"DragonFire Part 2" by Renee LeCompte

A few minutes later, Valida landed near a small village. "Here is your money. Say you came by it while looking in a small cave." She thrust a small bag of gold nuggets in his hands. "I will remain unseen as your mount."

"Valida, a Dragon is hardly unseen" Yidraik shut his mouth as he watched the large Dragon shift into a sturdy pony.

"As a Dragon, I must be wary for men, and shape shifting is the best form of hiding." She could barely form words with the equine mouth, so she didn't spare any.

"Can you shift into anything smaller, say, a mouse?"

"No," she growled. "I was not very far in my studies before my mother was killed. This pony is as small as I can shift."

"Oh." Yidraik realized he had touched upon an uncomfortable subject. "I'm going now."

Valida neighed, and Yidraik took that as a sign to enter the small town. He hadn't gone far before he reached a leatherworker's shop. Taking a token glance at the sign, Valida followed him in.

"Out, out! Get that mangy animal out of my shop!" the master leatherworker shouted when he caught sight of Valida.

"Umm, I think you better leave," Yidraik whispered in her ear.

"What? You need to measure me!" Valida huffed, clearly not wanting to be left outside.

"Shhh, the leatherworker will hear you," he hissed.

"What was that?" the leatherworker boomed.

Yidraik hit his head. "Oh, now you've gone and done it!" To the leatherworker, he said, "Nothing, sir, it was just my pony neighing. She tends to do that."

"Well, get her out of here!" Yidraik pushed the unwilling Dragon out the door. "Now," the leatherworker said in a much more amiable mood, "what can I do for you?"

15 minutes later, Yidraik stumbled out of the shop loaded with leather straps, and a very large horse saddle. "Is this saddle big enough?" he gasped.

"I'm not sure, let me try it on." She started to shift back, but Yidraik stopped her.

"People are watching, Valida. I don't think you should do this here." Valida reluctantly shifted back to her uncomfortable pony form.

"I don't see why I can't just eat them all. I am hungry." At Yidraik's stare, she gave her best equine grin. "Can't you see a joke?"

"Not funny, you really had me worried," Yidraik teased back.

Changing the subject, Valida said, "You should watch for thieves yourself, Yidraik."

"Why?"

"Well," Valida replied. "Someone thought I was a mighty fine looking pony, and would fetch a good price. I gave him a good kick in the nose."

"Ah well, some people just don't expect intelligent ponies to be wondering around on the streets. I should probably chain you up for their sakes."

"Hey, milksop," a husky voice interrupted. Yidraik barely had time to duck before a high kick came flying over his head. "I like the way you look," a young ruffian said, while putting on his steel knuckles. "Rich, and wimpy. In fact, I like the way your pony looks, too."

"Well, don't expect to get her." He dropped the leather on the dusty road, and prepared to fight. The two men circled each other, the ruffian eyeing her hungrily, probably wondering what price she would get on the market. Valida decided she had had enough of this nonsense.

Rearing up on her hind legs, Valida changed quickly and smoothly in her Dragon form. Though quite smaller than her actual size, the ruffian was sufficiently frightened, and he ran off like the coward he was. Yidraik wasn't so grateful for her intervention.

"I could've handled it myself, you know," he said coldly. Yidraik didn't get many chances to stand up for his pride and possessions.

"I know, snippet," Valida said wearily. "We just need to get going. I want to see my fellow Dragons, even if you don't."

"I'm sorry. Let's get going, now." Yidraik looked around, and continued, "Change back to your pony form. People really are starting to stare."