Prologue

The wind stirred the fresh juvenile leaves that were clinging to the trees and the squirrels played in the trees as spring moved on. Only once did anything interrupt this peaceful scene, and once the squirrels identified what it was, they continued their business as if nothing had happened. But something did happen, and very near by at that. A scaly beast could be seen lumbering through the forest quietly, its nostrils flaring to catch any sent of the other dragons supposed to meet here. After no luck, the one dragon eventually settled down in a huge clearing obviously cleared by the dragons so as to have a place to rest without crushing a tree or an animal foolish enough to be anywhere near the huge beasts. After about a full half hour, a blood-red shape appeared on the horizon and glided over the forest with ease. As it came near the clearing, it readied its self to land. A wild gust of wind pierced the peace as the dragon flapped its wings and descended into the glade. The other dragon grunted and made space for the newcomer. The red dragon made its landing and the squirrels regained their senses after being thrown into the air with such momentum. The red dragon seated himself by the edge of the clearing, the other dragon exactly opposite. After a few minutes, the other dragon rumbled,"When will Nestria arrive?" His black scales seemed to offer the blooming forest the prospect of night, yet the wisdom and kindness in his eyes suggested otherwise. An ugly scar ran down his head and onto his left cheek and one of his claws was chipped, but besides these he was a strong dragon, even for the blacks. The red turned his head, showing many years of peace upon his face, yet you could easily tell he was old by the fading colors of his scales and the yellowing of his teeth. He looked wise as well, yet he wasn't as old as the black. His eyes met with the other elder, respect and worry in his yellow eyes. "I don't know where she is, Centare, except she promised she'd be here around noon." He let his eyes scan the sky, looking for a shadow on the horizon, a distant roar of greeting, even another dragon to ask where she was. Yet there was nothing but the song of birds and the chatter of squirrels welcoming the new life of spring. The black dragon spoke again, his voice that of thunder. "She will come, she always comes." He closed his eyes and savoured the quiet after a lifetime of struggles. "Ah, a good choice of words, Centare. Yes, I always come." The sudden reply made both start, the red's tail swinging in alarm. But after a quick sniff Centare and the red calmed again, welcoming the voice with rumbles of greeting. Eyes akin to balls of fire peered out at them from the trees, then a yellow dragon emerged from the forest, her bright colored scales reflecting the sun and making her sparkle. She was also an aged dragon, but the youngest of the three. And still, her limbs seemed not to care that she was old, working nearly as well as the younger dragons. "I see I am late." she said, strutting around the others, "Which is why I must talk quickly. We may be in danger even as we speak." The red dragon gasped, "Danger? But what danger could there be? There hasn't been danger for centuries!" Nestria eyed him with her fiery eyes, and puffed a wreath of smoke. "That is why I have come to tell you." she replied matter-of-factly. She climbed onto the huge boulder in the center of the clearing, cleared her throat, and began, "My friend, Dimplo the purple, has reported seeing strange creatures that resemble miniature Iops over by Twisting Creek." At this, Centare stiffened, and his nose filled with smoke. Nestria paused, seeing this change, but after a stiff but encouraging nod from the black, she continued. "They have built homes for themselves and even grow plants for food. But Dimplo also reports that they practice fighting, and some steal the foods of others. This cannot go on. They may turn into Iops for all we know. So I need suggestions." There was a silence for a while, then Centare spoke up,"We can not declare war on them, for they have not done wrong yet. However, I think we should keep an eye on them. Perhaps we could place a spy or two amongst them."The red dragon now spoke up, a bit nervous to say something in front of Centare, who was a legendary dragon that had escaped from the Iops centuries ago. "But to do that we would need the help of Brostiff the Cloud King!" Centare looked a bit amused at this, and replied, "I think he will listen to my request. He and I are good friends you know, Canto." Canto looked slightly disappointed, then brightened considerably when Centare said, "You know, I think a red should do the job. They are the fastest and most graceful in the air, and would be quick about escaping if needed. But a purple would also be useful..." Nestria finished the conversation by adding "Then we will use both. Now, we need to meet tomorrow, but we have to be careful of who hears our conversation. Centare, when do you think we should meet?" Centare stood up, spread his wings, and said, "How about midnight?" Then, not waiting for an answer, he leaped into the air, steaded his wingbeat, and flew off into the distance.