Dragon's Breath

stone floor. Entering the spacious room, I am surrounded by the horde officials. They are all l

eart and bow in our traditional greeting. "Father," I say, look

d smile, he says,

u, father, " I

mself from the throne and moves closer to me a

mselves Betsalel. They have been threatening to attack from th

ders. I am sure you are all aware of our dealings with Samirya in recent years. It has taken a long time to build the trust we have with them. If that horde attacks, w

rward to address the Chieftain, h

ith the oncoming horde, Chieftain?" His eyes are cast

he says, pausing to scan the room. His c

capital city, Mimmgar, to serve and protect t

th with the sudden urge to throw up. I cannot believe it; he is shipping me off to Mimmgar. This is outrageous! I do not want t

ll stay and fight beside my people," I refuse, my voice wavering. My bo

is is for the good of the horde and y

doubt that horde will even make it to Mimmgar; the people there sho

way. I am one of your fiercest warriors you will

eets as they watch our exchange. They are no dou

h sudden calmness, using my nickname, "Please understand, I am

defy him. He might not be someone I get along with, but he is still

your order," I sigh, running a hand

throughout the room as he smiles widely, "Wonderf

es. After coming to the conclusion my father wa

le roosted like swallows there, each leading wonderful peaceful lives within their cages. Simply because we dragons sacrifice our lives for them. Every time there is a problem, it

indy glory of the Perilous Horde territory. The sky, a dark ocean of black, does much to abate my growing irritation as I strip, pe

n elemental. Thick violet fog shrouds my figure as I faze mid-fall. My wings are the first to burst

  I finally have some time to myself, which, starting in two days, I will not get much of. Going to the kingdom of Samirya is not something I

ears since the Fires of Alira. Since dragons have broken away from the old

ve an easy life, but that is not the case. Because of who I am, I am held to higher expectation

a small moonlit clearing, with a thump in the tall grass. I take in a breath of frosty air, slumping

human kingdom known as Damirium was attempting to overthrow Samirya. As my father's eldest living child, I was sent to fight

at the stars and enjoying the quietness of the night. That is, until I feel a sharp pi

s glinting in the moonlight make it easy to see him. Little brat. What does he think he is d

im up in my talons, careful not to hurt him with my sharp claws. I fly us back to the mountain. 

ing," I scold, and the once-happy baby

s dancing with shadows. My bare feet lumber against the cold earthen floor. Wind whispers through the quiet, sleep-ridden mountain.     While taking him back to my moth

off to? If you are hiding, you bet

right here," I murmur so I do not wake him up.      A

sigh of relief, running a han

I thought I had los

u did. I turn my hea

, he was the one that found me. I was sitting outside

found him," she says, ta

h with relief. I stretch my achy arms out

r a moment, "Mom did you perhaps know about

t me with wide eyes

mean what did I expect my father tells he

going to bed, nigh

eep in too late tomorrow. I would not want you to

orrow. Will I ever get a break? Al

rget," I grumble

several warriors returning from border patrols. I

ee to go to Mimmgar? I know this is my father's ploy to keep me under control and away from the fighting. Considering how I got last time I guess I cannot entirely blame him. But he

me, snuggling into the warmth. I wish this was just a dream. If I leave for Mimmgar right

y eyes and fall into a restless sl

did not get a wink of sleep. This is just great. Not only am I worried but

w off some steam before in the training grounds. But I do not think all the training in the world will prepare me for what is to come in Mimmgar.      Leaving

ly Nora, please come in. We nee

hrough my body, and the grim look o

father has some terrible news.