Chapter 25: Fire and Stone

“A dragon? Are you sure?” Saffron exclaimed. Elric gave her a look.

“Well, it sure as hell wasn’t a bear. Yes, I am positive it is a dragon. Although, I was not aware that they had a dragon working for them,” he replied grimly.

“What can we do?” she asked, remembering how hard it was to stitch dragon hide back together. She couldn’t imagine it would be easy to kill a dragon.

“There is only one option,” he replied, resignedly. She shook her head.

“You can’t. You told me that no one can know. Plus, people still believe that dragons are evil. What will happen?” she asked, wringing her hands.

“If I don’t shift, many of my men will die. After they die, the dragon could turn its wrath onto the citizens of the country. I cannot let that happen. I will not let people die in my stead, due to my fear. To hell with the consequences. I am what I am.” He replied, passionately.

“Okay,” Saffron replied quietly. Elric paused.