Fiction: Dragon Slayer
Nov. 4th, 2011 07:20 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kethniName: Dragon Slayer
Pairing: Matt/Mo, Matt/Nathan, Matt/Peter
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Adult language, sexual situations.
Word Count: Approximately 9300
Authors Note: For![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
amles80 who prompted A fantasy style ensemble fic where Matt is or wants to be a dragon slayer… I know, this is not much to work with! (I believe I imagined Sylar as somehow involved with dragons… and both Petrelli brothers as dark and seductive…)
Matt lifts a shovelful of manure and regards it critically. Is this truly how he’s going to spend his days, cleaning up shit from someone else’s horse? Matt’s never expected much out of life and life has rarely exceeded his expectations. He’s always considered his dreams to be nothing more than pleasant fantasies. He’s always known that following them would be a fool’s errand and that he would end up regretting his idiocy in even trying.
Yet the past few months he’s been irritable and quarrelsome as the itch of discontent spread across his skin. He doesn’t want this and he doesn’t want to be here. He doesn’t want to have lived his life without achievement or worth. He wants to something. To carve a niche for himself and not simply be another name whispered on the wind passed no human remembering it.
He wants… something. To have some worth beyond shovelling manure. But Matt lacks the confidence for charm; the money and power for arrogance and, although he has pleasant features he is far too self-effacing to press it to his advantage. It seems as though there is nothing at which he could excel, no way of making his mark, and yet the desire burns in his blood.
In the tavern that evening, Matt is nursing a flagon of ale when the Post Master swaggers in with three of his stable hands behind him. As the custodian of both the mail and the mail coach he is the man through which all gossip flows and, when he sits down near Matt, a coterie of interested parties pay him court. Despite his disinterest Matt cannot help but hear as he holds forth to his sycophants.
‘… it demands the brightest and most talented be sacrificed to it every single month or it will burn the entire city to the ground. The king is begging for heroes, begging, for them but every single one who arrives is burnt alive. Last week a delegation from Japan was the latest to be killed, they simply charged at the thing waving swords like they thought it would just die of fright. I tell you this job is for someone who doesn’t believe that slaying a dragon is only about swinging a sword. I tell you that dragons are as cunning as snakes and vicious as well.’
Matt gulps down a mouthful of ale. He’s met plenty of heroes as the first thing they seem to do in a new place is steal horses. Sure they’ve got muscles and resilience but most of them take two goes to work out which end of the horse to face. If the dragon is as cunning and vicious as the post master is suggesting then a beefcake with more muscles than brain cells might as well jump straight into a volcano. They don’t plan. You can’t go up against a creature that big and that dangerous and hope for the best. You need to have a plan, you need to know what any vulnerabilities are, and you need to have done your research. If Matt was going to do it he’d get some training with a local swordsman and some more with an archer. Someone like the Petrelli brothers would train him well and without charging money he can’t afford. Knowing Nathan there will be a price but it’s unlikely to be one that Matt hasn’t paid him a dozen times before. Their mother Angela is a wise woman and seer of some renown but her second sight is not perfect and her ambitions have been unfulfilled. Helping the slayer of the dragon with what knowledge she has on dragons could only be good for her aspirations of power and influence. The wizard in the woods might also be willing to help with information and possibly with a protection spell.
That’s the way that Matt would do it. Find out everything he could about dragons and get as much practical training and help as he could. That’s what he would do. That’s what’s he could do.
That’s what he could do. No. That would be lunacy. He’s not a hero. He’s not a wizard. He’s nothing and he’s never going to be anything. He could be though. He’s a hard worker. Everyone says he works hard and he’s dedicated.
Besides, what’s he got to lose besides his life?
Fortified by several ales, Matt returns to the stable and makes himself a nest in the hayloft. Even in the winter the stable is always warm with the flatulent heat of the cows that share the space with the horses. He has already cordoned off the horses, they can “playfully” torment the calves if left together, and now the sound of them jostling and snorting at each other soothes him as he sleeps.
He is woken in the early hours by an owl which has flown into the hayloft and is sitting, quite calmly, by his head and watching him.
‘Shoo,’ Matt suggests. ‘Go hoot somewhere else. Haven’t you mice to catch?’
The owl regards him silently.
‘There’s nothing for you to eat in here. The farm cats get all the mice and rats.’
The owl spreads its wings. The huge span of feathers glimmer soft gold in the dim light from the stars and moon outside and then begin to change. The owl shimmers as it seems to grow taller and the wings grow narrower and slimmer.
Matt backs away as the shape becomes distinctly human. Or something like human.
‘I’m not an irredeemable sinner so there’s no use you trying to drag me off to hell if you’re a demon! And… and I’m sure neither god nor goddess would be wanting me so you’ve got the wrong barn if that’s what you’re here for!’
The shape settles into that of a young man with dark skin, dark eyes still, and soft curls that threaten to obscure his features of unnatural beauty. A simple shift covers his body and his feet are bare as he stands there in the hayloft looking at Matt with a calculating calmness.
‘Have you quite finished raving?’
‘An owl just turned into what looks like a person! I think some raving is appropriate! Who are you? What do you want?’
The apparition smiles coolly at him. ‘Yet you haven’t run away screaming. A good sign. It would have been a shame if you’d fallen down the ladder and broken your neck.’
Matt smoothes down his hair and folds his arms across his chest. ‘There’s time enough for that.’
‘You haven’t asked if this is a dream.’
‘What’d be the point of that? You wouldn’t say it was even if it was. What do you want?’
‘It isn’t what I want; Matthew Parkman would be dragon slayer. It’s what you want.’
‘I want a good night’s sleep, thanks.’
‘Aren’t you going to ask how I know who you are?’
Matt scowls. ‘Why would you answer that question when you haven’t answered any of my other questions?’
‘Spoilsport. I am Mohinder the Wizard of the Woods.’
‘Bit underdressed aren’t you?’
‘I am used to receiving more respect particularly from peasants,’ Mohinder says sharply.
‘Well I am not used to wizards disguising themselves as owls and waking me up in the early hours!’
Mohinder raises an eyebrow. ‘I generally prefer a horse but climbing a ladder with hooves would be distinctly problematic.’
Matt looks over the small wall that is all that prevents him from tumbling down in the shed below and frowns. ‘I figure so. Look… Mr Wizard I’m trying to sleep. What do you want?’
‘You want to fight the dragon,’ Mohinder says with an elegant shrug. ‘You can’t do it alone.’
‘No, I wanna kill it,’ Matt retorts. ‘I’d rather avoid fighting the giant flying lizard that breathes fire if I can.’
Mohinder grins. ‘You’re brighter than you look.’
‘Is that supposed to be a compliment?’
‘It’s an acknowledgement. I’ll help you defeat the dragon. You were considering contacting me so here I am. Aren’t I helpful?’
Matt looks at him doubtfully. ‘Why would you want to help me?’
‘Lots of reasons. One would be that it has killed persons close to me.’
‘And you couldn’t wait until morning to tell me this?’
‘You might have changed your mind in the morning.’ Mohinder finally sits down. ‘You might have decided to spend your life aimless and miserable.’
Matt rolls his eyes. ‘So instead I’m deciding to spend the rest of my life getting burnt alive?’
‘Or as a great saviour of the city.’
‘Are you any good?’
‘When the mood strikes me I can be good.’
‘I mean are you any good at magic,’ Matt elaborates.
‘Oh yes, I’m excellent.’ Mohinder grins, showing gleaming white teeth. ‘You haven’t thanked me.’
‘For what, waking me up?’
‘For saying I’ll help you. I don’t have to.’
‘I didn’t ask you to.’
‘You were going to.’
‘I was considering it,’ Matt says, brushing his hair from his eyes. ‘And you already said you’ve got your own reason for wanting the dragon dead.’
Mohinder puts his hand to his ear. ‘I don’t hear you.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Good. Move over.’
‘What?’
Mohinder bats at Matt’s legs. ‘Move over. There’s enough room but you’re taking it all up.’
‘Enough room for what?’ Matt squeaks.
‘For us both to sleep. It’s the middle of the night.’
‘You’re not sleeping here!’
Mohinder shimmies down next to Matt who, faced with the choice between moving or lying crushed next to the wizard, moves over.
‘We’ll make a start in the morning. Find those brothers you were considering to train you. Then head to the city when you’re done.’
Matt turns on his side to face him. ‘You can’t just turn up, demand to sleep here, and start issuing orders.’
‘Who else is going to take charge? You still haven’t quite committed to doing this.’
‘I don’t believe this,’ Matt mutters.
‘Go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.’
In the morning Matt tells his irate employer that he is going travelling, and doesn’t know when he’ll be back. If ever. He gathers up his meagre belongings and scant savings and heads off down the road towards the Petrelli homestead. Overhead a lone goose floats on outstretched wings and then lands softly before transforming into Mohinder.
‘Managed shoes today then?’
‘I manage my needs adequately. Do you mean to walk all the way?’
Matt waves a hand at the empty road behind him. ‘My invisible horse is just having a rest.’
‘I see. So you’ll arrive at the city in ten years or so.’
‘I’ll get a lift on a cart,’ Matt growls, walking along with Mohinder strolling by his side. ‘I’m a stable hand, what did you expect a fiery charger? Hey, maybe you can turn into a horse and I can ride you!’ he suggests sarcastically.
‘Did your employer know that you harbour sexual feelings for horses?’
‘That’s not funny!’
‘Where do your sexual tastes lie?’
Matt looks askance at him. ‘What?’
Mohinder raises his eyebrows. ‘It was a perfectly comprehensible question.’
‘You’re asking me about my… appetites? You’re seriously standing there asking me that?’
‘I don’t think it’s unreasonable.’
Matt stops in his tracks and Mohinder pauses after only another step or two. ‘I don’t even know you!’
Mohinder smiles and steps closer to Matt. ‘How much better would you like to know me? Wizards are very choosy in their choice of mates and once chosen it is very unwise to refuse.’
‘I thought that was witches,’ Matt says after a heartbeat.
‘They advertise the fact. We do not.’
‘I don’t like being threatened and I don’t like bullies.’
‘I beg your pardon?’
‘I’ve heard this stuff before, all that “don’t refuse a witch” stuff and it’s pathetic. Being a witch or a wizard doesn’t mean that you can just wave a hand and get anyone you want whether they want you or not. You’ve got a skill but that doesn’t mean that you can just expect people to spread their legs no matter what they feel about it,’ Matt snaps. ‘How would it be if I went marching over to some cute milk maid or baker’s boy and told him that I’m attracted to them and it would be “unwise” to turn me down?’
‘I am a wizard, not a stable hand,’ Mohinder says airily.
‘Am I supposed to be cowed by that?’
Mohinder grins and shrugs. ‘You’re an odd bird. I like that.’
The Petrelli home is a glowering old building a little way from the cluster of houses in the main village. Built in a rush of extravagance fifty years before with cedar and gilt, little money was saved for maintenance and it has fallen into some disrepair. Yet the family continue to consider themselves better than not only the villagers but also the farmers and the squire who maintains social ties from courtesy and some vague political yearnings.
The sons are Nathan and his younger brother Peter. Both educated as well as their parents can afford although Nathan honed his intellect as an army officer and Peter perfected an appreciation of beauty as keen as it impractical. Matt is far below them socially but is of an age with Nathan in a village with few amusements to keep men from falling in together.
‘How long do you mean to stay here?’ Mohinder asks.
‘I want to learn some sword and bow.’
‘Mastering those will take years.’
‘Well I don’t hear any better ideas from you!’ Matt snaps.
‘Touchy!’ Mohinder grins at his broadly. ‘I can help.’
Matt folds his arms. ‘You’re a wizard. I bet you don’t know one end of a sword from the other. How can you help?’
‘Magically. If the brothers will teach you then I will help you learn.’ Mohinder smiles serenely. ‘I cannot magically make you a fighter. I can make every hour of training give you the learning of ten years.’
‘Will I get ten years of tiredness and injury?’ Matt asks. ‘I thought magic had to balance.’
‘Certainly. I balance it. You do not.’
Matt frowns and walks towards the house. ‘Does that mean you’ll get ten years of tiredness and injury for every hour then?’
‘You’re very bright.’
‘You’re damned patronising.’
‘Why are we going around the back of the house?’
Matt pushes his hair back off his forehead. ‘Wizards may go to front doors but stable hands do not.’
‘You aren’t a stable hand. Not now.’
‘No I’m would-be dragon slayer and former stable hand who currently has no actual position. I’ll be fortunate if she doesn’t have me run from the property.’
