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I sat silently as I waited. I watched as a rat scurried across my cell. Mentally I was already prepared. I'd been sentenced to 40 lashes for theft of the coins in my possession, roughly 40 coppers and 5 silvers. A surprisingly exuberant amount for someone homeless, yet I had earned each Drujera with hard work at the smith. Unfortunately the man had passed a couple days prior, leaving me the total of my work for me since taking me as his apprentice, and no defense. A Rider and two guards approached and opened the cell. The Rider stood a head taller than I was. He had long shoulder length red hair and a well maintained beard, his eyes were a gentle blue, and held soft compassion. His blade was a flaming orange. “I've been ordered to examine your mind. If you refuse, I am to have you whipped for the theft." I glanced at the man. “I… I Can't. I can't let you. Please I didn't do anything."

“You know how the evidence looks. Just a couple months ago you were stealing food, now you have more Drujera than half of the city. It doesn't look good."

“I KNOW HOW IT FUCKING LOOKS OKAY?! WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO SAY?!" More tears threatened to fall as the man glanced at the guards. “Leave us." The guards saluted and stepped out of the cell, closing it behind them. As soon as they had, The Rider turned to me. “You're innocent." It wasn't a question. “I've seen plenty of men down here, each one has begged me not to examine his mind. Each one protesting his innocence. But this type of outburst.. that's how I know you're innocent. The truly guilty try to talk out of it. But.. without this we cannot prove your innocence. Several people have already accused you of stealing from them."

“Please.. I can't show you, please understand. Please…" The Rider layed a comforting hand on my bare shoulder, my tunic having been taken after my sentencing, leaving me with a sleeveless sackcloth shirt.. “Can you tell me why?" I looked at him in dismay. “I… I'm.. I'm a.. I can't…" He breathed a sigh of sadness. “You have a secret you don't want revealed." I glanced at him with tears in my eyes. “What's your name, son?"

“Ionakana of Dareth." The Rider smiled softly. “I am Comac, Rider of Athan. Listen, Ionakana… I am a Rider, my duty is to protect the people of Akourith. That extends to you, Ionakana. So long as your secret isn't illegal, I will not reveal it." I sighed. Deep down I knew it was going to get out either way if anyone was smart enough to see the Scar. But I refused to speak.

We sat silent. “Will you submit? Or…"

“I didn't do it. I earned every coin legitimately. But… I can't… " Comac sighed. I felt tears start to fall as I realized what I had done. Silently Comac pulled me into an embrace. “I'm sorry."

Insults and rotted food were thrown at me as I was led to the Whipping post. The Royal Guard called out over the jeering crowd as Comac silently tied my wrists to the Post. “The Prisoner Ionakana of Dareth is charged with theft over 5 silver pieces! The sentence is 40 lashes, followed by being marked as a Thief, by order of the magistrate of the Crown, Lord Horthal!" As the order was completed, Comac cut open my shirt. As he pulled it from my body, baring my torso, he went wide eyed, and I saw the word silently leave his mouth. The secret, my secret, had been realized. I was to be whipped, and he knew my secret. My attempt to hide it was now pointless. He glanced at me with sudden understanding and sorrow. “Has the Rider charged with examining the Prisoner completed his task?" Comac looked from me to the Guard. I could see his mind working as he struggled to find a solution. “I.. I have."

“And what is the result of your findings?" He glanced at me and for a moment I saw a great amount of sorrow. The crowd raucously called for my punishment as he gazed out at them. “WHIP HIM!"

“WHIP THE THIEF!"

“HE'S A THIEF!"“

The Prisoner is.." _Innocent! I'm innocent! _He glanced at me once more as he spoke the words. “The Prisoner is guilty.." He said the word with solomness, and in the moment I felt the apology in the word. I glanced at him for a moment, as he murmured. “I'm so sorry…"

“I know.." He stepped away and I heard the whip catch air, just before it struck.

I awoke laying on my stomach on a soft bed, my body felt as though it were floating. The warm light of a candle flickered as I lay still, my vision blurring every so often. All at once my body came back to me and I cried out as my back throbbed with pain. I realized I was still bare chested as a woman silently entered, carrying two bowls, followed closely by Comac and two guards. Without a word they began working, cleaning my back and using magic to heal more severe wounds. A paste was rubbed over it as I faded out. As I awoke a second time, my body felt like I was on fire. I tried to rise but felt a cold hand press at my chest. “Relax. Relax Ionakana. You're safe. Relax." Still I struggled to rise. “PLEASE! Ionakana, Be still! You'll only hurt yourself more! Rest!" The voice sounded kind and I grasped at it before the cold hand left my chest, and was joined by its twin in holding my hand. “It's alright. You're okay. Please, rest." As I was lowered to the bed, a word was spoken, one I didn't recognize, but darkness met me again. The third time I awoke I found Comac sitting next to me, a hand gently laid atop my cheek. He smiled softly, and laid a wet rag to my head. It felt like ice before I passed out again a moment later.

