A Collection of Fantasy and Science Fiction Short Stories - Special ...

Azro took out a cloak from his pack and handed it to Helisho. “You should put
this on. It will be dark in the village, so I don’t think anyone will realize you’re a dragon
if you keep the hood on.” He helped Helisho into the piece of clothing and stood back to
look at him. “Good. Keep your head down and hold the front closed. Hopefully no one
will give you a second glance.”
“Is all of this really necessary?” Helisho asked with a sigh of annoyance in his
words.
“I just don’t want anyone to start panicking, that’s all. My family won’t be very
happy, but at least we’ll be able to control their reactions if I introduce you in private.”
Azro checked Helisho’s appearance one last time and then lead the way to the village.
Helisho followed closely behind the human as they broke through the trees and
the magical barrier. “Do you think they’ll like me?”
“Well…I’m not sure about how they’ll react at first. But once they know you’re
not out to kill them, I think everyone will be friendly to you.” Azro said with assurance.
“Are you just saying that to make me feel better?”
“Yes, but it’s true. They will defiantly be afraid of you in the beginning, so don’t
be offended if they say cruel things to you.”
Helisho nodded at Azro’s words and they continued to walk.
The sun was already set, but the sky had yet to become fully dark. It was just
enough light to allow Azro to walk without relying on his lamp. Not an hour had passed
when they finally stepped onto the main road, and the shadows of the early evening were
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