One is Come Read online

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  On the opposite side of the globe, the opposite of silence echoed in another cave. That cave, only the size of a small amphitheater, thundered as flames poured over already-charred rock. One small dragon, only about as large as a limousine, was curled on the floor around an open bonfire. Her orange eyes bright, slitted pupils narrowed to nothing, she watched a large dragon swoop from wall to wall in fierce attacks. Blazing fire and challenge roared from her mouth, as she swooped, twisting away at the last moment to attack the other wall. The dragon so large and quick, the space so small, the cave looked full of scale and flame. At last, the large dragon tired, and swooped to the floor, curling her wings against her. She looked similar to the smaller, golden-red scales catching and seeming to amplify the light of the bonfire. Green-gold eyes looked into orange ones, brow scales sharp in a scowl.

  “Fire to authority, to overgrown government!” the large one bellowed, mind to mind. “We and the humans should live as we were meant to live, according to the laws of nature! But that human mu government has become too big, too many. Their technology is getting close, and they are like spoiled children with a new, dangerous toy! They grow more powerful in magic, and more of them are mus despite their oppression of its use or even knowledge. Their progress is exponential, on the brink. But they have forgotten we are more than token members on their Council. And still we sneak around, hiding, as if we should be ashamed of whom we are!”

  The smaller one just nodded, having heard this all before.

  “The Forms must be followed,” the larger continued sarcastically, “we can do nothing outside our ancient laws.” She grimaced, a flash of white teeth in firelight. “Do nothing can burn! Even if I have to do it all myself, I swear I will do it. I have and will continue to weave so many cords to make the knot impenetrable. I cannot fail this time. What I started, I can finish.”

  Orange eyes blinked, flashing a bit of light. The larger dragon's face softened. She raised her right hand, reaching forward to stroke the smaller dragon's face. “I waited too long already,” she murmured, running one claw gently over the smaller dragon's horns. “The world needs us! For you, sweetie, for all the future children, I have to bring us all along. So we all can live free, the world must be remade. If that means the One needs to come, then whatever it takes, let come the One!”