“I don’t want you to go.” “What else is there for someone like me to do? I already retired from the mercenary life once and found it satisfying enough. I can do it again.” “Then why not retire here, with me?” Liam asked. I laughed “And do what? Lead the people? Look me in the eye and tell me you think I’d make a good leader during peace time.” Liam met my gaze for several seconds but had to turn away without saying anything. I understood. He didn’t want to lead the people any more than I did. He never had. The night was turning chilly, and Liam inched closer to me. His warmth against my side confirmed that I agreed with him on something else; I didn’t want to leave him behind either. It gave me an idea. Liam was incredulous at first, but the more we talked about it, the more excited we both became. I thought it was a logical, almost elegant solution to our problem. It wasn’t a perfect plan. Few ever are. There were many things that would need to be sorted out in the daylight with help from other people. But for now, we were alone in the dark and the hard part, the actual deciding, was done. The agreement was made between us and sealed with considerably more than a kiss. *** Three days later, my dragon companion and I set off. On the long journey back to my village, Thunder and I also came to an understanding. The villagers would be scared to death of a full-grown dragon, and there wasn't much space for him nearby. We agreed that he would roam as he wished, far and wide. If my skills were needed somewhere in the world, he would return. It would be a lonely existence for both of us, but not for long. Over the next month, I helped rebuild the village the Dragon King had tried to destroy. It kept me busy and tired enough that I didn’t dwell too much on what I didn’t have. Despite being surrounded by the people of the village, I was lonely. The day finally came when a large blue dragon flew over the village. Everyone saw it, and quite a few scrambled to find hiding places. But the magnificent creature circled overhead once, then flew on to the south, the same direction Thunder had gone a month earlier. While the rest of the people watched the blue creature disappear into the distance, I turned my attention to the ground. A newcomer was approaching from the north. A strong looking young man with sandy brown hair and a small pack over his shoulder. I young man I knew well. I was thankful that this village was full of people starting new lives. They had openly welcomed me when I arrived years ago. I was sure they would accept a former prince who had renounced a life of leadership to keep a retired mercenary company. The End
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