“As my highest magician,” says the king, “it is your duty to kill at my orders.”

“Yes, sire,” says the magician. “Who do you have in mind?”

The king smiles with all the cruel authority of a tyrant. He knew that a perfectly obedient soldier could be useful, but he now realizes just how useful he will be. “Humans. Oh, and dragons. They’ve gotten away with thievery for long enough.”

“Your wish is my command, sire,” the magician says. “But… may I ask why?”

“Because the humans steal, and lie,” the king says, his voice filled with rage. “And dragons are greedy, thieving, liars, and do not share their wealth with anyone but theirselves.”

The magician nods. “I understand.”

The king smiles viciously. “Good. Now, go and follow my orders. Let the streets of this kingdom run red, and kill every dragon on this island. Remember, I created you out of blood and magic. No one alive can destroy you but me.”

“As you wish, sire,” says the magician, and he draws his sword.

The king is dead before he can speak another word.

The magician drops his sword on the ground. He will not need it anymore. After all, there was only ever one dragon on the island.