030: Running Dragon

April 23, 2022 – 2 minutes read – 215 words

I grab Corporal Mirko and Private Colton, who has a sleepy face with short blond hair and brown eyes.
The two are the only soldiers, excepting Wayne, who have managed to find me on a break.
Also, they are able to ride a running dragon.

What’s a running dragon?

Well, normally, the army moves on foot or horseback.
Given sufficient training, pretty much any person can ride a horse.

A running dragon is a reptilian monster shaped like a ostrich.
They’re one of the very few species of tamable monsters.
They have scales instead of feathers like the ostrich, eat both plants and animals, run fast, tolerant of heat, but weak to cold.

They are particular, but if one running dragon accepts a person, nearly all running dragons will accept that person.
Apparently it may be something about scent? Some researchers have put forward that as the reason, but I don’t think it’s been properly tested.
It does seem to be genetic, as children where both parents can ride, will always be able to ride.

Perhaps it is an odor or lack thereof?

I inform the two of our mission and prepare their equipment.

They were upset, but I was able to smooth things over and we left only two hours after the meeting concluded.