Shallow Scratch

Solbert joined the group. A little trickle of blood had welled up in a short, shallow gash across his forearm. It was as if he had snagged a thorn from a bramble vine.

"Good heavens," said Satroma. "Where did you get that?

"From Checkers," explained Solbert. "I thoroughly deserved it, though. When I got up, and took a morning walk to get some fresh air, I saw her staring off into space, as if her mind were far away. She did not seem to know that I was there. I decided to teach her a lesson in being watchful. I was going to give her a gentle poke in the ribs with the butt end of my cane. I was within three seconds of completing my mission when she wheeled around and lashed out at me with an arcing swing of her spear. She caught my forearm right there. She was all apologetic about it afterward, but I assured her that there was no harm done, and that I would not underestimate her the next time."

Sartoma nodded her head. "It was lucky for you that you were not closer. She might have done some damage."

"I think that I could have handled her. I had an interesting talk, about what she is thinking and her background. Sartoma, I am ready whenever you are finished."

"I am finished for today. You are going to teach her about self- defense?"

"Yes, among other things. Fred, could you be so kind as to help fetch some wood and water for tonight? It appears that our supply is running a bit low for my comfort."

"Yes, Solbert," he replied. The wood and water supply seemed perfectly fine to him. It seemed to him that Solbert wanted to be alone with Astra, though.

When they had left, the gnome started, "Quite a change from being a princess, eh? Has Sartoma helped you get used to the changes?"

"Yes, as best as anyone can. It is still all very strange."

"Sartoma and I thank you for working with us. The way things have happened is hard on everyone. Your memories and reactions are still those of a human being. In fact, it would be fair to say that your soul is still human."

"I feel that way, Solbert. But I also feel the pain and the power of being a dragon now. I never thought that it would be this hard."

"It is different. And it will be ten times harder for you, as the form is not natural for you. The power that your hoarde gives you, for example. A dragon deals with it, although not always in a way that you or I would approve. He never knows anything else, so it does not seem to be any more of a burden than hunger or the need for air is to you and me."

Astra nodded her head. "I know. I have already felt the urge to find things, baubles that I would never have cared for, and just collect them. It goes against who I thought I was. I always had contempt for misers and those who flashed their wealth. And what happens if this feeling gets stronger? Will I steal and kill for it? Will I become like them?"

By them she was referring to everything she knew and hated about the lawless dragons, ravaging the countryside and looting villages and killing innocent people.

Solbert replied, "Astra, I can give you some comfort. Not all dragons behave the way Minestus did, or the villianous ones in the tales do. You can behave honourably and still survive, and use your powers for good. Atheline, in her own way, did just that, although it was a trial for her. It is going to require a knowledge of your own soul as much as your new body."

Solbert continued, "Now, there are some things that you cannot forget. First, you weigh ten times as much as me, and five to six times as much as everyone else. Now, you know that you do not mean to harm anyone, but when you display a flash - and it comes out as a flash - of temper, you are going to scare the creatures whose goodwill might help ease the burden of your tie to that hoarde."

"I am not sure what you mean, Solbert."

"This morning, when you made your last landing, I think that you seared your target."

"And she thinks that I meant to get her?"

"She thinks that you might turn on someone who accidently crosses you. She is not angry at you. She is worried, though, that she is making a mistake by helping us bring you to her land."

"But it is not like I chose to be linked with them! I mean, I am doing them a favour, helping them out."

Solbert corrected her, "Astra, it is not quite that simple. Yes, you could run away, and leave them to their fate. And perhaps the loss of one or two hundred souls would be bearable. You just stay active during the day, and try to push the thought out of your mind at night - maybe it did not really happen. Although you know, deep in your heart ..."

Astra replied, "Don't go on! Yes, I know. I know it all too well. I could not go back, even if I wanted to. But they are not going to come in and welcome me with open arms, or wings, are they?"

Solbert replied, "I do not know. They have plenty of reason to fear the dragon, based on their experience with Minestus. You can appear in human form and ease them into it. But they fear humans, too. But..." Solbert paused. "It is not hopeless. This is where we are going to have to rely upon your good judgment and imagination. You need to learn as much about them - and their enemies - as possible."

1. Astra replied, "I will think about it. Could we learn about combat, now, though?"
2. "Solbert, you implied that the Gliders could help lessen the burden of maintaining my hoarde. Is it because they can get me more gold if they like me? Or is it something else, like their goodwill giving me the same strength that gold and valuables can?"

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