Master Of None

Somehow, the massive blue and white scaled dragon had landed right on top of the ice to look down on the group. Not a single one of them dared to breathe as they took in the sight. There were sharp looking blue and white scales that could easily cut through iron armor all over the dragon. The sharply pointed tail ended with multiple icy spikes showing off the strength of an ice dragon. 

The horns that grew from its head were equally spiked and made of ice. Even the dragons' breath was made of the same fog that came off of the centennial ice. Yet, the fog appeared to be much colder and caused small ice crystals to fall from the air. 

"Were you not listening? Who said you could take from my ice? I made this ice and have been letting it mature for over a century. Now, explain." The demand in the voice was heavy. However, there was one thing that didn't make sense. 

The wandering blacksmith had gotten his map and it was clearly marked by whoever the map had been created by. This meant that the centennial ice was not just known by the blacksmith who had circled it, but it was known by whoever else had this map as well. There was no way none of them knew the ice was the property of a dragon. 

Since Walker was thinking of the best way to respond, he used the all around appraisal skill to make sure he had everything he needed to say ready. 

'Old Frost Dragon- Illia 

This frost dragon had reached the age to be called old. It surpassed four hundred years of life nearing the five hundred mark. When it reaches a thousand years it will become an ancient dragon. The water elemental mana affinity is so powerful that this dragon was able to become an ice dragon that could breathe extremely concentrated mist. The frost breath it breathes can freeze an opponent solid in a blink of an eye. This frost dragon is only thirty years from obtaining a dragonkin form.'

It was not much information but Walker felt he could distract and throw the old ice dragon off enough to speak reason with it. 

"I apologize to you, Miss Illia. We were not aware that the map our friend purchased led to centennial ice that was created by a wondrous dragon such as yourself. If we had known we would not dare to harvest it from our forging activities. Since we have already taken some we should pay you properly for it. Does that sound acceptable?" 

The entire party waited without even breathing. "How do you know my name? You aren't even old enough to Walk and yet you know my name?" 

This was what Walker had hoped for. The frost dragon hearing her name was what distracted her from any anger she had right away. I was curious about how powerful the frost dragon in front of me was and I used an appraisal skill. I have a minor problem when it comes to curiosity for spectacular beings such as yourself."

Walker could feel that Midnight did not like that he was complimenting another dragon. However, the pressure she felt from being near Illia was too much. She could not even move without fear that she would cause a fight. 

"You try to sweeten your words. But you have taken what is mine and I do not like it. However, I will not slaughter you because I like the way you speak. I will take all the food you have on you. I am hungry and do not wish to hunt today." This was the best possible outcome. 

Since Walker had appealed to the frost dragon Illias' pride, he had allowed himself the path to get something for the dragon that she wanted. "Of course. Let me show off the provisions we have and I hope that you can take what you want." 

Walker began pulling out the myriad of foods he had stored. "You have spatial magic? You are an odd one." This surprised the dragon since she was not used to seeing such magic from humans. Instead, it was more normal for ancient dragons in their dragonkin form to have such magic. "Do not put fruits there. I do not care for them. But what is that cooked monster?" 

"These are roasted legs from frog type monsters. They live near the forests and even in the swamps. Next to them are jerky that was made from horned rabbits. There are also multiple boar and rabbit legs. Some have even been roasted with herbs. I also have some other bones if you want to snack on those for your meal?" 

The selection was not wide when it came to meat. The selection was bulky. Walker had constantly stored the foods that his mother cooked and gave to him. This would have been a small amount except for the fact that she made way too much for him since she was worried the party would not eat enough. 

Illia the frost dragon was bending down to try the food to see if it satisfied her when she caught a closer glimpse of the entire party. She could care less for the wandering blacksmith, Gil, and Remey. Even Walker who was using a spatial magic skill was not enough to capture her full attention. However, Midnight and Su were enough to capture her attention. 

It was clear that Su was trying to guard Midnight. She had moved on her own without thinking. The draconic guardian system was making her instincts shout at her to defend Midnight from this dragon. "You are a guardian and she is a champion. I can feel it. How do you have a young dragon champion with you and how is a human a guardian!? I will be freeing this little one from you. Come to me!" 

There was not a second to breathe. The frost dragon grabbed Midnight in her claws and flapped her wings in to the air heading toward the higher mountains. The party could only shout in horror as Midnight was taken away. Su collapsed to her knees having been unable to stop it from happening. She had not even been fast enough to react.

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