Dimitri shielded his eyes from the noon sun then wiped his brow as he shifted his weight in the saddle. Surrounded by rocky walls, there hadn’t been the slightest semblance of a town for days.

He made a mental note to never attempt this trip again unless during a cooler season change.

           He looked at his companion and bodyguard, Marcus beside him. The man wore a scowl on his round face which Dimitri couldn’t tell if it was due to discomfort or just his natural expression. His blond hair clung to his face and neck so probably the former.

           “They couldn’t’ve picked a better spot for a meeting, could they?” Marcus asked.

           Dimitri pushed his glasses up on his nose. “Dragons can travel further and much easier than humans can thus they live much greater distances. And they require much larger territories.”

           "Whatever you say, doc." He stretched in his saddle. "So, why are we riding through the ass-end of Dragonland anyways?"

           “I require an audience with the Dracaena,” Dimitri said stiffly. He had explained this and his reason for hiring the man before they left. At the time, the mercenary had been staring at a particularly large-breasted woman, so his attention was likely focused elsewhere.

           “Dracaena, huh?” He shrugged and plucked a mosquito off his arm. “That’s whatever wyrm the nutjobs are worshiping, ain’t it?”

           Dimitri shot a scolding glare at the man. “I don’t ever want to hear that kind of disrespectful language out of your mouth again.”

           “Whoa, what’s your—”

           “Are we clear?” he asked in a firmer tone.

           “Yeah, doc. But why this one?”

           Dimitri held his gaze for a little while longer before turning away. “To answer your first question: yes, the Dracaena is the dragon appointed as the region’s deity. Every ‘human-controlled’ region has one.” He looked around before adding. “I suggest minding what you say. The Dracaena is not bound by laws in this region or any region.”

           “So, what about my second question?”

           He had no intention of answering the second one. The man was nothing more than a hired gun; the exact details were not for him to know. He didn’t need to know Dimitri’s sick daughter Amelia was the reason they were halfway around the world and he didn’t need to know Dimitri didn’t have the coin to pay the man should things not go as planned. He just needed to know that he was hired to look after a client as they traveled to plead with a chosen deity for assistance.

           Getting the highest-ranking dragon in Geolga to assist him was a long shot at best and while never having met her, he had rumors of her obdurateness, especially when angered.

           His horse tossed its head nervously and he quickly soothed the beast. He then slipped his hand into his pocket where he kept a pocket watch Amelia had given to him for his birthday. It calmed his nerves.

           “That thing about the laws, it works both ways, don’t it?”

            “It doesn’t. You do anything the Dracaena finds disrespectful or harmful, and I’ll kill you myself. Not even a clan matriarch may challenge her.”

 "Yeah, yeah, doc. I get it. Man, these people really are bending over backward to kiss some scaly ass, huh?"

           Dimitri did sigh this time and he could swear the horse did as well. “Let me put it this way: imagine that you report to someone who—on a whim, can kill you at any time and no one is allowed to do a thing about it. How far would you go to avoid inciting that person’s wrath? Now that is not to say the Dracaena is a cruel tyrant, but the local belief is that angering her is not recommended or wise.”

           They rode on in silence which suited Dimitri just fine. Marcus didn’t know how good he had it not fully understanding the extent of the Dracaena’s influence. Even though dragon worship wasn’t widely practiced, even in the Dragonlands, the dracaena held more power than the highest government officials or, more specifically, the matriarchs who ruled over the various dragon clans. With a flick of the tail, she could order an entire clan be wiped out or start a war between humans and dragons. It forced even the various city-states in the Human Territories to acknowledge her status and influence.

           “Hey, doc, you ever do deals with a dragon?”

           “No. I’ve designed outfits for them, but even then they were domesticates and I dealt with their masters.”

           “You do know blood is the only thing they accept, right?”

           Dimitri rolled his eyes. “I’ve heard the saying. And it’s nothing more than cultural superstition. I’ve met plenty of dragons were open to reason.”

           “Must not know many dragons then.”

           The valley opened up into a much wider bowl-like formation. The once dry rocky ground was now covered in grass and trees. At the far end was a temple carved into the rocky wall.

           “Very impressive, that.”

           Dimitri could only nod in agreement. He had heard stories about the magnificence of the Dracaena's temple but seeing it was something else entirely.