‘Oh whine, whine, whine!’ Mohinder spins him around so that they are facing. ‘You are having an adventure, Matthew Parkman. You wanted to do something with your life. Something meaningful. Take heart! You are off to fight dragons. Fill your belly with fire!’
Matt bites his lip. ‘You’re right.’
‘I’m aware of that.’ Mohinder waves a hand and a thunderous knocking rattles the doors. ‘Now go to hero.’
‘What about this spell you’re going to cast on me? Is it safe?’
Mohinder reaches out delicately, and snaps a single hair from Matt’s head.
‘Ow!’
‘Would you rather I took blood?’ he asks archly. ‘It has to be a body part.’
‘One hair?’
‘Body magic is very powerful.’ Mohinder snaps his fingers and the hair ignites, burning with a soft, green glow.
‘Is that the spell?’ Matt asks quietly.
‘No, I merely thought it would be amusing to burn your hair. Yes that is the spell.’
Matt rubs his hands together. ‘How long will it last?’
‘As long as I choose.’
‘Are you boys quite finished?’
Matt turns around and reddens. ‘Nathan. Good morning.’
‘Who’s your friend, Parkman?’
‘Um, this is Mohinder. He’s a wizard.’
‘I’m the wizard in these parts,’ Mohinder says, standing straighter.
‘I was hoping you and Peter would give me some training with the sword and bow,’ Matt says, licking his lips.
Nathan looks Mohinder up and down and then looks over at Matt. ‘What does a stable hand need with a wizard and weapons training?’
‘Come on Nathan, don’t yank my chain.’
Nathan tucks his hands in his pockets and then shrugs. ‘I can think of other things I’d rather manhandle.’
‘There are other people who can teach you martial skills.’
‘Possessive type isn’t he?’ Nathan remarks. ‘I’ll train you but it’d help if I knew what was going on.’
‘There’s a dragon in the city.’
‘I wouldn’t worry about it. I hear it prefers virgins.’
‘As do you according to rumour,’ Mohinder says acidly.
Matt throws up his hands. ‘Can you measure your manliness some other way?’
‘I’ll teach you the basics, Parkman, but it’ll cost you,’ Nathan says with a grin.
‘You only ever have one price,’ Matt points out.
‘That depends what it is you think he’s selling,’ Mohinder says, clasping his hands together.
‘I was hoping to talk to your mother as well,’ Matt says, ignoring this comment.
‘What about?’
Matt licks his lips. ‘Dragons. She has knowledge. I thought she might know how to defeat one.’
Nathan purses his lips. ‘You want to learn sword and bow so that you can get yourself baked alive? Is that about the size of things?’
‘I was hoping to learn sword and bow so I don’t get baked alive.’
Nathan looks at Mohinder again. ‘Are you going to help him with that?’
‘Yes. As are you I suspect.’
‘I said I’d show him some moves.’
‘That isn’t what I meant,’ Mohinder says calmly. ‘All the others have attacked alone. This will need a group effort.’
‘Whoa!’ Matt says, holding up his hands. ‘I didn’t invite anyone along.’
‘Don’t be ungrateful.’
Nathan laughs lightly. ‘Would you boys like some time alone?’
Mohinder turns to him and sizes him up silently. ‘You’re ambitious. You’ll get nothing here. Come with us and defeat the dragon. You’ll make your name and share in any reward. The alternative is to stay here planning futures that you will never be able to realise.’
‘Are you asking me to help?’
‘No, I’m offering to allow you to assist.’
Nathan turns to Matt. ‘Ma’s inside. Go talk to her while the wizard and I discuss terms.’
‘Is she going to order me around too?’
‘Only if she likes you.’
Matt shakes his head as he turns around and heads for the door. ‘Quit the stable, Matt. Learn how to be a dragon slayer, Matt. End up running after a wizard and the whole Petrelli clan.’ He pushes open the door and glares balefully at the startled cook. ‘I’m here to see Mrs Petrelli.’
‘The missis doesn’t speak to peasants and beggars.’
‘Master Nathan just sent me to speak to her. You know me; I’m Matt Parkman from the village. I’ve been here before.’
The cook sniffs. She snaps her fingers at one of the maids. ‘Send Bishop to tell the missis that this… person is here to see her.’
‘That won’t be necessary,’ Angela Petrelli says imperiously. She graces Matt with a cool smile. ‘Mr Parkman. Do come through.’
‘See?’ Matt growls as he stalks past the cook. He follows Angela up the stairs and into her private sitting room. The room is full of heavy, dark furniture and the walls are covered with mounted animals that stare down at Matt with empty glass eyes. In the corner of the room a black bear deformed by advanced carpet beetles and primitive taxidermy is balanced precariously on two legs.
‘My late husband,’ Angela says, clasping her hands together.
‘The bear?’
‘His work,’ Angela says, looking up at Matt thoughtfully. ‘He enjoyed nature and wildlife.’
Matt looks around the menagerie of corpses and licks his lips. ‘If you say so, Mrs Petrelli.’
Angela drops into an ornately carved chair and crosses her legs at the knee. ‘So you’re planning on fighting the dragon.’
‘How did you know that?’
‘I’m a wise woman. Knowing things is what I do.’ She makes a sharp gesture with her hand and the scarlet nails glint in the light. ‘Did you ask the wizard how he knew what you intended to do?’
‘I didn’t get the chance,’ Matt admits. ‘I suppose I figured it was by magic. I hadn’t told anyone I was thinking about it.’
‘You have a destiny. I was always able to tell that although I didn’t know what it was. Do you think I’d let any stable boy spend time with my sons?’
Matt reddens, thinking of how that time was spent. ‘I thought you might know how to kill the dragon.’
‘Of course I do, and how precious of you to realise,’ she says with a thin smile. ‘The wizard wants the dragon dead for personal vengeance. I have no axe to grind with the beast. I want what you want: to better myself. My boys will also help you and I trust that when the moment comes you’ll be as generous with us as we will with you.’
‘If there’s a reward…’
‘I don’t want money. That’s not true, I do want money, but more than that I want respect and power. Do you find that amusing or ridiculous?’
Matt shakes his head. ‘No.’
‘I knew you were a smart boy. You split any reward with my boys and your wizard. What I want is the social advantages. When the time comes you and I will have a conversation.’
‘If you help enough,’ Matt says, setting his jaw. ‘I’m not going to be badgered into agreeing to some vague arrangement when you might turn around and give me nothing. Nathan’s already given me his price for training me…’
‘But not for accompanying you,’ she interjects.
‘That’ll be between us, and if I come to a deal with Peter that’ll be between us. If you want a share you have to contribute. Ride of their coattails if they’ll have it but you won’t ride on mine. If they say you negotiate for them then fine. But this feels like a game of find the lady and I’m in no mood to lose my money.’
Angela recrosses her legs. ‘You’re less your father’s son then I realised. He was always too easily blinded by loyalty and class adoration.’
‘My dad didn’t know the first thing about loyalty.’
‘That’s a matter of opinion,’ Angela says with a shrug. ‘The knowledge I have will be more use to the wizard.’
‘Right.’ Matt turns and starts to walk away.
‘Matthew,’ she calls. ‘Assertiveness is all well and good, but remember who your friends are.’
‘We’re going to do this the dirty way,’ Nathan announces.
Matt takes a firm grip on his weapon. ‘There’s another way?’
Nathan grins. ‘Swordplay has rules, if you choose to follow them. Following them is all well and good if you’re in a competition. If you’re fighting for life then fight dirty. You’re no less dead for having played fair.’
‘Fine with me. I can’t see a dragon being real big on rules anyway.’ From the corner of his eye Matt sees Mohinder make an elaborate gesture. The air seems to thicken around them for a moment and then they are dancing, ducking, and parrying as if Matt has been doing it all his life. He subconsciously notes the wizard walking away and entering the house but all of his conscious attention is on Nathan. When he talks about fighting dirty he doesn’t mean ignoring etiquette but all the basic assumptions of sword fighting. He uses the sword, certainly, but also his hands, his feet, his head – which catches Matt quite a crack on the forehead and almost knocks him down, and at one point Peter; who is less than thrilled at being grabbed and shoved at his brother’s opponent.
‘Nathan!’
‘You don’t want to play, Peter, don’t enter the field,’ Nathan growls. His face is red now and he’s breathing audibly.
‘I hope if it comes to facing the dragon I won’t have to throw a bystander at him,’ Matt laughs. He’s panting for air and perhaps it that which is making him feel a little lightheaded.
‘I didn’t think witchcraft could create gifts where there were none before,’ Nathan says, circling around. ‘How are you suddenly so good?’
‘Mohinder said something like every hour of practice giving the learning of ten years.’
‘That sounds amazing!’ Peter erupts. ‘Does it work for everything or just swordplay?’
‘I don’t know. Hopefully it’ll work as well for crossbow work.’
Nathan straightens up. ‘Well practice will only get you so far. It’s been two hours and I can’t see how much more experience could do for you.’
Matt sheathes his sword. ‘Are you angry at me?’
‘I fight for what I have and what I want to have to date no wizards have appeared offering to make it easier for me.’
‘Nathan you’re the richest family in the village. You sleep on goose feathers. I sleep on straw.’
Nathan grins again. ‘You can sleep on goose feathers tonight.’
Matt smiles slightly. ‘I don’t think so. We need to get to the inn and catch a cart to the city.’
‘What’s the rush?’
‘I don’t have your nerve. If I don’t go while it’s on my mind I might not go at all,’ Matt explains.
‘So you don’t get killed. Is that bad?’
‘Nathan, I can’t stay in the village mucking out horses. I have to do something. Something more. Something different. Don’t tell me you never felt that way.’
Nathan lifts his sword and stares at it critically for a few seconds before sheathing it. ‘Naturally. I imagine my mother said something to you along those lines?’
‘She tried to trade you and Peter coming along with us for some vague favour in the future,’ Matt says with a shrug. ‘I said if you willing to come along that was between you and me. Same for Peter.’
Nathan grins. ‘Good boy, you’re learning. Come on.’
‘Where are we going?’
‘You’re going to pay me for the lesson and possibly make a down payment on my accompanying you.’
Angela watches from an upstairs window as Mohinder drifts outside and over to Peter. She hadn’t anticipated the wizard becoming involved although in retrospect she should have. Damn the man! Damn his power, damn his grudge against the dragon, and damn his sudden grip on the stable boy. There will be no shaking him off now and she knows her sons well enough to realise that their affections are too free to supplant him. She only hopes that his ambitions begin and end with revenging his father.
‘Where is Matt?’ Mohinder asks.
‘In the woods with Nathan,’ Peter says, rolling his eyes. ‘I’m supposed to be teaching him to shoot.’
‘You mother means to sell your time.’
Peter smiles easily and leans against the wall. ‘She still thinks that I’m a child.’
‘You don’t look like a child.’
‘I hear wizards age backwards,’ Peter says, running a finger along Mohinder’s robe. ‘Is that true? Are you old as the hills really?’
‘Some do,’ Mohinder agrees. ‘It’s a curse that I don’t share.’ He lowers his voice and leans closer. ‘But I do have magical art of disguise. I might be old, old or ugly or fat as a merchant.’
Peter takes a step back. ‘I’ll go see if they’ve finished.’
Mohinder smiles, shimmers into an eagle, and rises into the air. Peter watches speculatively.
The air shimmers with tiny, shining drops of vapour that when they touch warm skin coalesce with the rivulets of sweat. Panting breaths simpatico as they begin to relax, Matt and Nathan smile at each other and finally roll apart.
‘I wonder if the practise spell counts for sex as well,’ Nathan remarks.
‘That’s a terrifying thought!’
‘Are you sure you know what you’re doing?’
Matt considers his position. ‘Lying in leaf mould and feeling vaguely hungry?’
Nathan snorts. ‘Your wizard friend has set his cap at you.’
‘He wants to kill the dragon.’
Nathan flicks a small pebble at Matt. ‘Don’t pretend you don’t know.’
‘He indicated it, sure.’
‘And?’
Matt shrugs and then sits up. ‘I don’t know him and I don’t like the possessive thing.’
‘So get to know him and set some limits,’ Nathan suggests. ‘He’s got a lot of power, Matt, and on a shallow note he’s damned attractive.’
Matt stands up and brushes himself down. ‘Are you trying to pair me up now?’
‘I’m being your friend. I saw you looking at him.’
Matt rolls his eyes. ‘So? He’s pretty to look at.’
