This is a short story that I just started writin and didn't stop until it was done. It's not very descriptive and leaes much to the imagination, but the basic setting is a land where humans and dragons live harmoniously. There are five regions, Central, North, South, East and West. This take place in West. There's a king in each region and smaller administrators called holders who run feudal type forts called holds. Dragons speak and think quite intelligently. This story is about Kamron and his "twin" dragon, Aivan. It's not written very well so bear with me XD
<no name>
By Saber
“Greetings, M’lord! Congratulations on the birth of your son!” The portly, well mannered man patted Lord Kallon on the back. Marcus smiled widely as he continued, “A good omen as well! Teirka’s last egg has finally hatched! On the same day, no less.”
“Aye, a twin birth of boy and dragon is a good omen, perhaps they should be introduced.”
“I agree! Come let us to the Nest”
Carrying the babe in his arms, Kallon made his way to the large cliff where the large dragon was guarding over her children.
“Greetings, Lord Kallon. Oh, I see your son has come unharmed.” Dragons speak in a way that does not involve their great maws, but the concept was lost on Kallon.
“Greetings, Teirka. May I introduce my son, Kamron. I am, however, deeply saddened by the passing of Maron upon his birth”
“Yes, I sensed her passing,” another concept lost on Kallon,”She will be sorely missed. I see a good omen, however, as my newest son has been born, as well. Aivan, come.”
From behind her great form, a small dragonet was shyly inching forth. The newly-hatched was easily twice the size of Kamron. Gingerly, Kamron sat by Aivan and giggled. The two connected instantly.
,.~:;`*`;:~.,
“Kamron! Come see!” Aivan called. Kamron ambled down the hill to embrace the 5 year old dragon and apologize
“I’m sorry, Aivan. Da’s got me so busy lernin’ how to run the hold” Kam said in a mocking tone.
“Kam! That’s important! You don’t have to apologize.” The dragon nudged Kam’s chest. He giggled at the dragon’s affection
“Easy, Aivan. I understand. What do you want to show me?” Kam said, suddenly curious.
“Oh! I found this rock shaped like a star!” Aivan produced a 5 pointed rock, smooth from erosion in the river.
“Oh wow! We should make a wish on it!” Kamron exclaimed, delighted.
“A wish? What for?”
“Because, Silly! Stars are magical! If you make a wish or a promise on a star, the wish will come true, or the promise never broken. Heniba told me!”
“The medicine woman? Okay, but let’s make a promise!”
“Sure! What do we promise?”
“We will be friends ‘till the end! I promise” Aivan said with ferver.
“I promise!” Kamron concurred.
,.~:;`*`;:~.,
“Mother, why does Kamron still have to go to class? I’ve learned everything they teach there already.” Aivan asked Teirka one day. She shook her head.
“You shouldn’t get so attached to Kamron, Aivan. He still must go to class because it takes longer for humans to develop. While it only takes you ten years to mature, it takes humans around fifteen.”
“Five years more? I suppose it’s not so long…”
“Yes, his classes end in five more years. But enjoy your time while it lasts. Once he’s twenty-five, He’ll succeed his father in the hold.”
“Why so young to lead the hold?”
“It’s not so young for humans, my son. Dragons can live to three hundred years, if their lucky, but humans barely last one. You will outlive him, dear. You should learn to accept that.” She lay down and was instantly asleep.
“Outlive Kamron…?”
“Aivan! Class is finally over! Wanna go play in the lake?!”
“Yeah!”
,.~:;`*`;:~.,
“Where are we going, Father?” Kamron asked Kallon while they rode their carriage into the city walls.
“We’re going to Convention. This is where I go every yearend. I deliberate with the other holders of East and the King about the issues of the state of the country.”
“But why do I have to come? Classes just ended; I haven’t had any time with Aivan.” Kamron asked politely.
“What do you call the passed two years?” Kallon chuckled. But he gave Kam a serious look,“Kamron, you will succeed me in eight years. You must learn responsibility. Your duty will always come before Aivan, never forget that.”
During the Convention, Kamron realized how wise a man his father was, and began doubting his ability to live up to such a legacy. The convention itself was entirely too boring to pay attention to. One topic, however, caught his attention, and his disgust.
“Dragon Hunters? What are they?” Kam blurted in disgust at the thought of people killing dragons.
“People seem to have blamed dragon for missing livestock and have hired like-minded warriors to attack dragons. So far they haven’t killed anyone, but they’re gaining strength, son.” Kallon replyed, completely unaffected by the chuckles made by those who thought it silly to bring their children to Convention.
