The Future

"And that's about everything, mighty Auzel." Coin stood at ease, beneath the imperious gaze of the dragon, forcing himself to smile. "Took a bit of doing, reviewing old stories and sightings of dragons. There really aren't many of you left on the mainland, and by all appearances you are the last one here in Arcadia."

The reptile grumbled, twin vents of steam shimmering from his nostrils. Perhaps, came the reply in his mind. It was deep and thoughtful, not as scornful and dismissive as the beast had been when Coin first appeared.

"By all appearances it's been about ten years since you last were sighted in the sky. It was a risk, coming up here and not knowing. But nothing ventured, nothing gained as people say."

Auzel narrowed his serpentine eyes. Let me see if I understand this offer of yours, little creature. You aim to introduce some manner of machine to the mortal world, but lack the funding to do so. To that end you ask that I, the great king of the western skies, give you my money to make it happen? Do I seem a force of... charity to you, creature?

"Not charity," Coin hastened to reply, raising his hands. "An... investment," he insisted. Then, realising the economy meant little to a giant fire breathing reptile, he moved to add, "that's where you use your money to fund a venture. And in return you receive a portion of the profits that venture provides."

Auzel craned his long neck, head cocked like an inquisitive dog. Elaborate.

"Well... say you, purely hypothetically, invest enough in a company to provide ten percent ownership. That means, on a monthly basis, you receive ten percent of the profits earned by that company. So, say, if the railroad were to earn five thousand gold in a month, the investor would earn five hundred gold that month."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

A paltry sum, for what I am giving.

"It is not much on its own. But it is consistent. Five hundred gold every month, over years? You... you'd make your investment back plus considerable interest, and five thousand is a very low estimate for what these railfreighter will be worth."

The dragon was silent for some time, while the icy winds raged and wailed outside. And, gradually, the spark of greed lit up in his mind. If... he began, leaning forward until Coin was beneath the shadow of his sharp beak. A scent of ash and burned meat filled Coin's nose. ... I were to give you gold, what guarantee do I have that you would pay me what my 'investment' has earned?

Coin gave the beast a flat look. "You're a flying beast the size of a city block, and my friend Scylla tells me that dragons have enough magical power to turn a city into a glass dish with little effort. Crossing you or conning you would be... unwise."

Auzel grinned, exposing rows of great fangs. Indeed.

"And, well, I'm a... man of my word. I wouldn't screw someone over. Of course the logistics of sending a shipment up here are tricky. Most people can't make the climb as easily as I can. A magic solution would smooth things a bit. I would suggest you get paid on the twentieth of each month, with a grace period of a one week delay in the event of any unforeseen circumstances."

Once again Auzel fell silent, a curious grumble rising in the depths of his throat. The scaly mass shifted, lowering further and further until Coin was directly facing a lone, massive eyeball.

You have intrigued me. That is the sole reason you are not a patch of blackened ash upon my doorway. Indeed, no mortal has ever grasped my interest quite so strongly. Most others would deem this very notion insane. Perhaps that is why you are the first to offer an 'investment opportunity' to a dragon. My wealth is vast, but it could always be vaster.

He reached over with one clawed hand, hoisting up a massive pile of coins on one scaly palm. More wealth than most folks would ever see in an entire lifetime. To say nothing for all the gems and jewels glittering among the pile, like flowers blossoming in a verdant meadow.

Perhaps it is curiosity. Perhaps it is for my own amusement. But I shall indulge you, creature. Allow my money to aid in the funding of this... rail-way. And in return you shall feed my wealth. And if you should fail to meet our obligations, the consequences shall be... Severe.

Coin smiled and offered a hand to shake. Auzel was curious at first, but slowly reached a single talon toward the mimic. Thus they shook, like gentlemen, grinning at each other.

Sure, Auzel could potentially cause untold ruin if he felt stiffed... but wasn't that every investor, when you got right down to it?

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.