Dragonmaiden

[Acalewia]

Legend tells of men and women with the hearts and courage of dragons. These men and women called themselves the Dragonclan. Each Dragonmaster and Dragonmaiden was trained in bow and sword craft, along with bow and sword magic. Nothing surpassed them in skill.
Many years ago tragedy struck the Maidans. They were given a choice, flee or fall. Many fled while many more choose death until one was left: Nadia, the Dragonmaiden's leader. In the end her fate was unknown.
Now the Maidens are just legend, while the Masters still protect those that cannot prtect themselves


Salande watched the two men from the corner of her eye. They had been following her since she entered the market. She sighed. Her tiny village would harbor travelers of all kinds. Her mind told her not to worry, but her instincts told her otherwise.
"Afternoon, Salande" She smiled, then rubbed her earlobe, pinkie out. The sign she was being followed. Nodding, he went on to confront the men, the last thing Salande wanted.

Moments later, they were behind her again. Salande doubled around several times before finally losing them. This was the second time this week she had to do this. She sighed once inside her house.

"Hello, Mummy!" the youngest of the two girls greeted her.
"Hello, Nale" Lavish joined them.
"Let me take that, Salande" In the five years since marrying her father, Lavish still called her by her name, while the younger had embraced her as her mother. Salande closed the curtains and gave one last look outside before turning to her family.

***

Salande checked on the girls before joining her husband. As she combed out her hair, she noticed Jasper watching.
"What?"
"You're beautiful" he got up and kissed her neck and ran a finger down the chain around her neck that held a key in the shape of a dragon with wings outstretched.
"Come to bed, Salande"

Salande sat up in bed. Then she heard it again.
"Jasper! There's someone in the house!" she whispered. Jasper looked at her sleepily
"What?"
"Get up!" Jasper then heard footsteps. "Get the girls and get them out of here" Salande grabbed her robe while Jasper went to confront the intruders.

"Wake up, Nale. Wake up"
"What is it, Salande?" Lavish was tying her robe.
"Help me get your sister up" A moment later, they heard Jasper cry out.
"Now! Let's go!" Salande's plan was to take the girls through the kitchen, out to the stable and on Midnight. But the intruders found them before they reached the kitchen.
"Go!" Lavish screamed. The way out was blocked. Salande pushed the girls behind her while grabbing the knife she had left on the counter.
"Back off!" One of the men lunged at her. She slashed him across the chest. The man rewarded her with a very strong backhand. She heard one of the girls scream before she saw darkness.