Tail of the Dragon by Craig Halloran

in the sky moved in an endless and timeless scene. The changes were slow and subtle. It was like watching a very slow and massive hourglass with the sand draining. It took its time, but eventually it changed.
    “So, I guess the waiting part begins. Say, Gorlee. Gorlee?”
    The changeling was nowhere to be found.
    “Well that’s just great,” Nath said. “He probably has the right idea, though. Wouldn’t surprise me if we stood here for days.” He tapped his claw on the treasure-coated floor. “Or weeks. And just when I was about to close in on my mother.”
    “Always be wary. Plans change. Be prepared for the unexpected,” Selene said.
    “I suppose.”
    I wonder what Father has in store for me now. He told me it would be fine to chase after Mother. Perhaps I should have completed the mission by now. Of course, I would have if Brenwar didn’t slow me down.
    “So, Brenwar, as I understand it, you teleported, but you won’t fly? Didn’t you use the old ‘Dwarves don’t teleport’ line on Gorlee?”
    Brenwar didn’t move.
    Oh great. He’s assumed the position. Guzan, I’m liable to be standing here for weeks.
    Nath gazed around the treasure room. There was nothing worse than waiting, even though he was a dragon and extremely patient. But this was different. He was waiting on his father—again—and he couldn’t help but feel like he was in trouble. Still, he was looking forward to seeing his father again. He realized he might not see him again for a long time. It did his heart well.
    But for Balzurth to come back, there had to be trouble.
    Oh, I’ll just give him a hug. Certainly he’ll be as happy to see me as I am to see him.
    Selene’s tail swished into his. “I’m not sure I like this. Her eye grazed the vaulted ceiling tops. “Reminds me of my days with Gorn—”
    “Let’s not utter his name here,” Nath interjected. “He shouldn’t ever be mentioned in these hallowed halls.”
    “Noted,” she said. “Let’s just pray this has nothing to do with him or his ilk.”
    “I’m certain his existence is entirely wiped out,” Nath said, with a sneer. “I felt it myself.” He locked his eyes on Selene’s. “You haven’t sensed him again, have you?”
    Flatly, she said, “No. But evil is so hard to destroy.”
    “As if we didn’t already have enough of a problem with the wurmers.”
    The mural warbled, and a massive dragon stepped through. Balzurth came. The great horns on his head seemed to stretch to the top of the ceiling. The great muscles underneath his deep-red scales, flecked with gold, appeared more powerful than ever. His voice had as much thunder as it ever had. The room quavered, and the piles of coins shifted when he spoke.
    “Welcome home, Son.”
    Nath pulled his wings back. “It’s good to be home, Father.” He stood eye to eye with Balzurth and butted horns with him. “You look as grand as ever.”
    “And you are quite the specimen of a great dragon yourself.” Balzurth turned away and faced the other dragon in the room. “Hello, Selene. How are you?”
    “Quite well, King Balzurth.”
    Balzurth’s golden eyes examined her black-scaled body. “I sense that is not entirely true.”
    “What do you mean, Father?” Nath asked with surprise. “Selene is just as spirited as ever.”
    “No, no she isn’t, Son. That’s one of the reasons I brought you here.”
    “It is? Why, what is wrong?”
    With a sad look in his eyes, Balzurth said to Nath, “Your friend Selene is dying.”

 
    CHAPTER 22
     
     
    “Dying?” Nath said. He swatted her gently with his tail. “I’ve never seen her better. You’re fine, Selene. Tell him.”
    She looked up at Nath with weak eyes and shook her head. “No, I’m not. My time in this world has run its course.” She turned and faced Balzurth. “How did you know?”
    “I’ve always known. It’s what Gorn does. If he goes, all of his closest acolytes go with him. It’s in their bloodstream.” Balzurth stretched his tail