Chapter 6: The Cave

Draco flew high above the trees in the form of a dragon. He rode the wind and rose even higher through the clouds. The dark sky filled with twinkling stars was clearly visible, while under Draco's massive body laid a stretch of cumulonimbus clouds from end to end.

Astrid still clung very tightly to his back. The girl was clearly trembling with fear because she had never flown so fast or so high. If the girl were thrown off Draco's back, the body would have been crushed.

Draco wasn't too worried about Astrid. The girl was currently wearing her robe made from Draco's dragon scales. The robe would protect Astrid's body from impact. The cloak also kept Astrid against Draco's back. Unfortunately, Astrid did not know the uniqueness of the robe she was wearing. Naturally, Astrid was scared. Draco had absolutely no interest in telling Astrid because he was busy concentrating on flying while his strength was still there. He almost passed out.

Draco flew as far away from Count Barney's territory. He flew to a sparsely populated northern area. Draco dived down into the mountainous area. The ridge to the top of the mountain was covered with fog at night and snowing. The air at the top of the mountain was very thin, and the cliffs were so steep that it was difficult for humans to climb to the top of the mountain. It was one of the most favorite places for Draco to hide in that area.

Draco floated down into the forest in the mountains. There was a stream of water at the bottom of the cliff in the middle of the cliff. In the middle of the cliff, there was a hole that leads to a cave. The hole was big enough for Draco's dragon body to enter.

Draco landed in the cave. The landing was not smooth. His body rolled when he arrived in the cave until Astrid was thrown from his back and fell into the cave wall.

"Ouch ..." groaned Astrid as she tried to get up after falling in a tumbling position.

The inside of the cave was very dark. Astrid gropes in the dark. She tried to get up and walk, but her leg stumbled, and she fell to the ground. Finally, she decided the safest way, for now, was to crawl while accustoming her eyes to the darkness.

"Ahem, Draco. Can we turn on the light? Or maybe you can light a torch?" asked Astrid.

No answer from Draco. Only Draco's breath could be heard as if he was in pain.

"Draco?" asked Astrid again.

Draco tried to answer but what came to Astrid's ears was a dragon's moaning pain. Okay, this was no good.

Astrid moved to feel the cave wall and found a torch stick filled with oil attached to the wall's torch support. He pulled out the torch stick and tried to find Draco's position with the guidance of the dragon's ragged breathing.

Astrid managed to find the part of Draco's head. She groped him and found Draco's nose and mouth.

"Can you make fire out of your breath?" asked Astrid.

Draco gave a short moan in response. Astrid brought the torch stick closer to Draco's nose. The black dragon snorted slightly loudly, and with a flick of the torch, ignited.

“Amazing. It turned out that the dragon fire breath was real. I still didn't expect to have met a real dragon. Oh, this is really cool! Awesome!” said Astrid in awe.

Astrid immediately found another torch stick that was on the torch supports along the cave wall. She lit the torches from end to end so that the light in the cave was adequate. As soon as Astrid lights up the torch, she realized that the cave was Draco's kind of shelter with all the tools humans have. There were household utensils, clothing, and other possessions to train a living dragon to behave like humans.

Draco sprawled on the floor with the body of a black dragon. He was shaking and looked in pain.

“Draco, what's wrong? What should I do to help you?" asked Astrid, worried.

Draco just answered with a weak groan. His eyes looked down at the end of the cave's unexplored passageway. He gazed with red eyes at Astrid with a pleading look.

Astrid didn't quite understand what Draco meant, but she understood that something at the end of the cave might help her new friend. Astrid rushed over for a trot, torch in hand. The passageway was actually longer than she thought. Along the way, she installed torch lights to make her journey easier.

Inside the cave, there was a lake filled with silvery-white glowing water. The water was so clear that Astrid could see the bottom of the lake. There was an enormous crystal that resembles a giant white heart shape in the middle of the lake. It seemed that the crystal was what made lake water had a healing effect and had strong magic energy.

