The Dragon Rider Vol.1 [PUBLISHED & AVAILABLE ON AUDIBLE]

One

           

It was a bright sunny day in the village of Knights Edge, with not a hint of a fluffy white cloud in the blue sky. Birds whistled as they flew around in the sky, enjoying the day ahead of them. Out in the fields, the farmers were getting ready for the harvest that was soon to come. All the plants looked healthy and rich, and the hopes of a good harvest hung in the air.

Inside one of the many small huts that littered the open field, I was running around looking for my boots. Today was one of the rare days I was not needed in the fields, and I was going to spend it by hunting. Although I still had much to learn, Markus had taught me a few tricks when we went out hunting together. Those days I missed greatly, but the thought of being reunited with him soon filled my heart with joy.

Grabbing my bow that lay beside my nap-sack, I pushed my arm between the gap of the curved wood and the string, so the bow hung off my shoulder. Tying the small arrow bag around my waist, I made sure I had all the things I needed, before heading towards the door.

"Abagail, make sure you're back before supper." Turning round, I gazed at Mother as she tied a small white apron around the lower half of her dress.

Smiling, I nodded. "I will."

Opening the door, I ran towards the tree line, passing a few of the farmers on my way. Running through the forest, the wind ruffled through my long brown hair as I swiped at large trees with a wooden stick. Laughing at the feeling of being completely free, I continued farther into the thick forest on the outskirts of Knights Edge. As I came to a small clearing, I noticed a few birds sitting on a large log not too far from me. Smirking, I grabbed a rock. Tossing it slightly in the air, I caught it in the palm of my hand, before throwing it in the direction of the birds. At the sound of the rock hitting the log, the birds scattered off into different directions.

Shaking my head, I grabbed the bow as I climbed onto the large log. Jumping down, landing in a crouched position, I pulled the wooden bow off my shoulder and grabbed an arrow from my quiver tied around my waist. Lining up the tip of my arrow at a large oak tree where a small squirrel was hanging, I aimed the arrow at the small creature. Releasing my finger, I watched the arrow sail through the air. The sound of the arrow piercing through the oak tree echoed throughout the forest, sending some birds up in the trees flying into the air. Smiling, I jumped up from my crouched position.

"Perfect," I said, as I placed the wooden bow back over my shoulder. Walking towards the oak tree, I bent down to collect my kill. Although it was sad to see such a cute little animal die, I knew this meat would come in handy in the days to come. Putting the squirrel in a small bag around my shoulder, I headed towards my special spot not too far from the village.

Walking towards a clearing in the trees that led to a cliff, I gazed out at the scenery in front of me. Being here was so peaceful. The cliff looked out into the River of Peace and overlooked the kingdom of Athena off into the distance. From here you could see the dragons flying around, as they went about their daily jobs.

Smiling, I sat down on the soft grass below. Just watching the dragons flying about made me yearn to be a Dragon Rider. I would dream about dragons and flying, but I knew I could never be one. I envied the men that were chosen, but most of all I envied Markus. How I wished to be in his place and live as a Dragon Rider. Letting out a sigh, I looked towards the scenery.

As I gazed at the castle, I wondered what he would be doing. Would he be training? Would he be thinking of me like I was thinking of him? Or would he be flying around with his dragon Torren?

Sighing once more, I tilted my head to the side. "I hope you're having fun, Markus," I softly whispered, as I gazed at a dragon off in the distance. Taking a deep breath, a small smile filled my lips.