Shen Ju Rong scrambled to his feet, his breath heavy. He immediately went into a fighting stance, and the dragon rumbled out a deep laugh. 'Red dragon, red dragon,' Shen's mind raced, 'What do defeat a red dragon...' Shen rushed through the words to a spell and his fists burst with radiant purple energy. The dragon laughed again. "Please," it spoke, it's breath so foul as to nearly knock Shen to his knees. "Tell me you aren't planning a strike on me."
The dragon moved as quick as lightning around Shen, sweeping his massive tail so fast Shen had no time to react. He was on his back and the dragon's face was inches above his own. The saliva dripped from the jagged teeth and onto his neck. "You won't have time to think, boy. It is your fortune I have one meal thanks to your animal. It's been a long time since I've had meat. It's a rare but delectable treat I enjoy, thoroughly."
"What do you want?"
"Want? To feast on the number of your kind that live behind the wall. There aren't normally many who are foolish enough to come into the mists... those that do, perish."
Shen rolled from beneath the dragon's mouth and gagged. He wiped at the saliva that was stinging his skin and looked up into the red eyes. "I'll make a deal
with you, any deal you like."
"Propositions from boy mortals. Fool."
"If you help me find my way out of here... I'll ensure that you get food, meat."
"Human?"
Shen looked down for a moment. He could say what he wished. By the time he figured out how to defeat this creature, he wouldn't bring him back anything.
"Yes," Shen answered. "Human."
"And how do I know you will keep your word?"
"I..."
"Perhaps I will take part of your power to keep for my own, your knowledge."
"My teachings?"
"Yes. You will remember them when you return with your vast army of bodies for my consumption. Do we have a deal?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Die or agree. There is always a choice."
Shen glared at the dragon and nodded once, very curtly. He felt the weight of the dragon's thumb on the top of his head and a sudden tingle down his spine. He felt a pull, a twitch, and the dragon removed his claws and snapped his fingers. Shen began to bow and grovel... not of his own accord. "Perfect," the dragon hissed.
"What is the meaning of this?!"
"I have a puppet, fool. And you will stand by your side of the bargain. I will be sure of it. Treasure and meat until you drop in old age and I consume you."
"This isn't right!" Shen shouted.
"Never open your mind to one who is more brilliant than ever you will be."
