Dragon's Quest

The army of Sarden Shorn is ever growing," the Captain said. "They have already taken the town of Winterspring; by evening they will be at the gate.”

With these words spoken, Samantha’s face became wrought with anxiety. She did not speak for some time. Her voice was urgent when she did.

“We must prepare for what is to come. Call upon my defenders and tell Ayer to see me at once. We cannot allow the Dragon of the Wind to wake.”

The soldier bowed his head and hurried off to do as she commanded. Samantha then looked over her shoulder toward a newborn child in a crib: her face betrayed the emotion of dread that was growing in her heart.

Ayer entered the room. “Then it is true?” he questioned. “Sarden Shorn intends to wake The Dragon of the Wind.”

Samantha nods her head in reply, before lifting the newborn child into her arms. Placing the baby into his, her eyes begin to fill with tears, which she immediately wiped away.

“Take her to my husband and protect her,” she pleaded, trembling against the words she spoke. “If my soldiers are to fight, then so must I!”

“Your husband and I will pray for your safe return,” Ayer said.

“If I do not return,” Samantha replied. “It will mean that I have died."