Astrid scooped up the lake water with cupped palms, then drank it to quench her thirst. Immediately her body felt refreshed and energized again. Never before had she felt that her body was so healthy and fresh. Astrid immediately realized what Draco had asked her. She quickly ran back to where she had come, looked for a sizable basin, then ran back toward the lake. Her steps were light and fast. Astrid could run at speed many times her normal speed.

Astrid filled the wooden basin she was carrying with lake water until the container was filled. She then walked quickly to return to where Draco laid. She tried to walk as carefully as possible so that the water she was carrying did not spill. She carried the wooden basin in one hand because the other was holding the torch. Surprisingly, her little hands were so powerful that she could carry the heavy wooden basin with ease. Since drinking that lake water, Astrid's energy and strength had been overflowing.

Draco was already in a trance when he felt water running between his teeth. He licked and swallowed the water that had entered his mouth. Forcing himself, Draco opened his eyes and saw Astrid sitting across from him with a basin of lake water thrust up his mouth. Draco looked up and took a sip of water that was in the wooden basin at his mouth. He drank the water in the basin until it ran out.

The lake water refreshed Draco's body and gave him a little energy. Draco tried to get up but failed. His breath was still shallow. Soon he heard Astrid's footsteps that sounded distant, then drew closer again. A basin of lake water was thrust back at its muzzle. Draco drank it all. This time, he tried to get up and succeed.

Draco dragged himself and walked slowly toward the lake. He then threw himself into the lake. The lake water healed him quickly so he could transform back into his human form. Nimble, Draco swam to the surface of the lake and pulled aside. Astrid has been waiting for him there.

"Are you all right?" implored Astrid.

"It is okay. I'm all right now. Thanks for helping Me earlier," Draco replied.

Astrid breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank God, I thought you almost died earlier," said Astrid.

"Well, you could say that," Draco replied with a grim face.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm dying, Astrid. If my mission fails, I will die along with the rest of the dragon races,” Draco replied with a darkened face.

“Oh, then your mission is vital. We have to succeed,” said Astrid sympathetically.

"I do not know. I am not sure. This mission… I don't know how to complete it. I'm clueless," Draco said as he closed his eyes. His face looked tired and desperate.

Astrid didn't dare ask any further questions. She's trying to divert the topic, at least for now.

“By the way, what crystals are at the bottom of the lake? Looks like a healing crystal, huh? This lake water has a healing and energizing effect on the body,” said Astrid trying to divert attention.

But Draco's face grew even more gloomy at Astrid's words.

“That White Crystal is Albus's dragon heart, my mentor. He sacrificed his heart to keep my life. I can live to this day thanks to Albus's heart," Draco replied honestly with a sore heart. His face looked pained from telling this.

"Then, where's Albus?" asked Astrid wondered.

"Albus has become a stone. He was the last dragon to stone. I am the only dragon that hasn't turned to stone. If my mission fails, then the dragon race ends and goes extinct. I'll never be able to wake them from their long hibernation," Draco replied.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. The heart was wonderful, like a magic gemstone used by great sorcerers. I've read in a book that great sorcerers use magic gems that have different powers,” Astrid said, praising.

Draco snorted in annoyance.

“Those rotten sorcerers do use dragon gems, which are the source of dragon power for their magic power. Humans slaughter dragons for the sake of grabbing dragon magic gems,” Draco replied, trembling with hatred.

Astrid swallowed hard at this. It looked like she said something wrong, and it stirred Draco's bad memories.

"Then is the power of Albus' white crystal purifying and healing?" asked Astrid, trying to praise him.

"Yes, you are right," Draco replied.

“Then why don't you take it with you and use it during the trip? I see you're not feeling well?" asked Astrid.

"I do not want it, Astrid. Even though human magic is poisonous to me, I can't use Albus's heart. I still hope he can rise again if my mission is successful. If that heart recognizes me as its new owner, then Albus will never be able to wake up again,” Draco replied.

"Then, forget about my idea. Maybe we need to bring lots of lake water during the trip,” Astrid replied, feeling wrong about speaking.

"I think your idea is good. Great job, Astrid."

“By the way, what happened to you just now? Why does it seem like you are running out of steam? And how did you get caught by a slave seller? Aren't you powerful enough as a dragon?" Astrid asked curiously.

