Page 6 of Taming
What can I say, only the best for my boys.
I turn to Kain, revealing the delicious treat. The scent of it is enough to make my empty stomach growl.
Gotta keep your eye on the prize, Arlow.
Kain hops from the table. It shakes unsteadily behind him. The three dragons stalk toward me, cornering me against the counter. They all look like they’re ready to leap down my throat just to find the source of the food.
I lower myself, extending the food toward the one I have my sights set on. Sharp talons rip the meat from my palm, and before the other two jump in, I lock the chain around Kain’s neck.
A long sigh of relief leaves my lungs.
Ugh. That was the easy part. The hard part will be convincing anyone to buy these three assholes.
***
Long claws dig into the dry dirt. The mystical dragons meet the astonished gazes of the villagers. It’s something you never really get used to—seeing a rare creature like a dragon. Even I’m impressed with them when I look their way. The men and women halt in their tracks, backing up just slightly to make way for the three dragons who circle my every step. Rumbling growls tear from the dragons’ throats each time we pass anyone. I offer the villagers pleasant smiles. No one smiles back.
Honestly, they’re used to my shit by now. I may have had a few mishaps in the past.
So a nine headed hydra snake accidentally escaped my cage once. One time. And it didn’t even hurt anyone. Let’s try to look at the bright side here, folks. Forgive and forget.
Shit happens, right?
“Arlow, I think you’ve lost your pretty little mind, love.” Andrin’s dark eyes are held on the creatures.
Their chains clink lightly, and it takes little effort for me to hold on to them. They don’t fuss. There’s no defiance in them right now. They really would make sweet pets. If only I had the time and money to take care of such beasts.
“I’ve tamed these three into obedience. They are a true asset to anyone who owns them.” Anyone willing to pay the right price that is. I give the shop owner an enchanting smile and he starts to nod slowly.
Andrin knows me. The skepticism in his eyes tells me just how much faith he has in me.
“You’ll be going straight to King Barren then?” Andrin and I are both merchants in a way. Except I sell mystical creatures and he sells fresh bread.
Almost the same thing.
As merchants, we both know anything of value will go to the person with the most coin. Unfortunately for me that person is the King; the man who hates my selling ways. So what if I sold him an exploding phoenix one time.One time.
How was I to know the thing wouldn’t burst into flames but actually combust an entire room? Accidents happen. And my contract states that the buyer is responsible for any and all …incidentsafter the date of purchase.
Lucky for me, his son adores me. Worships me even.
And he is who I do business with now.
I can’t help but wonder if I’d be more accepted here if the Solstice Queen were still alive. No one understands an outcast like a fellow outcast after all. I like to think the Queen from Northern Kingdom living here in the midlands would have welcomed me.
Or at the very least not ignore me the way the ungrateful King does.
“Yes, by the end of the day the Kingdom of Minden will be three dragons richer, Andrin.”
Another slow nod as I pass by his bakery. “Goddess save the King.” His taunting smirk drills annoyance right into me.
The scent of warm bread wafts through the air. My stomach all but cries out for a taste.
“I’ll be stopping in on my way back.” With my upcoming profit in mind, I make note to visit his business as well as the meat market at the end.
“Well, just make sure he signs the contract. Wouldn’t want any more …incidents.”He’s still nodding to himself even as my gaze narrows on his dark eyes.
“Incidents happen. I cannot be held responsible for every combusting phoenix.”