           The main entrance opened as they approached the temple. A hooded figure wearing long maroon robes stepped outside. The figure removed their hood revealing a thin tan face with watchful brown eyes. The man regarded them in a strong firm voice, “Hail, travelers! I’m Grand Kobold Lexon.” He waved them over as he turned back toward the entrance. “You’re tired from your long pilgrimage. Leave your offering at the door and follow me into the main hall. Don’t worry about your horses. One of the kobolds will see to their needs while you rest.”

           Dimitri and Marcus hopped off their steeds, and Dimitri removed a garment bag from the saddle before they approached the man. “Thank you, Grand Kobold.” He offered his hand. “I’m Dimitri Petit and this is my bodyguard Marcus Freeman. I'm afraid we didn't come here to pray but to seek an audience with the Dracaena.”

           The Grand Kobold smiled though it quickly faded when Dimitri didn’t share in the amusement. “The Dracaena isn’t receiving visitors, however, you are still welcome to rest here before you leave.”

           “Wow, didn’t know you were a mind reader.”

           The Grand Kobold frowned at Marcus.

           “Please excuse him. We have had a very trying journey.”

           “I understand. The trip is brutal for the under-prepared. Many pilgrims turn back before reaching this place and some who make it are near death.” He regarded Marcus with a cold stare. “As Grand Kobold, I speak for the Dracaena and she told me she wishes not to be disturbed this day.”

           “So, what about tomorrow?”

           “Would you mind granting us a tour?” Dimitri asked quickly. “I’ve heard stories about this place, but words clearly do not do it justice.”

           The priest nodded and led them inside. Dimitri half expected a place littered with tacky dragon art and empty spaces lined with candles along with a rough stone floor and uncomfortable seating. All while reeking of dragon. The dragons he had met didn’t care for furnishings or fancy décor. Instead, a brightly lit, well-furbished hall greeted them. It felt more like the home of noble than a temple dedicated to a scaled deity. Even his home didn’t feel this comfortable. Multiple well-carved statues stood guard over the place. He assumed they were modeled after the same dragon, but he couldn’t place the species. The shape of the head was wider and more snake-like, the horns extended farther behind the head, and the tail was thicker than usual. As something consistent with all the statues, it had to be more than artistic freedom.

           The eyes worried him. Even made of stone, they had a piercing, judging gaze.

           “It’s beautiful,” the Grand Kobold said. “And yet these statues pale in comparison to her presence.”

           “So, how many dragons fit in this place?”

           The Grand Kobold replied without hesitation. “The Dracaena lives here alone.”

           Dimitri took another look around the room. The only other people around were hooded humans in purple robes who ignored them. He also noticed there was a distinct lack of dragon stench that permeated places where they lived.

           “A bit of a loner, is she?”

           “Our role isn’t to question. The choice was hers.” His hard tone suggested he wasn’t happy about the comment, but Dimitri was grateful the matter ended there. He motioned for the others to follow as he headed for a door at the far end of the hall. "I'll show you where you can stay."

           Dimitri cut in front of the man. A flash of indignation crossed the priest’s face which Dimitri ignored. “Please, it’s imperative I speak with her.”

           “I speak for the Dracaena, so speak to me. I’ll repeat your words to her at a later time when she’s agreeable.”

           “I’m afraid I must insist that I deliver the message in person.”

           “She said she doesn’t wish to be disturbed. I won’t go against the Dracaena’s wishes.”

           “Oh, come on. You’re not serious, are you?”

           “Marcus, please. Let me handle--”

           He stopped when the Grand Kobold opened his mouth to speak and suddenly went rigid. It would have been comical if not for the lifeless gaze and seriousness of the matter.

           He turned to Marcus who shrugged. The other priests in the room had stopped what they were doing and faced them, their heads bowed.

           Dimitri contemplated if they should leave when the Grand Kobold cast his gaze at the floor and said apologetically, “The Dracaena will see you. This way.”

           Dimitri still wanted to leave, but he was that much closer to his goal, so he decided not to waste the opportunity. He grabbed the pocket watch in his jacket again. They were led through a wide archway and down a long hall. At the end of the hall was an elevator.

           Dimitri wiped his sweating palms on his pants leg and stepped onto the elevator which ascended to the upper levels.