“Before meeting you, I was somewhere else, trying to retrieve the magic stone belonging to a human sorcerer. However, the sorcerer managed to injure me and poison me. Even without the need to be poisoned, my energy is quickly depleted when I am in the company of humans for too long. I'm dying and getting weaker. When I fled to the city, some bandits captured me and sold me to a slave dealer. The next story you already know," Draco replied.

Astrid nodded in understanding.

"Am I also allowed to swim in the lake as you did earlier?" asked Astrid.

Draco glared at Astrid.

“You think you can stain Albus's sanctuary at will? You dare not. I don't allow you to dip your body into the lake. You can drink the water and wash your body with lake water. But, you can't go into the lake, or I'll kill you with my own hands. Understand?" Draco threatened. His strength has recovered, so he was able to threaten others at that moment.

"Ugh. Bad idea. Forget my request. Okay, I'll remember it well. Now, can you give me a change of clothes? This outfit is too thin and transparent. It’s a sleeping gown anyway. There's no way I'm traveling in these clothes," pleaded Astrid.

“There are some human clothes and shoes in the closet. Choose for yourself. Later if you want, we can buy some supplies for the trip to the village or city that we pass by,” said Draco.

"Ah, great. I want to buy some clothes. Besides, we are quite rich because I already took the gold coins and jewel rings from the enemy's body,” Astrid said proudly, taking out money and a ring from behind her pocket.

Draco glanced at the money and gem ring that Astrid had painstakingly stolen with a disinterested gaze. He sighed.

"Apparently, you were busy stealing this worthless object while I was fighting the enemies back then. If you like things like this, I have a lot. Hold on," said Draco.

Draco pressed down on a rock wall, and there was a rumbling sound accompanying one of the sliding rock walls. Inside was a small room filled with piles of gold coins, gems, and other treasures. Draco took the large sack of gold and gemstones in it and threw it at Astrid's feet.

"Is this enough? It looks like my gemstones are of better quality than the gemstones in the ring you stole. But these things were actually worthless to the dragon clan, as we valued objects with magic power more. Oddly, these objects are beautiful to humans," Draco said, confused.

"Worthless? Are you crazy? We can buy mansions and delicious food! We can even buy a small area to make our own territory! If you don't want to keep these things, give it to me,” cried Astrid in disbelief.

"Huh? Do your eyes sparkle with human greed? This is only a fraction of the treasure the dragons have,” Draco replied with an arrogant grin.

"Oh, Lord Dragon, suddenly, I feel fortunate to meet you," cried Astrid happily.

"Ha, you only said that after seeing this trash," Draco said.

“I would be happy to be your partner if you had this much wealth. You must share it with me,” Astrid said with a look of adoration.

"If my mission is successful, you can take as much of this trash as you can with your own hands," Draco replied, smiling.

"Is that a promise? I will remember what you said just now,” said Astrid.

“Dragons won't break promises. We keep our words with dignity. Now hurry up and prepare yourself. We won't be here all day long,” Draco replied.

"Yes, all right," replied Astrid, hurrying away.

"Astrid," Draco said, stopping the girl from walking.

"Yes?" Astrid stopped in her tracks and turned her head. She looked at Draco with her round amber eyes.

"Why are you saving my life?" Draco asked, looking closely at Astrid's face. His gaze felt gentler than before.

"Because you need help," Astrid replied innocently.

“You can choose not to help me. Aren't humans delighted when they can kill dragons?" Draco asked.

"I have no idea. I just feel like helping you. That is all. Besides, you're my only friend right now, Draco,” Astrid said with a big grin.

"Am I really your only friend?" Draco asked, unable to believe his ears. His cheeks flushed red without realizing it.

Astrid took a step forward and took Draco's hand. She gripped Draco's hand tightly then lifted her head slightly with a sincere smile.

"Draco, thank you. You have saved me from danger. All this time, I felt alone. Now, I'm not lonely anymore. It's thanks to you. Thank you," said Astrid.

Draco's face felt warm and flushed red.

"Thank you, Astrid. You saved my life,” Draco replied earnestly.

