You can see the first Dragon Valley Installment here, the most recent previous installment here, and the next one here.
“All I'm saying is, you don't know how much that creature needs to eat, or how often. He might not be back to bother anyone, and you're just wasting your time.”
“Hana, I saw it. It didn't leave because it was full; it made sure it had eaten every sheep.”
"Why didn't it take you?"
"I don't know."
My sister and I had just arrived at the grounds for the House of the Gods. The building was a square ring around a central courtyard, with access to the courtyard via a large archway. There was a tower at each corner housing individual altars to specific gods.
“How did you get that fine sword from Newl? You don't have anything else to give him-unless...Zed, what did you trade for that sword?”
I took a second to answer. “Extra iron. Tools. A couple of pans.”
She stopped just short of the building. I did not.
“Zed, that sword is worth more than iron. Newl doesn't just give things away.”
I stepped into the courtyard where most services were held. It had a large roof unattached to the building to protect against rain. In the winters, regular services were more sparsely attended, and held inside.
“I gave him grandma's silverware.”
I could feel her glare on the back of my neck.
“That wasn't given to you to give away.”
“I needed a better sword than I have. A longer sword, sharper.”
I headed to the tower of the Living Gods. With no current clerics of the Noble Gods, I figured they were the ones that might have the most help to offer. The Artifice Gods mostly dealt with crafting things; the Old Gods were unpredictable when it came to...well, really, when it came to anything. The Living Gods – now they understood death and risk. Hana caught up with me before I went inside.
It took a few minutes and a couple flights of stairs to find Domin Rafe kneeling and praying at an altar. I waited for him to stand and turn. He had brown hair and looked healthy for his age. His robes where white with blue trimming. He smiled at us and nodded his head.
His voice was deep and rich. “How may I help you, Zed and Hana?”
I bowed and answered. “We seek the blessings of the gods to slay the dragon.”
Domin Rafe brought his arms together under his sleeves. He took a deep breath, pondering us for a moment. He looked me over, his calm eyes judging me for some quality beyond the physical before he responded.
“The Lord of the Valley frowns on such dangerous ventures.”
Hana responded, “The gods are higher than he.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Are you a fighter? I thought you were a baker. Delicious pies, by the way.”
She shook her head. Domin Rafe thought for another minute before speaking again.
“The dragon has not harmed anyone yet.”
I shook my head. “It has. It may not have injured anyone, but it ate my flock. It leaves poverty and hunger in its wake.”
He nodded. “I wish the soldiers would face down the threat; but if they all fought, there would be none of them left in the valley. Do you know how to use that sword?”
“I trained with a different sword, but I fight well.”
"I see. And Hana, what do you bring to this endeavor."
"I...I bring insight and common sense."
He took a deep breath. "Common sense is not so common, especially among dragon slayers." He locked eyes with each of us in turn.
"And how do you intend to slay this beast, that can eat your flock and, it sounds, not be sated?"
“I will approach, then I will take this sword and drive it deep into the monster's belly.”
Rafe nodded. “That's a simple plan. This fight is foolishness. You will, in all likelihood, die. Burning. Smothering. Broken bones. Of course, if you're unlucky, it may let you live with these injuries."
I ground my teeth while he spoke, and jumped on my chance to speak. "We should let it eat our sheep? Then eat us? Perhaps we should simply walk to the creature and all bow before it."
Hana's hand touched mine. I let go my teeth and took a deep breath. Rafe spoke again.
"You are a practical man, and hot-headed. You are too direct for a fight like this. Did you lead men in your time as a soldier?"
I nodded. "A few."
"Mm. I'd wager you lost a couple of them, is that right?"
I could feel the heat growing on my face. I nodded.
"Always took the direct approach?" Again I nodded.
"Perhaps what you need is a tactician. Somebody who's trained in some type of combat with creatures and monsters. Perhaps you need not I, but hunter Grem."
"Do we have the gods' blessing?" Hana asked.
Domin Rafe looked at her. His eyes unfocused and his whole face tightened. A shadow passed over my shoulder. I looked behind me, but there was nobody there. I looked back, and Rafe was staring into my eyes. I shivered, though it was warm.
"The gods will not dissuade you from your quest. They do urge caution and pass on a favor."
He reached up and touched my forehead. I could feel a...well, a sensation. Almost like heat, with hair standing on end and a tingling all over my skin. The physical sensation passed, but I felt as though an emotional sensation was left within me.
"You are granted to cheat death once. When the Raven comes for you, it will forget your name, and pass you by. You will know when that moment occurs."
I thanked him and nodded. I was uncertain what else to say.
He turned to Hana. "You will need a weapon. We have a mace that might serve you well. Should you survive, you may return it here. And, should you feel inclined, pies are an excellent form of gratitude." He grinned.
"What about him?" Hana asked. "His sword is nice, but he hasn't used it before."
He held out his hand. "Let me see it, please"
I drew my sword and held the blade flat, handle to him. He gently took it and held his face close to the blade, running his eyes along the flat side.
"Well, gods preserve us. I believe this sword may have been destined for you. It won't make you hit faster or better, but it knows you. It's already speaking to your heart. It will move how you direct it, as though it were your own hand. Listen to it, and it will serve you well."
He held the sword out to me, but awkwardly; he still held onto the handle.
"Excuse me, Domin, but - "
"Oh! Sorry, I have sight, not swordsmanship." He held the sword as I had held it toward him. I took it and slid it back into its scabbard.
He coughed. "Yes, well. Let's go get that mace, shall we?"
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