After the Convention, Kamron was grief ridden with all the inadequacies he had. He now respected his father much more than he used to.
Suddenly, the carriage stopped. Kamron heard someone scream. He turned and saw a man with a bow standing in the middle of the road.
“Lizard lovers!” The man yelled. Kamron fell from the carriage as the arrow flew passed him. The guards tackled the man immediately. The driver coaxed him back onto the carriage. His father sat against the wall, bleeding from the soldier and holding the reddened arrow in his hand.
Seeing his son’s distressed face, Kallon smiled,” Don’t worry, Kam. He’s missed anything vital. I should be fine in a month.” Kamron would have relaxed if his father didn’t collapse a moment later.
“Driver! Get us home; my father is sick!”
,.~:;`*`;:~.,
Kallon lay on his bed an hour later, awake, but no better than before. Haniba sat on the right as Kamron did on the left.
“I’m sorry, m’lord. You’ve been poisoned with Sylphweed, I don’t have the antidote.” Haniba looked helpless.
“But surely you know how to make one!” Kam said anxiously. Kallon placed his and on his son’s.
“We don’t have time, my son. Sylphweed is extremely rare and an antidote would take a week to make. I don’t think I’ll last the day.” Kallon exploded into a fit of coughing.
“No, Da! Don’t talk like that! Aivan!” Kamron noticed the dragon peering in through the window, “Aivan, tell him he’ll be okay”
Aivan was taken aback by the command,” Kam, I don’t think—“
“You too?! Why must everyone thwart me?!”
“Silence!” Kallon bellowed. Kamron reeled in the sound of his tone, “Do not presume to get all that you want. Not everything happened according to plan. We are not trying to thwart you. You are trying to thwart the truth. Which is a right idiotic thing to do. Now, you have a duty, son. You will need to take the hold. Marcus will help you when you need advice.” Seeing the dismay on Kamron’s face, he smiled, weakly,” We all make mistakes, son. Please, Kamron, learn from them.” He closed his eyes. Kamron didn’t know what to do.
“He has gone…” Aivan announced sullenly.
,.~:;`*`;:~.,
“It’s terrible, Kam. The Dragon Hunters have slaughtered nearly every dragon flight in North and West. East is sure to be next. The dragons must be preserved.” Marcus was distressed and his age was beginning to show. I must have started with Teirka’s death last year. She was a great dragon, but Kamron never really knew here. Kamron was also amazed at how well Aivan took it. Marc grabbed his attention again.
“We’ll hide them.” Kam decided, “Here.” He pointed to a location on his desk map, “In these mountains is a cave system that leads to a beautiful valley. It’s particularly difficult to get to, or to find for that matter. Aivan and I found it almost sixteen years ago…”
“Is that where you were when you two went missing for three days?” Marc said with a sly grin, though his distress was not abated.
“I’ve been meaning to put them there for some time now actually.”
“And Aivan?”
“He’ll have to go, as well. This is for your own good, you know.” Kam said aside to Aivan who he knew was eavesdropping. Kam thought he was much to interested in hold affairs for his own good.
“I understand,” came the soft reply, “I shall inform my siblings”
“I certainly hope I’m making the right decision, Marc.”
“Your father would be proud. Here,” Marcus slid a small box over to Kam. He got up and walked to the door. He paused and said, “Happy twenty-fifth birthday, Kam”
As Marcus left, Kamron chuckled at the fact that he had forgotten the most important birthday of his life. Not that is applied now that his father wasn’t around anymore. Suddenly he remember the box and opened it eagerly. In it he found his father’s old ring and a curled note. He tenderly picked up the memento, his mind flooding with memories of his father. He quickly put it down hoping to expel the sadness. Instead, he read the note. He felt the sorrow returning as he realized it was his father’s handwriting.
“Dearest Kamron,
Happy birthday, son. If you must read this note then I am not able to present this to you personally. Thankfully, I had the foresight to apply to Marcus.
Well, here we are. You’re finally old enough to take over for me. Twenty-five years. As I write this, I’m watching you play with Aivan by the river. You two are such good friends that I feel compelled to congratulate you. And advise you to be thankful for what you have, for it may be gone in an instant…”
Kamron stopped. He couldn’t see beyond the cloud in his eyes. Wiping them away, he tried to continue:
“…be thankful for what you have, for it may be gone in an instant.
I feel foolish writing this so early, but a good idea is never wasted. I’m sorry, I’m babbling. The only thing I can give to you is my council. Make your decisions as impartially as possible. And make choices with the well being of others in mind.
