My Boss Is A Dragon

Episode 07: One Of Us

The trees loomed over Eric like sentinels, their branches woven together in a canopy that blocked out the sunlight. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he followed his boss, Savannah, deeper into the woods. She had been acting strangely lately, growing more agitated and irritable. It wasn't until she'd shifted forms into a dragon that he'd understood why. As her human bodyguard, he'd had no choice but to follow her into the forest, even as she led him further and further from civilization.

He couldn't help but wonder what she was planning to do out there. The forest was supposed to be a place of sanctuary for dragons, but Savannah seemed to be drawing attention to them. As they ventured deeper, he felt a growing sense of unease in the pit of his stomach.

Suddenly, she halted, a massive form towered over them. He could feel Savannah’s frustration and anger emanating from her like heat from a furnace. Before he could ask what was wrong, she shifted back into her human form. He was taken aback by how much her features had changed. She now looked like a different woman entirely, with a fierce scowl on her face.

"Wow!" Eric mumbled, his voice trembling.

Savannah turned to him, her eyes flashing. "I was reckless," she hissed. "I shouldn't have shifted like that." She glanced around nervously, clenching her fist." We need to get back to the city."

Eric frowned, confused. "What happened? Why were you acting so strangely?"

Savannah sighed heavily, running a hand through her long, silver hair. "I'm sorry, Eric. It's not easy being a dragon in human form. Sometimes the urge to shift becomes overwhelming." She glanced around nervously once more. "I shouldn't have let it happen. It could have put us both in danger."

As they continued to walk with a shadow above their heads, Eric couldn't help but wonder what kind of danger Savannah was referring to. He decided not to press the issue, however, knowing that she would share what she needed to when she was ready.

The woods seemed to close in around them, the trees towering overhead like giants. The air grew thick with the scent of pine and earth, and Eric could almost imagine he was a part of the forest himself. As they rounded a bend, he heard the sound of rustling leaves and the distant menacing snort of a dragon. His heart skipped a beat as he wondered if the other dragon following them from the tree line had landed.

Savannah paused, her senses alert as she strained to hear more. "It's all right," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the sounds of the forest. "She's one of us."

Eric frowned, confused. "Are you sure? She sounded angry."

Savannah nodded. "Yes, she's angry. At me. She thinks I'm being reckless." She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "Let's go see what she wants."

As they emerged from the trees, they saw a second dragon, larger than Savannah, perched on a rock. Her scales shimmered like polished obsidian in the dim light, and her eyes glowed with anger. Eric felt a chill run down his spine as he realized she must be an elder.

"What have you done, Savannah?" the dragon growled, her voice deep and powerful. "You've drawn too much attention to us." She gestured toward Eric. "And you've brought a human with you."

Savannah bowed her head. "I apologize for my actions, Elder. I didn't mean to put anyone in danger."

The elder dragon narrowed her eyes, studying Savannah's expression. After a moment, she sighed heavily. "You've always been reckless, Savannah. But you've also always been strong. You've led us through dark times, and for that, we are grateful." She glanced at Eric, then back at Savannah. "However, you must understand the gravity of your actions. By shifting while under the influence of alcohol, you've put not only yourself, but the entire clan at risk. Don’t attempt to deny it, I can smell the liquor on you."

Savannah bowed her head once more. "I know, Elder. I won't make that mistake again. For real, this time."

The elder dragon studied Savannah for a moment longer before sighing and shaking her head. "Very well. You've proven yourself before. We will give you another chance. But know this: should you ever endanger our existence again, there will be no mercy." Her gaze shifted to Eric. "As for the human, he must be dealt with. He knows too much."

Savannah's eyes widened in alarm. "No, Elder! Please, you don't understand. Eric is..er..."

The elder dragon's expression softened slightly. "Very well, Savannah. You may keep him as your companion. But he must be sworn to our service, and you must train him to be worthy of that trust. Should he ever prove himself unworthy, or if you should fail to protect him, the consequences would be dire." She paused, regarding them both seriously. "Do you both understand these terms?"

“What is she talking about?” Eric asked Savannah, his eyes moving from the Elder to his boss.

Savannah nodded, her eyes never leaving the elder dragon's. Eric hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Yes, Elder. I understand. Thank you for giving me this chance."

The elder dragon seemed to consider their words before dipping her head in acknowledgment. "Very well. You have one month to prove your loyalty and train Eric in our customs. If you are successful, he will be sworn in as a member of our clan. If not..." She trailed off, her expression growing grim. “We will find him and bury him with our secret.”

Savannah nodded, her heart pounding with determination. The Elder growled at Eric and shifted, disappearing into the night. Savannah turned to Eric, her expression serious. "We have a lot to do, my friend. I must teach you our language, our customs, and our fighting techniques. You must become one of us if you wish to remain by my side."

“Boss? What the hell?” Eric let out, agitating a finger between the sky and the ground.

Savannah’s lips traced an apologetic smile. “Welcome to my world, Eric.”