Iris awoke the next morning to the sound of heavy wingbeats heading towards her. She poked her head up through the canopy she had been making with her wings and looked towards the sound.
It was the two Skywings from earlier. They were winging their way over to Iris' pavilion. Hm, she mused, Maybe the Queen has another message for me. Or maybe the guard I beat yesterday has come back for revenge. She pondered this thought as the guards flew closer. Surprising Iris, they didn't land on her pillar, rather, they landed on Horizon's.
The Sandwing was already standing. His face was angry, but Iris caught a glimpse of something else in his eyes. Was it fear?
"Horizon, what's going on?"
The Sandwing didn't even glance at her.
"Come on, Sandwing," The male guard grunted, situating himself under the pale dragon's left wing. The female guard did the same on the right.
The three took off, the two on the outside supporting the one in the middle. The slowly descended to the sandy arena below.
Iris began to put two and two together.
That's the arena.
Dragons fight in the arena.
They're taking Horizon down there.
They're going to make him fight.
There's a chance he could lose.
Iris finally dropped her gaze to the stands encircling the arena. Dragons, -mostly Skywings and Mudwings with a few Sandwings sprinkled in-, chattered excitedly. A bright, tangerine-colored dragon paced around in the sand, her tail lashing.
The Skywings dropped Horizon roughly on the ground opposite his pacing challenger; a single soldier stood between the two.
"After four wins, Horizon the Sandwing- formerly and unwisely, a soldier in Blaze's army- has been challenged to match with the Queen's Champion, Peril. Claws up, fire, ready! Fight!" He roared before flying out of the arena. Horizon shrank back, emitting a low hiss.
Peril moved towards Horizon like a cat stalking its prey. She whipped her tail back and forth. Her scales seemed to glow in the sunlight.
How is he going to play this? He's much bigger than her and could easily overpower her. He won't kill her though- right?
Horizon took a step back. Peril was mere steps away from him now. The Sandwing quickly made the decision of leaping over the Skywing.
Oh, there has to be a way for him to get out of this right?
Below, Horizon's eyes were searching the arena, they landed on a tunnel in the arena wall. He ran for it.
But Peril suddenly stood in his way. She lightly scratched the Sandwing's chest. He howled in pain and scrambled back.
Iris felt as if talons were crushing her heart. "Don't hurt him!" Her voice rang across the sky, and a few dragons in the stands looked up.
The bright Skywing glanced up at the Rainwing, a look of surprise etched on her face. Iris noticed that her scales seemed to give off a strange glow.
But where is it coming from? Iris thought nervously.
Peril turned back to her opponent. She appeared to be a blank slate as her claws raked across Horizon's fragile scales.
Iris folded her wings over her head. She couldn't take it anymore.
I don't want to do that, I don't want to fight anyone. I don't want to have to use my venom on anyone. This isn't the adventure I wanted!
Down in the arena, the yelps of pain twisted into an unnatural squeal.
Iris curled into a tight ball.
I won't fight, I won't. I'll lie down. Yeah, I'll lie down. Maybe they will too. I hope they do. They probably won't. I want my brother, I want to go home.