           The elevator opened up to a short hall with a large pair of metal doors at the end. A dragon’s head similar to the statues below had been engraved on the doors.

           Immediately after stepping off the elevator,  two armed guards wearing matching silver shirts approached them. The Grand Kobold raised a hand, signaling Dimitri and Marcus to stop then approached the guards.

           “The Dracaena has requested these two.”

           The guards turned to them. The taller of the two with a thick goatee said, “Before you go in, you have to leave your weapons here. You’ll get them back if you leave.”

           Dimitri nodded and handed over his pistol. He then shot a warning glare to Marcus not to do or say anything stupid. His bodyguard rolled his eyes and handed over his rifle, pistol, and knife.

           The tall guard turned to Dimitri. “The bag.”

           “It’s just a simple garment bag. You may inspect it if you must, but you said I must leave weapons behind.”

           The guard rolled his eyes but made Dimitri open the bag and inspected its contents. There was only a tailored short dress inside. Dimitri carefully watched the man, daring him to rip or wrinkle it.  Afterward, the bearded guard gave a quick nod to the other one. They grabbed the large handles and pulled the doors open just far enough for them to enter one at a time. Dimitri tried to peer inside, but the Grand Kobold quickly pushed him inside. Marcus followed and the doors were pulled shut behind them, closing with an ominous clang that echoed through the room.

           “Okay, what the hell was that about?”

           “It’s not important. Just remember not to speak unless instructed, and please, for goodness sake, mind your manners.”

           Marcus snorted and Dimitri wiped his hands on his pants leg again. The light coming through the stained-glass windows reflected off the colorful pillars, painting the domed room in a rainbow of colors. Upon closer inspection, the pillars were lined with real gemstones. He approached the windows. They seemed to tell the story of a dragon surrounded by death but in the end, lead a group of humans to a large structure.

           “It seems one of the Dracaena of old led her followers here to evade some kind of persecution. Possibly during the Great Rebellion when dragon worship was outlawed. This building must’ve been erected in her honor.”

           Marcus whistled. “Guess being a god pays good, huh?”

           “That would depend on how you define ‘payment’,” a voice said.

           Dimitri whirled towards the source of the voice. At the far end of the room was a massive cushion. Sitting on it was a dragon that looked just like the statues and the engravings on the door, her scales a dark grey like clouds before a storm.

           Dimitri wasn’t sure if she just came in or if she had been there the entire time, but he stepped forward and dropped to one knee. “Dracaena.” He stole a glance at Marcus and was relieved to see he was doing the same.

           “You were making quite a fuss below,” the dragon said. “This had better be quite a pivotal message.”

           Dimitri tried to raise his head, but upon looking in the dragon’s yellow eyes, he felt vulnerable, like a child under the scrutinizing glare of a stern parent. He looked back down at the floor. “My name is Dimitri Petit." He motioned to the man beside him. “My bodyguard Marcus Freeman. I come with more of a request, your grace. I own a variety of dress shops back at Rubellum, and I would be honored if--”

           “I refuse.”

           Dimitri raised his head, focusing his gaze on the dragon’s slender neck instead of her harsh gaze. “Wh...What?”

           “I believe I just declined your request. That is what ‘refuse’ means, correct?”

           “It...It is, but, your grace--”

           “Allow me. You have traveled here to ask me to sponsor your product. To parade me around as some prize to draw the admiration of your customers and the ire of your rivals.” She stood and approached them. Dimitri felt a pang of anxiety but stayed put. He had dealt with enough dragons to know any displays of fear gave them the upper hand. “Well, I decline such an asinine request.”

           “Apologies, but you're wrong your grace. I didn't come here to claim you as a prize but as a customer. I ask that you purchase these dresses." He quickly removed the dress from the garment bag. It was a deep blue and had a shorter skirt to avoid hindering the hind legs. On the bodice was an intricate floral pattern in bright green and blue stitching. It was the last dress he made for Amelia redesigned to fit a dragon’s body.

           The Dracaena regarded him with a curious stare. “It is an exquisitely made dress. I take it that is your offer to me?”

           “No, this is merely a showpiece to show you my skill.” That and he couldn’t bear to part with this particular dress.

