a long time.- A muffled voice spoke.
Boom, boom, plop. The ball he caught fit nicely in his hand. He tossed it up and with a slight flick of his wrist sent it flying towards the opposite wall.
Boom, boom, plop.
-I'm thinking.
Boom, boom, plop.
-You're usually better than this.- The voice came closer and he could hear the sound of someone sliding down the wall.- It must be a serious problem.
-Because it is serious. Very serious.
Boom, boom, plop.
Boom, boom, plop.
-Bouncing the ball won't help you, Pirce.
-I know, Ori. - The dragon rested his head against the reinforced door. - But I don't have much left.
The silence on the other side was disturbed only by the sounds of everyday life coming from outside. It was as if the world had conspired to show him that his dilemmas were not that important after all.
-This is my last year at the Academy, - he said finally.
-I know.
Boom, boom, plop.
Boom, boom, plop.
-Then I have to serve five years in the mercenary wings.
-I know that too.
Boom, boom, plop.
-Five years, Ori. - He wanted to raise his voice, but he knew he shouldn't. - At least five.
-Everyone has to. -He could have sworn he heard a quiet snort through the door. -Neither surprising nor unusual.
-I won't be home for that long. -He lowered his voice, feeling he was close to exploding. -What will you do...
-I'll manage, Pirce. - The decisive answer betrayed Orion's stubbornness.
-I don't want you to manage. - The dragon finally snorted. - I want you to be able to get out of here.
-Our parents won't allow it.
Boom, boom, plop.
Boom, boom, plop.
Boom, boom, plop.
-They won't have a choice.- He growled.
-What do you mean?
-Father promised to grant me one wish if I became champion.
Boom, boom, plop.
-I wouldn't trust him.
-I don't. - He glanced at the door at the top of the stairs. - He'll have no choice if I threaten to tell everyone.
