Darkness of Dragons

Palm runs across the desert, trying to escape from guards sent by Queen Oasis. She seeks refuge from the desert with her sister Prickle, who ridicules her for falling in love with Prince Smolder and lectures her about her choices. She forces Palm to give her the earrings she received from Smolder in exchange for safety.

Palm agrees because she is pregnant and must protect her dragonet. The guards find Prickle’s home. One guard recognizes Palm and takes Prickle instead because Palm was once kind to her. The guard points out the earrings that Prickle now wears as proof that Prickle is Palm. Palm escapes.

Qibli watches a group of six dragons fly from the top of Jade Mountain, heading towards the rainforest where Queen Glory lives. Five dragonets follow the giant NightWing, Darkstalker. Qibli reflects on his distrust of Darkstalker and his frustration at his own lack of magic and power.

Qibli recalls life in the Scorpion Den, a community of SandWing thieves and scoundrels. He thinks of his mother, Cobra, a legendary assassin and the daughter of the dangerous crime lord, Vulture.

He reflects on how he tried to win his mother’s love and favor until she sold him to Thorn, leader of a band of Outclaws after Thorn recognized Qibli’s cleverness and compassion. Thorn and her Outclaws worked to take control of the Scorpion Den. She earned Qibli’s loyalty by showing the dragonet care and support.

Qibli’s final thoughts as the dragon fade from sight is that Darkstalker must have cast a spell that ensures the dragons trust him.

Qibli and other dragonets at the Jade Mountain school attend history class, asking their teacher, Webs, to tell them about Darkstalker. Webs reveals the history of Darkstalker from 2,000 years ago when he grew powerful enough to try and overthrow the NightWing kingdom. He describes how Darkstalker was put to sleep under Jade Mountain but has since awoken. Webs then reassures the dragonets that Darkstalker now has no political ambitions. The students convey surprise they were not immediately attacked by the giant NightWing.

Qibli receives a message on an enchanted slate that he uses to communicate with Turtle, one of the dragonets who accompanied Darkstalker to the rainforest. Turtle reveals that Darkstalker wants to be king of the NightWings. Qibli reflects that Queen Glory will never have the complete support of the NightWings because she is RainWing. Darkstalker presents a challenge to her authority because he is a hybrid dragon that is half NightWing.

A friend, Sunny, pulls Qibli from class to ask about the dragonet, Ostrich, revealing the female SandWing is missing.

Qibli searches the mountain for Ostrich, feeling guilty that he failed to protect the young SandWing after a promise to her parents and Thorn, who is now queen of the SandWings. Qibli had left the school to go on a quest with friends. Now that he has returned, the dragonet is missing.

Sunny and Qibli search the room that Ostrich shares with Princess Anemone when Qibli receives another message from Turtle stating only that the NightWings have a king. Qibli laments the lack of additional information before noticing Anemone’s magical, weather-changing bracelets in the corner of the room. Qibli points this out to Sunny who takes the bands for safekeeping.

Sunny and Qibli pull a dragonet from Herbs and Healing class to ask about Ostrich when Qibli notices that a dragonet named Onyx is also missing. They learn the two dragonets have been gone for more than a day, and Sunny speculates they may have been kidnapped.

Qibli’s friends Tsunami, Starflight, Sunny, and Clay question whether the school was a good idea. Sunny worries it is doomed to fail because they keep losing students.

They discuss the likelihood that Ostrich and Onyx left on their own, and Sunny leaves to try dreamvisiting with the dragonets. Clay suggests they contact Darkstalker and ask him to use his magic to find the missing students. Qibli worries about how dependent the dragons have become upon Darkstalker and magic. He is concerned that Darkstalker is influencing the dragons.

Qibli touches his earring as he worries about Darkstalker’s influence. The earring protects him from any spell that Darkstalker has or will cast. Qibli reveals that Darkstalker felt it when the animus dragon Turtle cast the spell on the earring and would know if Turtle cast another spell of protection.

