Rylan hated himself for going, but he couldn't resist the chance to see the Pyron. The entire village turned out to watch the killing, swarming around the edges of the massive arena. Rylan found himself shoved right up against one chain wall, looking directly down on the harsh, stone floor.

Once everyone had settled, Alvin theTreacherous stepped out from the arena entrance. He was huge, with a bristling brown beard, dragon scale vest, and a murderous, double bladed axe. Mildew, the old, cantankerous traitor from Berk, leered behind him.

From one of the enclosed cages, Rylan could hear the Pyron screeching and scraping to escape. 

With a touch of showmanship, Alvin whisked out his axe, whirled it through the air, and launched it at the cage where the sounds were coming from. With a menacing clang, it struck the metal, and the dragon fell silent. 

Pulling it out of the door easily, Alvin said, "Who wants to see a dragon killing eh?" The crowd roared and bellowed its assent. Rylan covered his ears and felt ashamed at the brutality of it all. 

"A Pyron, has so... graciously, volunteered to join us tonight," Mildew called in an oily, croaky voice. "We do hope you enjoy." Hearty chuckles ran through the crowd, and gold changed hands concerning how long the dragon would last. 

Mildew scampered off, sealing the exit behind him. Alvin readied his axe, the light of battle blazing in his eyes. A few brave vikings unlatched the cage, and yanked open the door. 

There was a moment of breathheld silence, then Alvin screamed with battlelust, and the dragon came shooting out of confinement. Up close, and without the ropes restraining it, Rylan could see the full, unbridled power of the Pyron. Fear and rage, and passion burned it its eyes as it reared its head and screamed piercingly. 

Alvin slowed, crouching low to the ground, looking for an opportunity to attack. Moving with snake-like grace, the Pyron slid around to face him, huge fangs bared. The long black tail, which Rylan had not seen before, contained an additional weapon. Six long, razor sharp spikes fringed the tail, and Rylan had the feeling the dragon knew how to use them. For a moment, he felt a spark of hope. Maybe the Pyron could make it through this after all. 

But he soon saw that this was not destined to be a fair fight. An archer, situated outside the arena, fired a crossbow bolt into the tail, causing the dragon to shriek with pain and look away from Alvin. Taking advantage of its distraction, he lunged forward and cut a deep slash in the dragon's right foreleg. 

The crowd roared as deep red, almost purple, blood gushed from the tail and the leg. Rylan swallowed, trying to stay calm. 

But the dragon wasn't done. Growling deeply, it swung around and slammed its heavy tail into Alvin, knocking him backward and into the wall. Far from being angry, Alvin roared with pleasure, "That's better!" and charged the dragon once more. 

The Pyron reared back its head, eyes wide. Rylan leaned forward, entranced. 

Rather than fire, white, blinding lightning shot from the dragon's maw. It flashed through the areana, arcing over the metal chains. Alvin dropped quickly to avoid the raging electricity. 

The Pyron screamed defiantly, and the lightning died. 

But the odds were not in the dragon's favor.

More archers fired arrows, their small bows propelling arrows everywhere. They lodged in the dragon's wing membrane, its legs, even one glanced off its horns. Alvin ducked and wove, opening gashes in the dragon so that it screamed in pain. 

The dragon tried to summon lightning again, but before it could do so, Alvin jabbed it sharply in the belly.

Finally, weak and shaking and bloodstained, and dragon staggered to the ground, looking up in terror at Alvin. The crowd grew very quiet, waiting in eager anticipation. Horror rose in Rylan's heart as he looked at the Pyron, helpless and exhausted. 

Alvin drew his sword, which he had not yet used. The gleaming silver tip hovered over the dragon for a moment.

Then it plunged, and the Pyron gave a final cry. Rylan yelled in sorrow and anguish, but no one could hear him over the noise of the crowd. They shouted their approval, stamping their feet and cheering. Tears started filling Rylan's eyes as he saw the bloody face of the dragon. Its life was fading fast, but he could still plainly see the dull pain and fear in those golden eyes.

Then they went blank, and the Pyron was gone.