Memories of Roger

On her way to the remote valley where the dragon was supposed to live, she wished more than once that Roger was with her, her friend and fighting companion. They had started their training together many years ago and since then had overcome countless dangers side by side. His unwavering courage and the strength of his arms would be a great help to her in the battle ahead. She shook her head silently. No, she had to be honest: her departure had less to do with seeking adventure than with fleeing from him, or rather from her own feelings for her comrade. The familiarity and admiration she had always felt for him had become something more. Unwanted and forbidden thoughts awoke in her when she watched his naked upper body glistening with sweat and the muscles working under his tanned skin during training.

Even worse was lying near him at night on their rides together, hearing his steady breathing, knowing that she could touch him if she just held out her arm. In the darkness, she could see in her mind's eye his gentle face with the blue eyes under the blond hair hanging down his forehead, so much more suited to a little boy than a hardened warrior. She could visualize every little detail of his athletic body, his strong arms, his flat stomach, his muscular legs. Even the long scar over his left shoulder blade, which she wanted to caress comfortingly and cover with kisses.

But worst of all were the cold nights outside, where they had to huddle together under the blankets out of sheer necessity to protect each other from freezing to **** with their body heat. Roger did what he had to do with the most innocent matter-of-factness, while Katharina's thoughts raced, and unspeakable desires would not let her rest.

Summoning all her willpower, she concentrated once again on the task ahead of her. She let her gaze wander over the sacrificial site once more and considered freeing the girl from her chains. But there would be too little time.

From what she had heard, the beast would emerge as soon as the sun sank behind the mountains. Just as its last rays bathed the valley in red-golden light, Katharina noticed movement in the cave exit. She waited until she could see her opponent in full to size him up. Red-black scales covered a muscular, cat-like body slightly larger than her warhorse, but with a long, flexible reptilian tail. A slender head with jagged ears and saucer-sized glowing eyes with slit pupils was perched on a strong neck. Every few seconds, a forked black tongue flickered out from between glistening fangs. He had long since spotted the armored person and ducked as if to jump.