The cheers of your hunting party rang through the forest as a single arrow managed to topple one of the scaley beasts that ruled the skies and terrorized your village.

Twigs snapped beneath heavy footfall as your group split off to search for the fallen dragon. You were alone, emerging into a small clearing and quickly spotted a figure laying in the grass. Your heart rate quickened as you caught a glimpse of the fear in the stranger’s eyes, almost palpable as he shifted and you saw an arrow lodged in his leg.

The following moments were a blur spurred on by instinct and adrenaline. Going to the man’s side, you began to assess his wound. Luckily you knew how your people made arrowheads. You knew how they were meant to lodge in flesh and how to dislodge them in turn. With a few deft movements you freed the point from his leg and removed your sash from your uniform to serve as a makeshift bandage.

Only once you were confident the man wouldn’t bleed out did you get a good look at him. Glittering golden eyes with pupils like slits, horns that sprouted from his forehead, and the faint texture of scales under your fingertips on his exposed leg.

You felt around in the grass for your spear to defend yourself. Scrambling to your feet, you raised your weapon’s point toward the dragon to keep him at a distance. At the same time, he slowly sat up, looking at you with what was unmistakably interest.

You were face to face with not only a dragon, but one powerful enough to take human form. One of the redoubtable creatures that you had been raised to fear and forced hunt for survival was now at your feet, crippled and vulnerable. You swallowed the lump in your throat as you tried to mentally prepare for what you were about to do when the dragon spoke.

“Human, thank you for tending to my wound,” He raised his arms in a show of surrender as he eyed the sharp end of your spear.

“My name is Huizheng. I cannot offer much in return for your kindness but I will share with you whatever bits of knowledge may repay my debt to you.”