Myth conceptions by Robert Asprin

“Yeah!” Aahz answered. “So?”

“I’ve seen a pendant like that before!” I explained excitedly. “That’s how he’s controlling the dragon!”

The Deveel who had been running the Dragon stall where I acquired Gleep had worn a pendant like that. The pendant was used to control dragons . . . unattached dragons, that is. Attached dragons can be controlled by their owner without other assistance. A dragon becomes attached to you when you feed it. That’s how I got Gleep. I fed him, sort of. Actually, he helped himself to a hefty bit of my sleeve.

“Well, don’t just stand there, kid,” Aahz barked, interrupting my reverie. “Get it!”

I reached out with my mind and took a grab at the pendant. The keeper felt it start to go and tightened his grip on it, fighting me for its possession, “I… I can’t get it, Aahz,” I cried. “He won’t let go.”

“Then hightail it outta here, kid,” my mentor ordered. “Tell Ajax to bag us that keeper. Better tell Gus to stand by with Berfert just in case. I’ll try to keep the dragon busy.”

An image flashed in my mind. It was a view of me, Skeeve, court magician, bolting for safety while Aahz faced the dragon alone. Something snapped in my mind.

“You go!” I snapped.

“Kid, are you-“

“It’s my war and my job,” I shouted. “Now get going.”

With that I turned to face the oncoming dragon, not knowing or caring if Aahz followed my orders. I was Skeeve!

But it was an awfully big dragon!

I tried again for the pendant, nearly lifting the keeper from his feet with my effort, but the man clung firmly to his possession, screaming orders at the dragon as he did.