Dragon’s Breath
Chapter thirty-two

I'm stirred awake by a beating roar of thunder, and the pounding of rain against my window. Slowly, I sit up, rubbing the sleepiness from my eyes. Tossing my woolen blankets to the side, I set my feet on the cold wooden floor. Grabbing my boots from where they sit next to my bed, I slip them on.

While I'm getting ready to leave, I can't help the worry that pulses through my veins like fiery venom. Having never learned how to fight, I have to wonder if I'll even be any good. I know that physically I am strong, working as a blacksmith most of my life has gained me immense physical power. But what good will I be fighting against dragons? A human could never face the full wrath of a dragon head-on. The only humans I've heard of taking on supernaturals are humans with magical bloodlines but since the Fires of Alira, the magical bloodlines have dwindled in numbers. I don't want to be useless to her.

After pulling my disheveled curls into a half ponytail, I grab my long black coat from where it hangs next to my front door. Shrugging it on, I walk out into the morning drizzle.

My boots stick and slosh in the mud with every step as I march down the shadowy street. When I reach Phoenix Fire, the door swooshes open before I can even touch it. Looking up, I'm met with Neron's warm green eyes as he waves me inside. Without saying a word, I step into the shop, being sure to wipe the mud from my boots with a rag that Neron hands to me.

"You're here early, is the princess not coming to meet you today?" he inquires, looking over from cleaning a copper chest piece.

"No, it's not that, I just came to let you know that I might be back late today," I say.

"And why is that," he asks, suddenly turning to face me.

"Ellie has asked a member of her horde to teach me the art of combat since she cannot at the moment," I tell him.

"Learning to fight will be good for you! It would be quite embarrassing to spend the rest of your life being bested by a woman," Neron laughs.

I can't help the gruff laugh that rumbles from my chest at his words, "Ellie's spent most of her youth learning to fight. Not to mention she is a dragon."

"Touché," he responds with a slight nod.

Turning back to continue working on the copper chest plate, he says, "You should get going. Don't want to keep your dragon friend waiting."

"You're right. I'll see you later Neron," I say with a wave.

With those parting words, I step out of the shop and back into the rain.

As I walk into the forest, the rain continues to fall softly as if it knew of the hardships both behind and ahead of me. Each droplet alights on my skin with just enough coolness to command my mind to the present, to pull me away from the pain of the past and the uncertainty of what is to come. I stop and stand for a moment under the shining grey of the gloomy clouds. Feeling the rain sprinkle, cold and wet on my skin. Drops of water trickle down my body as I stand motionless, my gaze fixed on the horizon, staring at the beauty of the sky as the sun rises. While the clouds continue to cry, I turn away and continue down to the small lake.

When I make it to the lake, the rain has finally slowed to stop, leaving the earth coated in a sheet of fresh water.

Looking up at the sky, I try to see if I can spot Soren and Ellie. But the only dragon I see is Soren. His large emerald green body swoops down, blasting out a gust of wind that sends my hair flying around. Having been only the second dragon I've had yet to lay eyes on I can't help but admire him. His body is long and sleek, sitting a few feet shorter than Ellie in dragon form. He has muscle but isn't as heavy built as Ellie, showing that his form is better for speed rather than brute strength. Two large black horns curl down the back of his head.

Soren lands in front of me, the ground rumbling under our feet. Shaking his head, he stretches out his body then fazes into his human form.

He turns to me, giving a stiff, overly polite smile. He throws down a large bag that clanks loudly. I look away, suddenly feeling quite awkward while Soren begins to put his pants on.

"Does it rain a lot here?" he asks, attempting to make small talk.

I don't really care for the guy, but I have to give him credit for trying.

"Not usually," I respond plainly.

With no further comments from Soren, I watch closely as he pulls a large spear from his bag. The spear is made entirely of dark grey metal, except for the grip that's wrapped in dark blue leather with two silver beaded strips hanging from it. On the right side of the spear, below the point, what looks like an ax head stretches out of the metal in the shape of a wing. On the left side is a much smaller blade, curving down.

Tossing me the spear, Soren says, "This is a halberd spear. This will be the weapon I train you to use."

I lift the spear up, examining it. It's lighter than I thought it would be, and I've never seen a metal like this.

