The Serpants of the North

Chapter 1

It was a cold winters night. Three tiny dragons slept silently on a mossy bed. Their mother circled around them, staring at their motionless bodies.

She was an extremely protective mother, as her husband died to hunters. He tried to distract the hunters so his family could live. The only thing he wanted to do was protect his offspring.

The children, Samia, Dixen and Atari, all loved their mother. She would, every morning, go out and find food for them to eat when they wake up, and in the evening, she would take them hunting.

The only one who would fail at hunting was Atari. She had an undeveloped wing, so she couldn't fly. Not even glide. Her sisters thought it was a set back in their life. However, she had a very supportive mother, so she  dealt with it. Her mum hunted for her instead.

This was how her life went on. Until one fateful day...

"Guys, wait up." Atari shouted, clearly puffed out from their race.
"Hurry up slow poke." Said Samia, chuckling as she spoke.
"Come on guys. This isnt a game. Its training. Get a move on." Barked Dixen.
"Come on, Dix. Lighten up. Not everything has to be serious hard work." Said Atari, flicking mud on Dixens muzzle.

She tripped and fell into a huge puddle. They all started laughing. Vista, their mum, smiled and said "Are you girls having fun."
"Yes mum." The all replied. They carried on playing.

Suddenly, Atari's ears pricked up. "Uuh. Guys. I think we should go." She said nervously as three poachers emerged from the trees, armed with rifles and shotguns.

She and her 2 sisters ran faster than they ever had. Bang...

A bullet shot through the air and hit Atari in the leg. She winced and stumbled to the floor. One of the men said, "Leave her to die. Shes not worth the money. Too small."
"I hope your right about this." Said the other, a stern look on his face.

They did what they said. Pinned her wings to a tree and left her. Her cries were too quiet to alarm anyone. The pain was way too much to take and she passed out.

Her eyes flickered open. She squinted at the brightness of the sun.
"Aah" Atari cried as she began to stand. She collapsed again and this time she hit her head, sending her into a deep sleep.

She awoke to the smell of cooked meat and the heat of a campfire. By her side was a small girl who was cooking meat on a fire.
"Your awake," She said joyously. "My names Saria. I just wanted to help."

For some reason, Atari could actually hear her. She tripped over her legs and skidded across the forest floor. They were in a cave; at the top of the cave was a forest. She pulled up enough strength to climb up the sharp rocks. If it were up to her, Atari would fly out, but due to her critical condition, she couldn't.

"You know, I can help you. Where are you trying to go?" Saria started walking towards her. This made the young dragon alarmed. She began to rush up the rocky ravine. In her head, this wasn't a good idea but she wouldn't let a human touch her.
"Hey. Come back." Saria shouted as Atari disappeared over the ledge of cavern.
"Wait for me." She said. Her voice echoed.

At the top of the cliff, she found Atari waiting for her. "Are you coming?" Saria raised her eyes then smiled.
"Fine. I'm coming." She sighed and walked on.

They travelled for weeks, stopping in a village every now and then. They stole as many supplies as they needed. No more. Food, water and clothes. Everything.

Days later. A dark blanket covered the moonlit sky. A silvery sphere shimmered in the night. Glittering stars twinkle in the darkness of the calm surroundings. The girls led on the soft grass, wide awake.

"You know what? I never realised how small I was compared to the universe. Back at the den, I was treated like a queen, like I had a place in this world. You know, Saria."

"Yeah. I never had a family. I don't have any siblings or parents. It's just been me out here. No one else. Not even an animal spirit to guide me." A sudden tear trickled down her cheek. Atari limped over to her.

" Well, we can start a new life together in Ciriea. It'll be fun." Saria looked up and smiled.

"Its getting late," she said " Let's get to sleep."