‘And powerful.’
‘Quit saying that!’
Nathan grins. ‘Power is an aphrodisiac. If you kill the dragon and you both survive he’ll be powerful and you’ll have the reward. Peter or I will take the princess off your hands.’
Matt shakes his tunic. ‘There’s a princess?’
‘There’s always a princess,’ Nathan says, waving a hand. ‘Where’s there’s a dragon there’s a princess. What’re you going to do with her?’
Matt raises his eyebrows. ‘Introduce her to you and Peter?’
‘That’s my boy.’
A shadow passes overhead and Matt looks up. ‘Is that an eagle?’
‘We don’t get them here.’ Nathan stands up and squints as the eagle changes course and flies away. ‘I’d guess that you’re in trouble now.’
It is just after noon when they arrive back at the house and the maids are setting out tables of food outside.
‘Are we having a picnic?’ Nathan asks, striding over.
‘I think mother is concerned we’ll mess up the house,’ Peter says with a shrug. ‘Hey Matt, are we going to do some shooting soon?’
‘I’m not sure. The cart will be leaving soon,’ Matt says uncertainly.
‘Practice from the cart,’ Mohinder says. ‘The dragon won’t stand still waiting to be shot. Learn how to shoot a moving target.’ He gathers up an armful of food and sits down neatly with it.
‘You haven’t convinced me to come with you yet,’ Peter says sweetly.
‘What would it take to convince you?’
Peter links arms with him. ‘We could have some fun.’
Mohinder snorts. ‘You mean to conquer kingdoms with sex?’
‘I’ve never been called a kingdom before,’ Matt says. ‘Should I be insulted?’
‘Their mother means for them to rule,’ Mohinder says. ‘Their only skill appears to be seduction. Time consuming when applied to entire cities.’
Nathan laughs lightly. ‘If I wanted to be a tyrant would you expect me to stand in each peasant’s hovel and order them when to eat and when to sleep?’
Mohinder raises his eyebrows. ‘Interesting example. Is tyranny your ambition?’
‘This is so dull,’ Peter says and puts his head on Matt’s shoulder. ‘Take me into the woods and persuade me would you?’
Nathan watches them go and then helps himself to food from the tables. ‘I’ve heard that when wizards couple they lose their power.’
‘Not true.’ Mohinder says promptly.
‘No? There’s something, isn’t there? Some reason that wizards are extremely carefully when they choose partners?’
Mohinder purses his lips. ‘If there was why should I tell you?’
Nathan leans back and takes a bite of food. ‘I’m in pursuit of knowledge. Surely a wizard can understand that impulse?’
‘Understanding is not indulging.’
‘Nothing wrong with indulgence now and then.’
Mohinder nibbles at some chicken. ‘Life is balance: indulgence and self-denial. I have no intention of exercising self-indulgence with you.’
Nathan grins. ‘Matt’s the lucky boy, I take it?’
‘Why would I take you into my confidence? I ask only from simple curiosity, the curse of my kind.’
‘I don’t see anyone else offering.’
Mohinder raises his eyebrows. ‘If you were to offer to cut off my foot should I accept that given that nobody else is offering?’
‘Cutting off your foot isn’t quite the same thing now is it?’
‘You’re right: I would rather cut off my foot.’
Nathan folds his arms across his chest. ‘I’ve known Matt Parkman since he was old enough to totter about carrying feed. I have an interest in anyone who has an interest in him.’
‘Are you accusing me of something?’ Mohinder asks primly.
‘Merely expressing a natural interest.’
‘I have no interest in your interest. As far as I am aware you have no authority over him and you most assuredly have no authority over me. Indeed, given that you and your brother apparently use him as your own personal sexual plaything I could vouchsafe that you are last person who has a right to claim moral authority.’
Nathan presses a hand to his chest. ‘You wound me to the heart.’
‘I wasn’t aware that you had one.’
Whistling tunelessly Peter wanders back towards the house tucking in his clothing as he goes. ‘Is there any goose left?’ he asks wandering over to the tables.
‘Where’s Matt?’ Nathan asks.
‘Having a wash in the stream.’ Peter stretches and smiles at Mohinder. ‘So we’re all going to the city?’
‘Apparently.’
‘He doesn’t approve of us,’ Nathan says dryly.
Peter makes himself a sandwich by putting pieces of goose between two slabs of freshly baked bread. He sits carefully next to Mohinder and smiles winningly. ‘Would you like a bite of my sandwich?’
‘No.’
‘Just no?’ Peter pouts.
Mohinder folds his hands together. ‘Mr Petrelli, I am aware that you are handsome. I am aware that you are charming. Please don’t take my lack of interest in your body as a personal affront.’
Peter opens and closes his mouth. ‘I only offered you a bite of my sandwich.’
Nathan laughs aloud and turns away.
‘I think we both know exactly what you are offering,’ Mohinder says calmly.
Peter shrugs easily. ‘If you change your mind anytime then let me know.’
‘In case you have a sandwich to hand?’
Peter laughs and nudges Mohinder’s shoulder. ‘You never know your luck.’
Mohinder is packing the remaining food into hampers when Matt approaches from the woods.
‘What’re you doing?’
‘Ensuring we have food.’
‘We’ll reach the city by tomorrow evening.’
Mohinder turns and regards Matt steadily; noting the dirt pressed into Matt’s tunic, and the single leaf skeleton caught in his hair. ‘That’s a long time to go without food. You don’t have any money worth mentioning and the pursuit of it is beneath me. We could ask the Petrelli brothers for money but that would be demeaning and I have no intension of paying for food with my body. This food has already been provided and would only go to waste. Mrs Petrelli does not allow her servants the perks of leftover food.’
‘I can pay my way,’ Matt says stubbornly.
Mohinder smiles and finishes packing the food. ‘Not yet. When you have killed the dragon and been rewarded. Money is not important, Matt. It doesn’t define you. The lack of it doesn’t define you.’
Matt snorts. ‘That is well and good for you to say. You’re a wizard, you don’t use money!’
‘I don’t pursue it,’ Mohinder corrects mildly. ‘I perform certain services for the villagers. Mostly they pay with food, services, or clothing but money isn’t unknown. It can be useful but as a servant, not a master.’ Mohinder dusts off his hands. ‘There now. With care we’ll have enough food to last until we reach the city.’
‘Do you want a round of applause?’
‘A thank you might be appropriate. We must eat, Matt, and I haven’t heard any other suggestions from you how we’re going to eat. If you would like to arrange where we are going to sleep then I am happy to leave it to you.’
‘They’ll be changing the horses overnight so I guess we can’t sleep on the cart,’ Matt says sheepishly.
‘I refuse to sleep on the street,’ Nathan announces. He’s leaning in the door way. ‘Peter and I will pay for a room.’ He smiles lazily. ‘You two can sleep on the floor.’
Mohinder produces a small velvet bag from his robe. ‘Here.’
‘Don’t be an ass.’
‘I pay my way and not with my body.’ Mohinder takes out a handful of bronze coins and hands them over to Matt.
‘The wizard is too good to have sex for pleasure.’
Mohinder sighs. ‘I don’t deserve that. Not sleeping with every man or woman who crosses my path doesn’t mean that I do not enjoy sex, merely that I have no interest in sex with you or your brother.’
Nathan gives Matt a wink. ‘It’s you or nothing.’
‘If you’ve quite finished amusing yourself I think it best we head for the inn,’ Mohinder says calmly. ‘I’m sure none of us wish to resort to running down the road after the cart.’
The cart rocks and judders as it trundles down the road. It is faster than walking, more or less, and maintains a steady pace without stopping. When natural needs are undeniable then either the edge of the cart is availed or the person jumps off the cart and then has to run to catch up again.
Mohinder has been the centre of attention the entire trip. He has healed wounds, diagnosed illnesses, and prepared potions from the odds and ends carried by the other passengers.
Matt watches in fascination as Mohinder speaks quietly to an elderly woman twisted with arthritis. Her shining, marbled skin is draped across her hands and clinging to her bulging, swollen knuckles. Mohinder holds her hands in his as he talks and, as Matt watches, her limbs gradually straighten.
Mohinder has dealt with each and every person who has shuffled next to him and sheepishly shown him a body part. He hasn’t looked exactly thrilled at many of the boils, growths, and pustules but he has been courteous to every single one. Some of them have pushed pennies into his hand or put food at his feet but most have given nothing but fulsome thanks. Matt has always enjoyed good health and never felt the need to seek medical help beyond the basic poultices that the women in the village can prepare. It has surprised him that so many people from the surrounding villages are so desperate for medical attention that they are practically mobbing the wizard.
‘Do you see a lot of people generally?’ Matt asks as the formerly arthritic woman returns to her seat.
Mohinder looks surprised, as if he’d forgotten Matt were there. ‘It varies. Villagers generally only come to me with serious problems. Minor ailments they refer to the old women. Since I’m here though people might as well ask me.’
‘It doesn’t bother you?’
Mohinder raises his eyebrows. ‘Does it bother you when you’re asked to shoe horses?’
‘That’s my job. It was my job, anyway.’ Matt straightens his tunic. ‘You’re a wizard. You’re all powerful and stuff!’
‘That doesn’t mean I don’t use my ability to benefit the community,’ Mohinder says mildly. ‘It’s a selfish arrangement; aiding others ensures that I remember my place. Where you find a power mad sorcerer you will find a populace unnecessarily suffering from easily cured ailments.’
‘Balderdash,’ Nathan says cheerfully. ‘My ma does potions and she’s as power mad as any sorcerer.’
‘It isn’t the same,’ Mohinder says. ‘Women are expected to care for others. Providing medical attention does not remind them to be humble.’
‘I don’t think anything would remind my Ma to be humble.’
They are aching and sore as they climb down off the cart. The small town they have reached is on the coast and the smell of salt pervades the air.
‘Do you think they have oysters here?’ Peter asks, looking around.
‘I’m sure that the place is swimming in them,’ Nathan laughs. ‘Swimming in oysters, pretty sailors, and beautiful local ladies. Shall we go fishing?’
‘Be rude not too,’ Peter says, stretching like a cat. ‘How about it Matt, Mohinder?’
‘No, thanks, I’m going to have something to eat, and then probably get some sleep,’ Matt says.
‘No chance of your wizardness coming hunting for some fun I suppose?’ Nathan asks.
‘None at all,’ he replies. He straightens his robe. ‘Shall we travel to the inn and arrange rooms or will you be endeavouring to spend the night with whosoever will have you?’
Peter slings an arm around Mohinder’s shoulders. ‘Don’t worry, Mohinder, we can get two rooms if you like so we won’t interrupt you.’
The inn is larger inside than Matt expects although the locals crowding around the bar glower at them as they make their way up to the room they have managed to book.
‘We ought to have bribed them,’ Peter says, shaking his head.
‘It’s hard to bribe anyone when you have nothing they want,’ Nathan says with a shrug. ‘Perhaps we should have threatened them with the almighty wrath of a wizard.’
‘I save my almighty wrath for worthy targets,’ Mohinder says, considering the large bed in the middle of the room. ‘The bed looks comfortable at least.’
‘Last ones to hit the hay get the floor,’ Nathan says, clapping Matt on the shoulder. ‘No cheating now. We’ll bring you back some oysters.’
‘Don’t bring anything else,’ Matt says.
‘Like what?’
‘Like some playmate who couldn’t take you home,’ Mohinder says.
Nathan claps his hand on Peter’s shoulder. ‘Come on, Pete, let’s leave the boys to their leftovers.’
When they’ve gone Matt barricades the door and sits down to pull off his boots.
‘Are you expecting an assault?’ Mohinder asks as he sits on the bed. ‘Perhaps the massed hordes will be attempting to have their way with us?’
‘I promised my mother I’d be careful away from home,’ he says sheepishly.
‘Perhaps we should take a chair with us to deal with the dragon.’
Matt folds his arms. ‘How did you know I was thinking about the dragon? I hadn’t told anyone.’
Mohinder pushes his hair back off his face. ‘I don’t always take the form of birds. When I was younger I was especially fond of taking the shape of deer. I was careful not to do it during hunting season.’
‘I’m sorry but I don’t see how those things are connected?’
‘Patience. Men have a hunting season. Traps do not. I found that to my cost. The longer I remain in animal form the harder it is to return.’ Mohinder pushes his hair out of his eyes. ‘A deer should be too light to trigger a bear trap. Old, rusted ones can be very easily triggered however. In deer form I stepped on one and it triggered. The pain was unbelievable. I couldn’t think clearly. I couldn’t change back. I was sure I was going to die,’ Mohinder says quietly.
