Prologue:

The floor rocked back and forth. I could hear nothing but the sound of water hitting the sides of the boat and the screech of my chains as they scraped back and forth across the floor. Everything was shrouded in darkness and it was impossible to see anything in front of my face. With nothing to do, I became lost in my thoughts as we sailed to our next destination. I had almost entered a trance-like state when I felt something stir next to me. I looked up and found myself staring into two large, green, almond-shaped eyes. I smiled, knowing very well who they belonged to. "Hey Aria, how're you doing?" From somewhere next to me I heard her croon, letting me know that she was fine. From where I sat I could hear her get up from her spot, and before long I felt myself being wrapped in her wings. I smiled, as I felt her body heat embrace me and cover me in warmth. I snuggled closer to her and began to trace the pattern that her beautiful scales formed on her side. Even though it was pitch black, I could see Aria as clear as day; her scales gleaming a pure white. White. Like the first snow of winter. It reminded me of when mom and I would go out and play in the snow with the other dragons; making snow angels, building snow forts and having snowball fights. I sighed as I felt a tear run down my cheek. Aria whined at me with concern. "Don't worry Aria, I'm okay. I was just thinking of mom." Another tear fell from my cheek. Aria wrapped me tighter in her wings. I smiled. "Thanks Aria. I needed that." I stayed wrapped in her wings for what seemed like eternity. I had almost fallen asleep when the ship jolted. I sat up and started to look around. The sound of running feet and shouts of 'Land Ho' came from the deck above. I knew we had arrived at our destination. I shriveled back into Aria's wings and silently began to pray to the gods and goddesses of my Celtic ancestors, praying that they would keep Aria and I safe. As soon as I finished, the trap door from the deck above was slammed open and the captain walked down. He stopped when he reached me and looked down on me, smiling maniacally at the both of us. "What do you want you devil?" my words dripping with venom. He laughed as his men came down and wrenched me from Aria's wings, pulling the two of us by the end of our chains. He grabbed my chin and stroked my cheek with his knotted hands. He looked into my eyes, smiling and said, "We have arrived at your new home." I turned my head from his grasp. "I already have a home." He just snorted and said, "That's right, and you'll never see it again." Tears threatened to escape my eyes. I knew that he was right, that I might never see my beloved home again, but I refused to let him see me cry. I was stronger than that. " Aria and I were led to up to the deck, the light momentarily blinding me. When I had regained my vision I realized we had docked at the shores of an island. The captain stood next to me, taking a deep breath. "Ahh. Welcome to Berk my dear. Your new home."