So far, 3,876 words from a 5,000-word maximum. The scene is set for the final confrontation. All I need to do is get the remainder of the story told in 1,100 words or fewer. I intend to wrap up the first draft tomorrow then spend the remaining seven days of the challenge revising. Excelsior!

The sun rose over the oak grove, and Siobhan and Dhoul lay cuddled together waiting for the Circle of Elders. There was no reason to seek them and no reason to hide. She would show them. Even after last night, the fires were put out of both the torches and the hearts of men. They returned to their homes unharmed if, a little wet and just as irritated. Siobhan stretched and worked a kink from her back. The morning smelled of dew and dragon scale. She lifted her staff overhead and gave it a shake. She put two fingers into her mouth and let out a two-tone whistle. She rubbed her hands together and pressed her lips into a thin line as the fauna entered the grove. First the harts and hinds, then rams and ewes, followed by bulls and heifers, billys and nannies, and finally boars and sows. They gathered around her and she made a swirling motion with her staff and each animal guest settled into the wet grass. If this ever was going to work, it had to be now. It had to work. Siobhan leaned over and scratched Dhoul under his jaw and rubbed his snout. The sun rose over the oak grove. Siobhan and Dhoul lay cuddled together, waiting for the Circle of Elders. There was no reason to seek them and no reason to hide. She would show them. Even after last night, the fires were put out of both the torches and the hearts of men. They returned to their homes unharmed if, a little wet and just as irritated. Siobhan stretched and worked a kink from her back. The morning smelled of dew and dragon scale. She lifted her staff overhead and gave it a shake. She put two fingers into her mouth and let out a two-tone whistle. She rubbed her hands together and pressed her lips into a thin line as the fauna entered the grove. First the harts and hinds, then rams and ewes, followed by bulls and heifers, billys and nannies, and finally boars and sows. They gathered around her and she made a swirling motion with her staff. Each animal guest settled into the wet grass. If this ever was going to work, it had to be now. It had to work. Siobhan leaned over and scratched Dhoul under his jaw and rubbed his snout. “It’s time,” she said. “Mmm?” said Dhoul. “Just five more moons. I was just getting settled. ”This is no time for slumber. We have a show to put on.”Dhoul opened his eyes and looked around the grove. The animals lay still, quiet, looking at him. He sprang to his feet and reared back on his hind legs. “Breakfast!” he roared and flapped his wings. “You brought these to me? These are mine!” He dropped into a crouch and flicked his tongue. “No, my friend. These are not yours. Do you understand?” “Yes. No. No. There are so many! You brought them here. I-”Siobhan watched his eyes dart from one target to another. He peeled back his lips and snapped his jaws. “So many flavors and smells, and they’re so… still! This hurts my belly,” he said and let out a low groan. “Only for a while, do this for me, and I will bring you a bounty. If we do well today, by the time the sun sets, you will be well sated, and we will have new friends.” “Did the men like their fish?” he said and turned in a circle taking stock of his not-prey. “I shared!” “Yes, you did, pet. They may not like having it dumped all over them in a heap. But, you shared. You understood, and that is very good indeed.” “When do we get to share this food?” He circled around again and sucked air through clenched teeth. “No dear, remember? These are not food. They came on their own. I did not bring them to you.”“Hnng.” he groaned and rubbed his belly. “Yes. Only those you bring. The rest are…” he clamped his eyes shut and drummed his talons on his chin. “Not mine!” he said and looked at Siobhan with anticipation. “Better every day.” She drew a quick breath and blew out a cloud of white vapor. “You’re going to do fine. All you have to do is listen to my voice and ignore everything else.” “Just your voice, not the food. Not my food. Just listen.” He stood and rolled his neck. “Good. That’s good.” She walked away from him, pasted the gathered fauna, and stopped at the edge of the grove. Dhoul held his jaws shut tight and took shallow breaths. He cast his eyes to the sky away from the not-prey. First, the Archdruid, followed by the other seven Elders in their moss green robes and golden embroidery, entered the grove. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Siobhan.” said the Archdruid. “So do we all,” she said. The Archdruid nodded and flicked his wrist toward Dhoul. “If this doesn’t work. Casting him out is no longer an option. We will proceed with the binding.” “That!” she jabbed a finger at him and advanced a step. “Was never discussed!” “It was discussed with the Circle, initiated by me. You forget yourself. You are no Elder yet. I wonder if you’re ready.” He squinted at her. “If this does work,” said a white-haired Elder pushing past the Archdruid into the grove. “We’ll have to make room in the circle. I’m excited to see the results, come what may.,” said the white-haired Elder. “Come what may.” The Archdruid narrowed his eyes. Siobhan stood opposite Dhoul on the far side of the grove and watched him as the remaining Elders filed in and took up their positions around the grove. Dhoul watched each in turn and looked to Siobhan. He worked his jaw and crushed the earth in his talons. A cardinal swooped low through the grove, and quick as a serpent, Dhoul snapped it out of the air and burped out red feathers. Across the grove, Siobhan widened her eyes. Dhoul flattened himself out on the ground and clamped his claws over his snout. The white-haired Elder stifled a smile while the Archdruid glared at her. “Thank you all for giving us this opportunity,” she said, addressing the Circle. “I am aware of your decision and will comply with your wisdom. Come what may.” she said directly to the Archdruid. “You have been more than gracious, and we are excited to show you what we’ve been working on. Indeed, I trust you’ll find the results remarkable and, if I may be so bold and to hope, we can employ the same methods with the feral dragons.” “One step at a time, sister.” said the Archdruid. “Proceed,” he said and crossed his arms.