‘When was this?’
‘Fifteen years ago. I was young. Still raw and untrained.’ Mohinder shrugs. ‘So it goes. I thought I’d die alone in the woods. Then I heard voices. Two young men. One went to the village. The other talked to me softly and quietly until I was calm enough to approach.’
‘I didn’t know… I thought…’
Mohinder smiles. ‘You thought I was a young deer caught in a bear trap. ‘You could have left me to die.’
‘Hey, you bit me!’ Matt realises. ‘I got you out and splinted your leg and you bit me!’
‘Very gently, a nibble,’ Mohinder laughs. ‘You were going to take me to the stable. I needed to get home immediately.’ He pulls up his left sleeve and shows Matt the scars. ‘When I healed I cast a spell to know your heart’s desire.’
‘What? Why?’
Mohinder smiles slightly. ‘So that I can ensure that you receive it. What else?’
Matt rubs his face. ‘You don’t have to do that. I didn’t deliberately set out to save a wizard’s life so he’d be in my debt.’
‘No. Your kind nature impelled you to save the life of a deer. That is infinitely worthier.’
‘I would’ve done it for anyone or any animal.’
‘I know,’ Mohinder says. ‘That’s the point. I watched you. I saw your nature. Don’t worry. I didn’t watch anything private.’
Matt casts around for something to say. ‘I thought your leg was hurt, not your arm.’
‘Deer don’t have arms.’
‘Why did you wait so long to pay me back?’
Mohinder brushes his sleeve back down. ‘You hadn’t matured. You didn’t know what you wanted.’
Matt bites his lip. ‘Convenient that my heart’s desire chimed with your getting revenge.’
‘Your heart’s desire isn’t to kill anything. It’s to do something worthwhile and be recognised for it. I didn’t suggest the idea to you. I can’t endanger you magically.’ Mohinder purses his lips. ‘Nathan asked me if it was true that sleeping with someone causes a wizard to lose power. It doesn’t. But certain… relationships or emotional states make it impossible for a wizard to do harm magically to certain people.’
‘You can’t hurt me?’
‘I can’t harm you magically or put you in a situation where I believe you may come to harm,’ Mohinder says. ‘I suppose I could attempt to injure you in the normal way. I’m sure you’re quite capable of defending yourself. I am no threat either way.’
Matt shrugs. ‘I’m glad to hear it.’
‘Then why do I make you nervous?’
‘Because you’re a wizard and you’re quite aggressive in your approach and besides which you pretty much threatened me. You said it was unwise to refuse!’
Mohinder smiles slightly. ‘I’m hardly likely to say it’s wise to refuse.’
‘That isn’t funny.’
‘I don’t speak to many people to many people. Only those seeking medical care,’ Mohinder admits. ‘I haven’t Nathan’s wit or Peter’s charm.’
Matt sits down on the bed. ‘You have… companionship though.’
‘Have I?’
Matt’s cheek flush. ‘Even I can find someone to help me deal with my needs. And I look like me. You look like you.’
Mohinder lets his gaze linger on Matt’s face. ‘Perhaps I want more.’
‘More than what?’
‘More than being a casual bed warmer.’ Mohinder strokes the back of Matt’s hand. ‘I’m sure you want more than that as well.’
Matt shakes his head. ‘Being your plaything until you get bored doesn’t sound much better.’
‘Why do you think you’d be a plaything?’
‘Because I’m an unemployed stable hand and you’re a wizard. People like you only want someone like me to pass the time with.’
‘I am aware your issues are more with yourself than with me,’ Mohinder says stiffly. ‘Nonetheless it is difficult not to take it personally.’ He stands up and gathers himself together before heading to the door.
‘Hey, come on,’ Matt says quietly. ‘I just meant that I wasn’t someone you would be attracted to.’
Mohinder waves his hand and the chairs fly away from the door. ‘You’re a fool.’
Matt jumps up and grabs at the door as it swings shut, but Mohinder is nowhere to be seen.
Matt is still awake when Nathan returns carrying Peter over his shoulder.
‘Where’s Mohinder?’
‘He left. I insulted him by saying I didn’t want to be his plaything,’ Matt says quietly.
‘I wanna be a plaything!’ Peter announces.
Nathan drops him onto the bed. ‘Shut up, Pete,’ he says before turning to Matt. ‘Although wizards plaything could have its benefits. I’m surprised that’s what he wants.’
‘It’s not,’ Matt says. ‘He says it’s not. He got real offended and stormed off. I’d have gone after him but we left all the stuff here and everyone knows there are thieves in cities.’
‘This is barely a town never mind a city,’ Nathan says. ‘Is he coming back?’
‘I guess. He didn’t say.’ Matt rubs his face. ‘I think I really upset him.’
Nathan puts his hands on his hips. ‘What did you expect when you suggested his intentions weren’t pure?’
‘He’s come at me like a bull at a gate!’
‘Well curse the man for being honest and upfront. That doesn’t mean he can’t be interested in more than a quick roll,’ Nathan points out. ‘The way he looks at you I’d have thought that was obvious.’
‘Not to me.’
‘Well you’re an idiot then.’ Nathan pulls off his boots. ‘Are you sitting there all night? If you’re not going to sleep then I’ll use the bed.’
Matt shakes his head. ‘I’m going to sleep but you can use the bed. I’ll sleep on the floor.’
‘Are you sure?’
Matt shrugs. ‘It’s probably warmer than sleeping in the hay.’
In the morning they stumble down to find Mohinder waiting by the cart.
‘No cheap floozies to pay off then?’ he asks Nathan tartly.
‘Cheap? Never. Free or expensive, those are the only kind of women upon whom I lavish my affections,’ Nathan says with a grin.
‘I suppose I ought to be concerned that made sense,’ Mohinder says wearily.
‘It made sense to me too and I’m a fool and an idiot,’ Matt says meekly.
Mohinder straightens his robe. ‘I didn’t say you were an idiot,’ he says after a moment.
‘No, but Nathan did when I told him.’
‘You told him? What did you tell him?’
Matt shrugs. ‘Just that I thought you… you wanted a plaything and you didn’t. And you were upset about it.’
The driver climbs up onto the bench and the passengers begin climbing up onto the cart.
‘I was,’ Mohinder says, sitting down. ‘I would like it noted that I didn’t turn you into a toad, curse you forever, or even hit you in the nose.’
‘I know. I’m real sorry.’
‘I suppose I can be magnanimous.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘It means I’ll forgive you,’ Mohinder says. ‘We’ll be in the city in a couple of hours. We need to be alert.’
Matt moves a little closer and lowers his voice. ‘Aren’t you nervous?’
Mohinder’s eyes twinkle. ‘It’s not so frightening as letting someone know you desire them.’
‘I never expect anyone to desire me so it’s not something I worry about overmuch,’ Matt admits.
‘I will distract him so that you and the Petrellis can attack,’ Mohinder says, pushing his hair back out of his eyes.
‘Distract him with magic?’
‘No, magic will keep him from roasting me long enough that you can kill him though.’
‘So how will you distract him?’
‘How dare you call yourself a dragon, you pathetic flying newt! No wonder you are all this way from the mating grounds; no female would have you! The real male dragons would send you to nursemaid the young!’
Matt winces as he edges around the trees. Mohinder had said he was going to distract the dragon, not attempt to drive it into a screaming fury. He is approaching it from the back with Nathan while Peter is up on the hill, high up a tree. The logic of small numbers made sense on the cart when they were talking about sneaking up quietly, but here faces with a body the size of a house and a neck as thick as a tree trunk, things seem very different. Matt had suggested attacking while it slept only to be told that it’s most sensitive spot, the long neck, would be completely inaccessible while asleep. It needed to be awake and alert for them to even see their target.
The dragon opens fiery golden eyes as tall as a man.
‘Hello Mohinder,’ he says in a sleepy voice that rumbles across the countryside.
Nathan gives Matt a worried look.
‘This is where you’re hiding is it, Sylar? I thought you were going to raze the world and send all the pathetic humans scrabbling.’
Sylar the dragon lifts his head and spreads his wings. ‘Still so angry little one?’
Up on the hill, Peter slots a bolt into his crossbow and sights on Sylar’s neck. Peter breathes deeply as he slips into the quiet space in which he can fire ten, thirty, or fifty bolts one after another almost without thinking. That won’t happen here. If the dragon isn’t killed quickly then it will likely turn and incinerate the trees and Peter with them.
‘You’re a murderer, a coward, and a liar.’ Mohinder draws himself up. ‘I’m here to kill you.’
Sylar laughs and breathes out a stream of blue-white flame that wraps around Mohinder without harm. ‘Your turn.’
‘This is no joke.’
‘They send heroes against me. Am I supposed to be afraid of you, Mohinder? I know you of old. Your father was weak and you are too. You haven’t the stomach to kill kittens.’
‘I like kittens.’ Mohinder raises his hands.
Peter fires.
Matt and Nathan charge forward.
Lightning fires from Mohinder’s hands.
Sylar screeches and throws himself into the air. Nathan is thrown off, twisting in the air, and only barely missing the pillar of flame that Sylar sends pounding towards him.
Matt clings on, hacking at Sylar’s neck while crossbow bolts rain around him.
Mohinder screams into the air and pulses of energy twist the sun and earth. Green lightly rips through Sylar, crashing him down towards the earth, and then with a terrible cacophony of screaming, breaking, and shredding, there are two men plummeting to the earth.
Peter scrambles from the tree and pelts across the grass towards the confusion of bodies.
‘What’s going on? Who’s that?’
Sylar mewls pathetically and slaps at the wounds ripped across his body.
‘If I can become a bird there’s no reason a dragon can’t become a man,’ Mohinder says coldly. ‘Matt?’
Matt limps over and looks down at the stunned and injured creature. ‘I don’t… I can’t… I’m not a murderer.’
‘All together,’ Nathan says. ‘Don’t look like that, Matt. It’s not a man. It just looks like one.’
‘This seems really cruel,’ Peter says quietly.
‘He could live off any animal,’ Mohinder says flatly. ‘He likes people because we can be terrified en mass into offering others up.’
Nathan puts the point of his sword over Sylar’s heart. ‘Everyone.’
They join hands. Peter closes his eyes. Matt forces himself to watch. Nathan and Mohinder thrust in the sword.
The fire dies into Sylar’s eyes and then with another tearing of sound he transforms back into a dragon.
After some discussion and debate the King and Queen produce both a daughter, Nicole, and a distant cousin, Tracey although Nathan and Peter privately wonder how long it will take them to know them apart at a glance.
‘Your mother will be pleased,’ Matt says with a smile.
‘She’s arriving tomorrow,’ Nathan says, raising an eyebrow. ‘If she has her way she’ll be running the kingdom by Tuesday.’
‘You’re not leaving are you?’ Peter asks.
‘What gave it away, all the luggage packed?’ Mohinder asks.
Nathan snorts and puts his hands on his hips. ‘So what now, you go back to living in the woods while Matt cleans up horseshit?’
‘I got my share of the treasure,’ Matt says with a shrug. ‘I figured I’d travel around some.’
‘I have no fixed plan yet,’ Mohinder says rather stiffly. ‘I don’t find cities agreeable though. I wish you both the best. If you must become tyrants then please don’t visit every home in the kingdom to oppress people in person.’
Matt and Mohinder walk out into the bustling city, weighed down with the jewels in their pouches and the gold in their trunks.
‘You know my heart’s desire isn’t killing some big flying lizard, right?’ Matt asks quietly.
‘Well you’ve done that once already,’ Mohinder says. He crosses his hands. ‘I ought to have considered that filling one desire would merely result in you developing a deeper, more important one.’
‘Didn’t you?’
‘It might have crossed my mind.’
‘I’ve not treated you right,’ Matt says.
‘I’m not complaining.’
Matt licks his lips. ‘What were you thinking of… do you have any plans?’
‘I thought I’d follow you around until you finally accept me as your lover,’ Mohinder says. He’s trying to smile but can’t quite manage it.
Matt takes his hand. ‘Okay, so now what’re your plans?’
Mohinder grins and then lean in together to kiss. ‘Hotel room and then travelling somewhere together tomorrow?’
‘Sounds perfect.’
The End
Pairing: Matt/Mo, Matt/Nathan, Matt/Peter
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Adult language, sexual situations.
