Flash Fiction Fridays # 18: Loyalty

[rainstardragon]

 Several that have not been posted here are available freely to read on my Patreon. I see that I have forgotten to post here those after #12.

Loyalty

The storm tore at him with rain-steel claws. Above him the dragon ravaged, flashing lightning that struck into far off trees. What caused the local rain spirit to be in such a foul mood he could not say, nor did it matter for him. He held his post at the top of the eave, poised and staring his challenge. Those living under his protection depended on him to shield him from these rains and winds.

Below him the door guardian also stood firm and resolute, holding the cold out as best he could. Neither dared directly fight, lest they bring down the dragon’s curses in their zeal upon those they protected. They had been carried here from the woods long ago, placed in auspicious honored places, fed on the devotion of those depending on them. In turn they would do as they must.

A bolt struck him where he stood, flowed through him to the ground. It tore at him, the heat and force threatening to ignite him. Unable to hold back his cry he voiced his pain and determination, his prayer rising to Kannon-sama, wherever she was. Below he was aware of the fear and light lit face of the door guardian, ready to spring open to allow the family out if they must perish together.

Kannon-sama must have heard his fervent prayer. He did not combust as he expected, though where he once had two beautiful eyes he now only had the one, and a blackened char where the other had been.

The dragon passed on to the next village and he slumped where the posts all crossed, pressing his hand to the cauterized pit. Other roof guardians shouted at him, some scrambling from their roofs to his with supplies. All he could focus on where the sobbing children within.

So far, another generation lives another day.