I’ve never said it before, and I doubt I ever will, but you must know that I am inconceivably proud of you. You are my soul, and I love you very much. I watched you grow into a fine young man. I’m sorry I missed the final act.
Best of wishes,
Da“
Kamron couldn’t hold back any more, He fell on his desk and cried until he fell asleep. He didn’t even notice Aivan watching.
“It was fun…while it lasted.”
,.~:;`*`;:~.,
“What do you mean we have no food?” Kamron was distraught, “You told me we had food enough for the month!”
“Um, Kam, that was three months ago.” Marcus said sharply.
“Ah, so it was. Oh, damn it all! I’m not a very good holder, am I?” Kamron was deeply contrite.
“Now, now, Kamron. You do well enough! You just have so much to worry about. The Dragon Hunters are closing in. Bandits are getting too bold for our own good. Caravans being hijacked are causing income of any kind from coming to the hold. You’re right swamped. I only wish I could have done more these ten years.”
“What are you saying, Marcus? You’ve done more for me than I would have ever hoped to ask. You’ve been to that valley, have you not? How does the flight fair?”
“Well enough. Aivan seems to miss you but he doesn’t complain. I suggest a visit.”
“I’m afraid I just don’t have time. My duty is here and my fath—my father told me that my duty will always come before Aivan.”
“With all due respect to you and your father, Kam. But you’ve been too caught up in your duty to sleep. I think a day off would do you good.”
Starting to protest, Kamron stopped. Perhaps a day off would be good. “I believe I will, Marc. Take care of things while I’m gone?”
“Surely, Kam, you know me better than that.” Marcus said ambiguously.
“I certainly hope I do.” Kam replied with a grin.
In the valley, Kamron remembered the days when he had carelessly stumbled onto the paradise and stayed with Aivan for nearly a day and a half. Eager to meet his old friend, he called for him.
“Aivan! I’ve come for a visit.” And sure enough the dragon came just as eager.
“I’m glad you have come, Kam.” He accepted Kam’s embrace. His tone turned serious, “Is everything alright? Why haven’t you visited before? It’s been nearly two years!”
“Oh, everything’s fine,” Kam lied, “I’m here to relax and to see you! Not speak of hold nonsense.”
“I hardly call your well being, nonsense. I know when you are lying Kam.”
“Oh, very well. Bandits have been attacking our caravans. We’re running out of food for the citizens.” Kam blurted. How did that happen? He was never unable to keep his feelings to himself before. Aivan just made him feel comfortable.
“Is that so? Well, if that’s all, then I could escort them. No bandit would dare attack a dragon.”
“Perhaps not, but there are the Dragon Hunters…”
“Posh, I’m not afraid of those bastards.”
Kamron laughed,”Yes, well…alright, have it your way then. I’ll meet you at the lake in seven days.”
“Well enough. What else has kept you?” Aivan said a little forwardly, but Kam dismissed it.
“I’ve no real time for personal indulgences. My duty will always come first.” Aivan snorted. Kamron was slightly offended.
“Another bit of advice from Kallon? You feed of of his words like honey. There’s more to life than your ‘duty’. You’ve put your duty in front of everything! Your health, your friends, and most importantly, your own father.”
“I have not! What are you talking about! My father is everything to me!” Kamron was outraged at the attack. Where did this come from? Aivan never said anything before.
“Really? Have you stopped to think about the fact that he’s passed? Rather unfairly, I agree, but he’s passed nonetheless. It’s been ten years and you’ve never really thought about him. Two years ago, you got his message. You made a great step forward, that day, but the next you simply went about as if it never happened! Your father was everything to you, Kam. It’s time that you accept the truth.”
Kamron was speechless. He felt anger, but it wasn’t toward Aivan. Before he could rebut, Aivan continued.
“You need to learn from mistakes, not just yours, but those of others as well. Please, Kamron, learn—“
“You have no right to use those words!” Kamron shouted, “I wish you were never born!” Kamron stompped off home.
Unfazed by the outburst, Aivan muttered, “I just hope you listen to me as well as you listened to Kallon.”
,.~:;`*`;:~.,
When Aivan arrived at the lake, he wasn’t surprised to find Marcus leading the caravan instead of Kamron. He flew in low so as to warn the adviser of his approach.
“Aivan? What are you doing here? You should be in the Valley with the others.” Marcus accused.
“I told Kamron I’d escort the caravan. He agreed,”
“Truly? Hmm. He said nothing of it.”
