Softtreader

Rain had started to fall. It wasn't a torrential downpour, but it wasn't a drizzle either. Raindrops sliced diagonally across the foggy sky like silver arrows fired from above. Roused by the pitter-patter of water droplets outside the cave mouth, the dragon curled up in his nest of stalagmites gradually uncoiled, his pupils dilating.

It's time, he thought, she's going to pass by in a few minutes, and if you don't finish the job your head will end up mounted on a spike outside of the headquarters.

Clouds of steam began to gather. It was the perfect cover; any sense of colour would be dulled, the white noise of the rain would block out any telltale sounds that might expose him; Softtreader could slip in and out with a lowered chance of being noticed.

He heard a quiet snore sound from the rocky ledge above him. His brother, Lull, hasn't woken up yet, despite being given clear orders to do so. If anyone lived up to their name, it was Lull. He snored on, oblivious to the rain and sudden dampening of the cave.

Softtreader reached up to shake him awake, then he hesitated, jerking his arm back.

Should I really do it? I mean--I was told to go in pairs, but I'm definitely capable of doing this simple task myself. Maybe if I managed to do it alone, I would get a promotion--

His train of thought broke when Lull turned over in his sleep, murmuring incoherent words.

I need to be quick. She's leaving soon.

Swiftly he stepped over the jutting rocks and shook out his wings.

One more chance.

He turned towards the slumbering Lull, whose chest was rising and falling peacefully.

I'm sorry.

He slipped over the edge of the cave exit, launching off, his patterned wings extended; his snakelike body enveloped by the milky steam. Rain trickled onto his spine and neck as he looked over his shoulder to check on Lull once more.

His head dipped beneath the clouds just before he caught a glimpse of the ledge where his brother rested.


It was empty.