Word Count: Approximately 9300
Authors Note: For
amles80 who prompted A fantasy style ensemble fic where Matt is or wants to be a dragon slayer… I know, this is not much to work with! (I believe I imagined Sylar as somehow involved with dragons… and both Petrelli brothers as dark and seductive…)Matt lifts a shovelful of manure and regards it critically. Is this truly how he’s going to spend his days, cleaning up shit from someone else’s horse? Matt’s never expected much out of life and life has rarely exceeded his expectations. He’s always considered his dreams to be nothing more than pleasant fantasies. He’s always known that following them would be a fool’s errand and that he would end up regretting his idiocy in even trying.
Yet the past few months he’s been irritable and quarrelsome as the itch of discontent spread across his skin. He doesn’t want this and he doesn’t want to be here. He doesn’t want to have lived his life without achievement or worth. He wants to something. To carve a niche for himself and not simply be another name whispered on the wind passed no human remembering it.
He wants… something. To have some worth beyond shovelling manure. But Matt lacks the confidence for charm; the money and power for arrogance and, although he has pleasant features he is far too self-effacing to press it to his advantage. It seems as though there is nothing at which he could excel, no way of making his mark, and yet the desire burns in his blood.
In the tavern that evening, Matt is nursing a flagon of ale when the Post Master swaggers in with three of his stable hands behind him. As the custodian of both the mail and the mail coach he is the man through which all gossip flows and, when he sits down near Matt, a coterie of interested parties pay him court. Despite his disinterest Matt cannot help but hear as he holds forth to his sycophants.
‘… it demands the brightest and most talented be sacrificed to it every single month or it will burn the entire city to the ground. The king is begging for heroes, begging, for them but every single one who arrives is burnt alive. Last week a delegation from Japan was the latest to be killed, they simply charged at the thing waving swords like they thought it would just die of fright. I tell you this job is for someone who doesn’t believe that slaying a dragon is only about swinging a sword. I tell you that dragons are as cunning as snakes and vicious as well.’
Matt gulps down a mouthful of ale. He’s met plenty of heroes as the first thing they seem to do in a new place is steal horses. Sure they’ve got muscles and resilience but most of them take two goes to work out which end of the horse to face. If the dragon is as cunning and vicious as the post master is suggesting then a beefcake with more muscles than brain cells might as well jump straight into a volcano. They don’t plan. You can’t go up against a creature that big and that dangerous and hope for the best. You need to have a plan, you need to know what any vulnerabilities are, and you need to have done your research. If Matt was going to do it he’d get some training with a local swordsman and some more with an archer. Someone like the Petrelli brothers would train him well and without charging money he can’t afford. Knowing Nathan there will be a price but it’s unlikely to be one that Matt hasn’t paid him a dozen times before. Their mother Angela is a wise woman and seer of some renown but her second sight is not perfect and her ambitions have been unfulfilled. Helping the slayer of the dragon with what knowledge she has on dragons could only be good for her aspirations of power and influence. The wizard in the woods might also be willing to help with information and possibly with a protection spell.
That’s the way that Matt would do it. Find out everything he could about dragons and get as much practical training and help as he could. That’s what he would do. That’s what’s he could do.
That’s what he could do. No. That would be lunacy. He’s not a hero. He’s not a wizard. He’s nothing and he’s never going to be anything. He could be though. He’s a hard worker. Everyone says he works hard and he’s dedicated.
Besides, what’s he got to lose besides his life?
Fortified by several ales, Matt returns to the stable and makes himself a nest in the hayloft. Even in the winter the stable is always warm with the flatulent heat of the cows that share the space with the horses. He has already cordoned off the horses, they can “playfully” torment the calves if left together, and now the sound of them jostling and snorting at each other soothes him as he sleeps.
He is woken in the early hours by an owl which has flown into the hayloft and is sitting, quite calmly, by his head and watching him.
‘Shoo,’ Matt suggests. ‘Go hoot somewhere else. Haven’t you mice to catch?’
The owl regards him silently.
‘There’s nothing for you to eat in here. The farm cats get all the mice and rats.’
The owl spreads its wings. The huge span of feathers glimmer soft gold in the dim light from the stars and moon outside and then begin to change. The owl shimmers as it seems to grow taller and the wings grow narrower and slimmer.
Matt backs away as the shape becomes distinctly human. Or something like human.
‘I’m not an irredeemable sinner so there’s no use you trying to drag me off to hell if you’re a demon! And… and I’m sure neither god nor goddess would be wanting me so you’ve got the wrong barn if that’s what you’re here for!’
The shape settles into that of a young man with dark skin, dark eyes still, and soft curls that threaten to obscure his features of unnatural beauty. A simple shift covers his body and his feet are bare as he stands there in the hayloft looking at Matt with a calculating calmness.
‘Have you quite finished raving?’
‘An owl just turned into what looks like a person! I think some raving is appropriate! Who are you? What do you want?’
The apparition smiles coolly at him. ‘Yet you haven’t run away screaming. A good sign. It would have been a shame if you’d fallen down the ladder and broken your neck.’
Matt smoothes down his hair and folds his arms across his chest. ‘There’s time enough for that.’
‘You haven’t asked if this is a dream.’
‘What’d be the point of that? You wouldn’t say it was even if it was. What do you want?’
‘It isn’t what I want; Matthew Parkman would be dragon slayer. It’s what you want.’
‘I want a good night’s sleep, thanks.’
‘Aren’t you going to ask how I know who you are?’
Matt scowls. ‘Why would you answer that question when you haven’t answered any of my other questions?’
‘Spoilsport. I am Mohinder the Wizard of the Woods.’
‘Bit underdressed aren’t you?’
‘I am used to receiving more respect particularly from peasants,’ Mohinder says sharply.
‘Well I am not used to wizards disguising themselves as owls and waking me up in the early hours!’
Mohinder raises an eyebrow. ‘I generally prefer a horse but climbing a ladder with hooves would be distinctly problematic.’
Matt looks over the small wall that is all that prevents him from tumbling down in the shed below and frowns. ‘I figure so. Look… Mr Wizard I’m trying to sleep. What do you want?’
‘You want to fight the dragon,’ Mohinder says with an elegant shrug. ‘You can’t do it alone.’
‘No, I wanna kill it,’ Matt retorts. ‘I’d rather avoid fighting the giant flying lizard that breathes fire if I can.’
Mohinder grins. ‘You’re brighter than you look.’
‘Is that supposed to be a compliment?’
‘It’s an acknowledgement. I’ll help you defeat the dragon. You were considering contacting me so here I am. Aren’t I helpful?’
Matt looks at him doubtfully. ‘Why would you want to help me?’
‘Lots of reasons. One would be that it has killed persons close to me.’
‘And you couldn’t wait until morning to tell me this?’
‘You might have changed your mind in the morning.’ Mohinder finally sits down. ‘You might have decided to spend your life aimless and miserable.’
Matt rolls his eyes. ‘So instead I’m deciding to spend the rest of my life getting burnt alive?’
‘Or as a great saviour of the city.’
‘Are you any good?’
‘When the mood strikes me I can be good.’
‘I mean are you any good at magic,’ Matt elaborates.
‘Oh yes, I’m excellent.’ Mohinder grins, showing gleaming white teeth. ‘You haven’t thanked me.’
‘For what, waking me up?’
‘For saying I’ll help you. I don’t have to.’
‘I didn’t ask you to.’
‘You were going to.’
‘I was considering it,’ Matt says, brushing his hair from his eyes. ‘And you already said you’ve got your own reason for wanting the dragon dead.’
Mohinder puts his hand to his ear. ‘I don’t hear you.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Good. Move over.’
‘What?’
Mohinder bats at Matt’s legs. ‘Move over. There’s enough room but you’re taking it all up.’
‘Enough room for what?’ Matt squeaks.
‘For us both to sleep. It’s the middle of the night.’
‘You’re not sleeping here!’
Mohinder shimmies down next to Matt who, faced with the choice between moving or lying crushed next to the wizard, moves over.
‘We’ll make a start in the morning. Find those brothers you were considering to train you. Then head to the city when you’re done.’
Matt turns on his side to face him. ‘You can’t just turn up, demand to sleep here, and start issuing orders.’
‘Who else is going to take charge? You still haven’t quite committed to doing this.’
‘I don’t believe this,’ Matt mutters.
‘Go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.’
In the morning Matt tells his irate employer that he is going travelling, and doesn’t know when he’ll be back. If ever. He gathers up his meagre belongings and scant savings and heads off down the road towards the Petrelli homestead. Overhead a lone goose floats on outstretched wings and then lands softly before transforming into Mohinder.
‘Managed shoes today then?’
‘I manage my needs adequately. Do you mean to walk all the way?’
Matt waves a hand at the empty road behind him. ‘My invisible horse is just having a rest.’
‘I see. So you’ll arrive at the city in ten years or so.’
‘I’ll get a lift on a cart,’ Matt growls, walking along with Mohinder strolling by his side. ‘I’m a stable hand, what did you expect a fiery charger? Hey, maybe you can turn into a horse and I can ride you!’ he suggests sarcastically.
‘Did your employer know that you harbour sexual feelings for horses?’
‘That’s not funny!’
‘Where do your sexual tastes lie?’
Matt looks askance at him. ‘What?’
Mohinder raises his eyebrows. ‘It was a perfectly comprehensible question.’
‘You’re asking me about my… appetites? You’re seriously standing there asking me that?’
‘I don’t think it’s unreasonable.’
Matt stops in his tracks and Mohinder pauses after only another step or two. ‘I don’t even know you!’
Mohinder smiles and steps closer to Matt. ‘How much better would you like to know me? Wizards are very choosy in their choice of mates and once chosen it is very unwise to refuse.’
‘I thought that was witches,’ Matt says after a heartbeat.
‘They advertise the fact. We do not.’
‘I don’t like being threatened and I don’t like bullies.’
‘I beg your pardon?’
‘I’ve heard this stuff before, all that “don’t refuse a witch” stuff and it’s pathetic. Being a witch or a wizard doesn’t mean that you can just wave a hand and get anyone you want whether they want you or not. You’ve got a skill but that doesn’t mean that you can just expect people to spread their legs no matter what they feel about it,’ Matt snaps. ‘How would it be if I went marching over to some cute milk maid or baker’s boy and told him that I’m attracted to them and it would be “unwise” to turn me down?’
‘I am a wizard, not a stable hand,’ Mohinder says airily.
‘Am I supposed to be cowed by that?’
Mohinder grins and shrugs. ‘You’re an odd bird. I like that.’
The Petrelli home is a glowering old building a little way from the cluster of houses in the main village. Built in a rush of extravagance fifty years before with cedar and gilt, little money was saved for maintenance and it has fallen into some disrepair. Yet the family continue to consider themselves better than not only the villagers but also the farmers and the squire who maintains social ties from courtesy and some vague political yearnings.
The sons are Nathan and his younger brother Peter. Both educated as well as their parents can afford although Nathan honed his intellect as an army officer and Peter perfected an appreciation of beauty as keen as it impractical. Matt is far below them socially but is of an age with Nathan in a village with few amusements to keep men from falling in together.
‘How long do you mean to stay here?’ Mohinder asks.
‘I want to learn some sword and bow.’
‘Mastering those will take years.’
‘Well I don’t hear any better ideas from you!’ Matt snaps.
‘Touchy!’ Mohinder grins at his broadly. ‘I can help.’
Matt folds his arms. ‘You’re a wizard. I bet you don’t know one end of a sword from the other. How can you help?’
‘Magically. If the brothers will teach you then I will help you learn.’ Mohinder smiles serenely. ‘I cannot magically make you a fighter. I can make every hour of training give you the learning of ten years.’
‘Will I get ten years of tiredness and injury?’ Matt asks. ‘I thought magic had to balance.’
‘Certainly. I balance it. You do not.’
Matt frowns and walks towards the house. ‘Does that mean you’ll get ten years of tiredness and injury for every hour then?’
‘You’re very bright.’
‘You’re damned patronising.’
‘Why are we going around the back of the house?’
Matt pushes his hair back off his forehead. ‘Wizards may go to front doors but stable hands do not.’
‘You aren’t a stable hand. Not now.’
‘No I’m would-be dragon slayer and former stable hand who currently has no actual position. I’ll be fortunate if she doesn’t have me run from the property.’
‘Oh whine, whine, whine!’ Mohinder spins him around so that they are facing. ‘You are having an adventure, Matthew Parkman. You wanted to do something with your life. Something meaningful. Take heart! You are off to fight dragons. Fill your belly with fire!’
