7 virtues: Patience

“Mine,” the big black dragon growled.

“I’ve already laid my eggs here.” The smaller one’s voice dripped with venom.

“I dug that nest last year; I’m not digging a new one. Move!”

“What’s the problem, madams?” Veetra ran to the fighting dragons.

“Mine!”

“No, mine!”

The shapeshifter looked at the dragons; they would kill each other in a moment. She had to think fast.

“Oi, Diggory!” She called to the fellow shapeshifter who preferred the shape of a huge mole. “I have a job for you!”

The big black settled in her new nest without complaints. Veetra sighed. She’d kept them safe, for now.

7 virtues: Diligence

“Your creed was for naught, the gods are dead.”

The boy stared up into the black maw, row upon row of sharp white teeth, in the center a forked tongue withed.

“They will save me.”

“They are dead, boy! Pledge allegiance to me or die.”

Sweat ran down the boy’s brow as he concentrated on his silent plea: Please, help me!

“Dead, dead, dead,” the dragon chanted as it began circling him.

He continued praying, despite the rising temperature. He could imagine flames dancing around him but, as he opened his eyes, he saw ashes where the dragon had been.