Under Attack

On a night indistinguishable from any other, Freya, Solara, and I reveled in the freedom of the skies alongside Solara's petite, white owl companion. We treasured these balmy summer evenings, when we could share our thoughts and feelings amidst the gentle breeze. However, our calm respite was abruptly shattered by an unexpected assault. An arrow found its way to my heart, and I was immediately engulfed in a wave of pain and darkness. My knowledge of the ensuing events is solely based on Solara and Freya's recounting.

Solara instinctively caught me in her talons, shielding me with her own body, while Freya hurriedly removed the arrow from my wound. They ascended higher and faster, attempting to elude the looming danger. Unfortunately, our attacker was not bound by the earth. It was a flying beast, equipped with a bow and a quiver full of arrows. The white smoke billowing from my injury made us a conspicuous target against the night sky. My blood stained Solara’s feathers, but quickly dissolved into the smoke. As I bled, losing and regaining consciousness intermittently, my healing abilities struggled to mend such a severe wound.

In the hope of finding a clue to our attacker's identity, Freya examined the arrow, but it bore no distinctive marks. She scanned the horizon, spotting the royal guards on the kingdom walls, but the shadowy creature relentlessly pursued us, undeterred by Freya’s attempts to draw its attention away. Its focus remained solely on Solara and me.

Solara, seeking to protect me further, tucked me under her second set of wings and abruptly changed course, while Freya courageously tried to fend off our pursuer. However, the creature was too swift and nimble for her; it soon closed the gap between us. It fired another arrow, which tore through Solara’s wings and struck me in the neck. Freya's cries for help were answered by several guards who immediately rushed to our aid. One guard removed the arrow from my neck, disregarding my lifeless appearance and following Freya's orders. The others formed a protective barrier around us as Solara descended to the ground.

The arrow had pierced my flesh, but Solara was unharmed. I lay unconscious, my neck wound healing slowly, while my core bled profusely. In a desperate attempt to save me, they used a large quantity of health crystals. Eventually, the bleeding ceased. Some of my blood had evaporated into white smoke, but the rest had stained Solara’s feathers a deep crimson. When I regained consciousness, I was barely lucid, feeling drained, weary, and on the brink of death.

The following day, rumors of an attack on the kingdom’s king spread rapidly, inciting panic and confusion. Some loyal citizens speculated that I had fallen victim to a rebel shadow dragon allied with the other rebels wind dragons and asserted that I required their protection. They proposed that our troops should hunt down the shadowy beast that had attacked us. However, we knew it was not a dragon — its shape was different, it was smaller, and it moved with greater agility. Its identity remained a mystery.

A few days later, we addressed the citizens. Freya spoke on my behalf:

“People of our glorious kingdom, I stand before you today as the Wind Dragon Queen, burdened by grief yet resolute. Under the cover of the full moon, our realm has been violated by an attack. Our beloved King Nox has been grievously injured by an unknown adversary. This creature is now our nemesis, and we will not rest until we bring it to justice. In the coming days, our patrols will tirelessly scour the land, day and night, in search of this contemptible being. We will make it answer for its crimes and safeguard our security and sovereignty. I urge you to stay within the city walls during the night for your own safety. Solara, our guardian, will vigilantly watch over our valley, shielding us from harm. If you must fly, stay high and avoid potential dangers below. We welcome any brave dragons or wyverns among us who wish to join us in our quest. However, we must act with caution and wisdom, for we cannot afford any more casualties. Rest assured, we will meticulously assess each volunteer, selecting only the most skilled and suitable candidates. It is important for you to know that King Nox is still among us. His spirit is indomitable, and his will is unyielding. We draw strength from his courage and the resilience of our people to unite and confront the threats to our peace and prosperity. Lastly, my fellow citizens, let us maintain our resolve. We will overcome this darkness, restore justice, and usher in a brighter future if we stand together. In the face of adversity, the Wind Dragon Queen and her loyal subjects will not waver. Thank you, and may our spirits soar in the winds of determination and justice."