The Unknown Threat
1078 Words
I was on edge for several weeks while Lady Lilith and I built up a relationship with the people together. We spent most of the days keeping up the paperwork. The days spent with Lady Lilith were peaceful and I learned a lot about her. She was the only dragon in her family, She was adopted by humans as her biological parents were slaughtered by black market hunters. She was raised by lower class citizens and she alone increased their rank using her natural gifts. Dragons had a thing for treasure so increasing monetary standing was easy for them.
Dominic had come and joined us in the city to get to know Lilith and get supplies for the village. In the last few weeks the population of the village had nearly doubled and they were growing steadily. Dominic and Lilith hit it off pretty well and by the time he went home the three of us had grown closer. There was a soft spot in my heart for both of them when my mother was the only one I cared about before.
"Lady Shadow? Are you listening?" Lilith asked. I looked up from my tea, "I said Master Dominic sent word that he will be returning with gifts today." She said again.
"Oh, that's great! I'm sorry... I'm lost in my own world today." I explained.
"You're helpless. Just like Rosaline." She shook her head. I recalled her mentioning Rosaline before. She was a childhood friend that helped Lilith gain some footing in the noble circles. I was curious to learn more about her.
"Come on now, I'm not helpless. Just preoccupied." I said stretching out before standing and gathering a new load of paperwork.
"So tell me about it. What's got you lost lately?" She asked. I sighed heavily and sat down again resigned to finish the reports and enjoy a walk before Dominic arrived.
"It's nothing substantial. Just small things here and there." I answered.
"You mean like the bandits between the village and here? I'm sure Dominic will take care of them today." Lilith offered.
"That's one thing. But the other part of it is that even when he does take care of them, new bandits show up. You would think that they would learn that there is someone cleaning up the area. But there is more too. The rumors of traffickers and black market deals. Someone is trying very hard to either make the appearance of the city being corrupt, or trying to make the city corrupt by actually bringing these things in." I explained. Add that to the dream... I was concerned.
"I see... Well, when Dominic comes why don't we go into town with covers and do some sneaking around to get some information?" She offered moving to sit beside me.
"Sure. We can do that. It's better than nothing." I sighed again and felt Lilith's warm hand on my shoulder.
"You need to relax. Why not take a break, we can go walk the garden." She said. A walk sounded amazing. I nodded. We talked about past times and things we wouldn't mind doing in the future. I heard the horses before the maid made it to the door to find us. Lilith and I went to welcome Dominic.
"Well, two of the most beautiful women coming to welcome me?" Dominic grinned. He was so confident and flirty. It was fun. Lilith giggled and looked at me.
"Well, he is one for flattery." She said. I shrugged.
"He is just cocky. If you flirt back he'll blush like a school girl." I said.
"Not true." Dominic denied. I stepped closer and took is arm against me.
"I hear you brought gifts?" I said pressing my chest against him. Sure enough his face started to turn red. Lilith laughed and took his other arm.
"That's what your letter said." She cooed.
"I... uh... yes... I mean... I..." He pulled away from us and cleared his throat, "The village has progressed a fair amount and the old man insisted on repaying you. So he had a special treat made for the two of you." He said and pulled two small boxes from his pocket offering them to us. I took mine and opened it. A thin silver chain necklace with an adorable charm. The charm was a picture image made from colored stones and gems. The image was a river leading to the fields and a small village.... The village. It was so cute, I put it on right away and looked down at it. A smile spread across my face.
"I love it. It's adorable." I said. I looked up to see Lilith smiling just as much. I looked over her shoulder. Her image was a soaring dragon in a bright blue sky. It was beautiful and a perfect fit for the lovely dragon herself.
"I also love mine. It's perfect." She said slipping it on. Dominic looked pleased with himself before Lilith launched into the plan for the evening.
"So much for relaxing and having tea... You two work me like a slave." Dominic complained. I rolled my eyes and smacked his arm.
"We do not. If you want us to go alone then fine, help yourself to the tea." I said.
"You know better. Even if I complain, I care about you two and while you are both stronger than any man I have met, I will watch your backs anytime." Dominic countered.
"Watch our backs or backsides?" Lilith asked with a wink.
"Be honest, He's watching both." I added and pressed up next to Lilith. She leaned her head against my shoulder and giggled as Dominic turned red again and found it hard to look at us. I laughed as his discomfort became obvious.
***
After some preparing, we headed to the market. We asked around about the rumors and found that a huge majority of the population knew nothing about it and even argued that no such things were welcome in the city. I was proud of these people. But there was two stall keepers that avoided eye contact... So I would have guards do a full investigation on them. Before to long the sun had began to sink low in the sky. I yawned unwillingly and Lilith and Dominic insisted on returning home.
- Writer
