The Rise of a Queen

A Fight to the Death

Shimmer walked between two guards, and out  to the sand in front of the arena. A space had been cleared, and dragons from both tribes stood around to watch. Many perched on boulders and on the stronghold. A few dragons from other tribes were arriving, hearing of the drama, and obviously not wanting to miss out. Shimmer even managed to see a couple of RainWings, soaking up the heat of the sand, and eating whatever fruits they had brought along. Queen Sunseeker met her before she entered the arena. 

"Shimmer if you do win, please do not take your imprisonment as a sign of hostility. I wish to keep the IceWings as allies if possible." Shimmer nodded, and stepped out past the guards and into the arena. All of a sudden, she felt very small. It was true that she was probably a runt. But that doesn't make me week. Shimmer told herself, scanning the ring of dragons around her. Blackstar, I wish you were here, I'm sorry. You're all alone in this one. No one will stand behind you. She reminded herself as the IceWings began cheering. Queen Tundra entered the arena, head held high. Suddenly everyone fell silent. Four new dragons, as large as Tundra and Sunseeker landed next to the Sand Queen. It was Queen Bog of the MudWings, Queen Gale of the SkyWings, Queen Swordtail of the SeaWings, and Queen Jewel of the RainWings. With each of them flew five guards of their own tribe. Shimmer dared to glance around one more time but the Queen of the NightWings did not appear. You really are alone. Shimmer thought, staring at the Queens, all lined up and watching with interest. Queen Sunseeker sat back and clapped her talons together. 

"Here it comes." She heard a few dragons mutter.

"Fellow dragons, you have gathered here to witness the battle between Queen Tundra of the IceWings, and her daughter, Shimmer. Shimmer was abandoned as a two day old dragonet on the NightWing island, as the IceWings hoped she would die there. Now, Shimmer has come to claim the throne, and seek revenge on those who cast her out." Shimmer heard Queen Tundra growl, but the Ice Queen didn't speak. "You may begin when ready." Shimmer turned quickly to face the Queen.

"So it's come to this." Queen Tundra growled.

"Should have killed me when you had the chance!" Shimmer snapped back, listening to the uneasy 'uh-ohs' from the watching dragons. Queen Tundra sprang at Shimmer, snarling, ice building up in her throat. Shimmer reeled back, flapping her wings, throwing a mini sandstorm into Queen Tundra's face. The Queen blundered through, as Shimmer dodged behind her. Queen Tundra roared and spun around, blasting her ice breath everywhere. Dragons watching in the front row dove away, to avoid being hit. Shimmer threw up another cloud of sand and dove through it, using her highly trained instincts to find Queen Tundra. The Queen was trying to find her way to a clearer place. Shimmer darted forward and rolled underneath her, raking her claws along the softer under scales. Blue blood splattered in her face, blinding her, and covered her claws. Queen Tundra managed to punch her hard in the chest, and Shimmer coughed. Queen Tundra stumbled over her, but turned quickly and pounced before Shimmer could recover her eyesight. Frantic, Shimmer blasted her ice breath in the are she knew Queen Tundra's head to be in. Suddenly, searing pain shot through her as the Queen slowly dug her talons into Shimmer's sides. She roared, and dug her talons into the back of the Queen's forearms. Queen Tundra stumbled back howling in pain. Shimmer scrambled up, rubbing her eyes, clearing them of blood. The Queen was limping. Shimmer had accidentally managed to tear a tendon. She glared at Shimmer. 

"This ends here, and now!" She flung open her wings and threw two glass like orbs at Shimmer. Shimmer jumped into the air as they broke on either side of her. 

"Hey, that's cheating!" Queen Bog bellowed from where she sat. But a noise made the entire crowd go silent in one snap. The deadly hiss of two dragonbite vipers. All at once, the air was filled with screams and dragons fighting to take off and get out of reach of the snakes. Amidst the chaos, no one saw Queen Tundra grab one of Shimmer's diamond spears. Shimmer fought her way into the sky along with the spectators. The five watching Queens were shouting, but Shimmer couldn't comprehend what they were saying. 

"Shimmer, look out." Shimmer looked up at the sound of the familiar voice. Queen Tundra was hurtling down at her, spear aimed for her heart. Shimmer managed to twist away just enough to not get touched by the spear, but the large Queen crashed into her. Shimmer flapped trying to get upright, while blasting the Queen with her ice breath. Suddenly she hit the ground, the air getting driven from her lungs, and breaking a few of her ribs. The spearhead was buried in the sand by her head. Queen Tundra's talons wrapped around her neck. Shimmer choked weekly, staring up into the Queen's red, hate filled eyes. Suddenly something crashed into the Queen, throwing her off of Shimmer. Shimmer gasped for air, then froze, and a low hiss sounded beside her ear.