Fire and Ice

Prologue

Betula ran through the icy halls. Her long, curved claws tapped on the unmeltable ice. Her heart thumped in her chest. Scars that lined her snout and arms from battles long ago in the past stung against the cold. Where scales had been scraped off, now unprotected from opening up other wounds.

She passed windows with beautiful ice designs that hung down like thin strands of silk. The view was beautiful, but Betula didn't have time to stop and admire it. She had to get to her egg. She had to get to Opal before he hatched.

What if something found him, what if someone found him unguarded? What if he couldn't hatch on his own? What if he's my last hope? If he doesn't hatch then I'll have no dragonets. Maybe he'll be the next animus, it's in his blood.

She passed a closed door that most likely led to a dining room or kitchen, it had no guards posted there. She thought of Minke and how he loves to visit the kitchen. He loves to help the cooks finish making feasts and he often invites them to royal banquets. He had to have been the kindest, most amazing Icewing there ever was.

But he was not originally an animus, he was given the power by another animus dragon who's name was spoken only in whispers, hidden from royalty. Minke's gift to the tribe was a tower he'd built with his own two claws though that was not the magic part.

Inside of the tower was a giant ice statue of a bear on its hind legs, every detail was carved intricately like fur and claws, he'd carved it with no magic help. In its paws was a clay bowl with fresh, lukewarm water inside. No matter if it was dumped or if someone put their claws in it, it would always be full of clean water.

That was the actual animus gift, it provided fresh water for the whole tribe and it was a symbol of tranquility. A sign to show that he never wanted to fight, that he disagreed with the recent war and the bloodshed.

Betula shuddered, recalling the blue splattered ground and the black venom hissing as it ate through scales. The grayish-green poison from poised barbed tails spindling up dragon's veins. The fire that crackled along the outskirts of the sand kingdom and the frost that carpeted dunes.

The war was bad enough- but now there are rumors of the SeaWings trying to take back their shores? If Minke has to go fight again then I swear I'm going to claw the queen to death- don't think that! Don't ever, ever think things like that!

She turned a tight corner, she nearly slipped but dug her claws into the ice before she could fall. She saw the doors, so close. She beat her wings, lifting just barely off of the ground. The corridor was too long, she'd never make it if she ran.

Betula reached the doorway and burst into the room. The eggshells were scattered across the floor and there sat a tiny dragonet. His wings stretched out to their fullest extent. She nearly flew away when he burst into flames.

Instead of screaming, she blasted ice breath at her dragonet. There was a loud hissing noise and she opened her eyes. Tiny icicles surrounded Opal in a perfect half circle. He looked up, his eyes large and bright teal. Small glowing orange scales shone around his eyes.

He stared at her innocently as she dropped to her knees in disbelief. No.. she shook her head, staring into the little IceWing's eyes. No..it can't be.. She reached forward tentatively, curved claws stretched toward her dragonet.

He stepped forward, leaning his tiny head to rub against her talons. She pulled them away as the heat melted into her scales. We'll be frowned upon forever..how did this happen? When I asked for an honor, I got a disgrace. I cannot hide him or this could ruin our reputation even more than it already will...

..I'm sorry Minke, this wasn't supposed to happen..