Dragon Story

by Karibela


Fly

She heard a call from the mother, and bloodcurdling shrieks followed it.

Crescent was sure that she didn't have long. If she had not reached for her backpack, the lights could have dimmed as the mother said, and then she wouldn't have a chance to defend herself. She had left it too long to bring out her secret weapon, as without it, Crescent was no more than a pony against dragons.

The light flickered and the heat of the caves rose fast around her like stepping out of the shade. It was hot in this room, hotter than any other before it, but it wasn't all she thought about. The dragon had been taking her attention as soon as Crescent saw her. She only truly felt the heat as she grabbed for the metal button to click her pack open, and felt the searing pain as she accidentally pressed onto it with tongue rather than teeth.

It burnt and would surely leave a mark, but it wasn't important. Already the shrieks were getting louder. She had seen at a glimpse one of the creatures, similar to the one she had seen earlier but younger, skinnier, clawing it's way from a hole in the wall to watch the others strike.

Even the claws of the mother had sounded closer. Perhaps she was making sure. Not sure enough, however, as the dragon had left on her light. Perhaps it took time, or she simply forgot, but it was certainly enough for Crescent to find her brooch and press onto it, releasing its magical energy.