Note: Gah, writer's block taking control…

Dragon Eyes

            Safir's face is impassive as we fence. It's natural of us to be that way when we don't know the outcome of the match. I find myself smiling, believing that I would win. In a moment, I find myself impassive once again. Safir, on the other hand, is smiling. Somewhere outside, a roar sounds. Muffled because we are far away. My attention is not attuned to that roar or its owner for I am intent on the current match. Safir has the advantage and the offensive. I am on the defensive and not faring too well. My brother, he executes a complicated movement so fast that he catches me off guard. My sword clatters to the ground, and I nod.

            "Brother," Safir says, "what ails you? This is one of many that I have beaten you these days."

            I shrug. "Maybe you're improving."

            My blue haired brother shakes his head. "No, there's something else."

            I sigh. "Well, it's about…"

            He waits for me to continue. After a moment of silence, he decides that I won't be saying anything. "There's something I actually want to tell you. It's about…"

            At this moment, another roar sounds and interrupts Safir. I take more attention this time. Wiseman floats in and reports to me before Safir can continue.

            "What is it?" I ask.

            "That noise is Esmeraude. She has been empowered by the crystal, which I informed you of earlier, your highness."

            I raise my eyebrows. "She roars? That's new."

            Safir narrows his eyes and glares at Wiseman. "No, Prince Demando, she's a dragon."

            "Dragon?" I arch an eyebrow.

            "She was greedy, your highness. She took the crystal from me. As I said before, the power of the crystal is great, but none among our ranks can handle it," Wiseman explains

            "Some help that is," Safir mutters under his breath.

            "Safir, please. I want to hear him out," I whispers.

            With one more grumble, Safir becomes silent. He walks away quickly and hisses about questioning Wiseman's trust. I ignore him. "Do continue, Wiseman."

            "Well, there is one person I know of that can harness that energy, your highness…"

            "Proceed with it then. I trust you to carry out the plan successfully."

            Wiseman nods. "You won't be disappointed." He floats off to leave, but I stop him.

            "Wait, Wiseman. I haven't quite dismissed you yet. Now, if you could show me how Esmeraude is doing…"

            "Ah, of course…" A dark crystal like orb forms between his hands and a scene appears. A great dragon breathes flames at a group of people. I cannot make out their faces at all in the mess, but I do get a clear view of dragon.

            Esmeraude… her eyes seem wild, almost mad. I suppose that this probably resulted from her avarice. She is engulfed in her "rage" and displays tremendous energy. For moment, I watch the unfolding scene, but then I nod, and Wiseman allows the orb to disintegrate. "Carry on," I say.

            As Wiseman leaves, I can't help but wonder about Esmeraude's fate. She was a conceited woman, but our numbers were dwindling. I didn't want another life to be lost. I wanted results. I ponder as I turn on my heel and wander to a secret place of mine. Life is a blessing. Love is another.