"What is this made from? The craftsmanship is impeccable," I say in awe.

Soren smiles triumphantly, "You've got a good eye. I'm not surprised you've never seen the material, it's native only to dragons. It's known as dragon's ore," he tells me.

"What exactly is this 'dragon's ore'?" I ask.

I've never heard of anything like it. There are many things in this world a lot stronger than steel that weapons can be made from, but this one is new to me.

"Dragon's ore can only be obtained by dragons. It's made from the shell of dragon eggs, the strongest material in this world. No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to break anything made from it. Dragon eggs are meant to withstand nearly anything, the only thing that can deal any damage is extreme fires. These burn hotter than any furnace. Once the eggshell has been melted down, it can never be melted again," Soren explains all this easily so I can understand.

I can't believe he's giving me a weapon that's made of something so valuable. I don't know if I can accept it.

"I can't accept this, it's far too precious. I'll use my sword," I hastily try shoving the spear back into Soren's hands.

"Do you really think just using any old weapon will do against a dragon, let alone a sword?" he questions with a raised brow.

"What's wrong with using a sword?" I question.

He sighs, running a hand down his face as if he's disappointed I've missed something.

"Swords are fine weapons, but slashing weapons aren't as good as piercing weapons against a dragon. Fighting dragons can be a difficult task not only are we physically strong but every dragon can use an element type. Some dragons even posses a magical affinity. On top of those other abilities, dragons can use their natural dominance to force weaker beings into submission. You're still new in terms of combat skills, and you'll need a good weapon to be able to hold your own," he explains.

Begrudgingly, I nod my head in agreement with his words.

"Good. Now that we're on the same page, let's begin your training," he pauses briefly, pulling out a spear of his own then continues, "Put your left hand in front of your right on the grip of your weapon, then step back with your right foot," he tells me.

Soren spends the next little while showing me how to hold the spear and simple but effective attack moves.

"Now that we have the basics down, I want you to come at me with everything you've got. Show no mercy, as of this moment I am your enemy," he shouts, pointing the tip of his spear at me. Without I moment to lose, I lunge forward to attack, but Soren quickly evades me.

We spend the next little while engrossed in deep combat. My hair sticks to my back and face like a second skin, my body dripping with sweat as if I were caught in a sudden storm. My legs feel empty and shake with every step I take.

Soren's piercing blue eyes stare at me sternly.

"Don't tell me you're already feeling tired. We've only just begun," Soren laughs, sounding almost evil.

I know he said that training with him would be hard, so I'll deal with it. Whether I'm tired, sore, or hurt, I will keep pushing forward.

As we continue to fight, my legs finally give in and I fall to my knees. I'm panting so hard that my breath is the only thing I can hear. I stay on my knees in front of Soren, suddenly feeling sick to my stomach.

"We're not done yet, the day is still young. Get up, or I shall give you some motivation," He leers at me with a cruel smile.

Right now my body is so tired I don't think anything he says could get me to stand up again.

With a twisted smirk, he continues to speak, "I could sense the jealousy rolling off you in waves the first time we met. You don't like that I am close with Nora. But us being close is to be expected, I was here first after all."

My body all but stops for a few moments. What the hell did he just say? My jaw clenches, I look up at him my eyes burning intensely. Slowly I lift myself off the ground.

"What's wrong boy? Feeling down that your precious mate was with a man like me? Tell me, does it make you mad?" He taunts, his words grating on my ears like a paring knife.

Anger boils deep in my system, as hot as lava. It churns within, hungry for destruction, far too much for me to handle. All my previous tiredness is gone and replaced with a sudden bout of energy. Picking up my spear, I sprint towards Soren striking him as hard as I can. He blocks pushing his own weapon against mine.

"What makes you madder: the fact that your mate was with me or the fact that she introduced you to her ex-lover?" he says this avoiding another one of my attacks and stepping back to taunt me.

"Are jealous because you know that you could never be anything close to what I am? Tell me, are angry because you are weak, and you'll never be as strong as her?" He gibes.

His words were the breaking point of the little restraint I had left. There is a scream from deep within me that forces its way out my mouth, it is as if my angered soul has unleashed a demon. All I feel is anger, and hatred bubbling out from me.

