Chronicles of Dawn

‘Show him in.’ The double doors swung open. In strode a man with an air of confidence. He looked brave yet strangely awed. He stopped, looked around for a moment and spoke.

‘Lord Dragon, I would ask of you to keep under control you own.’

‘What do you mean, human? You know very well that the dragons of Tir harm none.’ Ser Gilliam took a step backwards to look the dragon in it’s eye. Something about that black hole made him shiver.

‘I know. Still, several of your kind have been seen. Burning homes and dining on humans. If not you, then whom?’ The dragon turned its immense head, looked out of a window and sighed.

‘You risk much then, coming here.’ Tiny flames licked it’s lips as it spoke. With the deep characteristic rumble it continued. ‘There is only one possibility, and I don’t even want to think about it.’

‘Who then?’ ser Gilliam asked. Swinging it’s claw to a wall, it pointed to a picture on it’s side.

‘It can only be our brethren from the North.’

‘Forgive me, lord Dragon, but there are none of your kind in the North. It’s too cold there!’

‘Not so human. For a moment there, I thought you different. May He forgive me. There are many of out brethren in the North. I would tell you, but knowing your kind, you’re probably not interested.’

‘Pray, do tell.’

‘Very well.’ The massive creature shifted slightly in it’s seat.

‘It was during the Conception of Dawn. The world was in an upheaval. The people of the Dragi were the sole creatures walking this earth. We had lived many years in the South in relative peace. Because of the Conception though, the earth had become barren and food was scarce. It was decided that our people should move to the North, where there was more food. Because some loved their home too much and the sick and elderly would not survive, some volunteered to stay and try to survive.’

The dragon pointed it’s claw to a part of the wall painting.

‘By pure miracle, some of those left behind survived. They created the society of Tir.’ With a hint of pride in it’s deep voice it continued.

‘I’m glad to say that my grandfather was one of the survivors. Anyway, the people of the North became known as the Dragons of Areaus. For some time we stayed in contact. When the first of the sentient creatures walked these lands, we hunted them and fed on them. After some time though, we realized that would be like eating one of our own. Because this would not do, we swore by our most holy oath never to consume a sentient being again. Eventually we lost contact with each other. That was several Ages ago.’

‘Then why are they eating dining on my people?’ ser Gilliam asked.

‘I don’t know. They are-like ourselves-honor bound. Indeed, many of us find it revolting to eat anything that is even remotely intelligent. I admit it is sometime a close call, but generally you humans are considered intelligent.’ Ser Gilliam considered this and eyed the three gigantic guards.

He wisely let the remark go unnoticed as he said ‘What I really would like to know, is what you are going to do about it!’ The dragon shifted uncomfortably in it’s chair. Bending closer, it lowered it’s voice into what would be a dragons equivalent of a whisper.

‘Could we get back to you on that?’

‘Get back to me?’ shocked ser Gilliam stepped back.

‘I am sorry, but we will have to discuss this. Doran, please show our guest out.’

‘Yes sir.’ The big guard nodded and moved in on ser Gilliam. As the guard approached, he turned on his heels and strode out of the room. The guard frowned a moment and hurried after him.