"Lock down the doors! I want them winded when they break through!" The Mistress swept around the chamber, her black and red gown dragging dirt and rubble where the ceiling had begun to collapse from the latest battles throughout the keep.

I stood restless in the center awaiting her summoning. My tail slapped the pillar, exhausting but a fraction of my aggravation. Too long had Mistress denied me to pleasure of tasting battle with these 'heroes'. I could withstand being a precious ornament no longer. My wings unfolded and flapped, stretching for flight in the tall chamber if need be. Acid bile filled my gullet, ready to spew across the intruders.

Still within her grace, Mistress whirled on her heels and turned to me, her eyes dropping just below my own, and her voice resonated a soft melody that cooled my rage. "My darling deliverer of death. Be patient. I will restrain you no further. I have been too lenient in my endeavours. Their journey ends here."

I roared with delight, my powerful cry echoing throughout the halls beyond. I knew my adversaries could hear me and I could taste their fear. My eyes focused on the door, but a cold hand rested upon my haunch. I turned suddenly, rows full of teeth bared.

"Down below with me, into the Deeps. The darkness will aid you and I much better and it is all the more space for your wings." Not waiting she glided to her hidden stairway and walked downward. With each tap of her grand staff, acting as a walking stick, sparks emitted. She was as riled as I was. Such power she possessed to hide that fierceness from me.

As we descended we were met with a blaring light. On reflex I reared. As if to protect me, Mistress spread her arms and power poured from her essence. They had breached the lower levels, the sly dogs. My weight dropped and I took a stance behind her, sure to avoid the force of her true strength. Through the light I could not see, but the acid I felt within could not hold out any longer. I unleashed it in sync with her own attack.

As the ash cleared I understood the source of the light and for the second time in my dragon life I felt my head bow to a power greater than my own.