Transient Dragon-Proluge

“Hanajima.”
“Yes, Akare-sama?”  Torch light flickered, casting orange glow over the boy’s soft features, hazy shadows flickering behind him.
“I have a task for you.”  A subtle smirk could be seen in the firelight.
“Anything for you, Akare-sama.”  A humble bow. A show of complete subservience.
“You are to go to the dragons, tomorrow.”
Slight fear flickered through amber eyes, still locked on the ground.  No sound of protest was made. No response was uttered.
Long fingers stroked the arm of the chair, gliding over the carved surfaces.  “You fear for your life?”  A simple observation.  The question was almost mocking, but held truth.  The fear was justifiable.
“No, Akare-sama. I owe you my life.”  The bow remained in place, but the boy seemed to be trembling.
“Seki Hanajima, stand and look at me.”  An order.  Firm, but gentle.
Amber eyes gazed unsteadily into dull brown ones.
“You will go.  You will succeed.  You have the skills you need.  Don’t fear, it will only hurt you if you do.”  A cold face, hardened by years of guiding battle.  But those eyes held something akin to affection.  “Go, now.  Dashall will brief you on exactly what is required of you.”
“Yes, Akare-sama.”  Bare feet could barely be heard as they crossed the tile to the door.
“Hanajima?” The older voice rang out once more.
A pause. “Yes, Akare-sama?”
“Be careful.”
“I will come back, Akare-sama. Watch the skies for me.” A sliver of daylight broke through the door.  The slim figure allowed himself exit.  The door settled back into its closed position.
Torches danced in the slight gust from outside. In the armchair at the head of the room, dark and light struggled to overtake one another upon a solemn figure.
A nod of satisfaction.  The dragons would never suspect.