I awoke a bit later. It was dawn, and I noted a dying fire in the fireplace across the room. Slowly I tried to move, as my back throbbed in protest. Wincing in pain I managed to roll my body into a sitting position at the edge of the bed. No sooner had I done so, then the world spun and I felt like I was falling. I stayed still for a moment until the world slowed enough to take stock of myself. I was nude, stripped down completely to my skin save a number of white cloth bandages wrapped around my chest and back. I glanced around for my clothes but saw nothing. As I glanced around I saw a glass filled with water, and I immediately grasped for it, downing the whole thing in a few gulps. My mouth felt terribly dry, and it certainly helped. I sat for a moment before I heard footsteps approaching. I grasped for the furs covering the bed, but barely had a hold on them as the door opened. The Rider Comac stepped inside, surprised that I was sitting up. He was carrying a tray of food that he sat down as he rushed over to me. “Easy. Lay back down. No need to rush it." He gently laid a callused hand to my shoulder and gently guided me back down onto the bed. “You've been out for a while, Ionakana. You contracted fever, hence your current state of dress."

I let him gently guide me to a semi lying position as my head and upper body met the softness of a pile of pillows. Softly, he covered my body with soft furs, the feeling of them bringing a sense of comfort I hadn't felt since I was a boy. Exhaustion came quickly, before he approached with the tray. “Are you hungry? It's not much, but I got some eggs, cheese and bread. There's some wine and water as well."

“Water. Please.." My voice was scratchy and he poured another glass from a pitcher on the tray, I took it and downed the contents, before he filled it again with the same result. He silently filled it twice more before my thirst was quenched, and I lay silent for a moment. “Ionakana… I…" his voice faltered a moment. I glanced at him as he rubbed a hand across his face. “I'm sorry. The moment I saw that scar I knew exactly why you were apprehensive to allow me to examine your mind." I glanced at him for a moment as he sat silently. “Though it goes against the orders for you I healed your brand mark as a Thief. It's obvious to me, you did nothing wrong. The whip scars, I'm sorry to say, are… less easy to heal without being too obvious."

“.... How do you know?" Comac seemed apologetic as he spoke. During your fever I.. I had to enter your mind to ensure there was no damage. I saw your account to be true. Unfortunately, I.. I am forbidden to heal your lashes, even if you were innocent." I lay silent. “Are you going to kill me?" The Rider smiled. “No. I've not seen much of your… activities after you turn, but I've no reason to kill you. How long have you been a Werewolf?" I shrugged. “Since I was 9. My father took me on a hunt. We were camping when…" I trailed off as I remembered the snarling beast clawing and tearing at my Father, his screams echoing through the memory as I swung my bow at the beast, only for it to clamp down on my shoulder, before turning back to my father. “I lived with just the bite on my shoulder but Father.." again I returned to the memory as I awoke to the mangled body of my father, and my bloodied self. “I tried to return to our village but… I turned the next night, before I reached it.. I still remember how much it hurt, but… I don't remember what I did. If I hurt anyone. I just know I was chased from my village. Then I settled in Dareth. I kept it hidden. I adapted and went out into the wilderness to turn. No one asked questions. No one cared what a filthy beggar child did in the wilderness. Over time I became… paranoid. I don't know that anyone suspected anything. All I do know is I was coming back with bigger and bigger game, and half eaten bucks were being found. By that point I moved again, starting the process over. I've lived in 4 different villages, and I've kept it hidden this long.. but… game hasn't been easy here. Not with the order allowing their Dragon's to hunt… I.. I had to steal to eat. I turned in the underground, I slept there. I… hid myself." Comac listened silently. “I hoped to get a home with the coins I got. Buy a place where I could turn in peace. But even that is now impossible. I guess I have to move on with nothing in my pocket again…" At this, Comac started. “How old are you, Ionakana?" I shrugged. “I'm 17 now. I'll be 18 in a month." Comac stood and began pacing. He appeared deep in thought. “No, I know it's never been attempted…" He continued to pace, looking as though he were arguing with someone. “He needs.." He stopped a moment later. “Will you listen, you hard headed beast?" He turned his back to me for a moment. When he turned there was a soft smile on his face. “Ionakana, have you ever been to a Choosing?"

