Fireball

Taking a Trip

Ashneel nodded. "You should talk to your mother first. If we embark on this journey it will mean several days away from home. She will worry."

Fireball flushed. Ashneel knew Fireball lived with his mother, but why would he think that a grown dragon would need to get permission from his mother. After all, he was 25 years old.

"I'll go tell her now." A still red-faced and dejected Fireball responded.

Fireball told his friends that he would make this trip alone with Ashneel. They would need to watch out for each other while the two were away. Fireball was confident he would be okay on his journey but he was no longer confident that his community was safe. Kaida gave him a big kiss and the other dragons told him to be vigilant.

Fireball did not tell his mother much. He did explain he was off with Ashneel in search of a very powerful wizard. A good wizard. Malvina was worried, but she knew her son had to do this and it had been her dream that someday her son, Fireball, would work with wizards to make the world safer everywhere for dragons and wizards.

Ashneel was down by the water, alone, when Fireball returned. He told Fireball they did not have long to fly with the dragon's speed. He explained the direction Fireball would need to fly as he strapped a little backpack on his friend's back, being careful not to nick himself on the spikes. Unfortunately for others, Fireball could not yet fully control his spikes, so they often stood up when people made him feel uncomfortable.

"Are you ready?" asked Ashneel. "If you are, we shall go. Remember, fly across the ocean towards the setting sun. Once you see a large mountain rising out of the ocean, with 5 smaller islands surrounding it, listen for my watch to chime. Descend quickly and you should see an island with a large castle on it. That is our destination."

Before Fireball could ask any questions, the wizard turned the wand on himself and rapidly dissolved into smoke. The wisp of smoke trailed off into the backpack and the latch closed itself. Very cool thought Fireball.

Rapidly the little dragon climbed high and darted across the sky as Ashneel had directed him. As Fireball reached an elevation that barely left the water and land below him visible he noticed the air was much cooler and drier. Once at a comfortable altitude he settled in on his path to what he hoped was a new ally. Fireball smiled for the first time in a long time. This trip reminded him of when he flew high and fast with his father.