A Rogue Red Dragon -- Part I

Part I - The Search

It was a cold and snowy day as BlackHawke and his son Llew entered the mountains in search of the Red Dragon. As they rode along BlackHawke's mind wandered back to a time many years prior when he faced another Dragon in these mountains. That fight nearly cost him his life and the Dragon was also hurt and unable to finish the fight. How accurate these mountains are named 'Thylos Dran or View of the Skull', BlackHawke mulled silently. Oblivious was BlackHawke to his son, it seemed that Llew had been steadily chattering ever since they started their climb into this hills. But his daydreaming was shattered when Llew shouted, "There he is!!" Instantly, BlackHawke's mind was sharp and searching, his hand resting on the Dragonslayer laying across his saddle, and tugging on the rope tied to the saddle horn on one end and the necks of two oxen. More than once Llew had questioned the need for the oxen. "Father, those old animals are just slowing us down, let's leave it behind!" exclaimed Llew. BlackHawke chuckled, knowing the anxiousness of youth and the thrill of the first Dragon Hunt. "Easy son, this old animal may save your life!!" replied BlackHawke.

Not more than 5 miles in front of them, nestled in the overhang of a cliff was the opening to the lair. Llew's exclamation was prompted when he saw the Red Dragon circling, fresh from a kill and then entering the lair. Llew urged his mount on, quickening the pace. BlackHawke on the other hand rode at the same pace, slow and deliberate. "Son, relax, he will be there when we get there" shouted BlackHawke, but his words fell on closed ears, Llew was facing his first rogue dragon. Stopping in a grove of trees at the base of the mountain, BlackHawke dismounted and started setting up camp. "Father, come on, he is too near to stop now!!" pleaded Llew. BlackHawke closed the pleas out and continued to setup the cold camp for the night. "Son, he has been here for a while, I doubt he will leave tonight, besides I am tired and would rather rest before I faced that mean thing." BlackHawke replied. Llew realizing that his father meant what he said, reluctantly turned back to the camp. But every few minutes, Llew was turning to search the opening to the lair as if he was guarding it to make sure the dragon did not escape.

Darkness came as the two waited for the right time to continue their journey. BlackHawke made sure that Feston was secured for the night and then sat down under a tree. Drawing his cape close about him and then sliding a couple of furs over him, he settled in for a cold and snowy night. "Man, do I wish we could have a fire, sure would make my bones feel better." BlackHawke looked up at Llew, the guy was still pacing about. BlackHawke, chuckling, shook his head, and snuggled deeper into the furs smiling at his anxious and energetic son.

Some time that night Llew fell asleep, laying on the ground, furs have wrapped around him and his hand griping the sword hilt tight. Many things ran through his mind, Will I get scared and run?. Will I make a mistake and get myself hurt or killed or worse yet, kill my father? For a long time Llew tossed as sleep was slow in coming. More questions pooped into his mind, why two ox? And why not attack at night? Laying there watching the stars pass his mind wandered home. What would they think of him killing a dragon?, What of Aria? Would she be there? And what of Lady Susan, would his father be preoccupied with thoughts of her?

Finally as the moon crested the black sky, Llew fell asleep, the hours of riding and the drain of his excitement catching up. The sun had barely risen when Llew was awakened from his sleep by the bellowing of the two oxen. Jumping up as if in mortal danger, Llew reacted and searched the trees as the clang of his sword filled the air. Turning to see if BlackHawke was still asleep, he spots the empty furs. Looking quickly around, he doesn't see his father anywhere in sight. After a bit Llew relaxes as he realizes the ox were just being an animal, with no danger near, Llew sits and waits for his father to return.

After what seemed an eternity, BlackHawke returns and greets his son. "Well, Llew, pack your bags, the Red Dragon is dead. We can leave!!" "What!!!!" exclaimed Llew. "How can that be, you wouldn't leave me here and go after him alone." pouted Llew. BlackHawke chuckles, "No son, he is alive and meaner than any dragon I have ever seen, you will get your chance to look death in the face!" Llew looks up smiling but his eyes also show the worry with facing death. After several hours of planning, discussing and preparing things, BlackHawke stood, "Tomorrow at sunrise we attack" and then he goes and snuggles into his furs in preparation of another cold and snowy night. Reluctantly Llew goes to his bed roll, not wanting to wait again but also knowing tomorrow will be long and hard.

Several hours before the sun even thought of rising BlackHawke and Llew were up and preparing for the days events. Weapons checked and sharpened, the Ox prepared and the large lance checked one last time. With things finally ready, BlackHawke takes the rope and looks at Llew, "Son, it is time. If you want, you may remain behind and there will be no dishonor." Llew looks up quickly replying "No way, I am here to slay a dragon and face what ever it takes to do it!!" Together they strike of towards the lair, silence and determination firmly seated in their minds and heart.