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Prologue
Nasarath crept out of the building into the frigid cold of snowy peak, his feet sank into the snow and sent a fresh chill running through his body. The black dragon stood still for a moment, wondering if he should just go back inside and forget his foolish notions of escape and adventure. He was about to do just that but he forced himself to keep going, he would probably never get another chance like this. He padded across the snow covered ground to the village exit, looking back he could just see the last light in the village blink off. He gave a heavy sigh and stepped through the gate out onto the road
"You finally leaving then?" Nasarath looked to his right and saw Verdis, a mint green dragon with light blue markings, standing next to the gate "You always said you would" continued the dragon "most of the kids didn't believe you but I'd seen that look in your eyes before, the same look your dad had when he arrived at the orphanage holding your egg. Most other dragons would have died from the wounds he bore but I guess the determination to keep you safe made him keep going, 'course if he knew where he was leaving you, maybe he would've just given up"
"You saw my dad?"
"Aye, I was standing in the dormitory door when he came in, all he said was your name and that he wanted you safe"
Nasarath looked at his friend "Why did you never tell me?"
"I thought it would be unnecessary pain for you, hearing about how he died to save your life, probably make you feel guilty even though any dragon would've done the same"
"Why are you out here Verdis, if they notice you're gone..."
"I come out here every night, it's very peaceful and so long as I remember to go back before they do their rounds, I'm safe. Speaking of that they're going to be doing it soon, so you'd best get out of here and I'd best get back. Good luck with your life, Nasarath"
"You too" replied the black dragon as the other winged off. Nasarath took one last look back at his home village then broke into a sprint, running off into the night.