I… am a deserter,” he said quietly. Nevron looked at him and hummed a question. “Of Kastra’s army,” he explained. “That’s why… you know.” Nevron stuck his hands in his pockets and looked deep in thought.

“Well,” he finally said, “this doesn’t actually change the way I see you.”

“That’s… good. I guess.”

“Wait a minute. How did you even get into Kastra’s army in the first place? You’re like, twelve.” Viren elbowed Nevron.

“My heart is broken. And I wasn’t exactly a foot-soldier. Trust me, the less you know about that the better.” Something growled and they both paused, tense. Then the dog (that rascal), barked and some kid shushed him. Nevron and Viren looked at each other and chuckled, then continued patrolling.

“To be honest,” Viren continued, “I could have run away at any time. At least a lot sooner than I actually did.”

“Why didn’t you?” Nevron asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe I was too afraid. Maybe I was too lazy, or comfortable, as crazy as that sounds. All I know is it finally reached a breaking point, and I either left or spent the rest of my life loyal to him.”

“Well, I’m glad you chose to desert. Even though we’ve only known each other for a little bit, you’re already the closest friend I’ve ever had.” Viren grinned.

“That’s just evidence that you need more of a social life.” Nevron shook his head and mumbled something under his breath.