An Untitled Dragon Story, Installment/Chapter One: The Dream

Here's another story using a prompt. I think this one will become more of a novel. I have hopes for it. So, here's the first installment. I'm still working on the title.....

The dream came to her again. She was locked up in a tower; a knight stood below fighting a huge dragon. She was watching from a window cheering on one side, but she didn't know which. It was disturbing, and she slept no more that night. For weeks now she had dreamt the same thing. What did it mean?

Ayva rose before the sun and dressed herself. She sat in the window watching the sun rise. As she watched, she saw a procession approach the citadel. It was the caravan that came every year to trade with the citizens of Salthiel. Ayva smiled and hurried downstairs. "Papa! Mamma! The caravan has arrived!" As she turned the corner she ran into her mother coming towards her.

"Don't run, love. You'll hurt yourself." Her mother helped her up and smiled back. "You're awake early. I was just coming to wake you." Mother and daughter walked arm-in-arm to the breakfast room where her father stood waiting.

"Good morning," he said. "The caravan arrives today."

"Yes," Ayva said. "I saw them in the distance. I think they should be here by noon."

"Why did you wake so early? There was no need today. You have no lessons because of the caravan."

"I had a nightmare." Her parents looked at each other with a worried expression. Ayva saw, and was suddenly uncomfortable. She slipped into her seat.

A servant entered by the side door. "Your majesty, a messenger from the caravan is here. He wishes to speak to you. May I send him in?"

"Of course. Ayva, we will talk later."

Formalities. Ayva rolled her eyes. It was the same every year: a messenger came requesting permission to enter and trade, and her father willingly gave it and an invitation to dine.

The messenger bowed. "Your majesties, my lady, Sindri, leader of the Stigandr, sends his greeting. He requests permission of King Emirhan to enter the citadel and to sell and trade the wares of the caravan to your people."

"The kingdom of Salthiel welcomes with joy the caravan of Stigandr, and invites Sindri, leader, to join me tonight in a meal symbolizing our partnership."

When the messenger had left, Emirhan turned to his daughter. "Ayva, Every night you seem to wake from nightmares. Is something troubling you?"

"No, Papa, I cannot think of anything causing the nightmare."

"You speak of them as one. Why is that?"

"Because it is recurring. I am in a high tower overlooking a great plain, and on the plain a silver knight is fighting a dragon. I am cheering for one, but I do not know which. There are peaceful dragons in the land, are there not? The first time I had the dream I was only confused, but it has returned every night for a fortnight. It just disturbs me."

"Perhaps it is just a dream. Try not to think too deeply about it and enjoy yourself today. You can go into town and see the caravan if you wish."

After breakfast Ayva changed into a simple green dress, grabbed her cloak and walked into town. She wandered about the stalls, admired wares, and listened to tales of foreign lands. She saw one booth with a dragon painted on the tent. Glancing around as if worried someone might see she pulled back the tent flap and walked in. A young man about her age was standing over a table with his back to her. Sensing someone in the room he turned.

"Excuse me. I did not hear you come in. May I help you in any way?"

"I don't know." She smiled nervously. "I don't really know what brought me inside. Well... it's complicated."

He motioned towards a seat. "If you wish to explain I would be glad to listen. My name is Gaven. You are?"

"Eve." She didn't mind not telling the truth since her name did mean Eve. She took a seat. "I was drawn to your tent by the painting on your tent. It's a dragon."

"Yes, I study dragon lore. My father used to train dragons, but he disappeared when I was only nine. I believe he is still with the dragons, so I study them in hopes it will lead me to him. May I ask why the dragon interested you?"

"Oh, dragons are just such fascinating creatures. Do you think that dragons can fight for good? Or are they entirely evil without the help of man?"

"Ah, here we get into the mystery of the dragon. I believe that there are more good dragons than evil ones. My father was a dragon lord, he could speak to and understand dragons. Although I have tried to, I, alas, cannot. But, he told such stories of helpful dragons, and so few of evil ones, that I am sure that an evil dragon is rare. Does this ease your mind?"

"I had hoped it would, but I fear it does not. It is not your fault, though. I thank you for your time and teaching. How long will you be here? I may have other questions later."

"You have piqued my interest now. Why would a young lady of high standing -- for I can tell by the way you carry yourself that you are of high standing; it is no secret -- why would she be so curious of the ways of dragons? But, I shall not interrogate you. I myself despise one who whittles information out of me. I shall gain your confidence and let you tell me at your own timing. The caravan will be here for a week, I will have my tent out today and tomorrow and, depending on how much business I get during that time I may be out later as well. I'm staying at the Last Harting Inn; ask for me and I will be glad to serve you."

Ayva stood and pulled her purse, but Gaven protested. "On me, please. You have given me joy to know that someone is as interested in dragons as I."

She thanked him and left the tent. Half-conscious she made her way back to the castle. She was quiet the rest of the day, pondering what Gaven had told her. What should she be wary of? Dragons or Knights? If the majority of dragons were good, she should fear Knights, but what if the dragon in her dream was one of the minority?