Awakening the Bronze Fury

The sword hummed—

Faint ripples shimmered across its misty, wave-patterned blade.

The silver-gray blade, once blackened by the Black Dread Balerion's dragonflame, grew a shade darker still.

Rhaegar let out a surprised sound, noticing the subtle change.

"I'm better now," the ugly giant muttered, touching the burns on his face. "It doesn't hurt anymore."

"Giant, call your people over."

The Children of the Forest cautiously approached, their green eyes fixed on the giants digging out the passage.

There were seven of them, eight counting the one before them.

They were nowhere near as numerous as the giants of old, but even now, they were a formidable force that could not be ignored.

"Call them?"

The ugly giant reacted slowly, his gaze shifting to the silver-haired human before him.

Fear filled his heart, and anger flickered in his eyes.

Damn humans. They'd killed two of his companions.

"Hmm?" Rhaegar glanced up, and Blackfyre burst into flame.

Before the ugly giant could back down, a shrill dragon roar echoed outside.

"Siga!"

A massive creature landed with a crash, its shadow falling over the entrance to the underground passage.

The stench of dragon mingled with the smell of sheep flooded their nostrils, while rugged, mud-brown scales blocked the entrance.

"Quiet, Sheepstealer."

A cold voice rang out, and the temperature in the air suddenly surged.

An ugly Mud Dragon crouched on the ground, its shriveled head turning to the side. Malice filled its sunken, vertical pupils.

Its nostrils flared as it sniffed, and a series of muffled grunts rumbled deep in its throat.

Rhaegar glanced back, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

He turned to the ugly giant and bounced Blackfyre in his hand.

The meaning was clear.

Did he want to keep his life, or get dragonflame?

The ugly giant went rigid,