Title: Scorched Earth
Author: Juanita Dark
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Reign of
Fire
Summary: Quinn-ish vignette.
Disclaimer: No, not mine either.
No infringement intended. No profit gained.
++++++++++++++++++++
Scorched Earth
++++++++++++++++++++
These things are always clear to Quinn, the rough surface of dragon scale against his hands - his world plunged into darkness and smoke. The metallic cage rising too slow - his mother no longer under his touch; the world coming in smudges and chalk dust, as this thing rises, breathing deep and spitting flame with a roar that really sounds like, really is, a scream.
And he can't hear his own heart beat under the cries of the unbelieving and defenceless. He can only run and hide - and leave them there in the flames.
He remembers Van Zahn, an insane shadow twirling in the dying light - with a scream to match the beast's - his axe spiralling harmlessly, gravity bringing it down like a whirring sycamore. The beast flying upward with ease to snatch him in its waiting jaws.
He will always remember Van Zahn, who had fists like stone and wasn't afraid to demonstrate their eloquence - and how he, Quinn, had spit blood and iodine afterwards. But he will always remember the soft-eyed maniac leaning against the demolished castle wall, decreeing he (Quinn) had been right after all. There were too many dragons and too little men.
And how the children had eyed him with silent awe - and pity - pity that they were now a part of his world; and he was a part of theirs.
-fin-