Dragon Anthropology 101

"My eyes?" Astra suggested.

"Yes, although you are invulnerable if you simply close them. The eyelid is proof against most weapons by smaller, non-dragon enemies. Against other dragons, of course, you will have to stand against attacks of bith the mind and body."

"Other dragons?"

"Oh, yes. They will come if you are successful in setting up a large hoarde of treasure. It may take decades, but it may only be a matter of years or even months. It has to do with the nature of being a dragon. Dragons have long ago adapted so that they use other senitent creatures as food and treasure sources, much like men use cattle, pigs, and dogs. It is impossible for a large number of dragons to exist in the same place without a very restrictive set of rules and customs. Their homeland lies far to the south, where, from my understanding, there is a colony of about twenty or so in an area the size of the Shreken. But most young, enterprising dragons want to set up their own independent territory in the more spacious lands to the north."

"How would they find out about me?"

"I do not know."

"So if I ever am found, I am doomed?"

Solbert shook his head. "It might not be easy, but I think that you might be able to win a war against another dragon. The thing that will be most helpful is that you have memories of being human."

"How would that help?"

"Dragons are powerful creatures, but they have a special problem. They have learned to use other sentinent life to flourish. However, if they are exposed to men, for example, for a long time, the habits and desires of men eventually seep into the dragon's mind without their fully understanding what is happening. They start doing things that go against their long-term interests. The dragon spends more and more time in human form. I think in Lady Atheline's case, she started to think like a human, either as a queen protecting her subjects, or perhaps a mother protecting her children."

Astra broke in, "And Minestus acquired the vices of lechery, greed, and sloth."

"I think that the older and wiser dragons may know about the risks, and either avoid humans or how to stay out of trouble. But your younger dragons looking to establish themselves get into trouble."

"But how would that help me?"

"You will be able to pick up on things about being human that normal dragons miss. I think that your chances of forming a bond with the League that helps both you and them is much greater, as you can see things from their point of view. Of course, if the nation that you were bonding with were your home nation, the process would be simple and quick. The fact that the Dolomite League is not only a different nation, but also a different race of sentinent creatures, will make it tougher. But I think that it will happen. One thing that I have learned from Checkers this morning is that her people have an uneasy relationship with their human neighbours. Working with those humans may be as important to your success as working with the Gliders themselves."

"And when another dragon flies into my territory?"

"I had a thought on that. Dragons tend to be lazy fliers. They are big, and have little competition, so they just fly the way that comes naturally to them. Combat in the air to them is usually little more than a hit- and-run raid."

Astra replied, "That makes sense. I would not want to stay in the air for very long, as exposing the belly would put me in danger."

"I have noticed from Checkers that the Gliders have studied the problems of flight, as their lives rely on it. If you could learn their secrets, and adapt them to your body, I think that you might be able to outmanuever and outfight other dragons in aerial combat."

"I never thought of it that way. This is quite a lesson."

"Just remember how you now appear to us smaller creatures. I can take care of myself, but Checkers and Fred might not be quite so understanding when you lash out at something."

"Point taken. I will try to lead more with my mind and less with my might. I can see why dragons are lonely creatures."

Solbert said, "We have talked quite a bit, have we not? How about some mock combat?"

1. Solbert raised his cane, and said, "Now Astra, try knocking me down with your tail. Don't worry about hurting me."

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