Destination

Fred was extremely stunned at Melissa's unladylike behavior, almost falling off his horse. He couldn't think of anything to say. Coldly ignoring the pleas of men who loved them was normal behavior for women, alas, but lashing out and cursing like a sailor wasn't.

"I'm sorry," said Melissa, after a minute or so. "I shouldn't have taken my anger out at you like that."

Fred slowed down his horse to a canter and took off his helmet. He hadn't heard exactly what she'd said, but it sounded like an apology. "I understand, Melissa," said Fred uneasily. "You can be forgiven for being angered. You have just suffered through a very trying experience, especially for a woman." Melissa rolled her eyes at this but decided to say nothing.

"So, why do you keep wearing your helmet, anyway?" said Melissa.

"A dragonslayer must be prepared at all times, Melissa." Even if he did sound a bit uneasy, Melissa was somewhat gratified that her outburst had gotten him to stop calling her "my lady." "The dragon is very clever and is said to have many minions. It could have laid any number of traps for us. There are also many other vile Things that follow in the wake of a dragon and feed on its leavings. We must beware of them as well. And the woods near the Shreken are said to be favorite haunts of the Sidhe, who love to lead unwary travellers astray. We must always be prepared, in body and in spirit, when riding through these lands."

"Speaking of the Dragon," said Melissa, "why did you just leave the quest to get me out of there, anyway? You said that the dragon was killing people and destroying crops."

"I had no choice. I could not leave you to die in the caves, and I couldn't let you follow me because it would be difficult to slay the dragon and protect your life at the same time."

"Well, maybe I need less protection than you think."

"Against a dragon? Even the greatest knights of the King's court would think twice before facing a dragon, Melissa. Only one such as myself who had been trained to face monsters such as this from birth would stand a chance against it."

"I'm curious, have you ever faced a dragon before?"

"No. I have slain many ghouls and vampires and even a wyvern once, but it is an honor given to few to face a true dragon."

"So where are we going?" said Melissa, somewhat annoyed at how she'd managed to wander so far off topic.

"To Kynal, the nearest large city. I am glad that you appreciate the need for me to return to my quest. It is not that far from here, but it is safe from the dangers that lurk in these woods. There are certainly dangers there, it is not as well-policed as the capital, but the dangers there are human ones. I will take you to stay at the Golden Flask Inn. The innkeeper there is an old friend of mine who owes me several favors. He will watch over you until I can bring you to a safer place."

"So what about going back to my own time? Is there any way your magic could send me into the future?"

"I do not know. Perhaps the White Hand, the guild of wizards in my land, will be able to aid you. But I know little of that sort of magic. You may end up staying here for the rest of your life."

This was like a punch in the gut to Melissa, but she couldn't quite absorb the impact of it yet. She just nodded.

1. It was growing late, and both of them realized that they'd have to stop for the night soon, although neither wanted to sleep in the deep woods they were in now.
2. They thought they saw something following them in the dark shadows of the trees.

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