And here's the prologue!

Prologue 

~£~

Set fire to the rain

“Hálben!” a woman screamed, running out of a house, a sack at her side. Her red hair streamed behind until she stopped, looking back. A man came running out, his stern face softening when he saw her.

“Ilthuin, Aglardis. Do not be upset. After all, “One who hurries is like the Ris tribe, always moving, yet never thinking.” But we need to hurry. The dragons are clearly after our blood. But I also can’t just let this burn. We inflicted this on these people. We must help.” Hálben said, passing his own bundle over to Aglardis.

“But what about Ruineth?” she asked, holding the baby close to her. “You go. Raise her, if I die, but I have to help.” 

“Stop.” she whispered, pressing her head up to his chest. “Someone is watching us. An unseen being. We can speak no more. We have discussed what would happen if the dragons find us, so we have no need for talk.” 

Hálben nodded. “Continue our dream for me.” he said. A dark shadow passed over the village. Aglardis’ face turned pale. Hàlben grabbed her hand as she turned to leave.

“Vé tui thurî Lendir di yari thir.” he said. 

“I do not know if even the gods will be able to help us now.” she said, her expression grave. People fled out of the nearby houses, screaming their woes to Arodon. Aglardis turned, moving towards the hills. To Silverspring. Not to Goldenwell, as the villagers were. She had other plans. 

TOOOOPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chapter 1 

~£~

When the stars align

Ruineth glared at the customer who entered the shop. She closed her eyes, thinking, Great. Nice way to scare off a customer, Ruineth.

“Is Iriam Varkas here?” The Iria asked. Ruineth bit her lip. Of course he was there. He was always there. Just not necessarily at the front of the shop. 

But Ruineth forced herself to stay polite. She curtseyed before continuing. “Yes, ma'am, he is. Do you wish for me to fetch him?” 

I still sound cold, she thought to herself.

“Would you be a dear and go fetch him?” The Iria asked, as if she had just thought of the idea herself. Ruineth couldn't stop herself from glaring at the woman this time. 

She stomped off into Varkas’ office. “Varkas, someone's here to see you.” She said with a scowl.

“How many times have I told you, don't go around with that sour face. It ruins business. And the shoulders. Please keep them down where they are supposed to be, not all hunched up.”

Ruineth nodded with a sigh, straightening up. “Better. Could you finish this sleeve while I conduct my bit of business?” Ruineth nodded again, as Varkas left the room.

Ruineth glanced around the room. The shelves leaning against the wall were chock full of every kind of thread, cloth, and needles. She had pricked herself too many times with those same needles. She glared at them.

Varkas’ messy desk sat in the middle, more cloth and thread spilling over it. An unfinished dress was spread neatly over the mess, a bit of the same fabric on top of it. 

Ruineth spotted a bolt of material, similar to the dress on the doll which she had had when she was found sitting on Varkas’ and Laindis’ front step. I wish I hadn't been dumped on Varkas’ front step out of all the people who live in Silverspring. She thought bitterly. If only I hadn't been left on his step at all. Then I might have been apprenticed to someone interesting.

Ruineth sat down, just starting on the sleeve, when Varkas came in. “Well, I'm glad you didn't scare Lirial Miniel away.” His face was flushed.

Ruineth looked away, her face burning with shame. A Lirial. Probably their most influential customer. Ever.

“She wanted a yakoi hood fashioned for her, as she is heading to Oliun to visit relations. You know those crazy customs in Oliun.”

“From the Ris tribe especially. I'll get started on it right away.” Ruineth offered,bending down to inspect a bolt of fabric. “No, you will not! She specifically wanted Laindis.” Varkas said.

“Laindis?! Why her?” Ruineth cried, standing up so quickly she nearly hit her head on the shelf above her,

“Because,” Varkas said. “She said that she had the steadiest hand in all of Nambia! Not to mention, one who has an eye for intricate design!”

“Varkas.” Ruineth said, now displeased.  “Whenever I make a - well, anything!- you always claim that Laindis made it.” Ruineth said, scowling at Varkas.

“Well…”

“Varkas, if you don't let me make this dress, your business will fall apart! The only reason we have all these customers, is because this is the only threadress shop in all of Silverspring!”