           “You approached me with no offering. I am unsure if I should be insulted or impressed. Given that you had the gall to ask a favor of me, I am inclined towards the former.”

           “Please, Dracaena, my offer to you is my dedication and unending service to you. Someone of your magnificence and beauty would deserve and receive nothing less than my best work. Every dress will be designed by me personally.” He prayed this gamble paid off. His research had revealed the Dracaena required an offering before one could pray at the temple or curry her favor. But it was also known her mood was mercurial at best, and many gifts were often turned down.

           The Dracaena stepped closer. Sweat ran down Dimitri’s sides, but he remained rooted to the spot. He did everything possible to maintain eye contact, he looked at the end of her muzzle, her horns, her cheekbones—anywhere that let him avoid her eyes without making obvious.

           “Cease the unctuous praise. You did not come all this way simply to expand your business.”

           His mind felt as trying to peer through a thick haze. Her words sounded so gentle and soothing like sliding a warm bath. The words began pouring out of him without hesitation. “My daughter requires constant care and her medical bills are expensive. If I can sell to the Dracaena, it would ensure I could care for her.”

           The Dracaena smiled and returned to her cushion. “So your purpose here is to secure a future for your offspring because as your companion so eloquently phrased it, ‘godhood pays well.’ ”

           Dimitri said nothing but silently cursed Marcus’s words.

           “Your plight is a regrettable one, but my response remains still the same.”

           Dimitri stood. “But, your grace--”

           “Your ingratiating words may coax some of the lesser Matriarchs to do your bidding, but such tactics are wasted on one such as I. Had you approached me with your true intentions, I might have been more amiable, but instead, you decided to attempt to outsmart me in a quixotic bid to maintain some sense of decency.”

           “Done let godhood go to her head, this one,” Marcus whispered.

           Dimitri stared at the man in horror. He whirled back to the Dracaena and saw the displeasure in her face and shivered. “Please, forgive him! He’s just tired from the long--”

           The Dracaena sent a single look in his direction and he fell silent. She turned back to Marcus and Dimitri could swear he heard a low rumble like distant thunder.

           He stared at the two, seeing his chances of success growing slimmer. The pocket watch pulled on his clothes, forcing him closer to the floor.

           Without warning, he leaped onto the man, pummeling every inch of him within reach. He said nothing, the sound of his fist cracking against the man’s face filling the room. Each time a blow landed, he saw himself standing over a small grave, Amelia’s grave. Each time he was reminded how easily his last hope had slipped through his fingers like wet sand. Marcus should have been able to easily overpower him, but it seemed the surprise attack caught him off-guard. Dimitri didn’t ease the assault even as pain surged through his hands.

           Why? Why couldn’t you listen? How many times have I told you to watch your words? Now she’s dead because of you! I sank the last of my coin into this endeavor and you wasted it! The words roared in his mind but didn't find their way to his mouth.

           “Enough.”

           Dimitri scooted across the floor away from him. Intense pain raced through his hands. Marcus continued to lay on his back, his face a mask of blood, his chest heaving. Dimitri looked down at his bloody, trembling hands and his vision blurred as tears filled his eyes.

           The Dracaena slowly rose and approached Dimitri. He didn't try to run or defend himself. He welcomed death at this point. At least Amelia would be able to live a little longer with the insurance money.

           “I change my mind. I accept your offering.”

           “My offering?”

           She motioned to his bruised hands. “The sacrifice you made for my honor. Your augur to provide only your best means little with broken hands. However, I am willing to wait until they heal, and should that day never transpire, I shall accept that as well.”

           Dimitri didn’t know what to say so he bowed and said nothing. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks. He stole a glance at Marcus who still lay on the floor.

           I’m sorry. I never intended to sacrifice you, but she comes first.

           The Dracaena slapped her tail against the floor, the sound filling the room with the crack of thunder. The doors immediately opened.

           “Take Dimitri to the surgeon and do what you can for him. Then ensure he receives a bath and a proper meal. He shall stay here until his hands have healed. Leave the other one, and tell the cook I shall not require dinner tonight.”

           Two hands seized Dimitri under the arms and gently hauled him to his feet. He stared at the floor as he was led out of the room. Happiness and guilt battled inside him. He never liked Marcus, but this wasn’t the fate he wished upon the man.

           Dealing with dragons was deadly business after all.