Dragonfire

The house of Adrian Evermore was well lit as the inhabitants readied for the day. From the front door the oldest child, Vella stepped into the crisp morning. Her favorite cloak was pretty thick, despite the light clothing she wore under it. Right behind her was Ethan, her baby brother.

“I don’t know why you go to the woods every day.” Ethan asked.

Vella smiled gently as she bent over to kiss the ten year old on the forehead, brushing a hand through his brown hair gently. In the spring he would be shipping off to join their brothers at the knight academy in the capital. Their grandfather had been well respected for his swordsmanship, and had insured his heirs would be sent to the academy. Even if their father had brought shame to their name, their mother had managed to insure that her boys could go to the academy.

Vella, on the other hand, could not attend. It was a boy’s club, no girls allowed among their ranks. So she was condemned to the life before her, caring for her brothers after their mother’s passing, and helping out around the village to get by.

“I go to the woods every day so you can get used to being alone for a bit at a time. Besides someone has to bring food back, or make you clothing.” she teased.

Her brown eyes searched his as she tried to comfort him. She knew he wasn’t ready. Her brothers had worked with her, learning to fight. She was the only one old enough to have known her grandfather, and had learned a few things from him in the ways of combat. None of her brothers had ever beaten her, but she was happy with the progress they made. Ethan, however, wasn’t as strong as they were. He had more of his mother in him than their grandfather, and thankfully none of their idiot father.

“Just be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt! You still have to teach me Grandpa’s secret.” Ethan said.

“Grandpa’s secret was very simple. He was the best for one reason, and one reason alone. And that reason… I’ll tell you when I get back. Get to your chores, and when I come home I’ll show you everything he taught me.” she said, patting his cheek gently.

He rolled his eyes and sighed at the mockery, but did as he was told. He loved his sister, and knew she’d teach him to be better before he left, but for now he had chores to do. He smiled as he went to the large pile of logs behind the house. He would have to chop firewood for this day and the next before she returned if he didn't want to get an earful.

Vella stood there, and waited. She knew her brother would slack off if she didn't but that was who he was. When he began to chop the firewood he'd gathered, she slung her bow over her shoulder and walked away. She had food to hunt for more than just the two of them.

The forests of Raun were a second home to her, and it was one she loved as much as the one she shared with her family. She knew them like the back of her hand, never getting lost. Once her brothers had even bound and blindfolded her before ditching her in the woods. By the time they got home she was making dinner.

The morning mists were still settling as movement caught her eyes. Crouched low in the mists and the underbrush, she waited. Her weapon was ready as her eyes darted left and right, following the movement of her prey. It was something she’d observed of all predators, wait until they felt safe and then take them out. She drew the string and arrow back as she pushed on the shaft, feeling it flex under her efforts.

The stag approached the stream ahead of it and bent down to drink. Out of the corner of it's eye it caught the glint of metal as warm sunlight finally broke through the clouds overhead. But the punch in the side took the breath from its lungs before darkness consumed it.

Vella watched the stag hit the ground with a soft thud. She breathed slowly as she approached, slinging the bow over her shoulder. It was a triumph to be sure, this would feed a few people for a day or two. Kneeling beside the fallen creature she closed her eye and began to pray, giving t

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