Mating Flight: A Non-Romance of Dragons

by Bard Bloom

Polite fictions are very important for dragons.

«So you hired a whore, didn’t fornicate at all, and did impromptu major surgery on her?» he asked. «Exactly! Aren’t I horny and honorable and brave and resourceful?»

“True, true, you’re from the ‘cripples’ side of the mating flight, and the rest of us here are from the ‘perverts’ side,” said Ythac.

Oh, I should add, I’m not looting the city, but the people I heal often bring me gifts. I’ve got a statue of a dog made of gold with bright ruby eyes that dates back two thousand years. I’ve got the best television set that Arucu Corporation made last year. And I’ve got a piece of slightly used butcher paper with a crayon drawing of something that might be me or might be a spider, I’m not sure which, with the words “THAK YOU DRRON GRAGON” written on it. And various other treasures.”

“Your trust, she is misplaced. Seek her in the place you have lost your manners, your courage, your honor, your forelimbs.” said Llredh.

There’s no remedy for a spat between friends like visiting flaming, whirling death upon your enemies.