With newfound strength I charge towards Soren, using my spear to knock his from his hands. Once I'm in close enough I grab Soren's arm thrusting him to the ground. When our skin makes contact my entire body heats up and fills with a strange powerful sensation. Letting out a short battle cry, I once again turns towards Soren. But I stop in my tracks when I noticed my body becoming engulfed in green flames.

I freeze, has Soren used his magic on me? But I'm not in pain. Now realizing that the flames are not burning me, I continue on my path to Soren.

Soren sits in the ground in front of me completely gobsmacked. Holding his arms out in front of him he stares at me with wide eyes.

"Flavius stop, calm down! I was just joking! None of what I said was true! Now, just calm down," he tries to coax me.

"How can you tell me to calm down after all that you've said? You think I believe that you were lying?" I snarl.

"The power that you're using right now is unstable! You need to calm down before you hurt yourself or someone else," Soren yells, trying to convince me to stop my pursuit.

"What power do you speak of? You said yourself I have none," I sneer.

"Flavius, you're a dragon slayer! Now calm down so we can talk," he yells.

His words make me stop. How could I be a dragon slayer?

How can he expect me to just simply calm down after everything he's said to me? How am I supposed to know if he's telling the truth or not? After all, he could just be saying to make me listen to him. Ultimately, though, my desire for answers greatly outweighs my anger for the time being. Setting down my spear, I take a few deep breaths, then I sit on the ground next to Soren.

"Yes, let's talk; you have quite a bit of explaining to do," I say.

Soren sighs, "Why did I make you mad? Throughout my five hundred years of training soldiers, I've found that many of them show their true fighting potential when they are angry. Which proved to be true with you, you got so upset that you somehow unleashed your hidden dragon slayer abilities."

"I want you to tell me, is what you said about you and Ellie true," I demand with a glare.

"If you want answers, ask Nora yourself. The only thing I wish to speak of now is the sudden development of your powers," he says.

This man is like a stone wall. I'll never get the answers I want from him.

"Fine," I give up. I'll just ask Ellie the next time we meet.

But still, how could he possibly know that I'm a dragon slayer? Dragonslayers are born of magical bloodlines and I am but a bastard. This is all too insane for me to process. It was not long ago that I suddenly found out that I was destined to be with a dragon. Now I've gone from being just a mate to a dragon to a dragon slayer.

"How can you be certain that I'm a dragon slayer?" I ask, skeptically.

"When you touched me, it was like my magic was suddenly being sucked out of me. Then shortly after you lit up with green flames, my green flames. You see, dragon slayers can bend dragon magic to their will in many different ways. In your case, I believe that you can absorb and harness dragon magic. With enough training, you could become the most powerful dragon slayer alive, especially considering your mate is a dragon," he explains.

I can't believe this. A dragon slayer. I am a dragon slayer. How is that possible?

"Flavius, do you know anything about your family history? After all, being a dragon slayer is an inherited trait," Soren asks.

"I only ever knew my mother. It couldn't have been her that gave me this ability," I say.

"If that's the case, then I have a pretty good idea of who your father might be. But I must investigate before I make such assumptions," he tells me.

"Alright," I mumble, still trying to process everything that's happening.

"Before I go, I wanted to let you be aware of some things. When you leave with me and Nora to go to our horde you will be entering a place like you've never seen before. I want you to remember to never compare us to human standards. We dragons can be cruel and ruthless emotion-driven beings. I'm training you to endure combat, but none of my training could every prepare you for the cold ruthless world of dragons," he tells me sternly.

After seeing what Ellie did in the dungeon a few days ago to Mr. Blanc, I can say with confidence that it won't be a problem. I saw first hand the cruelty of dragons. The only thing that I think will be hard to come to terms with will be the bloodshed of battle.

"I don't think I could ever confuse a dragon with a human," I say confidently.

"I'm glad you understand, I must get going now; I have other matters to attend to. I want you to practice the things I've taught you, we'll continue your training tomorrow," Soren says while stripping out of his clothes getting ready to faze.

"See you tomorrow," I say with a wave.

Once Soren's gone I head to the small lake and clean myself off in the cool water. When I'm done I head back to my place to practice more and get some rest.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!!! Hope you enjoyed the chapter don’t forget to like and comment.- Ray

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