Fireball

Safe For Now

Ashneel was pacing back and forth as Amos approached. The dragons sat quietly, waiting. Ashneel was relieved to see Amos emerge from the forest with Fireball. He ran toward them to check their condition.

"We heard at least one loud bang, then saw flames and smoke," Blurted Ashneel. "We were very concerned."

"Ah, the word is "frantic" and it was only you," said Drake, casually. "I told you everything was okay. Fireball would have come to get us if your wizard friend was in any danger."

Amos laughed. Everything was far from okay back there. A very powerful and evil wizard was plotting something big and his followers would be upon them soon. They needed to warn the prince, but they first had to quickly get back to the other side of the island. Amos explained to the others what had happened and that they had to move swiftly, now, before any evil wizards caught up to them.

There was a bolt of what could have been lightning, and trees burst into flame at the edge of the clearing.

"Looks like we were too slow!" shouted Amos. "Let's go!"

Everyone piled through the opening, as Amos shot spells at the approaching wizards. A couple spells hit Drake and Fireball, but they were unfazed. Ashneel was knocked down, but Drake grabbed him as he passed through the opening. Amos was the last to go through and quickly sealed the opening back up. It was clear as the wizards reached the shield, they were at an impasse. Whether they lacked the magical ability or the permission of their leader, it was clear that they could pursue Fireball and his friends no further.

The dragons and Ashneel were relieved, but Fireball and Amos knew it was far from over. The pursuit may have ended for now, but the wizard and dragon knew that was only temporary. Marcello would be back for the dragons, but Amos knew the prince was in more imminent danger. Marcello was after a powerful wizard and Amos was sure the prince was his target. If Marcello defeated him, the whole world would fear him and his followers.

*Tink-tink-tink*

Fireball looked up as he was pelted three times on top of his head. Above him flew Kaida, as she dropped pebbles on him. Fireball liked Kaida, but he couldn't understand why she was always doing something to annoy him. She laughed and flew ahead of him. Amos smiled and tried to explain to Fireball that she did those things because she had a crush on the little dragon, but it seemed lost on him. He did not understand Kaida at all.

"Drake!" Amos called out. "We need to get back to the prince immediately. I think it is time you explain what is going on to the dragons in your community. They need to leave or be prepared for a terrible fight. Marcello and his wizards will never give up. Fireball, we must leave."