Qibli considers a method to replicate his earring using a magic bowl that Turtle created. He is unsuccessful until a dragonet named Peril suggests he ask nicely, revealing that Turtle places great emphasis on kindness. Peril’s suggestion works and Qibli makes enough earrings for all of the dragons on Jade Mountain. Peril’s scales are too hot to wear the jewelry, and she remains under Darkstalker’s spell.

Qibli seeks the IceWing prince Winter and tries to get him to wear an earring. He refuses, distrustful of all magic after suffering traumatically from an animus-infused object in the past.

Peril and Qibli find Sunny dreamvisiting and interrupt her. When she hears what Sunny is doing, Peril reveals that she saw Onyx and Ostrich leave the mountain the day before. Qibli decides that Onyx must have coerced Ostrich who would not leave without informing him.

While dreamvisiting, Sunny learns that Darkstalker has offered to be king to any NightWings who object to Glory’s rule. Qibli decides that Glory’s acceptance of this event is further proof of Darkstalker’s spell. Qibli begs Sunny to wear an earring, and Sunny is horrified that she allowed the dragonets to follow Darkstalker without question. Despite distrusting animus-infused objects, Sunny and Qibli convince Tsunami to wear an earring, confirming Darkstalker’s spell.

Sunny laments that Glory and the NightWings don’t have earrings. Qibli notes the NightWings would lose the additional powers Darkstalker gave them if they wore the earrings.

Sunny reveals that she reached Ostrich while dreamvisiting. She describes Ostrich surrounded by cloaked and hooded dragons and another large SandWing covered in tattoos. Qibli recognizes the dragon. Ostrich is in the Scorpion Den with Qibli’s grandfather, the dangerous crime lord, Vulture.

Qibli criticizes the school’s defensive weapon supply as he prepares to return to the Scorpion Den. He then recalls his first meeting with his grandfather, describing the large dragon as covered in skull tattoos that represent the dragons he has killed. Qibli describes Vulture as cruel and dangerous before reflecting on how he demonstrated his disapproval of Qibli joining Thorn’s Outclaws by leaving dead rats where the dragonet would find them.

Winter states his intent to go with Qibli to get Ostrich. Winter states his fear and distrust of magic is due to earlier trauma when he was placed under a spell. He refuses to wear the earring that Qibli provided him to protect his mind from the influence of Darkstalker.

Qibli asks Sunny for the use of Anemone’s weather-changing bracelets. After some deliberation, Sunny agrees. Qibli immediately feels more powerful. Qibli whispers to Sunny that she must get an earring to Moon, not wanting Winter to hear his urgent instruction. Sunny agrees and shares her intention of passing on earrings to all the dragonets and Glory once they catch up to Darkstalker’s group. Qibli and Winter leave to rescue Ostrich.

Qibli receives a message from Turtle through his slate as they fly towards the Scorpion Den. Turtle shares that Kinkajou is awake and Darkstalker will take the NightWings to the hidden NightWing Kingdom the next morning. The message also reveals that everyone except Kinkajou is under Darkstalker’s enchantment.

Qibli cannot reveal anything to Winter, who remains under Darkstalker’s spell. When they arrive, Winter makes a disparaging remark at how ramshackle and dirty the Scorpion Den is. Qibli agrees but warns that it is as deadly as the IceWing Palace. Meanwhile, Qibli wonders at the changes that must have occurred since Thor and the Outclaws moved out of the Scorpion Den and into the SandWing palace. As they talk, they realize they are being followed.

Qibli finds himself going home instead of to his grandfather’s fortress, feeling like he is once again a young child. He sees his brother and sister first. They now have skull tattoos of their own. They take him to Vulture’s compound and allude to changes, suggesting that Cobra has been punished for giving Qibli to Thorn.

Inside the compound they see a hoard of treasure and other lavish displays of wealth contrasting with the poverty and destitution outside. They find Vulture who is watching two humans frantically make their way through a wooden maze at the foot of Vulture’s throne. Vulture notices Qibli.

