Fireball

Heading Back Home

The prince and Amos tucked in. They looked like they had not eaten in a week. Ashneel started to eat as well, but he was much slower and almost hesitant, as though he didn't want to eat more than he was allowed. The little dragon just stared at the table. There was more than enough food -far more than they could eat - but the variety was just as impressive. Fireball found many things to his liking and soon he was eating voraciously. The little dragon may have been small, but his powerful little body required a lot of fuel, and he was packing it in.

Nobody spoke until the prince had finally eaten his fill and raised his head. He looked at the others, then he waved his wand and the room began to transform. The tables and the food disappeared. Even the drumstick Fireball was reaching for suddenly vanished. A fireplace grew up from one end of the room, expanding until it became the focal point. The large chandelier that dangled above the main dining table majestically transformed into birds and they flew off. Flickering wall sconces grew, as did the intensity of the light they cast. Half a dozen large wing-back chairs flew into the room from nowhere, and spaced themselves even in a semi-circle around the fireplace.

The prince motioned for everyone to take a seat. "It is time for you to return," he began. "Be careful. And Fireball, do not worry about your mother. She is safe for now. I fear in time none of us will be safe for a great many years. We all have a purpose in this world, and you, my little friend, have an important role. When the time comes, you will know. For now, look at this before you leave."

Fireball stared at the fire the prince had pointed toward. A picture began to form, and he could see his mother. She was sitting with Dronin. All appeared to be well. Fireball was relieved and thanked the old wizard, both for his help and for that vision.

Amos spoke with the prince, then joined Ashneel and Fireball. He sprinkled dust over them.

"The prince is always being watched so there is not much he can do without others knowing. For that reason, I have disguised you both. Fly east Fireball. Quickly. In a few hours you will see a large dragon in the sky. Stay with him. I have to go now, but I will meet up with you soon."

Ashneel was a bit confused. "I thought you were coming with us. The dragons need your help. Now!"

"I am coming with you. First, I need to lead the watchers off in another direction. We cannot surprise anyone if they know we are coming. You must go now, quickly. The dust will only hide you for a little while. Go!"

With that Amos disappeared. Fireball was overwhelmed. He had never witnessed a person just vanishing before. He had been told stories of wizards, but none were quite as colourful as what he just witnessed with his own eyes.

Ashneel performed his spell and entered the pack Fireball had on his back. Once outside they climbed high into the sky as quickly as the little dragon could fly. Fireball then flew off in an easterly direction. A little nervous from the warnings he looked around frequently, just to be sure nobody was following him. The weather was comfortable at the elevation the dragon chose. There was no rain below him, but the air was still humid, so Fireball decided to climb a little higher, rising far above the clouds where it was cool and dry.