The Dragonstones Trilogy
Chapter 19

Smolder walked back to the hotel with Nathaniel, mindful of his ruby red scales slowly turning to black. For a human, Nathaniel was taking everything Smolder had said very well. He had learned only that day, that his descendant, Sara Day, would learn how to use the Dragon Stones, the first human to do so. They were returning from their trip to a cave, where magical pools showed the observer glimpses into the future, much like the visions Smolder saw.

Smolder had tried to keep those visions hidden from Nathaniel, but had not quite succeeded. Nathaniel knew that Smolder was going to die soon, but was in denial. Smolder was glad. He did not want his friend to worry any more than was needed.

The closer they got to the hotel, Nathaniel shot nervous glances behind him more frequently, though they entered the hotel and went to the room without incident.

Suddenly, Smolder felt a sharp pain stab through his body. He spared a glance for his darkening scales. They had turned completely black. It was exactly as he had foreseen.

It’s happening! He told Nathaniel. Smolder could hear the panic in his voice.

What’s happening? Nathaniel asked, alarmed.

Smolder realized he wasn’t being clear. He’s attacking me!

Who?

Aevill. Smolder was glad that Nathaniel knew who Aevill was, a very powerful dark magician that had killed every living dragon, except for Smolder. Now Aevill was killing him too, slowly, painfully. Smolder said, I am going to give you my magic now, and the Dragon Stones. They are the only chance you have against Aevill.

Nathaniel only needed a little convincing, and Smolder hummed an ancient song, one that transferred dragons’ powers into humans. What looked like red mist came out of Smolder’s body, and into Nathaniel’s. Smolder felt his energy, his powers, slowly drain out of him. When he had finished, Smolder noted tears running freely down Nathaniel’s face.

Goodbye, old friend. The words seemed inadequate. Nathaniel and he had been through so much together, and it had all come down to this. Smolder looked around the hotel room. He could not see Aevill, but he could feel the dark magician slowly killing him, taking centuries off of his life span that Smolder had hoped to see and live through. Smolder knew that somehow Aevill could hear everything he said. He focused on Nathaniel, but knew Aevill would hear anything Smolder said. When Smolder spoke, he made his words count. Do not worry. He said. One day, Aevill will die, and it will be at the hands of a dragon. Smolder looked at a shadow after saying those last words. As Smolder slowly drifted from life to death, he was sure that he had seen a face in that shadow. He was certain that face had shown fear.