The prince trembled with rage in the stock but whispered through clenched teeth, “I’ll give you anything you want. Name it.”

“What I want, you don’t own. She’s not yours. So I’d have to ask her, wouldn’t I?” said Val. The prince closed his eyes in frustration, a tear trickled down his cheek.

The people parted and the princess emerged from their midst, stepping onto the platform. Val walked around the stocks to meet her, careful to keep his sword still pointed at the prince.

“Now’s your chance. Flee,” she said.

His lips twitched. “Come with me,” he whispered.

“What?”

He picked up her hand. “You can’t wed him after this. What will you do? Court the next prince, and the next? There’s only so many princes to turn down. I don’t think you want that. I can’t promise you a castle, or even a roof over your head, but I can promise you adventure and a good time.”

Her eyes darted between Val, Ectar in the stocks, and the castle.

“Do you want your sister’s life? Or your own?” Val waved to Ectar’s backside. “Come on. This over me?”

“Even if I go with you, there is no way we can outrun these guards, let alone get past them. You didn’t think this through.”

“That’s why I need you.”

Her eyes gazed into the sky behind him.

Val caught sight of three sapphire shapes growing closer as they flew straight for the platform. The baby Bluebacks descended the platform to consume the irresistible dragon nip, drawing a gasp from the onlookers. Being slightly larger than horses, they crowded the space, becoming a natural barrier between Val and the guards.

Val waved his arms. “Get back, everyone! You don’t want to go up in flames!”

The people and the guards retreated away from the platform.

Stepping with determined ease, Val moved toward the closest dragon with his palms up. “Easy girl,” he coaxed. The dragonling squawked in recognition of Val, nuzzling against his shoulder. “Now’s our chance. Are you with me?”

Isilda’s chest rose as she took a deep breath. “Yes,” she nodded.

Val could barely contain his smile. “Good. Do as I do.” Scooping a handful of nip, he let a Blueback eat it from his palm.

The guards sensing the danger die down approached the platform, swords at the ready. Val knew it was now or never.

“Hold on tight,” said Val, hoisting Isilda onto her dragon. It bucked at first and sputtered flames, stopping the guards in their tracks.

“Don’t let them get away!” yelled Ectar.

Taking a quick opportunity, Val twisted his blade to the flat side, brought it back, and swung it with all his might. When it connected with the prince’s bottom, a loud smack echoed through the town square. Ectar shrieked, spitting in rage.

The sight of it was so outrageous that the man in the stocks next to the prince let out a howl of laughter. The prince screamed obscenities at Val who roared with laughter, tears streaming down his face. Then he turned, and with the foolish bravado of a man with no options left, he mounted a confused Blueback.

“Your head is yours today,” yelled Val. “But I’m afraid that the shame of being publicly disciplined in your own town square will never quite heal. Thanks for the gold. Good day to you, Sire.”

Then he urged his Blueback into flight. They took to the skies, and he steered them over the castle and toward the redwoods. Val’s laughter echoed throughout the town below as the guards and the townsfolk looked on in amazement.

All of the stress melted away as they soared higher and higher. He yelped as the wind blew through his hair, smiling at Isilda. She never looked more beautiful than when she soared through the heavens with Val.

END