Vulture orders Qibli and Winter to be quiet while he watches the Scavengers for entertainment, explaining that he will eat the loser and save the winner to compete the next night.

Horrified, Winter argues the Scavengers are intelligent and accuses Vulture of cruelty. Vulture condescendingly explains why Winter is deluded while noting his status as a banished prince. Qibli is shocked by the depth of Vulture’s knowledge and fearful for his friend. He reflects on how Vulture twists things with his words.

Vulture takes the maze away, bored with the challenge. He congratulates Qibli on realizing that Thorn is a terrible queen and has brainwashed the dragonet. He alludes to his designs for challenging Thorn by finding the perpetrator of a series of acts of terrorism in the SandWing kingdom. He explains that he and his black hooded dragons, which he calls Talons of Power, will capture the culprit and show that Thorn is not fit to rule. Winter and Qibli recognize the name of Vulture’s army of mercenaries from a line of the Jade Mountain Prophecy.

Vulture congratulates Qibli on returning to his true family in the Scorpion Den. Qibli is disturbed but quickly decides that he cannot pretend to be loyal to Vulture and betray Thorn even to protect Winter and himself. Instead, he asks where Ostrich is, determined to rescue the dragonet and escape.

Vulture reveals that she is a captive before returning to the topic of Thorn. He says that he wants to replace Thorn with a legitimate queen of royal blood. Qibli reasons this must be Onyx, who coerced Ostrich into going with her to the Scorpion Den. Qibli realizes that Onyx is the child of Prince Smolder and the granddaughter of Queen Oasis, surprising everyone except Vulture with his clever leaps of logic.

Vulture praises Qibli as the only valuable offspring of Cobra and reveals that she was punished for disobeying Vulture’s orders to provide him with an heir. Vulture takes Qibli to an oubliette, an hole in the ground filled with crocodiles, rats, and snakes where Cobra is being held captive. Vulture says Qibli must help him to earn Cobra’s freedom.

Qibli waits in Vulture’s observatory for his mother, feeling trapped despite the luxury. He reflects on why this replica of the SandWing palace observatory makes him uncomfortable, mentioning Vulture’s previous connections with the royal family. He wishes he could recreate this space in Jade Mountain for Moon, who would love it.

He receives a slate message from Turtle that Moon, Kinkajou, and he are following Darkstalker to the NightWing kingdom with the other dragons, and Qibli worries for his friends. He wonders if Tsunami has reached them to give them the earrings to protect them from Darkstalker’s enchantment.

Qibli reflects on his compete loyalties to Thorn and the Outclaws, his promise to Ostrich’s parents to protect her, and his family ties before his mind circles back to Moon and his friends. He wonders if Winter also thinks of Moon all the time.

Qibli worries aloud and Winter comments that it is unlikely that Qibli can impact Vulture’s plans to overthrow Thorn. Qibli wonders how the kingdom will react to the knowledge that Onyx is royalty, while Winter wonders who is really committing terrorism in the SandWing kingdom. Qibli scoffs and reveals that it is obviously his grandfather attempting to cause problems to later resolve them and appear heroic.

Qibli wonders if he should use the animus-touched bracelets to escape, but Winter chides him for proposing such a silly plan. Vulture returns with Cobra. Qibli wonders if Cobra looks at him with more admiration now. She says that giving Qibli away was a mistake, and Qibli begins to reconsider his childhood.

Vulture leaves and Cobra continues to subtly ingratiate herself to Qibli who thinks it is evidence of her love for him. Cobra offers to help them escape that night. Qibli agrees, but only if Ostrich is with them.

Vulture brings Ostrich next. She reveals that Onyx tricked her into leaving and then coerced her into traveling to Vulture. Onyx is working with Vulture to challenge Thorn and become queen. Vulture is helping Onyx so he can continue gaining wealth through his criminal ventures without Thorn in power to challenge him.

Qibli observes his grandfather as they discuss the political intrigues, noticing they observe those around them and think in similar ways. Vulture smiles and Qibli is certain that Vulture knows what he is thinking.

