"DragonFire Part 4" by Renee LeCompte

A few days later, Valida proclaimed Yidraik flight worthy once again, and they took off. Before long, they came upon a large village, part of it burned. "Let's land there," Yidraik said. "I'm thirsty." As they winged into the town square, they heard people shouting and screaming.

"I take it these people don't like Dragons too much," she said dryly. The two Dragons were instantly replaced with two humans. The denizens soon calmed down, and resumed their daily tasks. A large, burly man sauntered up to them.

"I'm the man the citizens voted on to act as ambassador," he said. "Name's Halker. What's yours?"

"I am called Yidraik, the minstrel, Blue Dragon."

"And I am Valida the Crimson Dragon."

"Yeah, just so long you aren't real Dragons, make yourselves at home." He narrowed his eyes. "And don't do the shifting into Dragon stuff again. It scares the people." He sauntered off into a pub.

"What a delightful man," Valida said sardonically.

"With that, I have to agree. I must admit he was very_ curt."

"Well," she said, changing the subject, "Go get that drink of water."

Yidraik bent over the river, taking a deep sip of cool water. Not only was he thirsty, he was a little confused. Valida would be home soon, with her friend. Rhogg, was what the villagers called him. Well, Rhogg was a male, so_

Yidraik sighed. He rather liked Valida, for all her arrogance and hatred. That hatred was well justified, being her family was wiped out by humans. Now, she would be gone from his life very soon, just like all the other friends he knew.

Yidraik stood up, and came face to face with Valida. She was very pretty as a human, almost beautiful_ Yidraik blushed.

"Well, I suppose we should be going," she said lightly. It's nearly dusk, and the others are so near."

"Yes," Yidraik said hesitantly. He didn't want to be left alone all over again. "I suppose so." Would Valida understand if he wanted to stay with her?

Valida examined her talons - her fingernails, while Yidraik spoke. He didn't want to leave her, she felt it. She didn't want to leave him, either. He was her only friend. Valida shook her head. There were others! She wouldn't be alone, she could have kits!

"Come, change, Yidraik. We must be off." Valida was eager to meet her fellow Dragons. Yidraik swiftly shifted into his blue Dragon guise, and she shifted to hers. They took to the air. Valida glanced at Yidraik. He made a rather handsome Dragon, and she hoped that Yidraik would be willing to stay as a Dragon with her and the others_

Suddenly, a very large bird of prey streaked past them. "Watch it!" Valida cried as she struggled to regain balance. Yidraik chuckled quietly. "What're you laughing at?" she growled playfully. She didn't have time to say anymore, for the sheer cliff ended, and they came to a ledge. Valida and Yidraik landed on it.

Valida noticed another presence on the ledge. She looked up, and saw another Dragon. Even though he was twisted with hatred and hunger, she recognized him. She recognized the eye, past its mad rage.