Mailie Under Curfew
The dim glow of streetlamps cast long shadows in the eerily quiet streets of Mailie. A curfew had been declared after news of a dragon attack spread through the region. Guards patrolled the streets, ensuring everyone stayed indoors.
Inside the small inn, Solis leaned against the window, staring out into the deserted streets. He tossed a pebble in his hand, his restless energy apparent.
"What's the point of locking us in like this?" Solis muttered, his tone a mix of frustration and curiosity. "We're not doing anything useful here."
Vaidya, seated at the small wooden desk with an open book in front of him, glanced up. "It's not about us. They're trying to keep the streets safe. Imagine the chaos if people started panicking and running around if it is a dragon or something like that."
"Still feels wrong just sitting here," Solis replied, crossing his arms. "And don't say something like that, please."
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Vaidya called out, "Come in."
The door creaked open, revealing a girl with short, slightly messy hair and a confident air about her. She stepped inside and dropped her satchel on the floor. "You two just sitting here? Figures."
Solis blinked, caught off guard by her sudden entrance. "Who's this?"
Vaidya closed his book with a soft thud and smiled. "Solis, meet Ada. She's one of the rookie Postknights, like you. We were paired for assessments before."
Solis raised an eyebrow. "Oh! I remember her."
Ada smirked, crossing her arms. "Rookie? I'll have you know, I aced the combat trials. And you are...?"
"Solis," Vaidya cut in before things could escalate. "Solis, let me tell you a bit about Ada. She's one of the most skilled fighters in our batch. Great reflexes, precise strikes—but she lacks endurance. Not her fault, really. She's small, so she tires out quickly."
"Gee, thanks for the reminder," Ada said with a roll of her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.
Ignoring her sarcasm, Vaidya continued, "She's also got a reputation for being a bit... stubborn. But her quick thinking in combat makes up for it. She's the kind of person you'd want covering your back in a fight."
Solis studied her for a moment, impressed. "Alright. Sounds like you know what you're doing. Guess we'll see if the hype's real someday."
Ada chuckled. "You'll eat those words when that day comes. Plus you are village boy. I don't want your expectations."
"Not again that discrimination." Solis shrugged off.
"Hmm. I have heard about you too. You are just good at only running away." Saying it Ada laughs.
"Oh come on guys just stop it already." Vaidya tries to cool down the heat.
Far from Mailie, Katalan Valley lay nestled between rolling hills and lush forests. The valley was a haven of peace, its winding rivers and fields of wildflowers untouched by the chaos of the outside world. Small, isolated villages dotted the area, their wooden cottages blending seamlessly with the natural beauty around them.
It was in one such village that Hector, Solis's father, lived. Known for his strength and kindness, Hector was a pillar of the community, always ready to help those in need.
That evening, as villagers prepared to sleep, a deep, bone-chilling roar echoed across the valley. Windows rattled, and children clung to their parents in fear. From the horizon, a black shadow emerged—wings as vast as the sky, flames licking at its maw.
The dragon had arrived.
---
Battle in the Valley
The Border Knights and Air Knights intercepted the beast at the valley's edge. Planes roared overhead, weaving through the dragon's fiery breath to deliver precise strikes. On the ground, Border Knights formed defensive lines, their shields raised as they charged with spears and enchanted weaponry.
Commander Elise's voice cut through the chaos. "Hold the line! We can't let it push into the valley!"
Despite their efforts, the dragon's strength was overwhelming. It tore through defenses with its claws and tail, sending knights scattering.
In the heart of the village, Hector led a group of villagers to safety. A girl tripped, her cries drowned by the dragon's roars. Without hesitation, Hector ran back, scooping her into his arms just as the dragon's fiery breath engulfed the street.
He barely managed to shield the girl with his body, but the flames were merciless. When the smoke cleared, Hector lay motionless, the child trembling but alive in his arms.
The dragon rampaged deeper into the valley, and just as hope seemed lost, reinforcements arrived. Commander Cassandra and Captain Seraphine led a unit of Postknights into the fray, their gleaming armor a stark contrast to the smoke-filled sky.
"Spread out! Keep it distracted while we cover the civilians!" Cassandra ordered, her voice steady despite the chaos.
Seraphine leapt into action, her dual swords glowing faintly with enchanted energy. She slashed at the dragon's tail, drawing its attention away from the fleeing villagers.
"Cassandra! We need to push it toward the ridge—Elise's squadron can corner it there!" Seraphine shouted.
Cassandra nodded, rallying the Postknights. Together, they charged, their combined strength forcing the dragon to retreat toward the valley's edge.
The trio settled into a lighthearted discussion, the tension of the curfew temporarily forgotten. Ada leaned back in her chair, tossing a coin in the air and catching it repeatedly. Solis and Vaidya debated over the best Postknight strategies, with Ada occasionally chiming in to tease them.
But their momentary peace was shattered when a senior Postknight knocked urgently on their door. His face was pale, his breathing ragged.
"Pearl... she's missing!" he blurted out, his voice shaking.
"What?" Vaidya stood abruptly, his calm demeanor giving way to concern.
The knight continued, "She was last seen near the Martha's clinic in the marketplace before the curfew was announced. No one knows where she went. With the dragon attack..."
"What a dragon attack... what are you talking about?" Solis asks in surprise.
"Well I am not allowed this tell to you but as you three knew her then it's my duty to let you know the context."
After that, that knight told them everything about the dragon's sudden attack. Everyone gets shocked from hearing this news.
Solis clenched his fists. "We can't just sit here. If she's out there—"
"Calm down," Vaidya said, though his own voice carried a hint of panic. "We need to think this through. The streets aren't safe, and we don't even know where to start looking."
Ada grabbed her long wooden sword, her expression grim. "Then let's get moving. Standing around won't solve anything."
Solis nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "Let's find her before it's too late."