Sunset

The tribe of dragons leapt from the cliff face as one, answering a call from deep within. Boulders, dirt and water-starved roots fell in a shower as clawed feet kicked out and huge wings unfurled. Higher then any living thing can go they went, spiraling and looping lazily until even they could go no higher.

They seemed to have forgotten their reason for flight. A small blue dragon flew too close to a larger red. Fire lit the sky and the scolded blue flew away, screeching his agony, though dragon fire could not hurt it. The others huffed their amusement.

They flew in groups and patterns flitting from one place to another, almost like restless sparrows in the fall. A black dragon challenged a bigger green and soon they were tumbling about, spraying each other with fire in their mock-battle. More and more dragons choose this outlet to their extra energy.

A great white dragon launched herself after the others. She was old, her wings slowed by the weight of years, scales dimmed by the rub of centuries. But her eyes showed no age, aside from the endless depth of knowledge, they sparkled with life. She roared and surged forward, toward the setting sun. The others followed their leader.

Now their reason was rekindled! To the east! Follow the sun! They flew onward. Endless miles passed beneath them, smaller dragons lagged with tired wings.

The sky turned brilliant yellow, orange and red as the sun lit the mountains on fire. Dragons disappeared in giant towers of billowing cloud. They emerged glistening and twinkling with dew as gaily as any brook, but they were far from gay.

The mountains were nearing and, with every passing wingbeat, they grew more and more agitated. Every so often a plume of fire appeared. Screeching and bellows filled the air. Down, far below, every animal seemed to sense the dragon's need. Howls, hoots, barks and growls came from every direction. And then, as if the world itself held its breath, all was silent. The only sounds came from the heavy beating of great wings. And, one by one, the dragons disappeared over the mountain tops, seeming to fly into the last dying flames of the sun.

All was silent as the sun left the sky, leaving gray clouds smoldering above. Just as the first star appeared roars, not the agitated bellows of before but battle cries, broke out.