Wings of Fire - Court of Lies

33 - End of the Line

Squid and Fatespeaker watched in terror as more and more SkyWings took their places, rapidly filling the seats and dooming her in that arena.

<< If only our wings weren't chained... >>

Murmured Fatespeaker turning to the now closed gate behind them and the soldiers sitting comfortably behind the bars.

<< We'd still be trapped, the guards can still fly and all those bastards know we're two weak dragonets against all of them. They'd stop us... tell me you got a vision of us surviving and going away from here... >>
<< I wish I had. >>

The soldiers on the pillars roared in unison, catching the crowd's attention and silencing them all as Queen Scarlet came out from the gate in the pit, quickly flying over the two dragonets and reaching her seat as the guards in the dungeon shut the gate closed again.

<< MY DEAREST SUBJECTS! Today we have two very special guests in our arena! >>

Screamed the queen as all the other dragons roared in amusement and clapped their wings.
The queen made a gesture with her tail and her son, Vermilion, stepped in.

<< You heard our queen? We're about to see the raw power of pure anger and betrayal! >>

Everyone roared again.

<< After a long interrogation, Morrowseer told us everything about five fake Dragonets of Destiny the Talons of Peace kidnapped in case the first five failed! >>

A few SkyWings started talking to each other with pure excitement, judging and staring carefully at the prisoners in front of them.

<< He told us everything we needed to know. Clap your claws for our two new entrances, first we have the son of the Talons of Peace's leader himself: SQUID THE SWEAWING! >>

Some spectators cheered for him, others were suggesting various ways to kill him and which dragon sent against the poor scared SeaWing.

<< And to fight by his side, from the misterious night, with all the powers that make her tribe so dangerous and feared: FATESPEAKER THE NIGHTWING! >>

The SkyWings sounded even more excited than before, waiting to see the NightWings' power used in a fight as Squid and Fatespeaker looked at each other in desperation.

<< Do we have to fight each other?! >>

Asked the young dragoness, hoping for a negative answer.
Squid quickly jumped in front of her, raising his voice as he looked at the queen.

<< You can't let us die here! We have useful informations! >>

A choir of: "Oooh!" rose from the spectators, Scarlet quickly silenced them spreading her wings and staring down at the dragonets with a sly smile.

<< With Morrowseer under my command, there's nothing you can say that we don't know already. What else can you tell us about the Talons of Peace, that he won't just tell when asked? >>
<< IT'S NOT ABOUT THOSE USELESS KIDNAPPERS! >>

Screamed Squid, his voice cracking under the fear of not being heard.
The queen's smile grew wider as she flew down in the ring with them, staring down at him with amusement as she said: << Then tell me, young SeaWing. What are those "important information" only you two have? I'm so curious! >>, clearly trying to mock him.

<< FateSpeaker had a prophecy, she saw the future and it's not pleasant. Morrowseer can't know this, he can't have the same visions as her and you know it, don't you? >>

The smile disappeared from the flame-colored dragoness's muzzle, her eyes darting from prisoner to prisoner in search of doubt and every little hint of lies.

<< Is it true? >>

Asked looking at the NightWing dragonet and Squid answered again.

<< The prisoners in the dungeon will comfir- >>
<< I wasn't talking to you! >>

Growled Scarlet, slapping Squid so hard he fell on the ground.
Fatespeaker held back a scream, trying to put some distance between herself and the queen.

<< What did you see? >>
<< I... I won't tell you! >>

Trying to growl, the NightWing assumed a defensive position.

<< Not unless you let us go! >>

She was terrified, yet she wasn't going to let the cruel queen use them for her amusement.
Scarlet simply shrugged, a grin creeping on her muzzle.

<< Very well... >>

She was flying again, up in the sky, as she looked around the crowd for a few seconds.

<< Is Flame here with us?! >>

She asked and a few dragons rose on their paws.

<< I want the young dragonet that the Talons of Peace kidnapped! The Flame we rescued and brought back home with us! >>
<< I'M HERE! >>

Said dragonet quickly flew near the queen, staring at her with pride, not knowing what to expect from his queen.
Scarlet called Vermilion with a tail gesture, whispering something to him and sending him back to announce the news.

<< Dear spectators! The queen has a very generous offer for both Flame and our fighters! >>
<< Get ready to fight... >>

Whispered Squid massaging his aching cheek.
Fatespeaker paled, looking up at her former colleague with pleading eyes.
There was a time she would have called Flame a friend, a "brother", even when the other dragonets insulted her, she would act like those were nothing more but playful taunts, but deep down she knew the truth and she couldn't keep deluding herself.
Except from Squid and maybe Ochre, Viper and Flame would have been perfectly capable and willing to trade her life for theirs.
If the queen wanted Flame to attack them, to kill them, there was nothing she could say to stop him.

<< To avenge the honor of our great tribe and the childhood that has been ripped from him, Flame has the choice to fight his former teammates and constant reminders of what happened to him! Until Fatespeaker will obey and reveal the visions she claims she had to our noble queen, this young dragon can show us how powerful SkyWings can really be! >>

The crowd cheered and the announcer pointed a claw at Squid.

<< The young NightWing shall be left alive! But Squid hasn't been granted the same mercy! If Flame so desires, the fight with the SeaWing will last until one opponent only is left breathing! >>

Flame's expression was far from doubtful or remorseful, he looked happy, too happy for someone in his place, at least in Fatespeaker's eyes.

<< We're two against one, we can do it! >>

She said as Squid got up trembling.
Back on the NightWings' island they hadn't been the best at fighting and Flame could still use his wings.

<< Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut... >>
<< And have the queen sent us against a full grown fighter? Or more than one? At least Flame is alone and a dragonet like us. >>

The young SkyWing landed in front of them and Vermilion roared one last time.

<< Claws up! ... Fire ready! ... FIGHT! >>