THE CURSE OF THE DRAGON PRINCESS

The sound of a horse's hooves pounding upon hard packed dirt echoed off the rocky hills behind me as I rode at full speed, my heart hammering in fear. I held tightly to my reins and kept myself balanced as best I could with only my knees to steady me. It would not do to fall from the saddle now. Not yet. I was only twenty, barely old enough for marriage. My heart pounded so loud that it was like an orchestra, making my blood sing. My legs were shaking as I sped through the dark woods towards the castle that loomed ever nearer.

My hand was sweaty around the reins and it made my grip on them slippery. If I fell out of the saddle, there was no telling what might happen. My eyes scanned the dark landscape as I flew past, searching frantically for any sign of movement, any noise.

The road ahead of me looked like any of any other forest trail, but something about it bothered me. The trees were too thick here to see the road. As if they were hiding something. Something that might cause my death.

I didn't dare slow down, though I knew that I wouldn't make it without stopping. I felt like I might pass out if I did.

I could hear the thumping echo of my hooves on the hard ground even over my own heartbeat. Sweat trickled down my back, chilling the skin underneath my dress as the night chill seeped into my bones. My mind wandered and my body followed the images it conjured up. It seemed like everything I saw turned into some horrible monster or creature of evil waiting just below my path. A small voice inside me asked me where my life had gone wrong, but I pushed the thought aside.

My horse was fast, thanks to the blessings of the Fates. She sensed my panic and picked up her pace. Her coat shimmered in the faint light and shone almost like silver. I could tell she had been trained well. She responded perfectly to every command my voice uttered. When her head moved forward I knew that she could sense danger before my hands could even raise them to point, and she slowed to avoid hitting anything. I pulled on her reigns and leaned forward, urging her faster. Faster, faster, until she began to gallop once again.

We tore through the woods, taking turns in and out of trees, leaping across fallen branches, and ducking low to avoid being struck by branches from above. We leaped over logs and rocks, jumping and dodging, never slowing down. My feet ached as we hit the rough terrain that made traveling difficult, but I ignored the pain. Every inch of my body cried out in agony.

I tried to calm my racing pulse, trying to get my thoughts together. I needed to concentrate. The castle was closer now. I could feel it, like a distant beacon calling my name. I forced myself to take deep breaths, trying to regain control. It was hard to remember who I was, what kind of a lady I was. But somehow I managed.

A small clearing came into view in front of us and I slowed the horse to a trot, pulling her to a stop next to a large oak tree. I dismounted and tied my horse to the trunk of the tree.

My eyes scanned the surrounding area for any sign of danger, but all I saw were trees, rocks, and more trees.

I turned slightly, taking in my surroundings until my eyes came across an outcropping of boulders that surrounded a cave that had opened into the earth. The moonlight cast long shadows along the ground and I shivered, wishing that I had thought to bring warmer clothing. I looked at my horse, then glanced around the edge of the cave entrance. Nothing moved. I couldn't detect any animals. No birds singing, no deer running through the underbrush. I couldn't see anything except shadows and darkness, though there was still no sign of trouble. It was dead quiet.

With my heart beating rapidly against my chest, I stepped lightly towards the cavern entrance. Taking one last calming breath, I walked towards the cave opening, my footsteps echoing against the rocks. As soon as my boots touched the cold earth my breath caught in my throat. Everything was black. Even the faintest bit of light disappeared completely as soon as I crossed the threshold of the cave. I took another step into the darkness, listening for signs of life as my eyes adjusted to the lack of sight. There was nothing, no noise, no light. I felt claustrophobic and wanted nothing more than to turn around and walk the few steps it would take to return to my horse outside the cave. Yet I kept going. I took another careful step forward, moving further and further inside. Suddenly, there was a loud cry ricocheting off the walls. Soon the sound filled the caves accompanied by flapping wings as bats flitted about. Their angry cries sounded deafening in the eerie silence, the echoes bouncing off the walls and causing shivers to run up my spine. Bats! The bats' shrieks rose in pitch as they became panicked. They began darting about in all directions , their wings fluttering madly as they sought an escape. My heart was pounding in my ears and the bats seemed to multiply as they continued to flap about. Then suddenly, one of the bats leaped toward me, screeching loudly. Panic seized my throat and I stumbled backward, losing my footing.

I closed my eyes, praying silently to the God of Death that my prayers had reached his ears, and prepared myself for the impact. When nothing happened I tentatively opened my eyes. All around me bats continued to swarm as I slowly rose to my feet. The sounds of their wings filled the air as I stood there motionless, waiting. Shortly, the cave descended into silence once more as the bats fled from their perch in the darkness. A few moments later, as I stood alone, I felt relief wash over me. I let out a shaky sigh of relief and felt tears prick at my eyes. Tears of happiness as I realized the bats weren't coming back. Relief flooded over me and I allowed myself a slight smile. I hadn't heard anything since the bats left. There wasn't even a hint of movement in the dark corners. Warmth loomed in this part of the cave and my skin tingled, goosebumps rising along my arms as I imagined the damp smell of mold permeating the space. This place seemed haunted but it warm and safe , much better than out in the open wilderness. I started looking around hoping to find a better spot to rest. I spotted a large pile of rocks near the back corner of the cave. That should work nicely. I moved quickly as my heart began to beat rapidly in anticipation. I would sleep here tonight, hopefully before the sun rose. Hopefully the nightmares would go away for a while.

Once I reached the pile of rocks, I climbed onto top of them, resting my back against one of the larger rocks. A yawn escaped me and I rubbed my eyes in order to dispel the tiredness that had settled deep within my mind. The rocks were surprisingly soft and comfortable for the amount of rock that I was sitting on. They cushioned my back against the stone wall of the cave and I sighed in pleasure as my muscles relaxed and I found a comfortable position. My hair was wet from sweat and I brushed it aside, tucking it back behind my ear. After a second of hesitation, I removed the pins holding my braids in place and shook my hair loose, falling loosely about my face, covering my shoulders. I sighed softly, relaxing my muscles further and staring into the darkness, watching the faint glow of fireflies dancing in front of my eyes. I smiled. Maybe I wouldn't have to fear the nightmares tonight after all.A sudden gust of wind blew across the tops of the rocks and I shuddered as the cool mountain air nipped at my exposed skin. With a sigh, I closed my eyes and listened. I held my breath as I listened for the slightest sound. Anything. The wind. The crickets. The howling of wolves. Anything. I opened my eyes slowly and looked around the cave, not sure if what I'd seen had truly been real. The only thing that had moved in the cave was a couple of bats that I'd seen flying through the air. I shook my head, dismissing them as they passed so close to my face that they brushed past my nose, sending tiny sparks of sensation throughout my body.

It's alright. You're safe now. Everything will be fine. It will all pass. Don't worry anymore.

The words echoed inside my head and I swallowed thickly, nodding as I stared ahead blankly, allowing those words to take root in my heart. Slowly I fell asleep, dreaming of home and my family and a man with golden brown eyes and messy black hair that framed his face. The same man I have been dreaming about for the past three years and yet have never met. The reason for my journey.