E.E. Knight

A hot lust for glory, gems, gold or mates,Leads reckless young drakes to the blackest of fates.

Does that have to go in?_ Lada asked.__hat do you mean?_ Wistala said, brought back to the dictation.__he battle. Betrayals. Incompetence, even cowardice. Boats falling, mud everywhere, blood running from balconies, carrion birds poking marrow from bones, dwarves hanging from bridges, burned corpses, but worst of all, no hero whose courage and skill is put to the ultimate test.___hey asked for a history, they shall have my history. If someone else will have the battle take place on a spring-green field with pennants at the lance points and songs sung over the honored dead, let them write it thus. This history is a story of death begetting death, and should end with carrion birds, for they are the only ones who come out the better at the end.

There are no winners in battle. Just survivors.

Listen my hatchling, for now you shall hear Of the only seven slayers a dragon must fear. First beware Pride, lest belief in one__ might Has you discount the foeman who is braving your sight.Never Envy other dragons their wealth, power, or home For dark plots and plans will bring death to your own. Your Wrath shouldn__ win, when spears strike your scale Anger kills cunning, which you will need to prevail. A dragon must rest, but Sloth you should dread Else long years of napping let assassins to your bed. __reed is good,_ or so foolish dragons will say Until piles of treasure bring killing thieves where they lay. Hungry is your body, and at times you must feed But Gluttony makes fat dragons, who can__ fly at their need. A hot Lust for glory, gems, gold, or mates Leads reckless young drakes to the blackest of fates. So take heed of this wisdom, precious hatchling of mine, And the long years of dragonhood are sure to be thine.

Daughter, daughter, shining brightPrecious jewel within mine sightOh, if I could soar with theeAs you seek your destiny.To see with you the caves and skiesVistas grand beneath your eyesTaking wing to horizons newLet us wonder who waits for you.A dragon bright?A dragon dark?Victor of duels with battle mark?A dragon strong?A dragon keen?Singer of honors and triumphs seen?Red, Gold, Bronze, and BlueTo your lord you shall be true,Copper, Silver, Black, and White,Who will win your mating flight?For in your hearts our future restsTo see our line with hatchlings blessedAnd for those who threaten clutch of flame,To feel the wrath of dragon-dame.

That__ the best thing about friendship. It is a gift that cannot be lost. Only thrown away.

A dwarf will fight for honor, but a man will kill for pride.__uron thought for a moment. __hat__ the difference?___onor is how others see you. Pride is how you see yourself.

Father, it__ Wistala. Wistala.__ather grimaced. __ou__e a star, Wistala _ I saw you twinkling beneath dear Irelia last night. You, Auron, and Jizara all in a row. I__l be up there soon. Wait.