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

Azro opened his mouth, closed it, and shook his head. “No, you don’t. Only old
people have silver hair.”
Helisho laughed at that. “True. And perhaps you mistook my scales for
wrinkles?”
“Perhaps,” Azro smiled. This smaller, human-like dragon was a lot easier to talk
to than the colossal version that had scared away the ogres.
“Why did you stop the ogres from attacking me?”
“Because I felt like it. Don’t I get any thanks for saving you?”
Azro nodded rapidly and put away his sword. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now,” Helisho took the human’s hand and began to drag him
deeper into the forest, “let’s get to know each other. I’ve been in the Dragon Realm for
three centuries, and I’m afraid my knowledge of human history is lacking.”
Azro struggled to keep up with Helisho’s quick strides. “Where are we going?”
“I’m not really sure,” Helisho said, navigating his way through the forest, “some
place that would be safer for you.”
They walked for what Azro thought must have been hours until they reached an
open area where the trees were separated in wider intervals.
“Have a seat anywhere,” he told Azro.
Azro sat while Helisho used his feet to clear away twigs and leaves until he had
uncovered a large area of dirt. Helisho took a step back and blew a stream of silver
flames into the area that he had just cleared.
Azro stared, his jaw slack.
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