“True…”

“Please Varkas! For the business!” Maybe if I can convince him with this, I can convince him to let me go to Goldenwell. Ruineth thought determinedly, setting down the needle on the desk.

“Maybe. But you will have to be finished with the yakoi hood in a week or less.”

“A week! That's far too little time, especially with a new design. Two weeks.”

“Lirial Miniel specifically said that it had to be done in a week or less.” Varkas said, giving her a look that plainly said, Don’t keep bartering, or it will go poorly for you.

“Well, as soon as Laindis gets back from running errands, I’ll need her to get some more fabric. Silk, maybe? No, muslin. It should hold up to the weather better than the silk. Wait! Could I get some thirin?” Ruineth asked happily.

“No! Thirin is much too expensive.”

“Oh, fine.” she said with a sigh.

“And it's harder to work with.”

“I know.” she said, her voice bright again.

“So why did you ask to use it?”

Ruineth allowed herself the tiniest of smiles. “Because I like challenges, unlike you.” 

“‘Only a fool tries many things which have not been tested by the gods.’ Really, Ruineth, you should listen to the Taranaka!”

Ruineth rolled her eyes at this lecture. 

“And thirin is really hard to find.”

“Okay, okay! I'll stick with plain, old, boring muslin.” 

“It's better than cotton.”

“You know what's better!? Fighting dragons!” Ruineth had no idea where this sudden turn in conversation had come from, but it was often like this between her and Varkas.

“Now Ruineth…” Varkas said in his “come now, let’s all be sensible tone of voice”. “No! That's it! I will not stay here anymore! You never listen to me, or let me decide anything on my own!” she cried, even though she knew perfectly well that this wasn’t true.

“Ruineth.” Varkas said sharply. “What?!” 

“What do you want to do for a living, if you could choose?” he asked, his voice now softer. “Anything to do with killing those worthless dragons.” Ruineth said impertinently. 

“Now Ruineth, you know I don't like promoting violence.” Varkas said, his voice sharper again.

“But you wouldn't be! Just let me go so that I can make money to buy my own weapons! And armor!”

“Ruineth, you’re far too hasty. Now if you’d just—”

The bell rang at the front of the shop. Varkas and Ruineth glared at each other, then walked out to the front of the shop. “Laindis!” Varkas exclaimed happily. Laindis was quite often a meditator for the two during their arguments.

“Whöler, Varkas.” Laindis said wearily. “Laindis, I have important news for you!” Varkas said.

“Oh, really? What is it?” Lirial Miniel herself to make her a yakoi hood!” Varkas said, beaming with pride.

“That's wonderful, Varkas. But I was going to start making dinner.” Laindis said, frowning slightly.

“Varkas! You said …” Ruineth said in warning tone.

“Oh… yes.” Varkas said with a sigh. “Before you continue, Varkas, you should know: I don't sew.” Laindis said sternly.

“But should we lie to Lady Miniel?!” Varkas asked in shock.

“Yes.” Laindis said firmly.

“VARKAS, YOU SAID I COULD MAKE THE HOOD!” Ruineth shrieked.

Laindis smiled pleasantly, saying, “See? And now that we’ve settled that matter, I’ll go make supper.”

“But Laindis!” Varkas called after her, as she took out a knife and cutting board. “You've been dishonest with your customers in this way ever since Ruineth was old enough to sew, and her creations turned out better than any of either of ours!” Laindis protested.

“And now if you changed it up, nobody would believe you!” she added, handing a vegetable out of the basket to Ruineth.

Ruineth scowled and placed the vegetable on the cutting board. “Ruineth, please go upstairs.” Varkas said with a scowl.

“Fine.” Ruineth growled. She started towards the stairs, but Laindis stopped her. “No. You go into the workroom. Then you can get started on that foreign hood.”

Ruineth nodded stiffly, stepping in. They still had a couple of muslin bolts, so she selected one, and laid it out on another table next to Varkas’. Let’s see. I think a good six paces should do it. Maybe seven. Seven.

She started to measure the cloth when Varkas’ voice floated in through the open door. “She was talking about dragons.” Varkas said softly.

“Oh. That conversation. How did it come up?” Laindis asked in her soft, deep, voice. She was a quarter dwarf, and it heavily reflected on her. 

