The Dragon Scales, #2
Emberclaw
by L. R. Lam
Contents
21. Everen: The Challenge
Overview
Everen accepts Pan’s formal challenge and engages in an aerial and ground battle witnessed by the pryde and queen. Though stronger, Everen hesitates to kill, but the binding challenge magic and the queen’s command force his hand. He kills Pan, mourning her grief and realizing he no longer fits within Vere Celene.
Summary
Everen enters the challenge without desire to fight, reflecting on his changes since helping a human and sensing the queen’s displeasure yet powerlessness to stop what Pan began. As the dragons gather in silence, Everen faces Pan at dusk, recognizing her rage and grief and knowing she can still hurt him.
They launch into the air, trading flame, rakes, and feints. Pan scores Everen’s back and bites his shoulder, while Everen, weakened by lost magic tied to a human, counters and finally drags Pan to the ground. He pins her by the throat, forcing a submission he never sought.
With Pan defeated, Everen hesitates to deliver the killing blow. The ancient challenge magic tightens painfully, and the assembled dragons’ disapproval mounts. The queen orders him to finish it. Everen understands this moment confirms he no longer belongs among the Emberclaw.
Pan, consumed by grief for Sidar, begs Everen to send her to her mate. Accepting the only mercy left, Everen strikes true, killing Pan and ending the challenge, even as the act deepens his alienation from Vere Celene.
Who Appears
- EverenProtagonist; fights Pan under ancient challenge magic, wins, and kills her despite hesitation.
- PanWarrior of Vere Celene; fueled by grief for Sidar, challenges Everen and is slain.
- The QueenVere Celene’s ruler; witnesses the duel and orders Everen to finish the kill.