There was fire all around the Abbey. The heat was unbearable and the screams were horrifying. The clear night sky had gone completely gray as the smoke filled the air, and all Thomas could do was watch. He watched in complete horror as his home, and he may not admit it, but his family as well. It was all burning. They were all burning and he couldn't save them. Over head the Abbey, soared a great black dragon who continued to send flames into the Abbey, destroying it entirely. Thomas jumped back slightly as he watched his home crumble. The screams had suddenly stopped and replaced with a sickening laughter.

"You should've accepted my offer, rider," came a hoarse voice, "Now you and all around you shall die!"

Thomas woke suddenly, drenched in sweat and breathing heavy. Once he was able to catch his breath, he sighed in relief. He was in his room, his safe quiet little shelter. It was all just a dream. Thomas has had his share of nightmares but never something so vivid and cruel. He's never dreamt of the Abbey in flames and the family dieing. The battlefield of the Great War was all that haunted his mind, until now. Why was that? A loud banging on his door came followed by a shout and started him to jump. He looked at the clock and relaxed. It was only the hall boys waking everyone up. Thomas shook his head then stood up. He quickly reached for his lighter and cigarettes then went to stand by his window and relieve his worries. He didn't stand there long. He smoked the cigarette to its end in haste. He's only done it a few times in the war but never since. He took a final breath before flicking it out the window and began dressing for the day. It was to be a good day and Thomas wasn't going to let a terrible dream ruin everything. It was both Thomas and Jimmy's day off and with the weather warming up, it was perfect for going out.

It's been four months since Saphira's birth and all had seemed well for the two. Thomas was still on edge about someone looking for the egg, but when he was Jimmy, Jimmy's carelessness would roll off onto Thomas, making him nearly worry free. Just as Thomas was finished putting on his jacket, Jimmy barged in, all ready to go. Thomas jumped as Jimmy flew the door open and closed it quickly.

"Christ, Jimmy, could you learn how to knock," Thomas said angrily, but Jimmy continued to smile.

"Whoops, did I startle you," Jimmy asked.

"A bit," Thomas said and went and sat down to tie his shoes.

"You alright, Thomas," Jimmy asked and approached him.

Thomas sighed and nodded then looked up at Jimmy and smiled.

"Just had a bad dream is all," Thomas said, "I'm still trying to shake it off."

"You want to talk about it," Jimmy asked and sat on Thomas's bed next to him. Since Saphira had come into their lives, Jimmy was getting more used and comfortable to Thomas. They had gotten to the point of sitting as close as they could without being informal or sending wrong messages.

"No, it's alright," Thomas reassured, "Now that I think of it, it's really nothing."

Jimmy smiled slightly and nodded.

"Well hurry up," Jimmy said and stood up, "We promised Saphira we wouldn't be late."

"You think a dragon would know how to keep time,"Thomas asked as he finished tying his shoe.

"Dragons are majestic, surely they're smart too."

Thomas chuckled a bit then stood up and grabbed his hat.

"Alright then, lets get going before your dragon gets angry and burns the whole place down."

Thomas immediately stopped smiling and froze when he said that. Jimmy only laughed.

"She's too young to do that, besides, I don't think she would do it even if she was old enough."

Jimmy then left the room, leaving Thomas standing in his spot. He swallowed then nodded.

"Right, she's too young and too good," he said then left his room and followed Jimmy.

It was amazingly beautiful outside. It was neither hot or cold. Just perfect to spend the day. A light breeze added to the lovely world making the trees sway and the birds chirp. Thomas took a breath then closed his eyes. Hearing Jimmy laugh made him smile and open them. He watched as Jimmy played with Saphira. She was like a giant cat, but with wings. Thomas was sitting on his jacket watching them run around and roll. Jimmy had also taken off his jacket and cap, but his shirt was probably going to be ruined from all the grass stains. Jimmy began walking back over to Thomas with a smile as Saphira followed. He sat right next to Thomas and Saphira sat in front of the two, wagging her long scaly tale. Thomas had just pulled out a cigarette and was about to light it until Jimmy had spoke.

"She's getting much bigger," he said. Thomas chuckled as he lit the cigarette.

"What do you expect," he said as he exhaled the smoke, "She's a dragon. If she keeps it up it won't be long until she is as big as the Abbey."

"Not that big surely," Jimmy said.

