• Rippling fire tore its way down the deck, a volatile stream of chaos feeding off the old wooden boards. Iron metal foundations twisted and buckled under the crackling heat, as the flames danced in tune to the splintering of lumber. A vessel that once held seamless magnificence had become overwhelmed with an undeniable force, and the icy waters of the artic crept up the ruined husk. Ocean grasped its helpless prey, emitting a tiresome groan as the fires were doused. Smoke plumes rose from the smoldering remains, shadowing the snowflakes drifting through the windy sky.

    Another ship with a flag adorning a noble steed veered clear of the wreck. Elevating over the lashing sea, the bulky boat was encircled with a golden oak railing. Each panel was decorated with cavalry battles long past, telling centuries of elaborate story. A lustrous horse ornament on the vessel’s bow reared over the engraved word “Strider”. Scattered crewmen clothed in blue uniforms and tricorn hats moved about the deck with nervous haste. Some emptied barrels of ale from the cargo hold, sailor’s solace pouring overboard. Slightly demoralized they filled the contents with saltwater, lifting them back up with grunts and tattered rope. Remaining seamen took positions along their allocated cannons, pouring in flint and gunpowder.

    Amidst all the clumsy fumbling, the impressive timber door to the ship’s cabin burst open, sending off an echoing thud. The action was so fierce, that many halted their work to find cause of the commotion. An ignorant captain emerged from his quarters, dressed in a silky tunic weaved with red thread. He bore the same insignia on the mast’s flag; that of a white horse. His officer’s hat had a gold trim, as well as his sword’s sheath. A well-built athletic man, complete with golden locks. Striking a pose one does not merely obtain by coincidence, he stood tall with his right hand on the hilt of his blade. The captain watched his men scuttle about the deck like blind crabs, and let of a weary sigh.

    Advancing out of his warm safe abode, he stepped past the rummaging sailors to find reason of the unknown occurrence. But then his gaze was drawn to the billowing smoke of the fellow boat’s ruins. Watching the lifeless corpse sink, an imaginary puzzle pieced itself together in his mind. An eternity he stared, but that was barely enough time to take in the sight.

    A shrill cry brought the captain back to reality. Shaking his head, he then took a glimpse over his crew finding a trembling privateer. The man had buckled over, face twitching of fear. The captain began to roar. “What is the meaning of this commotion? Why are you-“. He was cut short, as a roar far greater than his erupted through the falling snow. The shivering man, still kneeling, looked up at the captain. “Sir Nathan…they are real”. A dark shadow swooped overhead causing many to take cover. The ship became filled with a silent dread, more gloomy than the sweeping silhouette itself. The beast screamed again, an ear splitting sound that silenced the beating of its massive wings. Cowering with his hands over his ears, Nathan’s eyes slowly crawled up towards the sinister shape. “Impossible”.

    Towering above the ship hovered a great and powerful dragon, an impeccable form of winter white. Its outstretched claws were impossibly sharp, talons that could rip apart steel and flesh. A horned face presented a fearsome mouth, carrying matching rows of razor sharp teeth. Scales glowed like glistening diamonds, the ocean’s movement caught in a perfect reflection. This fierce and yet alluring creature stole every breath from Nathan. Its very presence was so magical and spectacular; he didn’t notice the beast staring right back at him. Cyan crystal eyes drew in his focus, and as they did the rest of the world came to a halt. As though suspended in frozen ice, a sudden quietness and peace replaced the feelings of doom and despair. Crewmen stood still, water became flat. The once flailing flag in the gusty winds was now in cessation. It calmed his thoughts, the thumping of wings and drumming of heart becoming a conjoined rhythm.

    The dragon leaned forward in mid-air, scattering snowflakes with its swift movement. It did not open its mouth, and yet it spoke. Words carried from other dimensions presented themselves in his thoughts. With every word that appeared, the creature’s eyes illuminated with a glowing blue light. “This is sacred ground. My ground. Now I ask you only once. Will you leave this place, and never return?” The captain stood, transfixed upon the sight. Fear began edging its way back into his mind. He thought quickly, realizing his clarity would be short lived. Decided, he simply nodded. “Yes. I will leave”.

    With an ethereal groan the dragon drew back, pushing itself upwards with an unspoken grace. The surface of the water splashed about wildly, rippling in a frenzy. Words formed around Nathan’s thoughts once more. “Very well. A choice that far betters your brethren. Honorable…unlike that other human leader. But it also reeks of cowardice”. With that the world warmed into the present, the crew suddenly screaming in shock and terror. Lifting off the sea, the beast sprung into the misty cold air. Sweeping up into the sky, it exited the captain’s view. Panic began to cease, the lapping of ocean against wood forming tranquility in the sailors mentality. The seaman on the floor stood up, dusting himself off with his hands. “Captain…sir…that dragon…what do we do?” Nathan pulled his chin up, and turned back towards his cabin. “We head back”.

    “What if it comes back, and tries to burn us?”
    “It will not”.
    “But how can you be sure?”
    Nathan shifted on the spot.
    “I know…because it spoke to me”.