Snippet #1859677

"Any unusual birth marks, of a dragon possibly?"

Tasida immediately pulled her thick hair out of its holder so it covered her ears and neck. For extra measure, she flipped the black hood of her cape over her head as well. No doubt she'd be recognized, being the banished warrior that she was. But she wasn't going to confess being chosen until she knew what it was exactly that the king had planned for her.

"If you do the king will grant you lots of gold."

She watched from behind the shadows of a pillar as the two boys quickly revealed their marks. She couldn't help but scowl. All over the promise of money. Since she quit being a dog to the king, she could have as much money as she wanted. Their rewards of money did nothing to entice her.

"What would the king request of us?"

Ah, that sounded more like the question she would ask before confessing her birthmark. Zane was a warrior she recognized from her dog days. He had a better head on his shoulders than the other guy, but from his lack of ability to think for himself, she found him largely frustrating.

"It will be a great pleasure to serve you, my great king."

Flinching, Tasida spat on the ground. Blind service aggravated her. She tore her eyes from the scene after watching the beautiful white dragon fly overhead and leaned against the pillar in silence. Thinking. Someone else approached, and she peeked out again and saw another had joined them, a girl. Gathering her confidence (which took no time at all), Tasida ran her hands over the hand axes on her belt before leaving the comfort of shadow and facing the two fools who boldly confessed their heritage without hesitation. She walked proudly, with her back straight and her eyes forward (old habits die hard). When she stood among them, Tas yanked off her hood and pulled her heavy dark red hair up. Behind her left ear, curving towards the base of her neck, stood a bold, solid black dragon mark.

"Why are you gathering us?" She asked in a detached, almost cold voice.