She was short, and a little stout, with a fierce face. And although she acted very human, she still celebrated dwarvish holidays, such as Walsala; the hailing of spring.

“I scolded her about listening to the Taranaka, then she blew up, turning the discussion into an argument about  … letting her go.” Varkas said, clearly unhappy about his part in the quarrel.

Ruineth angrily snipped away at the cloth, yet did not let the ends become jagged. This muslin was just white, a sturdy, serviceable cloth. Ruineth was planning to embroider it, making it look much richer than it was.

“Varkas, have you ever considered letting her go?” Laindis asked, the sound of a vegetable being chopped accenting her words.

Yes! Let me go to make my way into the world! As a dragon slayer, or if that isn’t possible, then the best seamstress in all of Ruwen! 

“But she’s only …” the sound of the knife hacking away at the vegetable stopped, leaving the house full of a suffocating silence. 

“Exactly, Varkas. That’s exactly my point. We’ve had her for too long. And luckily, that … thing keeps her from realizing how long it’s really been.”

“But what about the business?” Varkas demanded. “We’ll tell everyone the truth. And who knows, maybe we could hire a seamtwirler.” Laindis said, the whacking resuming. Ruineth grabbed a spool of white thread and a needle, beginning to baste the edges of the muslin.

“Do you think she would be happy?” Varkas asked. Laindis barked a short laugh at this. “Do I think she’d be happy? Varkas, have you not seen the look in her eyes when she hears the old tales of quests and dragons? It is the look of wanderlust, Varkas, you fool. And nothing can cure that but satisfying it.”

“Very well. As always, your wisdom is wise. If you and your ancestors (may they rest in peace) had stayed among your people, you would have made a good - What are the leaders called? - Ah, yes, Chieftain. You would have been good at that.”

“But if this is what you think will make her happy, then we can ... we should … let her go.”           Ruineth looked up from her sewing, pleasantly shocked. “Do you want to tell her, or shall I?” Laindis asked.

Varkas sighed. “I suppose I should, but I’d rather that you did it.” the kitchen was quiet again,  except for the crackle of the fire. “You are a brave man to admit your faults, Varkas,” Laindis told him. “And since you said that, I think I’ll go and tell her myself.”

Moments later, Laindis came bustling in. “Yes?” Ruineth asked, feigning ignorance. “Varkas and I thought it was nigh time you left to support yourself, and do as you like. You are an adult now. A very young one at that, but still an adult.” Laindis said curtly. 

Ruineth smiled inwardly at this. Laindis was a no-nonsense or frills sort of woman, as well as a good manager of money, and Ruineth respected her for it. “We’ll give you a tad bit o’money to get you started, but not a lot. We also have to eat, y’know.”   

“But you can stay with us, if you’d like to.” Laindis added after a moment. “No, Laindis, I believe you’re right. I should be off seeking my- I mean, I should settle down with a business of my own.”

Laindis let out a loud bark of laughter. “Arodon bless your heart, child!” Varkas came in, looking a little apprehensive. “Ruineth, just promise me one thing. At least go to the temples on holidays, if nothing more.” 

Ruineth nodded. Holidays don’t come often. He’s not asking too much of me. And besides, I’m a follower of the gods, even if I don’t like reading the Taranaka.  “Well, then. When d’you expect to leave?” Laindis asked.

“Tomorrow morning.” was Ruineth’s immediate response. “Good girl,” Laindis said approvingly. “A hearty middag tonight, and a warm breakfast tomorrow. You can tell us your plans over middag.”

Soon they were all seated around the table, a good supper of fretsele before them. Fretsele was a common dwarvish dish, made with lappa grain, potatoes, fish, and vegetables all layered in a pan. “Where are you going?” Laindis asked.

“I was thinking Goldenwell, or maybe even Nerianîni.” Laindis nodded, an approving look on her face.

“What would you do for a living?” Varkas asked. “Sew, I guess. It’s the only thing I know how to do.” Ruineth said.

Even though I’d rather do other things. Ruineth thought ruefully.

The next day, Ruineth stepped out of the door, into the small crowds of Silverspring. Now then. I’m off.

Amazed at her luck, she darted off into the street. “Miss, would you like a dagger? Good for these dark times. Comes along with a leather scabbard!” A man yelled at Ruineth.