Matt bites his lip. ‘You’re right.’
‘I’m aware of that.’ Mohinder waves a hand and a thunderous knocking rattles the doors. ‘Now go to hero.’
‘What about this spell you’re going to cast on me? Is it safe?’
Mohinder reaches out delicately, and snaps a single hair from Matt’s head.
‘Ow!’
‘Would you rather I took blood?’ he asks archly. ‘It has to be a body part.’
‘One hair?’
‘Body magic is very powerful.’ Mohinder snaps his fingers and the hair ignites, burning with a soft, green glow.
‘Is that the spell?’ Matt asks quietly.
‘No, I merely thought it would be amusing to burn your hair. Yes that is the spell.’
Matt rubs his hands together. ‘How long will it last?’
‘As long as I choose.’
‘Are you boys quite finished?’
Matt turns around and reddens. ‘Nathan. Good morning.’
‘Who’s your friend, Parkman?’
‘Um, this is Mohinder. He’s a wizard.’
‘I’m the wizard in these parts,’ Mohinder says, standing straighter.
‘I was hoping you and Peter would give me some training with the sword and bow,’ Matt says, licking his lips.
Nathan looks Mohinder up and down and then looks over at Matt. ‘What does a stable hand need with a wizard and weapons training?’
‘Come on Nathan, don’t yank my chain.’
Nathan tucks his hands in his pockets and then shrugs. ‘I can think of other things I’d rather manhandle.’
‘There are other people who can teach you martial skills.’
‘Possessive type isn’t he?’ Nathan remarks. ‘I’ll train you but it’d help if I knew what was going on.’
‘There’s a dragon in the city.’
‘I wouldn’t worry about it. I hear it prefers virgins.’
‘As do you according to rumour,’ Mohinder says acidly.
Matt throws up his hands. ‘Can you measure your manliness some other way?’
‘I’ll teach you the basics, Parkman, but it’ll cost you,’ Nathan says with a grin.
‘You only ever have one price,’ Matt points out.
‘That depends what it is you think he’s selling,’ Mohinder says, clasping his hands together.
‘I was hoping to talk to your mother as well,’ Matt says, ignoring this comment.
‘What about?’
Matt licks his lips. ‘Dragons. She has knowledge. I thought she might know how to defeat one.’
Nathan purses his lips. ‘You want to learn sword and bow so that you can get yourself baked alive? Is that about the size of things?’
‘I was hoping to learn sword and bow so I don’t get baked alive.’
Nathan looks at Mohinder again. ‘Are you going to help him with that?’
‘Yes. As are you I suspect.’
‘I said I’d show him some moves.’
‘That isn’t what I meant,’ Mohinder says calmly. ‘All the others have attacked alone. This will need a group effort.’
‘Whoa!’ Matt says, holding up his hands. ‘I didn’t invite anyone along.’
‘Don’t be ungrateful.’
Nathan laughs lightly. ‘Would you boys like some time alone?’
Mohinder turns to him and sizes him up silently. ‘You’re ambitious. You’ll get nothing here. Come with us and defeat the dragon. You’ll make your name and share in any reward. The alternative is to stay here planning futures that you will never be able to realise.’
‘Are you asking me to help?’
‘No, I’m offering to allow you to assist.’
Nathan turns to Matt. ‘Ma’s inside. Go talk to her while the wizard and I discuss terms.’
‘Is she going to order me around too?’
‘Only if she likes you.’
Matt shakes his head as he turns around and heads for the door. ‘Quit the stable, Matt. Learn how to be a dragon slayer, Matt. End up running after a wizard and the whole Petrelli clan.’ He pushes open the door and glares balefully at the startled cook. ‘I’m here to see Mrs Petrelli.’
‘The missis doesn’t speak to peasants and beggars.’
‘Master Nathan just sent me to speak to her. You know me; I’m Matt Parkman from the village. I’ve been here before.’
The cook sniffs. She snaps her fingers at one of the maids. ‘Send Bishop to tell the missis that this… person is here to see her.’
‘That won’t be necessary,’ Angela Petrelli says imperiously. She graces Matt with a cool smile. ‘Mr Parkman. Do come through.’
‘See?’ Matt growls as he stalks past the cook. He follows Angela up the stairs and into her private sitting room. The room is full of heavy, dark furniture and the walls are covered with mounted animals that stare down at Matt with empty glass eyes. In the corner of the room a black bear deformed by advanced carpet beetles and primitive taxidermy is balanced precariously on two legs.
‘My late husband,’ Angela says, clasping her hands together.
‘The bear?’
‘His work,’ Angela says, looking up at Matt thoughtfully. ‘He enjoyed nature and wildlife.’
Matt looks around the menagerie of corpses and licks his lips. ‘If you say so, Mrs Petrelli.’
Angela drops into an ornately carved chair and crosses her legs at the knee. ‘So you’re planning on fighting the dragon.’
‘How did you know that?’
‘I’m a wise woman. Knowing things is what I do.’ She makes a sharp gesture with her hand and the scarlet nails glint in the light. ‘Did you ask the wizard how he knew what you intended to do?’
‘I didn’t get the chance,’ Matt admits. ‘I suppose I figured it was by magic. I hadn’t told anyone I was thinking about it.’
‘You have a destiny. I was always able to tell that although I didn’t know what it was. Do you think I’d let any stable boy spend time with my sons?’
Matt reddens, thinking of how that time was spent. ‘I thought you might know how to kill the dragon.’
‘Of course I do, and how precious of you to realise,’ she says with a thin smile. ‘The wizard wants the dragon dead for personal vengeance. I have no axe to grind with the beast. I want what you want: to better myself. My boys will also help you and I trust that when the moment comes you’ll be as generous with us as we will with you.’
‘If there’s a reward…’
‘I don’t want money. That’s not true, I do want money, but more than that I want respect and power. Do you find that amusing or ridiculous?’
Matt shakes his head. ‘No.’
‘I knew you were a smart boy. You split any reward with my boys and your wizard. What I want is the social advantages. When the time comes you and I will have a conversation.’
‘If you help enough,’ Matt says, setting his jaw. ‘I’m not going to be badgered into agreeing to some vague arrangement when you might turn around and give me nothing. Nathan’s already given me his price for training me…’
‘But not for accompanying you,’ she interjects.
‘That’ll be between us, and if I come to a deal with Peter that’ll be between us. If you want a share you have to contribute. Ride of their coattails if they’ll have it but you won’t ride on mine. If they say you negotiate for them then fine. But this feels like a game of find the lady and I’m in no mood to lose my money.’
Angela recrosses her legs. ‘You’re less your father’s son then I realised. He was always too easily blinded by loyalty and class adoration.’
‘My dad didn’t know the first thing about loyalty.’
‘That’s a matter of opinion,’ Angela says with a shrug. ‘The knowledge I have will be more use to the wizard.’
‘Right.’ Matt turns and starts to walk away.
‘Matthew,’ she calls. ‘Assertiveness is all well and good, but remember who your friends are.’
‘We’re going to do this the dirty way,’ Nathan announces.
Matt takes a firm grip on his weapon. ‘There’s another way?’
Nathan grins. ‘Swordplay has rules, if you choose to follow them. Following them is all well and good if you’re in a competition. If you’re fighting for life then fight dirty. You’re no less dead for having played fair.’
‘Fine with me. I can’t see a dragon being real big on rules anyway.’ From the corner of his eye Matt sees Mohinder make an elaborate gesture. The air seems to thicken around them for a moment and then they are dancing, ducking, and parrying as if Matt has been doing it all his life. He subconsciously notes the wizard walking away and entering the house but all of his conscious attention is on Nathan. When he talks about fighting dirty he doesn’t mean ignoring etiquette but all the basic assumptions of sword fighting. He uses the sword, certainly, but also his hands, his feet, his head – which catches Matt quite a crack on the forehead and almost knocks him down, and at one point Peter; who is less than thrilled at being grabbed and shoved at his brother’s opponent.
‘Nathan!’
‘You don’t want to play, Peter, don’t enter the field,’ Nathan growls. His face is red now and he’s breathing audibly.
‘I hope if it comes to facing the dragon I won’t have to throw a bystander at him,’ Matt laughs. He’s panting for air and perhaps it that which is making him feel a little lightheaded.
‘I didn’t think witchcraft could create gifts where there were none before,’ Nathan says, circling around. ‘How are you suddenly so good?’
‘Mohinder said something like every hour of practice giving the learning of ten years.’
‘That sounds amazing!’ Peter erupts. ‘Does it work for everything or just swordplay?’
‘I don’t know. Hopefully it’ll work as well for crossbow work.’
Nathan straightens up. ‘Well practice will only get you so far. It’s been two hours and I can’t see how much more experience could do for you.’
Matt sheathes his sword. ‘Are you angry at me?’
‘I fight for what I have and what I want to have to date no wizards have appeared offering to make it easier for me.’
‘Nathan you’re the richest family in the village. You sleep on goose feathers. I sleep on straw.’
Nathan grins again. ‘You can sleep on goose feathers tonight.’
Matt smiles slightly. ‘I don’t think so. We need to get to the inn and catch a cart to the city.’
‘What’s the rush?’
‘I don’t have your nerve. If I don’t go while it’s on my mind I might not go at all,’ Matt explains.
‘So you don’t get killed. Is that bad?’
‘Nathan, I can’t stay in the village mucking out horses. I have to do something. Something more. Something different. Don’t tell me you never felt that way.’
Nathan lifts his sword and stares at it critically for a few seconds before sheathing it. ‘Naturally. I imagine my mother said something to you along those lines?’
‘She tried to trade you and Peter coming along with us for some vague favour in the future,’ Matt says with a shrug. ‘I said if you willing to come along that was between you and me. Same for Peter.’
Nathan grins. ‘Good boy, you’re learning. Come on.’
‘Where are we going?’
‘You’re going to pay me for the lesson and possibly make a down payment on my accompanying you.’
Angela watches from an upstairs window as Mohinder drifts outside and over to Peter. She hadn’t anticipated the wizard becoming involved although in retrospect she should have. Damn the man! Damn his power, damn his grudge against the dragon, and damn his sudden grip on the stable boy. There will be no shaking him off now and she knows her sons well enough to realise that their affections are too free to supplant him. She only hopes that his ambitions begin and end with revenging his father.
‘Where is Matt?’ Mohinder asks.
‘In the woods with Nathan,’ Peter says, rolling his eyes. ‘I’m supposed to be teaching him to shoot.’
‘You mother means to sell your time.’
Peter smiles easily and leans against the wall. ‘She still thinks that I’m a child.’
‘You don’t look like a child.’
‘I hear wizards age backwards,’ Peter says, running a finger along Mohinder’s robe. ‘Is that true? Are you old as the hills really?’
‘Some do,’ Mohinder agrees. ‘It’s a curse that I don’t share.’ He lowers his voice and leans closer. ‘But I do have magical art of disguise. I might be old, old or ugly or fat as a merchant.’
Peter takes a step back. ‘I’ll go see if they’ve finished.’
Mohinder smiles, shimmers into an eagle, and rises into the air. Peter watches speculatively.
The air shimmers with tiny, shining drops of vapour that when they touch warm skin coalesce with the rivulets of sweat. Panting breaths simpatico as they begin to relax, Matt and Nathan smile at each other and finally roll apart.
‘I wonder if the practise spell counts for sex as well,’ Nathan remarks.
‘That’s a terrifying thought!’
‘Are you sure you know what you’re doing?’
Matt considers his position. ‘Lying in leaf mould and feeling vaguely hungry?’
Nathan snorts. ‘Your wizard friend has set his cap at you.’
‘He wants to kill the dragon.’
Nathan flicks a small pebble at Matt. ‘Don’t pretend you don’t know.’
‘He indicated it, sure.’
‘And?’
Matt shrugs and then sits up. ‘I don’t know him and I don’t like the possessive thing.’
‘So get to know him and set some limits,’ Nathan suggests. ‘He’s got a lot of power, Matt, and on a shallow note he’s damned attractive.’
Matt stands up and brushes himself down. ‘Are you trying to pair me up now?’
‘I’m being your friend. I saw you looking at him.’
Matt rolls his eyes. ‘So? He’s pretty to look at.’
‘And powerful.’
‘Quit saying that!’
Nathan grins. ‘Power is an aphrodisiac. If you kill the dragon and you both survive he’ll be powerful and you’ll have the reward. Peter or I will take the princess off your hands.’
Matt shakes his tunic. ‘There’s a princess?’
