To Join the Dragon?

"I do," said Fred, grabbing her hand. "I am the greatest Dragonslayer of all the kingdoms. How can you not desire me?"

"I don't." Ondrya pulled her hand away. "Now leave me be."

"You were created to serve me, wench," said Fred. "Now--"

Thankfully, they were interrupted by the Dragon. For such a large creature, its footfalls were soft as a cat's, and they didn't see it until it was breathing down Fred's neck. "I don't believe you fell for that sign," it said, with a voice like the roaring of a waterfall. "You knights are so stupid."

"We'll see who's stupid, you lousy lizard!" shouted Fred, as the dragon unleashed a burst of flame.

"Ondrya, strike him from behind! Do it now!" Fred shouted. Ondrya took to the air, flew behind Fred and pushed him into the path of the flame. His flesh dissolved instantly to ash. The melted slag of his armor hissed and bubbled.

"Well, well, well," said the dragon. He shifted into human form and looked Ondrya in the eye. His pupils were still slitted, as the eyes are the one thing a shapeshifter cannot change. "And who are you, exactly?"

"I am Ondrya. Belboz made me to serve that knight on his quest but... It seems that's over now."

"How interesting. I can see some Glideri in you, but your wings are different--metallic. How did Belboz make you? Well, no matter. You are free to live your own life now. You are welcome to join me, of course."

"And why would I do that?" Ondrya spread out her sharp metal wings for emphasis.

"Because the humans would slay you in an instant. In this kingdom especially, they see all that is different from them as a thing to be conquered or destroyed. Their dragonslayers have hunted us near to extinction--only seven of us remain in this world."

"But you've tormented the people of the Great Kingdom--burned their fields, taken their children. That's evil--isn't it?"

"Well," said the dragon...

1. "I only attack them because they attacked me first. If they left me alone, I would leave them alone. It's that simple."
2. "I am not the power destroying the Kingdom. Those fools do not know it, but I am their only hope."

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