4 days later, Comac aided me in dressing and took me through the city. A few who recognized me gave me dirty looks as we walked, but seemed to be afraid to try anything with a Rider near me. We continued across the city, stopping every so often to give me a moment to rest, as my body was still trying to recover. As we made our way through the town, a large White tower stretched out above us, growing larger as we approached. A large Blue dragon roared and flew from a platform on the side as I stood stunned. A dragonhold… “Impressive isn't it?" I nodded. Not taking my eyes from the blue Dragon as it flew towards the horizon. “Come. Time is of the essence." I followed as a group of people stood at the entrance. Several Elves and Humans attempted to keep order as Comac ushered me forward. One of the Elves spotted us and Ordered a path be cleared. As We approached he held a sword to my throat. The Emerald Blade pressed just enough at my throat to not draw blood, but enough to know He would use it. “Stand down, Arulian. He's here to be chosen." The elf eyed me for a moment, his expression unreadable. He silently lowered the sword. “Apologies candidate." With that, he turned back to the crowd, each trying to enter the hold. I had, in fact, heard of the Choosing. It was an event in every city. Children from all over would surge to the city for even the opportunity to become a Rider. Very few would be chosen, but those that were… I shuddered at the thought of being chosen. We walked inside of the hold, and I stopped in shock. At least several Dragon's of various sizes and colors lounged in the opening. Various races walked around, each with a colored blade. The inside was massive, large Granite columns and walls filled the area, and immediately I felt dwarfed by even the smallest of fire cauldrons burning near the pillars. “Come." I followed Comac silently, in complete awe of the massive structure. Still admiring the structure, I tripped over something as a low growl seemed to sound as I landed on the stone ground. _Eyes on where you're goimg, Young One. Though I will concede, it is quite impressive on first viewing. _The voice was male but I couldn't figure out where it was from. I turned to see a golden dragon. Looking down I noted the tip of the Dragon's tail flicking slowly. I followed it to the orange yellow eyes of the Tail's owner. “Oh Gods.. I-I" An amused huff came from the Dragon. _Apology accepted. But nothing was hurt, save your pride. _“He.. he talked…." I said as I slowly got to my feet. Comac chuckled slightly. “They do tend to do that. Trust me, you'll get used to it." Comac bowed to the Dragon, who dipped his head in turn. “Bow." He whispered softly as I followed as much as My back would allow. “I'm sorry.. I can't bow further.. it.. it hurts." The dragon sniffed the air softly. _For whatever your punishment was for, hear me now. It matters not. We do not Judge those who seek our gift. I hope you succeed in your attempt. _With that, the Dragon dipped his head to me as I straightened. He then lay back down silently. We continued towards a corridor just off the main foyer. Paintings and carvings of Dragons with their Riders adorned the walls and ceiling. I continued following Comac before he entered a room a moment later. I followed him in as he closed the double doors. Inside was a bench and another door. “Wait here. I'll be back shortly." With that he stepped in the other door and it closed. As he opened it, I felt a strange urge, as though I should follow. I sat on the bench and waited, the urge building with each passing second. The door opened again and Conac returned alongside an elf. “Ionakana, this is Thondas. He is to examine you, before you enter the sanctum."

The Elf stepped forward. “Strip." I stared confused for a moment. “Ionakana, we must examine your body. If there are any deformities, save your lash marks, we are to heal them." I stared stunned for a moment. “Rider Comac, I… my.. my scar…" Comac smiled softly. Remember what Gramelfkr told you earlier, 'There are NO judgements to those who seek the gift." I exhaled and silently pulled off my tunic. My boots and leggings followed after. As I removed my breeches I sat again as the elf stared squarely at the large bite scar on my shoulder. “When did you get that scar?"

“8 years ago." The elf glared at it, and for a moment I could sense the disgust. “Stand." I stood as the elf pointed to a circular design in the floor. “Stand there." I walked to the circle, as The elf circled my body. He silently removed the bandages from my still healing back, before continuing his examination. He looked over my entire body, my hands, my arms. He moved down my chest. He periodically asked questions as he came across scars, or blemishes on my skin. He looked at my legs. Moved to my feet. He next forced me to open my mouth and looked at my teeth. He looked in my eyes, summoning a werelight and making me follow it without moving my head as it floated around the room. He next made me assume various poses, from moving my arms outstretched from my side to moving them above my head, which brought pain to my back, to touching my toes. Again pain came from that. He made me stand on one leg each for several seconds. He made me look straight up, then straight down. He forced me to sit and stand ten times in quick succession. He periodically asked if anything was hurting, but only my back did. “Physically he's healthy. I trust you administered a mental exam?" Comac nodded. “He was delirious with fever at the time, but I was able to clear his sanity." The Elf glared at me again. “Follow me." I moved to grab my clothing. “Leave it. Should you be chosen, your Dragon is to see your body, as you are."

"Forgive me, but, can I ask why?" Comac smiled. "It's part symbolic and part Functional. In entering this Sanctum as you are right now, you are showing your trust to your potential Dragon. You are entering with no armor, no weapons, baring yourself mind, body and soul. Laying all your secrets to the Dragon. He will see that you are unharmed, even healing any and ALL that we missed."

Comac put heavy emphasis on the word All as I silently followed the two into the door.

There were no words as I stepped inside. The room was circular with 4 doors, one on each side leading into the room. It was completely made of a dark gray stone, as though carved into the very earth itself. The room was lit with a series of fire cauldrons, and a column of light in the center bled through a stained glass dome, depicting a dragon breathing fire. There, in the column of light, lay over a dozen eggs of various colors. Each sat on a ruby Cushion, beaded with gold studs with a golden design stitched into it. The Riders stood silent as another sudden urge, a force called to me. In a trance I approached the eggs, ignoring all but one. It was Amethyst, almost sparkling in the flame light. I felt compelled to touch it. To pick it up. I slowly reached out towards it. As my fingers brushed the delicate surface, the shell exploded into pieces.