‘There’s always a princess,’ Nathan says, waving a hand. ‘Where’s there’s a dragon there’s a princess. What’re you going to do with her?’
Matt raises his eyebrows. ‘Introduce her to you and Peter?’
‘That’s my boy.’
A shadow passes overhead and Matt looks up. ‘Is that an eagle?’
‘We don’t get them here.’ Nathan stands up and squints as the eagle changes course and flies away. ‘I’d guess that you’re in trouble now.’
It is just after noon when they arrive back at the house and the maids are setting out tables of food outside.
‘Are we having a picnic?’ Nathan asks, striding over.
‘I think mother is concerned we’ll mess up the house,’ Peter says with a shrug. ‘Hey Matt, are we going to do some shooting soon?’
‘I’m not sure. The cart will be leaving soon,’ Matt says uncertainly.
‘Practice from the cart,’ Mohinder says. ‘The dragon won’t stand still waiting to be shot. Learn how to shoot a moving target.’ He gathers up an armful of food and sits down neatly with it.
‘You haven’t convinced me to come with you yet,’ Peter says sweetly.
‘What would it take to convince you?’
Peter links arms with him. ‘We could have some fun.’
Mohinder snorts. ‘You mean to conquer kingdoms with sex?’
‘I’ve never been called a kingdom before,’ Matt says. ‘Should I be insulted?’
‘Their mother means for them to rule,’ Mohinder says. ‘Their only skill appears to be seduction. Time consuming when applied to entire cities.’
Nathan laughs lightly. ‘If I wanted to be a tyrant would you expect me to stand in each peasant’s hovel and order them when to eat and when to sleep?’
Mohinder raises his eyebrows. ‘Interesting example. Is tyranny your ambition?’
‘This is so dull,’ Peter says and puts his head on Matt’s shoulder. ‘Take me into the woods and persuade me would you?’
Nathan watches them go and then helps himself to food from the tables. ‘I’ve heard that when wizards couple they lose their power.’
‘Not true.’ Mohinder says promptly.
‘No? There’s something, isn’t there? Some reason that wizards are extremely carefully when they choose partners?’
Mohinder purses his lips. ‘If there was why should I tell you?’
Nathan leans back and takes a bite of food. ‘I’m in pursuit of knowledge. Surely a wizard can understand that impulse?’
‘Understanding is not indulging.’
‘Nothing wrong with indulgence now and then.’
Mohinder nibbles at some chicken. ‘Life is balance: indulgence and self-denial. I have no intention of exercising self-indulgence with you.’
Nathan grins. ‘Matt’s the lucky boy, I take it?’
‘Why would I take you into my confidence? I ask only from simple curiosity, the curse of my kind.’
‘I don’t see anyone else offering.’
Mohinder raises his eyebrows. ‘If you were to offer to cut off my foot should I accept that given that nobody else is offering?’
‘Cutting off your foot isn’t quite the same thing now is it?’
‘You’re right: I would rather cut off my foot.’
Nathan folds his arms across his chest. ‘I’ve known Matt Parkman since he was old enough to totter about carrying feed. I have an interest in anyone who has an interest in him.’
‘Are you accusing me of something?’ Mohinder asks primly.
‘Merely expressing a natural interest.’
‘I have no interest in your interest. As far as I am aware you have no authority over him and you most assuredly have no authority over me. Indeed, given that you and your brother apparently use him as your own personal sexual plaything I could vouchsafe that you are last person who has a right to claim moral authority.’
Nathan presses a hand to his chest. ‘You wound me to the heart.’
‘I wasn’t aware that you had one.’
Whistling tunelessly Peter wanders back towards the house tucking in his clothing as he goes. ‘Is there any goose left?’ he asks wandering over to the tables.
‘Where’s Matt?’ Nathan asks.
‘Having a wash in the stream.’ Peter stretches and smiles at Mohinder. ‘So we’re all going to the city?’
‘Apparently.’
‘He doesn’t approve of us,’ Nathan says dryly.
Peter makes himself a sandwich by putting pieces of goose between two slabs of freshly baked bread. He sits carefully next to Mohinder and smiles winningly. ‘Would you like a bite of my sandwich?’
‘No.’
‘Just no?’ Peter pouts.
Mohinder folds his hands together. ‘Mr Petrelli, I am aware that you are handsome. I am aware that you are charming. Please don’t take my lack of interest in your body as a personal affront.’
Peter opens and closes his mouth. ‘I only offered you a bite of my sandwich.’
Nathan laughs aloud and turns away.
‘I think we both know exactly what you are offering,’ Mohinder says calmly.
Peter shrugs easily. ‘If you change your mind anytime then let me know.’
‘In case you have a sandwich to hand?’
Peter laughs and nudges Mohinder’s shoulder. ‘You never know your luck.’
Mohinder is packing the remaining food into hampers when Matt approaches from the woods.
‘What’re you doing?’
‘Ensuring we have food.’
‘We’ll reach the city by tomorrow evening.’
Mohinder turns and regards Matt steadily; noting the dirt pressed into Matt’s tunic, and the single leaf skeleton caught in his hair. ‘That’s a long time to go without food. You don’t have any money worth mentioning and the pursuit of it is beneath me. We could ask the Petrelli brothers for money but that would be demeaning and I have no intension of paying for food with my body. This food has already been provided and would only go to waste. Mrs Petrelli does not allow her servants the perks of leftover food.’
‘I can pay my way,’ Matt says stubbornly.
Mohinder smiles and finishes packing the food. ‘Not yet. When you have killed the dragon and been rewarded. Money is not important, Matt. It doesn’t define you. The lack of it doesn’t define you.’
Matt snorts. ‘That is well and good for you to say. You’re a wizard, you don’t use money!’
‘I don’t pursue it,’ Mohinder corrects mildly. ‘I perform certain services for the villagers. Mostly they pay with food, services, or clothing but money isn’t unknown. It can be useful but as a servant, not a master.’ Mohinder dusts off his hands. ‘There now. With care we’ll have enough food to last until we reach the city.’
‘Do you want a round of applause?’
‘A thank you might be appropriate. We must eat, Matt, and I haven’t heard any other suggestions from you how we’re going to eat. If you would like to arrange where we are going to sleep then I am happy to leave it to you.’
‘They’ll be changing the horses overnight so I guess we can’t sleep on the cart,’ Matt says sheepishly.
‘I refuse to sleep on the street,’ Nathan announces. He’s leaning in the door way. ‘Peter and I will pay for a room.’ He smiles lazily. ‘You two can sleep on the floor.’
Mohinder produces a small velvet bag from his robe. ‘Here.’
‘Don’t be an ass.’
‘I pay my way and not with my body.’ Mohinder takes out a handful of bronze coins and hands them over to Matt.
‘The wizard is too good to have sex for pleasure.’
Mohinder sighs. ‘I don’t deserve that. Not sleeping with every man or woman who crosses my path doesn’t mean that I do not enjoy sex, merely that I have no interest in sex with you or your brother.’
Nathan gives Matt a wink. ‘It’s you or nothing.’
‘If you’ve quite finished amusing yourself I think it best we head for the inn,’ Mohinder says calmly. ‘I’m sure none of us wish to resort to running down the road after the cart.’
The cart rocks and judders as it trundles down the road. It is faster than walking, more or less, and maintains a steady pace without stopping. When natural needs are undeniable then either the edge of the cart is availed or the person jumps off the cart and then has to run to catch up again.
Mohinder has been the centre of attention the entire trip. He has healed wounds, diagnosed illnesses, and prepared potions from the odds and ends carried by the other passengers.
Matt watches in fascination as Mohinder speaks quietly to an elderly woman twisted with arthritis. Her shining, marbled skin is draped across her hands and clinging to her bulging, swollen knuckles. Mohinder holds her hands in his as he talks and, as Matt watches, her limbs gradually straighten.
Mohinder has dealt with each and every person who has shuffled next to him and sheepishly shown him a body part. He hasn’t looked exactly thrilled at many of the boils, growths, and pustules but he has been courteous to every single one. Some of them have pushed pennies into his hand or put food at his feet but most have given nothing but fulsome thanks. Matt has always enjoyed good health and never felt the need to seek medical help beyond the basic poultices that the women in the village can prepare. It has surprised him that so many people from the surrounding villages are so desperate for medical attention that they are practically mobbing the wizard.
‘Do you see a lot of people generally?’ Matt asks as the formerly arthritic woman returns to her seat.
Mohinder looks surprised, as if he’d forgotten Matt were there. ‘It varies. Villagers generally only come to me with serious problems. Minor ailments they refer to the old women. Since I’m here though people might as well ask me.’
‘It doesn’t bother you?’
Mohinder raises his eyebrows. ‘Does it bother you when you’re asked to shoe horses?’
‘That’s my job. It was my job, anyway.’ Matt straightens his tunic. ‘You’re a wizard. You’re all powerful and stuff!’
‘That doesn’t mean I don’t use my ability to benefit the community,’ Mohinder says mildly. ‘It’s a selfish arrangement; aiding others ensures that I remember my place. Where you find a power mad sorcerer you will find a populace unnecessarily suffering from easily cured ailments.’
‘Balderdash,’ Nathan says cheerfully. ‘My ma does potions and she’s as power mad as any sorcerer.’
‘It isn’t the same,’ Mohinder says. ‘Women are expected to care for others. Providing medical attention does not remind them to be humble.’
‘I don’t think anything would remind my Ma to be humble.’
They are aching and sore as they climb down off the cart. The small town they have reached is on the coast and the smell of salt pervades the air.
‘Do you think they have oysters here?’ Peter asks, looking around.
‘I’m sure that the place is swimming in them,’ Nathan laughs. ‘Swimming in oysters, pretty sailors, and beautiful local ladies. Shall we go fishing?’
‘Be rude not too,’ Peter says, stretching like a cat. ‘How about it Matt, Mohinder?’
‘No, thanks, I’m going to have something to eat, and then probably get some sleep,’ Matt says.
‘No chance of your wizardness coming hunting for some fun I suppose?’ Nathan asks.
‘None at all,’ he replies. He straightens his robe. ‘Shall we travel to the inn and arrange rooms or will you be endeavouring to spend the night with whosoever will have you?’
Peter slings an arm around Mohinder’s shoulders. ‘Don’t worry, Mohinder, we can get two rooms if you like so we won’t interrupt you.’
The inn is larger inside than Matt expects although the locals crowding around the bar glower at them as they make their way up to the room they have managed to book.
‘We ought to have bribed them,’ Peter says, shaking his head.
‘It’s hard to bribe anyone when you have nothing they want,’ Nathan says with a shrug. ‘Perhaps we should have threatened them with the almighty wrath of a wizard.’
‘I save my almighty wrath for worthy targets,’ Mohinder says, considering the large bed in the middle of the room. ‘The bed looks comfortable at least.’
‘Last ones to hit the hay get the floor,’ Nathan says, clapping Matt on the shoulder. ‘No cheating now. We’ll bring you back some oysters.’
‘Don’t bring anything else,’ Matt says.
‘Like what?’
‘Like some playmate who couldn’t take you home,’ Mohinder says.
Nathan claps his hand on Peter’s shoulder. ‘Come on, Pete, let’s leave the boys to their leftovers.’
When they’ve gone Matt barricades the door and sits down to pull off his boots.
‘Are you expecting an assault?’ Mohinder asks as he sits on the bed. ‘Perhaps the massed hordes will be attempting to have their way with us?’
‘I promised my mother I’d be careful away from home,’ he says sheepishly.
‘Perhaps we should take a chair with us to deal with the dragon.’
Matt folds his arms. ‘How did you know I was thinking about the dragon? I hadn’t told anyone.’
Mohinder pushes his hair back off his face. ‘I don’t always take the form of birds. When I was younger I was especially fond of taking the shape of deer. I was careful not to do it during hunting season.’
‘I’m sorry but I don’t see how those things are connected?’
‘Patience. Men have a hunting season. Traps do not. I found that to my cost. The longer I remain in animal form the harder it is to return.’ Mohinder pushes his hair out of his eyes. ‘A deer should be too light to trigger a bear trap. Old, rusted ones can be very easily triggered however. In deer form I stepped on one and it triggered. The pain was unbelievable. I couldn’t think clearly. I couldn’t change back. I was sure I was going to die,’ Mohinder says quietly.
‘When was this?’
‘Fifteen years ago. I was young. Still raw and untrained.’ Mohinder shrugs. ‘So it goes. I thought I’d die alone in the woods. Then I heard voices. Two young men. One went to the village. The other talked to me softly and quietly until I was calm enough to approach.’