"Alright, half the size of the Abbey which is still pretty big Jimmy."

Jimmy nodded then looked at his hand which was now gloved.

"Thanks, by the way," Jimmy said holding up his hand.

"No problem. I honestly didn't think they would brush it off so quickly."

"No, I'm just getting smack from Bates and Alfred that I'm trying to be like you."

Thomas smiled a bit.

"But I take it as a compliment," Jimmy said.

Thomas looked at him and smiled.

"Thank you."

Jimmy smiled then looked back at Saphira.

"She needs to learn to fly," Jimmy said after a moment of silence. He turned to Jimmy and with an eyebrow raised.

"Why," he asked.

"Look at her," Jimmy said, "She's big enough now. If she learns to fly, then she can start to hunt for herself and we won't have to worry."

"And how are you going to teach a dragon to fly, Jimmy?"

"I've got an idea."

Jimmy quickly sat up then began running. Saphira followed, ever so anxious to know what Jimmy was planning. Thomas shook his head as Jimmy picked Saphira up. She was big and heavy no doubt, but that didn't stop Jimmy. He placed his hands underneath her feet and then began running. Thomas stood and watched as Jimmy threw Saphira up in the air then caught her. Thomas laughed when Jimmy nearly lost his balance but continued to run and throw Saphira up in the air. Thomas shook his head then began running to see if he could help Jimmy. Just before he reached them, Jimmy sent Saphira into the air one last time and she began to fly up.

"Yes," Jimmy shouted as he jumped, "We did it!"

Thomas stopped beside Jimmy and watched, completely marveled by the sight. She was flying. Flying as high as she could. She was high and out of sight when Thomas began to worry. Jimmy took a step forward, his smile was slowly fading away as he searched the sky. Perhaps she was behind a few of the clouds. Jimmy swallowed then looked at Thomas. He had tears threatening to fall.

"She's gone."

Thomas sighed then walked over to Jimmy.

"I'm sorry, Jimmy," Thomas said. He wanted to hug Jimmy, but he thought it best to not.

It's probably for the best.

"Maybe...we should get back to Downton," Thomas said. Jimmy looked up at the sky then looked down and nodded. Thomas hated to see Jimmy so upset but there was nothing he could do for the moment. Thomas began walking and Jimmy followed slowly. Suddenly Jimmy cried out and Thomas spun around. Jimmy was holding his hand and began to furiously take the glove off. He threw it the ground as he looked at his hand in panic. Thomas ran over and stopped the moment he saw the make was glowing.

"What in the worl-"

Suddenly there was a loud roar overhead, that sent them both jumping and backing away. Saphira landed, not so gracefully, in front of them. Big was an understatement. Saphira was huge. Not exactly the size of the abbey but a good couple floors at least! Thomas wanted to scream and run but he was forced to stay put. Jimmy began to edge closer. He smiled.

Saphira looked at Jimmy with passion and love in her eyes.

"You can hear my thoughts," Jimmy asked loudly to her. Thomas glanced between the two. Was Saphira speaking to him through his mind?

Jimmy looked at Thomas with the widest smile he's ever seen.

"I'm a rider," Jimmy said. Thomas's heart stopped and he was forced to remember his dream.

"You should've accepted my offer, rider"

….oh no, Jimmy.

The bell over the door Jingled and the lady walked behind the counter. She stood in fear as she gazed upon the horrifying man. He looked like a demon. Blood red hair, grey eyes that seemed to stare into her very soul, and skin as pale as the moon. Strange markings were all over this man's face and then he smiled, revealing his sharp demonic teeth.

"Excuse me," the demonic man said, "Do you know where I can find a place called...Downton I believe is the name."

The lady could not find her words, suddenly two cloaked figures appeared behind the man and the room grew cold.

"I am looking for a young man there and it is very important that I find him."

The lady could still not speak.

"You seem like a lovely woman," the demonic man said, "It would be a shame if anything terrible were to happen to a woman...such as yourself."

The lady shook with fear then a noise came out. She screamed and like lightning, the man shushed her. He smiled and everything went black.

Durza walked out of the little shop with the Ra'zac right behind him. He looked down the road and smiled. It would be nightfall by the time he reached the place called Downton Abbey, but he knew the rider wouldn't be going anywhere. With the Ra'zac behind him, he smiled and began walking down the dirt road toward his destination.