They were silent for a moment before Astrid released her grip from Draco's hand. Astrid blushed, and she looked down in embarrassment.

"Then I'll go first to get ready," Astrid said as she turned and hurried away.

Draco stood alone. He lifted the palm Astrid was holding with a smile. He brought the hand to his face and kissed it gently with his eyes closed.

Astrid deftly cleansed herself. She chose clothes that allowed her to move freely. Comfortable leather trousers and shoes were a great choice for a dangerous trip. She got a magic backpack that could hold a lot of things and stay light from Draco. So she happily put in some cooking utensils and camping equipment. She also put in a pouch filled with gold coins and gemstones. Astrid also carefully inserted the sword and bow she currently had. She also put in several leather bags filled with lake water.

Astrid could see that Draco was also carrying a backpack with equipment in it. When Astrid intended to return the robe he borrowed, Draco refused.

"The robe is for you. The robe is made from my dragon scales, so it has a lot of function and power. Don't ever take off that robe because it will protect you,” Draco said.

"Thank you," replied Astrid.

Draco took another robe, which was also made of dragon scales, and put it on his body.

"Let's go, amicus," Draco said to Astrid.

"Amicus?" Astrid asked in surprise.

“We are bound by a dragon magic contract as a partner. Your status is amicus to me, and I am amicus to you,” explained Draco.

"Oh, then I ask your help from now on, Amicus Draco," said Astrid, giggling happily.

Draco smiled faintly. He then turned around and gave his back to Astrid. This time Astrid didn't hesitate to climb on Draco's back. With agile movements, Draco jumped into the free air and flew away after transforming into a dragon. They flew quickly to different areas again. This time Draco took Astrid to a slightly larger town near the capital because he intended to buy plenty of travel supplies.

They rented a decent room in a hotel. The room consisted of one living room with two bedrooms, complete with bathrooms in each private room. With the money Draco had, Astrid could enjoy comfortable facilities that she could only imagine before. Draco let Astrid hold the money during the trip because he was also still learning about the value of gold coins and gems as exchange rates for buying and selling transactions.

Astrid invited Draco to buy some weapons at the weapon shop. Astrid also bought armor that fits her body. She also had time to stop by the drugstore to buy some herbs for wounds and medicine for several diseases as a provision.

Astrid also stopped by the magic shop to buy some general magic tools. Draco did not want to enter the magic shop because he always felt bad when he was close to human magic tools. Then, they visited the grocery store to buy perishable foodstuffs for supplies. Finally, Astrid took Draco to a clothing boutique to pick out some clothes and shoes.

"I don't understand why I need to choose so many clothes?" complained Draco, busy trying on several kinds of clothes.

"We need it because we have a long way to go. Just follow me, Lord Draco,” Astrid replied as she pushed Draco back into the changing room.

"Has your master finished choosing clothes?" asked the female waitress in the boutique.

"Yes, I will tell you which clothes and shoes my master chose. Ah, please also pack the women's clothes and shoes of my choice,” Astrid said happily.

"Of course, miss," replied the maid.

Astrid then walked, following the boutique’s attendant to make payment. She took out several gold coins from her small pouch.

Suddenly there was a yell from behind with a booming sound.

"Heh! You lowly woman! What are you doing here? You must have stolen the money! Security! Catch this thief!" shouted a woman hysterically as she brushed the money bag in Astrid's hand.

Two knights grabbed Astrid by the wrist and pushed her down to the floor.

"What are you doing?" cried Astrid angrily.

Astrid's hand was pulled behind her back, and one of the knights who caught her was trampled on her back.

"Shut up, thief! You rat! Tell me where you got the gold coins! You can't have that kind of money, Astrid!” snapped the woman with a cruel face.

"Oh, you seem to remember my name, damn old lady!" said Astrid mockingly as she spat in the middle-aged woman's face.

"God damn it! How dare you!" said a knight slapping Astrid's face, hard enough that her lips bled.

The woman crouched down and squeezed Astrid's mouth until Astrid grimaced in pain.

"Tell me, where did you steal the gold? I will torture you until you confess,” said the woman in a cold tone and cruel expression.