Watty's Shortlist 2023
"I have been waiting a long time to meet you."
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When two warring kingdoms hear of a magical object that will end the conflict once and for all, two rival heirs embark on a quest to retrieve it and bring their...
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"Rise and shine," Aila poked Ember's wing, awakening the sleeping beast next to her. At the red eye he cracked open and the shower of sparks that flew from his nostrils in irritation, Aila gave him a lopsided grin.
It was the early hours of the morning. The sky was beginning to lighten, a hue of royal blue still speaking of the moon's descent. The air was still with the birds' songs on pause, but a whispering energy was carrying through the air, speaking of life waking up soon.
The previous day had tired Aila out, indescribably so. Despite this, she found it difficult to sleep at night, due to the fact that her awakened magic would no longer stay still. It begged to be played with, to be explored, to be used. She had waited till the sky above them looked less dark before waking Ember. Her mind was awake and reeling, shaking with the urge her body had to put her head underwater, just to feel that tug again.
Ember would probably have woken her up within the next hour anyway.
She was certain that the dragon had tried to make her more comfortable during the night. Even though they were high up on a mountain, in the middle of Winter, warm air had enveloped her all night, speaking of his powers and the regard he held for her.
In a flash the dragon was in human form, regarding her with both irritation and amusement.
"Sleep well?" He asked.
"No," she admitted. "I can feel the magic within me and it won't stay still. It feels like it's going to explode."
"Remember a time when you were skeptical of your power?" Ember appeared smug.
Aila rolled her eyes.
"I'll be back with food," he said before shifting, and launching into the open air above them.
Within ten minutes he was back with the same meal as yesterday. Aila took it gratefully and they ate in silence, sharing the catch between them.
"What are we doing today?" She asked after they had eaten.
Ember's eyes glinted with mischief before he again transformed into a dragon and bowed low, an invitation for her to mount him. With adrenaline beginning to pound within her and freedom calling her name, Ember took off into the sky.
The ride was just as exhilarating as the previous day. Ember again swooped and soared, free-falling, zigging and zagging, whilst Aila laughed and clutched his spike tightly.
This time, he appeared to have taken her in a completely different direction to the waterfall. They landed on a mountain peak that was covered in a blanket of grass. The cliff edge was sharp and jutted out dangerously, a warning to stay away from the long fall into another forest that loomed beneath. Ember took a few steps forward, stopping a foot away from the edge.
"What are we doing here?" Aila breathed in awe, following his footsteps whilst staring at the stunning view before her.
"We are here to develop your air powers," Ember explained.
