Free War of Dragons by Andy Holland

left side of his body.
    The day dragged a little bit, Crystal unable to think about anything other than reaching their destination. The mountain range was pretty and a welcome change from the desert, but even that became a little dull as they weren't able to fly up to the top and see what was beyond. They followed the mountains as they curved towards the south-east, meeting the second range where John finally allowed them to ascend to fly above the mountains. Everyone was silent as they flew, awed by the dramatic scenery and the unfamiliar lands that spread out in every direction.
    Are we going to stop for lunch? Jenna asked John. I could do with a break.
    No, he replied. We have no food, remember? You'll dine well tonight, I promise, as long as we keep up this pace. Stopping for a break would only guarantee another night in a cold tent.
    The scenery to the north of the mountain range was markedly different to the south; in the north, the vegetation was quite similar to the forests back home, although perhaps with a few more rivers, but the south looked much wetter, with numerous rivers and lusher vegetation. Despite her desperation to see her homeland, Crystal was intrigued by the lands before her and wished that they could fly lower and explore, if only they had time. 
    The sun was starting to descend and although John told them that they were making good time, something in his voice suggested that he was starting to doubt whether they would make it before sunset, his words of encouragement to fly faster becoming increasingly urgent.
    How much longer, John? Seth asked for the tenth time as John descended to speak to them again. That sun is getting awfully low.
    John ignored his question, distracted by movement ahead. Everyone, stay close to me; we have company.
    Seemingly from nowhere, three Golden Dragons rose to join them in the air, one flying to their left, one to their right and the other moving to fly above them. Crystal gasped slightly in surprise, smoke pouring from her nostrils. They moved so effortlessly, so fluidly, keeping pace with them with such ease.
    Well, well, this is something we don't see very often, one of them said . Five Red Dragons. Do you mind explaining what you're doing bringing these five here? We should have given notice to our neighbours. You were lucky not to have been stopped.
    The Blue Dragons are preparing an invasion, John replied. I expect it will happen in a matter of weeks, if not days. The Red Dragons are no longer a match for them, and left alone, they'll be wiped out and the Blue Dragons will take all their lands. They're here to see if we can facilitate an alliance with the Dark Brown Dragons.
    The Golden Dragons exchanged startled glances. Really? That doesn't sound like the Red Dragons, seeking alliances. So war is about to start? That's going to be bloody, especially between those two. We knew that this war would be coming eventually. Either that or the Blues attacking the Dark Browns. It was just a matter of time after the Green Dragons were eliminated. But I never thought we would see the day that we would have Red Dragons here though.
    Excuse me, Daisy interrupted. How much further is it? We've been flying a long time and John has a nasty injury.
    Yes, I can see that, the first Golden Dragon replied. John, is it? I'm Aharon. That does look like a particularly nasty set of cuts. Blue Dragons?
    Yes, I had to fight them on the ground. It's not something I'm good at.
    I see. Well, I didn't think you'd have received them in the air. I expect we will hear your full story eventually, so perhaps now isn't the time to go into that any further. Aharon said something that Crystal couldn't hear to the dragon who was flying above them, who then sped up and flew ahead.
    He will announce your arrival, Aharon told them. Now, I assume you're headed for the capital, but you're cutting it a little fine. Perhaps we could help you there?
    That would be appreciated. What do you have in mind? John