Truly Odd

Truly Odd

“This is a strange place.”

“Why do you say that?” The voice came from all around Tolliver.

“Who? What? Where?”

“Are you some kind of owl? You don’t look like one.”

Tolliver straightened as tall as he could.

“No! I am not!”

“What are you then?”

“I’m a man.”

“Really? Where are your muscles? What happened to your height?”

Tolliver cleared his throat.

“I’ve been sick.”

“I do hope you aren’t contagious! Do I need a mask or sanitizer. Maybe I should drink that last one!”

“Don’t do that, it will kill you!” Tolliver hastened to caution the voice.

“Are you a vet? If not, you shouldn’t advise me about my health.”

Tolliver peered around him. It was darker here than the night outside.

“What’s your name, puny man?”

“Tolliver. It is customary for you to introduce yourself to me as well.”

“Whose customs, yours or mine.”

“Everyone’s customs. Politeness is universal.”

The voice burst into laughter.

“You are amusing, little man. Why I could name several creatures who are never polite.”

“Are you one of them?”

A hiss of steam surrounded Tolliver.

“If I weren’t, wee man you’d be my dinner!”

Tolliver stilled, his heart in his throat.

“Would you be Malor of the Mountain?”

“What do you want with me?”

“A boon. I want to be your apprentice,” the man explained.

“Since you are intelligent enough to amuse me rather than attack me, it is done. Follow my voice back to my cave and we will draw up an agreement. You understand it will be on my terms. Termination of your education can occur any time. Come along then!”

Tolliver obeyed as the growly voice began to fade in the distance.

“What am I getting myself into?” he murmured.

“An adventure, of course” said the dragon.