Rise of the Darkness

Highs and Lows

Jacob

If there are other advantages to the breathing exercises besides learning to control my magic, it is that it helps to keep the suite here warm. Oculeera, who has not yet left her room this morning, has her door open. It was closed when I woke up.

When I focus on breathing out with flames, they come every time. Even with my eyes closed, I can see their brilliance through my eyelids. My scales feel their warmth, which feels good after sleeping in such cold temperatures. There is no doubt I am a fire breathing dragon.

But when I focus on breathing out without flames, I am not so successful. Sometimes it works; mostly it does not. I open my eyes to take a break. Soon we will eat breakfast and meet with our Masters.

Why does it always seem like in stories the chosen heroes naturally take to whatever skill they need to fulfill their destiny? Magicians always discover they have some immense store of power, and in days or weeks, they know how to use it. Or they are a prodigy with some weapon or with some particularly useful skills. Yet here I am, nearly a month after finally discovering my magic and I still cannot control it. And what other skills do I have? None that might actually be useful. Some chosen one I am. Some dragon I am. I cannot even do anything here in this clan without help. Reality sucks.

With a few minutes of concentration, I transform back to my human form. No point in continuing to be a failure. I know I may have years before acting on whatever the prophecy refers to, but it all seems so hopeless. Yes, I am a human raised dragon and should be stumbling like I am. I need time and practice. But what if these shadows come knocking tomorrow? We are screwed because I cannot do anything. My fist hits the hard floor, though it only earns me pain.

"Good morning," I hear Oculeera say.

"Morning," I say in a dejected voice.

"What's wrong?"

"What if we are not ready when we need to be? I can't control my flames, and you can't do everything. The prophecy demands that we work together, but how can I help like this?"

"By not doubting yourself, first of all."

I sigh. "Easy for you to say. This city is not built for dragons like me, who are helpless. I am dependent on you and others for everything. I can't fly, hunt, use magic, or speak Draconian well enough to understand anything."

"We've only been here for a couple of days. Give yourself time."

I shake my head. "That's the thing, how much time do we have? No one knows, yet it is of vital importance. And if we don't have enough, I can't help you fight whatever... shadows we may face."

Never looking away from me, she sat down directly in front of me, holding my hands in hers. Like Arthur she has slightly cold hands, but there is strength in them. "You are not helpless. You have found your magic quicker than many others in your situation. You are smart, and willing to learn more. You want to be a dragon, and you try your best. That is all you can do. I'm not perfect and neither will you be. So, don't worry about what you cannot control. Enjoy the opportunity you have here. You see me interested in research, even though that is not my normal nature."

"Oh, you mean that dragon mentioned in that book? Who is it, anyway?"

"Anyle, a spirit dragon who probably participated in the Joining. There are other books by other dragons that participated, but for some reason this name stands out to me. Must be because Xanmet-kal wouldn't let me take that book."

"Like not pressing the red button. Everyone wants to do something they are told not to do, just to see what happens."

"Red button?"