The Dragon Man, Prologue

The road stretched before him, a well traveled road. He pulledhis wide brimmed hat down and bade his horse forward. He was tall, and elven like, courtesy of his father, and wore a blue scarf and a silk blue shirt, with black leather pants and high riding boots. The night was warm, with an occasional breeze rustling the leaves on either side. He whipped the reins slightly, speeding the horse's canter into a steady trot. Now was usually the time when robbers would be prowling the path.

A ways beyond, near the gate to the city, the man saw another being, laying upon the side of the road. Another being, he thought, fitted its description, for it was neither man nor animal. Muscles rippled under coal-black scales, suggesting masculinity, and strange, backwards colored eyes peered brightly from its snout. It wore rudimentary padding, a plate over one side of his chest; one arm completely covered, one thigh covered, and tassel hung down between his nether regions. The creature was laid out on the grass, staring at the stars, his weapons beside him. The man thought as he slowed his horse, resuming the canter, and pondered over the thing. The dragon man looked experienced, an expert at whatever his art was. Maybe he could assist him?

"Excuse me, sir." the man spoke as he rode up to the dragon man. It raised up on one knee. "May I call you sir?"

"Who wishes to know?" the dragon man said, soft but deep voice leaving an imprint in the air. Perhaps a magic user.

"I mean you no harm sir." The man said, pushing the orb topped pommel behind him and dismounting. " My name is Armin Corvus." He bowed.

"Dormang Malkovik." the dragon man said, nodding slightly. His hand moved away from his side, like he was letting go of a weapon.

"Well, Sir Malkovik, I believe I have a business proposition for one of your occupation."

"And what do you think my occupation is, Sir Corvus?" Dormang answered slyly, raising one scaled brow, and with a glitter in the strange colored eyes.

"Why, an adventurer, of course."

" I see." Dormang said, slowly nodding.

"If you accept, meet me at the Dancing Monkey at noon tomorrow, sharp." Corvus said, turning to mount his horse.

"And if I do not accept?" Corvus stopped, then faced him.

"Then, friend, you will miss out on a large sum of money." He said, patting a pouch on his horse that jingled with coins. He could see the dragon man's eyes widen. " I hope to see you at the Dancing Monkey, Dormang Malkovik." He mounted his horse, and began to ride off to the gate.

"By the way; I'm a Draconian." Corvus looked back, a slight smile on the draconian's snout, and he nodded, then rode off.

Dormang waited a moment before entering the gates himself. An adventurer? He pondered the answer. It must have been the gear. Not many assassins carried that many weapons, much less were they draconian. He entered the tavern he was staying at, The Golden Pony and went straight upstairs, ignoring the innkeep.

Dormang sat at a table and dumped his pack. A few daggers, bundles of papers, a couple coins and many other things. Most he would sell, but he would keep some. He finished sorting about an hour later and went to bed.