The smell of pine wafted through the air.
As we rode, I soaked in the scenery. The Aranian hills were beautiful, lush with green vegetation and surrounded by fields of wildflowers.
I felt Cragg's hands rest on my back as he stroked it lightly.
Although it was early morning, the warmth of the sun felt relaxing on my skin.
"There," Water said, pointing at the roots of a nearby oak tree.
Cragg helped the dragon to leap out of the saddle of the Aranian rider.
"I'll collect some firewood and make a fire. You two can have a rest from the saddle," Water said.
Water quickly ran away as I began to dismount.
Although I was riding, a part of me yearned to be on the ground and feel my feet touch the grass.
As Cragg let me go, I jumped out of the saddle of the Aranian rider and my feet touched the grass.
On the ground, free of the Aranian rider, I felt magical.
I walked around for a few moments and felt at peace.
"Tyrion," Cragg called.
I walked to him, excited for the chance to fly.
"Are you ready to fly?" Cragg asked.
"Yes," I said.
"We'll fly for a few hours and then we'll stop for lunch," Cragg said.
"Sounds good," I said.
"Do you want to go by fire or wind?" Cragg asked.
"Aren't they the same?" I asked.
"No. Wind enhances vision and fire is used for defense," Cragg said.
"Then by wind," I said.
"Good choice," Cragg said.
"Now mount up."
I walked over to him and stood in front of him.
He lifted me up onto his back and I felt my hand grip the silver scales of Cragg.
As I looked down, I noticed that each scale had a multitude of small diamond shaped scales.
All throughout Cragg's body, I noticed how the scales would glisten when the sun hit it.
Cragg let out a grunt as he bent his knees.
I leaned forward and felt the wind rush on my face.
There was no breeze, but there was a light wind as we flew.
The wind seemed to push us freely, allowing us to almost fly up into the air.
I could feel Cragg's talons dig into the air as he pushed himself up.
"We'll fly over the Aranian lands," Cragg said.
I felt the exhilaration of the wind send my body into a state of euphoria.
I felt no fear of falling from Cragg's back.
My body felt relaxed, as if there was no need for me to be in control.
It was as if the wind was guiding our flight.
Floating through the air on Cragg's back felt magical and exciting.
"Let's stop for lunch," Cragg said.
I turned my head around and saw two small villages.
I knew then that one was Arania and the other was Aranyl.
In the distance, I could see an army of Stalkers. It appeared to be the largest group of Stalkers that I had seen.
"That's the Aranian Army," Cragg said.
"What are Stalkers?" I asked.
"Stalkers are one of the alien Genasi races," Cragg said.
"What are they doing?" I asked.
"They're attacking the Aranian lands," Cragg said.
"Why?" I asked.
"Don't worry about that now. We need to find some shelter," Cragg said.
"They're going to attack Arunic," I said.
"That's true," Cragg said.
"You sound less concerned than you should," I said.
"My people, the Bela and the Aranias, are all one people. However, the Aranias are the ruling class and the Bela are the ruling class of the Aranias," Cragg said.
"So, what does that mean?" I asked.
"The Aranias are the military. They decide who the leaders are and who rules. The Bela are the equivalent. They are a lower rank, but they have more power than the Aranias," Cragg said.
"So, you're royalty?" I asked.
"Not really. I'm a warrior. I'm just one of the high-ranking ones," Cragg said.
"Why do the Stalkers want to attack them?" I asked.
"The Stalkers want to conquer and rule. The Aranian Army is a major obstacle to them doing so," Cragg said.
"So, they haven't attacked the Aranias yet?" I asked.
"No, they are gathering an army first," Cragg said.
"So, that's why you need to find shelter?" I asked.
"Yes," Cragg said.
"Do you know where there are caves or even abandoned dens?" I asked.
"Yes, there's an abandoned den nearby," Cragg said.
"Take us there."
Cragg grunted as he pulled himself up into the wind.
I felt the wind push against my face, pushing my head forward.
I felt a slight coldness against my shoulder as the wind rushed against my scales.
I felt the wind whistle in my ear, which almost sounded like a melodic tune.
Cragg flew in silence for a few minutes, with only the sound of the wind and the beating of my heart.
"See that cave?" Cragg asked.
I sat up straight and saw an indent in a stone pillar.
"It's an old Den," Cragg said.
"What's a Den?" I asked.
"I'm not sure. A Den is an abandoned place where an Alpha Dragon could hide when it's attacked," Cragg said.
"Are you an Alpha Dragon?" I asked.
"Yes, but I don't see you as one," Cragg said.
"Why?" I asked.
"Not everyone sees dragons as a threat," Cragg said.
"It sounds like you're used to the attack," I said.
"Yeah," Cragg said.
"Why?" I asked.
"Ever since I have been a dragon rider, Stalkers have been trying to conquer us," Cragg said.
"Why?" I asked.
"At one time, the Aranias were enslaving people. The Bela were trying to stop the Aranias, but they could not. They had to submit to them," Cragg said.
"But didn't you say the Aranias are the military?" I asked.
"Yes, but on this planet, the military rules. They have the ultimate say on what is done," Cragg said.
"I see," I said.
"What are they doing?" Cragg asked.
"I'm not sure. We need to go," I said.
"Yes," Cragg said.
Cragg flew the rest of the way in silence, until we stopped by the cave.
"In you go," Cragg said.
I climbed up on to Cragg's back.
"It's cold," I said.
"Get used to it. The sun never gets warm in here," Cragg said.
"I can see why," I said.
"I'll take you down to the village. It's your home," Cragg said.
"Thank you," I said.
