You step out of the stables and into the field cursing. Where on Pern is that little brat? You wonder. Z'nar was supposed to meet you here at the stables over an hour ago. He has yet to show his face, and you're upset. You pace around the stables, thinking of where he might be. You curse under your breath again, "If he's not here in the next five minutes I'm going to..."
You trail off, finally sighting the youth you've been waiting for. Well, sighting what you think is him. You see a green streak race through the runner field, scaring half the runners, but outdistancing them all. The creature glides over the fence and stops dead in front of you, bringing with it a cloud of dust. You start coughing and examine the ....dragon?
When the dust clears you see Z'nar dismounting from the creature. The youth bobs his head in a half-bow of respect. "Sorry to keep you waiting, got here as fast as I could."
You glance warily at the creature. "So I see..."
Z'nar smiles. "May I introduce Talkinith, the fastest creature on four legs, or two, or six, or..." The dragon creels and rears, spreading small wings. It's obviously not as fast in the air as it is on ground, if it can fly at all.
You look inquisitively at the dragon. "Can she fly?"
"When she picks up enough speed she can glide, but I think we're faster on land." The green dragon nuzzles her rider, obviously agreeing with him.
You remember why you where waiting for him and get mad all over again. "Why were you late? I need a ride to Baeris Kshau's Healing Den and I don't have time to waste."
Z'nar shrugs, "No problem, I'll get you there in two shakes of a feline's tail. Talkinith knows where she's going, she was hatched there."
You are shocked. "You can't expect me to ride that.. that...creature."
Z'nar sighs. "You want to get there and Talkinith is the fastest. Hurry up, if you're coming, we've got a race in two hours."
You smile smuggly. "Then you can't take me on Talkinith, she has to save her energy."
Z'nar laughs. "We could take you to the Red Planet and back and still beat all the others." Z'nar grabs your wrist and hauls you up behind him. "Hold on."
As the dragon takes off at break neck speed, you realize 'hold on' wasn't much of a warning.
Z'nar impressed Talkinith at Baeris Kshau's Healing Den
Read Z'nar's candidate story here.
