"I stared up at the wall
uncertainly. I knew that I was being stupid. If I went in there, there was a
good chance that I’d be thrown in prison. It would be irrational to do it. On
the other hand, if I didn’t, I would spend my entire life wondering what would
have happened if I had.
I
could do this. I had to do this. I took a deep breath. I reached up and grabbed
the first handhold. Then, I pulled myself up, stepping onto the first foothold.
I continued to do this until I reached the top. Finally, I peered over the
edge. The city below was full of life. Elven people crowded the streets.
I
climbed down on the opposite side, into the elven capital. I glanced right and
left. No one appeared to have seen me climb the wall. I stepped into the street
in awe. I looked around, wide-eyed, at the city. There was so much to look at!
I saw merchants selling their goods on the street. I saw elven men observing
certain objects, but there was even more elven women. I observed them closely.
I realized just how little freedom they had. They never spoke to men unless
spoken to. They never spoke their minds. The thought made me shudder. I
wouldn’t be able to stand not talking. I knew a lot of bad things would have
happened if I couldn’t talk. I supposed that was why I wasn’t an elf.
I
continued to wander the streets, watching the elves curiously. Ever since I was
little, I’d been taught that elves were heartless creatures by nature. Looking
at them now, I was sure that we’d been wrong. The elves appear in high spirits.
They were happy despite all their problems. It was so different from dragons. A
lot of the time they were bitter. It made me wish I could be a part of this
people.
I
paused, startled. There was a palace guard, staring at me. I shuddered when our
eyes met. I didn’t like it. I turned on my heel, heading down an empty street.
Finally, I glanced back, relieved to see that no one was following. I leaned
back against a building, and closed my eyes. Unfortunately, my peace was
short-lived.
Suddenly,
someone came up to me, slamming their hands on either side of me. I opened my
eyes, taken aback. My eyes widened as I met the gaze of that same palace guard.
He stood in front of me, his hands on either side of me, touching the wall. His
face was close enough that I could smell him. I tried to push him away, but he
ignored me. Then, he grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up at him. I clenched
my teeth, and glared at him.
'Now
what’s a pretty thing like you doing in a place like this?' he said smoothly.
I
lost control. I raised a hand and slapped him across the face. For a minute, he
was too stunned to react. By the time he had recovered, I was preparing to hit
him again. This time, the guard caught it. He grabbed my wrist. I tried to
wrench free, but it was no use. He was stronger than me.
Then,
his eyes widened in surprise. He had seen the white dragon wrapping around my
arm. It was the dragon’s mark. In elven form, every dragon had it. It was our
greatest flaw.
The
man smiled darkly. 'Dragon,' he said, stating the obvious. I wanted to make a
sarcastic reply, but I was too afraid of what would happen now. He watched me
for a long time.
Then,
he began to pull me along, still holding onto my wrist. I refused to go with
him. I fought him with all my might. Finally, he stopped. He watched me, unsure
what to do. I glared back stubbornly.
I
gasped suddenly as he brought his fist down on my head. Unconsciousness was
instantaneous."
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