“Marcus, It’s been so long since we’ve chatted, how do you do?” Aivan changed the subject, but didn’t think the topic wouldn’t come up later.
“Oh? Well, I’ve done fine. Though Kallon and Teirka’s deaths were quite a shock to the system. I don’t believe I can last much longer myself. Heh, Teikra was hatched the same day as my great grandmother, you know. She’s been around so long that it feels empty ‘round here with out her. She was such a friend, too.”
“Aye, friends are hard lost, but we do what we must.”
“That reminds me, Kamron returned last week In quite a huff. Did something happen?” Aivan winced internally. That was fast.
“I only reminded him that the truth is still as undaunted as ever.”
“I see. Well, don’t think of it as wasted effort just because I’m here. He visited Kallon’s grave the next night. I believe he’s coming around. Though he may resent you for reminding him he’s human.”
“He’ll forgive me” Aivan laughed, “Though man is not the only fallible creature.”
“Perhaps not. But we gloat about it the loudest.”
,.~:;`*`;:~.,
Kamron was, with increasing disappointment, calculating the year’s income when Marcus burst through the door. He was tattered and beaten. E was bleeding from many wounds and all but collapsed on the desk. Kamron was instantly at his side.
“Marc! What’s happened? Was it the bandits?! I knew I shouldn’t have sent you.”
“No…not bandits…Dragon Hunters..” Marcus gasped.
“Dragon Hunters? Why? The caravan doesn’t…No! Aivan actually came?”
“Yes…he is…hurt badly. He asks for you.” Checking his vitals, Kamron saw Marcus would live, but barely. Dragon hunters got Aivan? What should he do? Marcus needed attention, he had a duty to the caravan, but he needed to see Aivan. He couldn’t decide what to do. Suddenly, his father’s voice invaded his thoughts,
You must learn responsibility. Responsibility? He was responsible for this. He shouldn’t have agreed to let Aivan escort the parade.
Your duty will always come before Aivan. Duty. Aivan. Which is more important? Can there be only one choice?
Make your decisions with others’ well being in mind Aivan is in danger. This shouldn’t be taking so long,
Please, Kamron. Learn! Both his father and Aivan had said that. Could it be that he had learned nothing in the passed 28 years? Suddenly, his own voice invaded his thoughts, and those two words reminded him of exactly what Aivan meant to him.
“I promise”
Opening his desk drawer he found the smooth five pointed stone that Aivan and he had promised their eternal companionship.
“Why the hell am I still here!”
,.~:;`*`;:~.,
Kamron was greeted by complete destruction when he arrived at ground zero. He tried not to look at the stunned faces of his caravan members. He found Aivan’s large mass behind the carts, whose many wares seemed to be missing. Running up to his friend he caressed his head.
“Aivan. Aivan! Are you still there?” Kamron shook him anxiously.
“Yes…thank you…for coming…Kam.” Aivan’s voice was weak. Kamron sat in silence, fearing the worst. He took a deep breath.
“Tell me the t-truth, Aivan. Can you make it?” His stutter unnerved him and he burst into tears. He already knew the answer.
“No…I don’t believe I will.” Aivan gave as much of a smile as he could manage. “It’s fine, I’ve never really liked the idea of longevity.”
Kam just sat. Not knowing nor wanting to say anything.
“It’s a little bit funny…all my life…Teikra’s told me…to not get too…attached to you because…it was such a certain thing…that I’d out live you. I’m somewhat disappointed at not getting the chance.”
“Oh, Aivan. What’ll I do without you?”
“I wouldn’t worry. You’ve survived without me for ten years. You’ll make it for more. Tell me. How are the hold affairs?”
Kam shook his head, “My duty is with you.” He pulled out the stone. “I made a promise, remember.”
“Ah, so you did remember. I have…a secret to share with you. The dragons…all
over the world have…decided that they are no longer needed.” Aivan paused to catch his breath,” My siblings have left this world. It seems I no longer have a choice.”
“You mean…you planned this?” Kamron had no emotion left.
“Oh, certainly not. I was going to stay as long as you allowed it. I’ve always…treasured you…as more than my friend. If anything…you were a…brother to me.” Aivan closed his eyes, “Farewell.”
Tears streamed down his face as he realized he’d lost another loved one. But it didn’t hurt as much as he thought it would. Aivan had no regrets, so neither should he.
“Farewell, my brother.” He heard a snap and looked at the star-stone on the ground. It had split in two. “Farewell.”
,.~:;`*The End*`;:~.,