The Dragon of Charred Scales

Chapter 18- The Dragon of Charred Scales

Oculeera

Our new Masters have told us about the invisibility domes around the entrances of Oita, how they are small and must be constantly maintained. They must be well trained in the spells, as five spirit dragons have agreed to make a very large temporary dome so that our flying skills can be tested. And they really meant large.

"The radius of this dome is a mile and a half," said Master Glabli, a spirit dragon, after the dome was completed. "There is a resistance to the borders, which may make you fall out of the sky if not prepared. Also, from this side you can see the edges. Stay within them."

Looking up, I do see a purple tinge to the sky. I wonder how it looks up close. I have never seen an invisibility dome that was not invisible.

"Novayar, you will go first. Several dragons are spread out within the dome to observe you. I will fly alongside you and issue commands. Follow them as best as you can, even if it is beyond your ability."

Despite his obvious nervousness, he nodded without hesitation. Aerial maneuvers are not things he has been taught yet. And even if he could do flips and tight turns, he could never rival a spirit dragon's agility. He could especially not rival a nimble spirit dragon like Master Glabli. We arrived at the dome to him making moves that make even me dizzy.

"Good. Whenever you're ready," said Glabli.

After a few moments, they both took to the air. Before long, they were out of sight. Another dragon, a fortune dragon who has not named himself, stood behind me. I probably am not allowed to leave here.

Regardless, I walk over to the edge of this little clearing to observe a rock outcropping. Not that the rock itself is interesting, but it looks heavily touched by dragon fire.

"Why does this rock look like this?" I ask.

In a gruff voice, the dragon said, "several dragons around here vent their frustrations by melting rocks. Mostly strength dragons. It harms no one."

I nodded. Makes sense, though I would like to know why several dragons get frustrated seemingly often. Back in Kucho, dragons like Jheecu often would get mad, but they had pasts that affected them deeply. I guess that could be the case here too, no reason for it not to, but it just seems a little odd.

"Many dragons actually melt the rocks in their chambers to shape it, instead of the spell you were taught. Strength and swift dragons can't use that spell very well or at all, depending on the individual. So many such dragons you meet are highly knowledgeable about molten rock. Several are researchers monitoring the nearby volcano," said the fortune dragon.

"Volcano? Where?"

"North, but not too far away. Alustagal volcano, or Yellowstone as the humans call it. Actually, they call it a super volcano."

"What's a super volcano? I've never heard that term before."

"A volcano on a massive scale, one that could wipe out everyone within a large radius and impact pretty much a whole continent. Which is partly why we are underground here in Oita. Heat from the magma, and protection when it finally blows."

A whole continent? I do not see how more than ash can spread that far. Though from what little I know about volcanoes, ash can sometimes be hazardous. It was never anything to worry about in Kucho, not like hurricanes. Still, being an unknown, the thought of an eruption makes me nervous.

"Is an eruption going to happen soon?"

"Probably not. Not in our lifetime at least, unless something unexpected happens."