A dagger could come in handy … Ruineth pawed through her bag, looking for a couple of copper thrupes. “How much?” She asked without lifting her head.

“One silver thrupe.” The man replied. Ruineth raised her head, gaping at him. “A silver thrupe?” she asked in dismay. “That's what I said.” He said crossly.

“Let me see that dagger!” Ruineth demanded. She pushed passed the man, eyeing his wares with a critical gaze. 

Most of his wares were a little shoddy, and the better made ones looked to be about ten copper thrupes. However, the leather scabbards seem to be in fine condition. The most Ruineth was willing to pay for a better made one would be fifteen coppers.

But, she could always haggle the price down. “That's daylight robbery!” Ruineth protested, making sure others could hear her voice. “Two good daggers are worth that price!”

“What I'm going to give you is nothing. I don't do service with troublemakers.” The man said crossly.

“How many copper thrupes in a silver?” Ruineth asked coyly, trying to aggravate the man. Several people came over to see the commotion. 

“Twenty!” The man roared, beginning to lose his temper. Ruineth suppressed a smile. “Then give me one dagger for ten coppers, or two for a silver.” she said, smiling broadly.

Someone nearby muttered, “She drives a hard bargain under normal circumstances, but he’s getting his comeuppance. Cheating respectable folks.”

“Fine!” The man yelled, roughly shoving a dagger into her hand. Ruineth dropped the coins on the table before strolling away. There's something else I'm good at. Bartering. Ruineth smiled wryly. And tormenting shopkeepers.

She was nearing the gate when she heard the cry. “Dragons!” Someone yelled. Everyone immediately looked up at the sky. Sure enough, a small fleet was overhead.

Ruineth ran for the gate. She was close enough to flee that way, right? She certainly hoped so. If she failed … well, failure wasn’t an option.

Other civilians ran into nearby shops or homes, hoping for a cellar inside, although a few ran with Ruineth towards the gate. The guards left their posts at the gate, charging up onto the walls to man the ballista.

Overhead, the fleet swooped down in a perfect arc, bombarding the middle of the city. The tormented screams of those who had no shelter reached Ruineth’s ears. The fleet swooped down again, this time … pulling people up from the streets.

Adrenaline rushed through her. Slipping through the gate, Ruineth ran. She ran harder than she had ever run before, and faster than many of the people behind her. To the boulder. Glancing at the boulder, she judged that it was a good hundred paces or so from the gate.

Quickly, she glanced back to see what types of dragons she could see. A couple Earthwyrms (common) and Riverlizards (unordinary). And a Fierceblood! Extremely rare, species colors and abilities vary much more than any other. 

The red Fierceblood spread an arc of fire over the city. Suddenly, Ruineth remembered: Laindis! And Varkas! The wailing of the people in the city grew louder. 

The dragons must have started attacking other parts of the town. With her, a small group of people gathered around the boulder. 

No, she told herself. Laindis and Varkas have a cellar. They should have escaped. And Laindis went shopping yesterday. She shouldn’t have been outside.

Ruineth bent over, trying not to cry. No. I must be strong. I must think positively. I least I'm not dead. I'm alive. With the equivalent of about two gold thrupes.

The Fierceblood would spread a wave of fire, and then soar back up into the skies, the others mimicking the Fierceblood. He's their captain. Ruineth realized, drying her tears.

As I need to be for these people now.

Around her people started sobbing as they thought of loved ones, trapped within the city. Ruineth stood up, climbing on top of the boulder. “Listen up,” she called out, her eyes blazing, the tears still not yet dry.

Everyone turned to stare at her. “I have to keep moving. I should go through the Alagos plains. It’s not as dangerous as Daemarth forest, and I don’t have much of worth for the thieves.”

Around her, the people muttered quietly at this strange speech. “Is anyone coming with me?” she asked casually, hopping off of the rock.

Ruineth got up, pulling her map out of her knapsack. “Has anyone traveled on foot before to Goldenwell?” she asked. Murmurs of dissent filled the air. 

She sighed. “I thought not. Now, children will walk if they can walk, but only if they are five years or older. Four and under will be carried. Understood?” many in the group nodded.

“Good. Now, we must hurry before the dragons notice us.”

Spin like a TOP!!!