Talk To Dragons

Engel and Violet sat in the university dining hall with full plates in front of them. Meats and vegetables stacked with gravy and slices of cake on smaller dishes nearby, finished with large glass cups of juice and water were to be just the beginning of their promised rewards. Engel was on the table next to his plate of stacked meat slabs, chewing happily. The little witch seemed less enthusiastic.

"How did we get ourselves into this mess?" she asked her friend.

"I think you're being too negative," Engel replied, swallowing to speak. "It wasn't as if we were on a time limit to get to the elves. What's wrong with getting all that we can out of these people in exchange for your ability to read?"

"Aren't you worried about that witch that attacked us in plain sight?"

"Well, yes, of course. But I'm confident that we can take care of ourselves. Or we can at least enjoy the safety of this place until we figure out how."

Violet let out a sigh and reluctantly gave in for the time being. She sat her hat down on the table and grabbed her fork, trying to ignore all of the eyes that were upon them. It was apparent that the numerous students that attended the school had a strong curiosity for the two guests, but at least they weren't approaching them. Even more irritating to Violet, but appreciated, was an armored guard that constantly stood nearby in order to ensure their safety.

"Just think about how desperate they were when you said you could read the book," Engel continued. "We could easily ask for supplies and directions when we are ready to leave."

"Yes, I know," Violet replied, chewing hungrily on her food. "I hope that Becky is happy in the university stables. I don't know if horse accommodations can vary in quality."

"The stables here at the university are a step above most," their watchful guard commented. "Perhaps only second to the royal castle."

"Oh, good then," Engel said.

"Tell me, metal man, is there usually witch activity in these parts?" Violet asked the guard.

"Not to my knowledge," he answered. "You're the first witch I've ever seen and there hasn't been any worry about conflict with magic folk of any kind for a least a decade. There was a strange incident with pixies in the northern hills, but that was easily dealt with."

"So, it would seem that my attacker and I are new oddities to this place," Violet said. "I wish I could remember more useful things about myself. Then maybe I could piece together what's going on."

"Maybe something in that book can unlock whatever is hiding in your memories," Engel suggested. "It can't hurt to try. Well, it might hurt to try. Never mind."

"I don't know what you plan on doing with that book of evil, little witch, but I won't allow it in the city," a deep, aggressive voice told her.

Violet looked to see an aged man in a red and white robe approaching her. The hard glare and black circular symbol of vines and an iron cross told her everything she needed to know; a man of the church was addressing her.

"Are you here to make sure I don't turn everyone into my slaves?" Violet replied. "Be careful, I might make you into a little animal minion."

"Go ahead and try," the clergyman replied. "I'd appreciate legal evidence to burn you at the stake."

"I thought all races were okay with each other's existence?" Engel questioned.

"They have to be, under the rule of their kings, but that won't stop prejudice from staying deeply rooted," Violet explained.

"Speaking with a dragon," the clergyman scoffed. "Is that some poor soul you've entangled with magic? You abomination."

"Your words sooth my jittery nerves," Violet replied. "Will you be dining with us? I'm going to read from my storybook in the library soon after."

"I will not let that happen! I am going at once to the leadership of this university to demand you be removed for the safety of the students."

The clergyman walked away in a what Violet could only guess was a cloud of hate. His presence seemed to make many of the onlookers very nervous.

"He seems nice," Engel said.

"That fool is going to make all this time a waste if we can't read the book," Violet said. "Hurry up and finish your meal. We might not get another here."