Baines' mind lingered on the war against the Silvers, that fleeting moment before collapse when Ashenfall's violet waves had erupted, saving them. Wick's words echoed: a statue had intervened.
'Is it calling me now?' Baines thought as he quietly passed through the changed scenery of the ruins of Ashenfall, their jagged stones glowing faintly under the violet-tinged sky.
Ten dragons trailed silently, as Baines followed a winding path up the mountain toward an open throne.
By the 10th step, he noticed a slight pressure on him; however, it was only a slight tug, so he dismissed it as residual power from the statue up the throne. However, by the 50th step, the pressure slowed his movement.
That's when Baines frowned and noticed, 'Are they testing me?' He spun to the dragons following behind. "Is this a test?"
"Yes, this is a test to see your will—" a female dragon, Vitka, began, her voice calm but firm.
