I cried out as my knees were scraped painfully against the stony ground, "Please, no! Martin, have mercy on me."
The man that dragged me by my chains looked back with pity in his eyes but his mouth remained in a firm line.
"I'm sorry, Jason; but the council has decided you are this year's sacrifice. Now, please be quiet. I'd like to get away before the dragon knows you're here."
We continued up the bleak mountainside and I grew more and more afraid. Each year the city below paid tribute to the dragon that lived atop the mountain in exchange for his services in defending against outside invaders. At first it had been only in treasure, but when the dragon hit maturity his tastes in payment changed. He began demanding a young man with each year's deposit of gold and silver coin. This year, at only the age of nineteen, I had the misfortune of being selected for the "honor" of serving the dragon.
Martin was looking around furtively; they were so close to the dragon's lair now that he would have no chance to hide if he emerged. Quickly, my chains were clipped to a stake in the ground. Martin gave my shoulder a rough pat.
"Good luck."
And then he was gone, sprinting away over the stones.
I sat huddled in my thin deer skin coat, waiting. It seems like an age passed before something stirred on the mountainside. A plume of smoke rose from the dragon's cave, dark and swirling. I watched, sandy blond hair shaking as my body trembled. Then, slowly, as if he was emerging from deep slumber, the bronze colored dragon uncurled from his cave.
Massive wings unfurled. His head swung around and I knew I was being observed. The glittering creature suddenly launched himself into the air, leathery sails letting him glide to where his tribute was waiting. Huge talons touched down with a crunch. I stared up at the massive creature, gulping. His body was thickset, with four long limbs ending in sharp claws. The dragon's neck and tail were long and supple and the former had a graceful curve to it. Aggressive eyes leered at me from under a crown of horns. A few teeth poked out from scaly lips, and a curl of smoke emanated from his mouth. He would have been something beautiful, if it wasn't for the fact that I would more than likely be murdered under his talons within the hour.
Without warning, the dragon stepped forward and ripped the chain free from the stake. His hands were almost the size of my chest. He whipped his head around, fixing me under a severe eye.
"Hold onto my neck, and don't try anything stupid."
His voice was like distant thunder; quiet but with the edge of a threat to it. I complied and reached his arms around the beast's neck. Huge claws clasped around my back and then we were aloft.
Frigid air threatened to slice at my skin the creature shot through the sky. We touched down at the mouth of the cave and the dragon practically threw me to the ground. I grunted as the dragon leaned over me.
"My name is Attor. Yours?" he asked, emerald eyes flashing with what seemed to be curiosity.
"Jason," I croaked, still winded from the rough landing.
"Mmm. Strong name. I hope you hold up to it."