Princess in the Rough

Echo

“And now we need the dragon fire.” I really didn’t want to see Mal as a terrifying dragon. She looked very upset and sad, but it’s what we had to do.

“Yes, we do.” She said, paying careful attention to the ground to make sure she doesn’t trip, I was doing the same, but I was sneaking a few peaks at her.

I knew she didn’t want to become a dragon, terrifying other people doesn’t seem to be a Mal thing to do.

“You don’t have to. I’m sure we can find another dragon.” I suggested, even though I know the chances of finding a dragon and surviving are slim. Unless we find a really really nice dragon that would ask us over for tea. I would like to meet a dragon like that.

“No, that’s alright, dear. It’ll only be for a moment anyways.” Mal said, putting on a brave face for my benefit.

“Here we are.” I said, looking up at the twenty foot wall of brambles in front of me.

“Stand back, I might hurt you when I change forms.” She said and we stepped away from each other and she started to chant her spell. “I lacl puno hte gmaci fo ym ceoatnrs; ovedipr em twhi hte rpisit, doyb, rnegttshr, dna rfie fo a argdno!”

When Mal finished saying this, the transformation started. First her body grew at least four times its normal size, then her skin and clothes rippled into black scales that shone silver, next were the large, pointed, leathery black wings with a red hue, next her hands turned to three long talons with silver claws at the end.

Her feet were the same but they had three talons in the front and one in the back.

Another addition to her body was a long spine of black ridges that ran down her spin and ended at the tip of her tail; on the underside of her neck, body, and tail were larger, gold, rectangle shaped scales with rough, silver patches.

She had a long, elegant neck with two long silver horns pointed back on the top of her head. The final feature was a long snout with gleaming silver teeth inside it’s maw.

Mal roared softly and lowered her head to my level. I couldn’t help but shiver in fear.

“Your beautiful!” I said, in amazement and fear.

She sat down like a colossal puppy and cooed gratefully. Then she looked over at the wall of brambles, looked back at me, and nodded.

“Alright, let’s get to work.” I raised Excalibur with one hand, the other shouldering the bag with my storybook, the same bag Amber had made for me. It kind of smelled now, but it’s the thought that counts.

Mal turned to the brambles and blew a storm of fire that scorched them. I started to hack at the brambles, some of the thorns scraping up my arms, and others scrapping up my legs, which is still annoying. The heat of Mal’s dragon fire made the job even worse. I was careful not to light myself on fire.

At last the thorns started to wither away and we could push through to the castle. It felt like we were at it for hours, but we finally made it to the other side of the thorns.

I collapsed to the ground in exhaustion, barely avoiding getting impaled by my sword, which didn’t come with a holster, that made me a little mad.

Mal gave a few strangled growls which I think were supposed to be words.

“I don’t speak dragon.” I said as I closed my eyes a little to block out the bright sunshine. That grunt gave me an idea.

She whined in response and lay her head next to my body. I was only about the size of her neck so I could’ve easily rode her.

“Oh, I get it.” I rolled onto her neck as she jumped into the air. “I was just thinking.” I yawned. “Since you carry the curse like Amber, maybe you could transfer it to yourself? It wouldn’t put this kingdom asleep, it would put your kingdom to sleep, but you don’t have one, so no one else would fall asleep.”

I yawned again. This freaking curse is making me fall asleep as well!

“Don’t do it though, please. There has to be…” I didn’t finish. The curse had gotten to me, and now I was sound asleep on a flying dragon’s back.