‘I didn’t know… I thought…’
Mohinder smiles. ‘You thought I was a young deer caught in a bear trap. ‘You could have left me to die.’
‘Hey, you bit me!’ Matt realises. ‘I got you out and splinted your leg and you bit me!’
‘Very gently, a nibble,’ Mohinder laughs. ‘You were going to take me to the stable. I needed to get home immediately.’ He pulls up his left sleeve and shows Matt the scars. ‘When I healed I cast a spell to know your heart’s desire.’
‘What? Why?’
Mohinder smiles slightly. ‘So that I can ensure that you receive it. What else?’
Matt rubs his face. ‘You don’t have to do that. I didn’t deliberately set out to save a wizard’s life so he’d be in my debt.’
‘No. Your kind nature impelled you to save the life of a deer. That is infinitely worthier.’
‘I would’ve done it for anyone or any animal.’
‘I know,’ Mohinder says. ‘That’s the point. I watched you. I saw your nature. Don’t worry. I didn’t watch anything private.’
Matt casts around for something to say. ‘I thought your leg was hurt, not your arm.’
‘Deer don’t have arms.’
‘Why did you wait so long to pay me back?’
Mohinder brushes his sleeve back down. ‘You hadn’t matured. You didn’t know what you wanted.’
Matt bites his lip. ‘Convenient that my heart’s desire chimed with your getting revenge.’
‘Your heart’s desire isn’t to kill anything. It’s to do something worthwhile and be recognised for it. I didn’t suggest the idea to you. I can’t endanger you magically.’ Mohinder purses his lips. ‘Nathan asked me if it was true that sleeping with someone causes a wizard to lose power. It doesn’t. But certain… relationships or emotional states make it impossible for a wizard to do harm magically to certain people.’
‘You can’t hurt me?’
‘I can’t harm you magically or put you in a situation where I believe you may come to harm,’ Mohinder says. ‘I suppose I could attempt to injure you in the normal way. I’m sure you’re quite capable of defending yourself. I am no threat either way.’
Matt shrugs. ‘I’m glad to hear it.’
‘Then why do I make you nervous?’
‘Because you’re a wizard and you’re quite aggressive in your approach and besides which you pretty much threatened me. You said it was unwise to refuse!’
Mohinder smiles slightly. ‘I’m hardly likely to say it’s wise to refuse.’
‘That isn’t funny.’
‘I don’t speak to many people to many people. Only those seeking medical care,’ Mohinder admits. ‘I haven’t Nathan’s wit or Peter’s charm.’
Matt sits down on the bed. ‘You have… companionship though.’
‘Have I?’
Matt’s cheek flush. ‘Even I can find someone to help me deal with my needs. And I look like me. You look like you.’
Mohinder lets his gaze linger on Matt’s face. ‘Perhaps I want more.’
‘More than what?’
‘More than being a casual bed warmer.’ Mohinder strokes the back of Matt’s hand. ‘I’m sure you want more than that as well.’
Matt shakes his head. ‘Being your plaything until you get bored doesn’t sound much better.’
‘Why do you think you’d be a plaything?’
‘Because I’m an unemployed stable hand and you’re a wizard. People like you only want someone like me to pass the time with.’
‘I am aware your issues are more with yourself than with me,’ Mohinder says stiffly. ‘Nonetheless it is difficult not to take it personally.’ He stands up and gathers himself together before heading to the door.
‘Hey, come on,’ Matt says quietly. ‘I just meant that I wasn’t someone you would be attracted to.’
Mohinder waves his hand and the chairs fly away from the door. ‘You’re a fool.’
Matt jumps up and grabs at the door as it swings shut, but Mohinder is nowhere to be seen.
Matt is still awake when Nathan returns carrying Peter over his shoulder.
‘Where’s Mohinder?’
‘He left. I insulted him by saying I didn’t want to be his plaything,’ Matt says quietly.
‘I wanna be a plaything!’ Peter announces.
Nathan drops him onto the bed. ‘Shut up, Pete,’ he says before turning to Matt. ‘Although wizards plaything could have its benefits. I’m surprised that’s what he wants.’
‘It’s not,’ Matt says. ‘He says it’s not. He got real offended and stormed off. I’d have gone after him but we left all the stuff here and everyone knows there are thieves in cities.’
‘This is barely a town never mind a city,’ Nathan says. ‘Is he coming back?’
‘I guess. He didn’t say.’ Matt rubs his face. ‘I think I really upset him.’
Nathan puts his hands on his hips. ‘What did you expect when you suggested his intentions weren’t pure?’
‘He’s come at me like a bull at a gate!’
‘Well curse the man for being honest and upfront. That doesn’t mean he can’t be interested in more than a quick roll,’ Nathan points out. ‘The way he looks at you I’d have thought that was obvious.’
‘Not to me.’
‘Well you’re an idiot then.’ Nathan pulls off his boots. ‘Are you sitting there all night? If you’re not going to sleep then I’ll use the bed.’
Matt shakes his head. ‘I’m going to sleep but you can use the bed. I’ll sleep on the floor.’
‘Are you sure?’
Matt shrugs. ‘It’s probably warmer than sleeping in the hay.’
In the morning they stumble down to find Mohinder waiting by the cart.
‘No cheap floozies to pay off then?’ he asks Nathan tartly.
‘Cheap? Never. Free or expensive, those are the only kind of women upon whom I lavish my affections,’ Nathan says with a grin.
‘I suppose I ought to be concerned that made sense,’ Mohinder says wearily.
‘It made sense to me too and I’m a fool and an idiot,’ Matt says meekly.
Mohinder straightens his robe. ‘I didn’t say you were an idiot,’ he says after a moment.
‘No, but Nathan did when I told him.’
‘You told him? What did you tell him?’
Matt shrugs. ‘Just that I thought you… you wanted a plaything and you didn’t. And you were upset about it.’
The driver climbs up onto the bench and the passengers begin climbing up onto the cart.
‘I was,’ Mohinder says, sitting down. ‘I would like it noted that I didn’t turn you into a toad, curse you forever, or even hit you in the nose.’
‘I know. I’m real sorry.’
‘I suppose I can be magnanimous.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘It means I’ll forgive you,’ Mohinder says. ‘We’ll be in the city in a couple of hours. We need to be alert.’
Matt moves a little closer and lowers his voice. ‘Aren’t you nervous?’
Mohinder’s eyes twinkle. ‘It’s not so frightening as letting someone know you desire them.’
‘I never expect anyone to desire me so it’s not something I worry about overmuch,’ Matt admits.
‘I will distract him so that you and the Petrellis can attack,’ Mohinder says, pushing his hair back out of his eyes.
‘Distract him with magic?’
‘No, magic will keep him from roasting me long enough that you can kill him though.’
‘So how will you distract him?’
‘How dare you call yourself a dragon, you pathetic flying newt! No wonder you are all this way from the mating grounds; no female would have you! The real male dragons would send you to nursemaid the young!’
Matt winces as he edges around the trees. Mohinder had said he was going to distract the dragon, not attempt to drive it into a screaming fury. He is approaching it from the back with Nathan while Peter is up on the hill, high up a tree. The logic of small numbers made sense on the cart when they were talking about sneaking up quietly, but here faces with a body the size of a house and a neck as thick as a tree trunk, things seem very different. Matt had suggested attacking while it slept only to be told that it’s most sensitive spot, the long neck, would be completely inaccessible while asleep. It needed to be awake and alert for them to even see their target.
The dragon opens fiery golden eyes as tall as a man.
‘Hello Mohinder,’ he says in a sleepy voice that rumbles across the countryside.
Nathan gives Matt a worried look.
‘This is where you’re hiding is it, Sylar? I thought you were going to raze the world and send all the pathetic humans scrabbling.’
Sylar the dragon lifts his head and spreads his wings. ‘Still so angry little one?’
Up on the hill, Peter slots a bolt into his crossbow and sights on Sylar’s neck. Peter breathes deeply as he slips into the quiet space in which he can fire ten, thirty, or fifty bolts one after another almost without thinking. That won’t happen here. If the dragon isn’t killed quickly then it will likely turn and incinerate the trees and Peter with them.
‘You’re a murderer, a coward, and a liar.’ Mohinder draws himself up. ‘I’m here to kill you.’
Sylar laughs and breathes out a stream of blue-white flame that wraps around Mohinder without harm. ‘Your turn.’
‘This is no joke.’
‘They send heroes against me. Am I supposed to be afraid of you, Mohinder? I know you of old. Your father was weak and you are too. You haven’t the stomach to kill kittens.’
‘I like kittens.’ Mohinder raises his hands.
Peter fires.
Matt and Nathan charge forward.
Lightning fires from Mohinder’s hands.
Sylar screeches and throws himself into the air. Nathan is thrown off, twisting in the air, and only barely missing the pillar of flame that Sylar sends pounding towards him.
Matt clings on, hacking at Sylar’s neck while crossbow bolts rain around him.
Mohinder screams into the air and pulses of energy twist the sun and earth. Green lightly rips through Sylar, crashing him down towards the earth, and then with a terrible cacophony of screaming, breaking, and shredding, there are two men plummeting to the earth.
Peter scrambles from the tree and pelts across the grass towards the confusion of bodies.
‘What’s going on? Who’s that?’
Sylar mewls pathetically and slaps at the wounds ripped across his body.
‘If I can become a bird there’s no reason a dragon can’t become a man,’ Mohinder says coldly. ‘Matt?’
Matt limps over and looks down at the stunned and injured creature. ‘I don’t… I can’t… I’m not a murderer.’
‘All together,’ Nathan says. ‘Don’t look like that, Matt. It’s not a man. It just looks like one.’
‘This seems really cruel,’ Peter says quietly.
‘He could live off any animal,’ Mohinder says flatly. ‘He likes people because we can be terrified en mass into offering others up.’
Nathan puts the point of his sword over Sylar’s heart. ‘Everyone.’
They join hands. Peter closes his eyes. Matt forces himself to watch. Nathan and Mohinder thrust in the sword.
The fire dies into Sylar’s eyes and then with another tearing of sound he transforms back into a dragon.
After some discussion and debate the King and Queen produce both a daughter, Nicole, and a distant cousin, Tracey although Nathan and Peter privately wonder how long it will take them to know them apart at a glance.
‘Your mother will be pleased,’ Matt says with a smile.
‘She’s arriving tomorrow,’ Nathan says, raising an eyebrow. ‘If she has her way she’ll be running the kingdom by Tuesday.’
‘You’re not leaving are you?’ Peter asks.
‘What gave it away, all the luggage packed?’ Mohinder asks.
Nathan snorts and puts his hands on his hips. ‘So what now, you go back to living in the woods while Matt cleans up horseshit?’
‘I got my share of the treasure,’ Matt says with a shrug. ‘I figured I’d travel around some.’
‘I have no fixed plan yet,’ Mohinder says rather stiffly. ‘I don’t find cities agreeable though. I wish you both the best. If you must become tyrants then please don’t visit every home in the kingdom to oppress people in person.’
Matt and Mohinder walk out into the bustling city, weighed down with the jewels in their pouches and the gold in their trunks.
‘You know my heart’s desire isn’t killing some big flying lizard, right?’ Matt asks quietly.
‘Well you’ve done that once already,’ Mohinder says. He crosses his hands. ‘I ought to have considered that filling one desire would merely result in you developing a deeper, more important one.’
‘Didn’t you?’
‘It might have crossed my mind.’
‘I’ve not treated you right,’ Matt says.
‘I’m not complaining.’
Matt licks his lips. ‘What were you thinking of… do you have any plans?’
‘I thought I’d follow you around until you finally accept me as your lover,’ Mohinder says. He’s trying to smile but can’t quite manage it.
Matt takes his hand. ‘Okay, so now what’re your plans?’
Mohinder grins and then lean in together to kiss. ‘Hotel room and then travelling somewhere together tomorrow?’
‘Sounds perfect.’
The End
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Date: 2011-11-04 09:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-11-05 11:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-11-05 02:57 pm (UTC)This story is one of my favorites. Great work.
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Date: 2011-11-05 07:52 pm (UTC)<333
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Date: 2011-11-06 02:41 pm (UTC)At least Mohinder gets his way in the end--great backstory with him and Matt as well; that fit so perfectly into everything. Loved it! <333
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Date: 2011-11-06 03:16 pm (UTC)Thanks for all your help
<333