DragonsCrest

Pain, the tremble in his wings, and the damning blackness at the edges of his vision sung their song of doom within him. He had pushed himself too far; too fast; his injuries would overcome him. There would be no salvation - his unit had long since abandoned him, no mercy for the wounded or the weak. Below, the ancient oak forest stretched on for miles. He would have to land soon, and there -! A space, a splash of brightness in the dark sea of green and brown. Mustering his last reserves of strength, he locked his wings and glided down in slow, careful circles. Landing was painful, though he did not shame himself by collapsing. His shallow breaths could not keep up with the thundering of his heart, and his sight blurred. Footsteps: another dragon was approaching. He could not raise his head but he growled - a wordless command to back away. “I won’t hurt you,” they said. Male, his gentle voice with a lilt that spoke of warmer climates. “I’m a doctor, let me help.” They approached