Demonic Tower 2

Everyone knows the risks of fighting dragons. Humans can die easily just from pissing off the guardian dragons but we cannot kill the dragons because they are rare from the knights of old.

"Squire! Where are you? You are going to be late!" I started to get angry as soon as I heard Kane's voice.

"I am tempted to push him into the dragon's mouth," I told him and he started to laugh.

"Everyone had that thought at least once. Just don't let him know about the gold."

I thanked him again before getting the two horses to follow me. He was waiting for me at the gate. He did not say anything as he climbed onto Victory's back, but then she bucked him off. I quickly gave her a sugar cube before helping him up.

"I don't think she likes you for dumping dirt on her earlier."

"Shut up Squire, Victory is just a beast."

"I have a name and it is Liam."

"No, you will never have any tales written about you, so you don't have a name."

I had the urge to push him into the dirt but I wanted to save Princess Anya and this is the only way. He got on the horse and rode off before I had a chance to get on Paladin. It was a good thing that Paladin was fast so I could catch up to him.

"You know the rules; two people must be at the tower for the quest!"

"I only needed you to get out of the castle. I could just pay a random peasant in the nearest village to come to the tower with me."

"I hope the dragon eats you," I mumbled quietly under my breath.

"What was that?"

"I was saying that you need me because everyone will think you lied and ran off if I go back by myself."

"You have a good point, Squire."

"Thank you, knight." He looked. "You gave me a title as a name so I am doing the same to you."

"Be a good squire and don't talk."

"No, I am not taking orders from someone like you." He glared at me and rode ahead quietly.

"If that was all it took to get him to shut up, I would have said it a long time ago."

Paladin just neighed and shook his head as we continued on our quest. He almost got lost a few times until I pointed out the giant tower. It was a good thing that the tower was only three villages away from the castle otherwise Kane would never find it. I saw that the sun was setting as we reached the village right next to the tower.

"We should rest for tonight for the horses," I told him.

"But we can rescue the princess and be back by morning."

"You are more likely to be dead by dawn by the dragon if you rush in."

"Fine, we will rest your tiny little legs and fight the dragon tomorrow."

He rode off ahead of me towards the inn. I got off Paladin and we walked towards the many shops. I was hoping to find something for Sir Leon as a 'thank you' for the gifts.

"What do you mean sixty gold? Last week, it was only thirty for the same amount of food!" I heard someone shout.

Someone was yelling at a nearby shopkeeper and I was amazed by how calm the shopkeeper was. She was relaxed even though the customer is a taller male.

"I'm sorry sir, but the rise in taxes made me raise the price. I could have you pay thirty gold for half of what you want." The shopkeeper told him as I walked over to the pair.

"I need the full amount but I only brought thirty with me."

"How about I pay for the rest? That way everyone is happy." I said as I handed the shopkeeper the gold.

She took the gold from the two of us and wrapped the items for him. I carried half of the items as we walked away. I finally had a chance to look at the stranger. He had long, wavy auburn hair that was tied back into a ponytail. He was wearing a shirt that showed off scars on his arms. They were long and jagged in a way that looked like a giant beast attacked him before.

"Thank you for the help earlier." He shifted the items around as he spoke. "I have not seen you around here before. Are you a traveler going after the tower?"

"Yes, I was dragged with a knight but I know that the princess would not marry him."

I looked him in the eyes as I spoke and I was amazed by their color. They were the colors of rubies still buried in mud. They were the most perfect mixture of red and brown that I have ever seen.

"I would be careful then, I heard that the one guarding this tower is a fierce fire dragon that is not afraid to eat humans."

He gave me a smirk that showed off small fangs.

"I hope so; I would give the dragon all my gold if they eat the knight."

Speak of the devil because Kane was walking towards us.

"Squire! There you are! I wanted to remind you to clean my armor in the morning. Also, I took the last room so you will be sleeping outside tonight. But, you are already used to that."

He walked away and I was tempted to kick him.

"I feel bad for you but he might give the dragon gas with that inflated ego." I could not hold back my laughter at his comment. "You should smile more often, it fits your face." My face started to heat up at his words because no one has ever said anything like that to me. "I wish you well dear sir but I need to tend to my duties."

I gave his items back and then I grabbed his hand as he turned to walk away.

"After my quest, may I talk to you again?"

"Sounds like fun." He lifted my hand to his face. "My name is Dorian, what is yours?" I could feel his breath on my skin as he spoke.

"Liam."

"Lovely name."

He kissed the back of my hand before he walked away. I watched him walk until he disappeared into the crowds. Paladin neighed at me and I hushed him before we headed to the inn. I was able to buy an area in the stable and a blanket for myself.

"We were told by Sir Knight to wake you up at dawn and bring you to his room." The innkeeper told me as she showed me the stables.

"Thank you for the warning."

She walked away and I got ready for a rough night. I looked up at the starry night sky and started thinking about Anya. Growing up in the castle with the princess, I grew to love her like a close friend. She used to make jokes that I should marry her but I always felt that she deserves better than myself. However, when I was with Dorian today, I felt different in a good way.

"Good night Paladin, Victory, and good luck tomorrow," I told the horses as I curled up in the small blanket.

The horses neighed at me as I fell uncomfortably asleep. In my half-asleep state, I felt something warm and scaly wrapped around me. I could feel a heartbeat against my back as it lulled me into a deeper sleep.