Two Talons of Power fly into the observatory with a messenger from Darkstalker. Darkstalker has become king of the NightWings that don’t wish to accept Glory’s rule. Qibli recognizes the moment Vulture understands that a kingship is now a possibility. Darkstalker sends word to Vulture that he is willing to ally with the SandWing. Qibli realizes this is evidence of Darkstalker’s treachery. Winter does not react. Qibli considers the danger that Thorn is in from Vulture, Onyx, and now Darkstalker as well.

Qibli and the others wait until dark, and Cobra quickly kills the guards. Qibli, Ostrich, and Cobra steal the hooded cloaks and pretend to be escorting Winter as a prisoner.

Qibli is surprised when Cobra stops at Vulture’s treasury. He refuses to allow her to steal from Vulture, but she reveals that he has a obsidian mirror that allows him to eavesdrop on things anywhere in Pyrrhia. Winter recognizes the artifact, and they realize this is how Vulture knew about Winter’s banishment. Qibli questions how Cobra can know this since she has been locked in the oubliette for years. She claims to have heard the guards above her speaking about it.

Qibli worries about Thorn, who is unaware of Darkstalker’s spell and Vulture’s machinations. He then notices that Winter is gone. Qibli sees Winter darting away and follows. He realizes Winter has gone to free the Scavengers.

As Winter is freeing the Scavengers, another dragon comes to see about the noise. Qibli and Winter fight with the dragon and realize it is a NightWing called Shapeshifter, Peril’s father.

Qibli asks why Shapeshifter is working with Vulture. Shapeshifter replies that it is for the treasure. Qibli is shocked the dragon is risking his life in Vulture’s coup attempt just for treasure. Shapeshifter struggles with Qibli and Winter and manages to break free, grab a Scavenger, and threaten to bite its head off if they don’t let him go free. He escapes while Qibli and Winter argue.

Cobra and Ostrich meet up with Winter and Qibli. Qibli’s brother and sister encounter the dragons as they continue their escape. Cobra attempts to kill them when they realize who they are, but Qibli stops her. Cobra is unable to hide her disappointment. They escape.

Qibli arrives at the SandWing palace and encourages Thorn to arrest Cobra, revealing his suspicion that she was sent to assassinate Thorn. Cobra confirms his suspicions. She is taken to the dungeons that hold a mysterious, insane prisoner. Qibli provides everyone with copies of his earring and reveals Darkstalker’s spell. Qibli and Thorn force Winter to wear an earring as well.

A messenger from the IceWing Kingdom arrives for help. The IceWing tribe is suffering from a plague. Qibli realizes the plague is an enchantment by Darkstalker, who hates the IceWings. Qibli duplicates more earrings, and Thorn sends them to the IceWing tribe.

Winter and Qibli reflect on the prophecy and consider all they know. They wonder how their interventions have changed Darkstalker’s plans and what he must know due to his ability to see the future.

Vulture and his Talons of Power arrive at the SandWing palace and try to incite an uprising against Thorn, describing her as a false queen. He presents the Eye of Onyx, which Thorn reveals to be a fake. She wears the real Eye around her neck. She reveals the power of the Eye and establishes her legitimacy.

Onyx attempts to assassinate Thorn but is caught in the act. She challenges Thorn, and Thorn accepts. Qibli warns Thorn that Onyx is the granddaughter of Queen Oasis. Afraid for Thorn, Qibli uses the borrowed weather-changing bracelets to disrupt the challenge. He loses control and causes a sandstorm that buries the palace.

Qibli admits to Thorn that he caused the sandstorm to protect her from the challenge and the threat of the Eye of Onyx. Thorn explains how the Eye works and encourages him to trust his friends.

Qibli and Thorn help with the general chaos after the storm and look for Smolder and Onyx. They find them near the dungeons where the mad prisoner is revealed to be Prickle, Palm’s sister and Onyx’s aunt. Qibli checks his slate and discovers that Darkstalker is holding Turtle hostage in the hidden NightWing kingdom.