Sylvia let go of Rick's hand and walked to the edge, where she reviewed out the city with a blank look on her face. Without turning around, she said, "You're afraid of me."
"Yeah..." Rick didn't see the point in lying. "You are a Dragon Queen who is a thousand years old and could kill me with a thought."
"Anyone who isn't afraid of you is an idiot."
Sylvia laughed, and it sounded like flames crackling. "Truthful words... I love that."
"You do know me well because I hate liars." Finally, she turned to look at him. "Rick Rolland, do you know why I sent the Ancient Black Dragon to attack this city?"
"You said it was a note. A show of urgency..."
"It was, but it was also a test." Sylvia moved in closer and looked at him closely with her amber eyes. "I had to check to see if the prophecy was true."
"If you truly are the Hero of Mature Hearts and can unite the Seven Major Powers, then I created a situation that would force you to reveal your true self."
