Ganymeder

Where there be Dragons

The sight on his weapon brought them into closer range, dazzling his eyes. Sun and light glinted off scales as it lowered it’s head to feed its hungry brood. Must be a female, he thought, that’ll bring extra.

He couldn’t believe fellow spacers still believed in magic, ha! All he cared about what what he could see with his eyes and feel in his hand, namely golden scales, precious stones, and the warm ichor that fetched a high price with any of the dark magicians.

It was mostly superstition that kept people at bay from these “gentle giants,” what the local bleeding hearts called them. He wouldn’t be surprised to find that the damned environmentalists had started the whole uproar about magic and sentience.

The beast walked into the cave, followed by her brood, out of sight and out of range.

He cursed silently. His research showed that they liked to sun themselves while they slept, and he’d hoped to catch them napping. A shot to the eyes (their least protected spot, even through the gold lids) at close range when they were unawares. The hatchlings were blind as newborn puppies; they’d be no problem. He could tranq them easily, then pack and ship ‘em. Money in the bank.

So much for that plan.

Luckily the females typically raised the young alone most of the time. He knew that no male dragons had been sighted here since mating season, so it was unlikely daddy would show up to spoil the fun. Dabbing some dragon urine on his neck, an unpleasant if necessary precaution, he quickly packed his gear and crept to the cave entrance.

The mother dragon curled on the floor with her little ones snuggled against her belly, tail wound protectively around them. Mothers were fierce and unpredictable, so he’d need to make sure she remained unaware of him. He scanned the inside of the cave for signs of other dragons. None presented themselves and he crept forward.

Without warning, he felt his feet yanked from under him. His weapon clattered to the ground, metal on stone, as he hung from the ceiling like a chicken ready for slaughter. He couldn’t believe his eyes. The dragon was staring at him, her voice sounding in his head.

Did you think you’d outwit me, hunter?, she said.

Telepathy? Telekinesis? Dammit. Everyone knew those traits were reserved for certain, gifted humans. Cunning, crafty, yes. But telekinesis? It served him right for underestimating his prey.

I am glad that you showed up though, she told him.

He dangled there and waited. There was nothing else he could do, held as he was in the firm grip of her mind. He saw her blind brats nuzzling the jewels along her stomach. Their cries pierced the cave walls.

Why is that? asked the man. He didn’t know if she could hear him, but it was worth a shot.

Because my children are hungry. He felt himself propelled along the ceiling to hang above the three hungry hatchlings.

No! You can’t be serious! his mind screamed.

She smiled, something he’d never realized dragons could do. Of course not, she whispered in his head. We prefer other fare.

Like what? his mind cried. Somehow he’d lost the ability to speak.

She smiled. Chocolate.

He recovered his voice. “Chocolate? CHOCOLATE? WHAT THE HELL…?”

She smiled wider, revealing multiple rows of sharp teeth. You wouldn’t guess it from our anatomy, but chocolate sustains us quite nicely.

He swallowed hard.

I think it’s the sugar rush.

He tried to swallow again while he recovered himself. What kind of game was she playing? He was a hunter, dammit! He’d be damned if he’d be toyed with by a serpentine beast with a sweet tooth.

If you’re going to eat me, go ahead, he thought savagely, I’d rather have it over with than hang here like some sort of demonic chew toy…

Hearty, bellowing laughter filled the cave. She snorted a few times before finally getting herself under control.

Oh, I’m sorry, she said, Well, no, not really. But I’ll give you an opportunity. If you promise to get us some chocolate, I’ll let you go.

Incredulity filled him. That’s it? And…?

And what? I need to feed my children. You’re not much of a threat, it’s true, but I’d rather not be annoyed by you in the future.

What happens if I don’t do it?

If you agree and break your word, I’ll find you. And you’ll be very, very sorry.

What if I say no?

I’ll just kill you now.

But I thought you didn’t eat people.

Who said I was going to eat you?

The hunter mulled this over. He could agree and bring the chocolates back to the beast. He could also hop in his spacer and simply fly away.

I’ve already disabled your ship. The dragon slowly turned, careful not to disturb her children. She pulled some warped metal from a side passage.

How did you…?

She looked at him.

So… You let me go, and I get your chocolate. When I bring it back, you’ll let me leave again, but this time for good?

Almost, she told him, You also must swear to never hunt our kind again. After our bargain is fulfilled, I’ll allow you to leave this world. Understand?

The hunter agreed to her terms. She could watch him in the village, so he’d obey. He’d eventually catch a lift with some passing trader and escape this rock. Then he could return in force to teach her and her brats a lesson.

She smiled as his shadow cut a sharp outline against the snowy background. Her hatchlings were hungry.

Don’t worry, darlings, she said. Dinner is coming soon, and this time he’s bringing dessert.

The End

*This post is very early, because I know I won’t get around to it on Friday (which just happens to be Christmas day). This story isn’t exactly holiday themed, but at least there’s chocolate and a nice family dinner.

Whatever holiday you celebrate, have a happy one.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 7:03 pm and is filed under Flash Fiction, Writing Corner. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.