All around her Ursula could smell the tang of the Eastern Sea in the chilly early morning air.  In the distance she could see the squat, shining headquarters of The Tears of Ilmater.  It was a sight she normally found reassuring but somehow, on this particular morning, she felt the building to be some kind of omen or reproach although she could not say why she felt that way. 

          A slight breeze caused her thin linen nightdress to curl sensuously around her body as she walked but Ursula ignored it.  She also ignored the tiny prick of wondering in the back of her mind as to why she was out walking the palace walls so early in the morning wearing nothing but her sleeping attire.

          Approaching the Horned Gate, she could feel the steady thrum of the approaching dragon’s beating wings stirring the chill autumn air long before she heard the regular thwack of its massive wings.  Turning slightly to face the huge black dragon as it approached she wondered at herself; that she felt no fear, only a surge of love so powerful it took her breath away.  Ursula knew this dragon.  In a way she could not even begin to explain to herself or to anyone else, she knew this huge beast to her very soul.  When the dragon’s huge mouth opened wide she was hardly surprised to hear the great creature call her own name, “Ursula, Ursula.”  It had been nothing more than she expected.  The enormous black dragon was searching for her, just as she, in some indefinable way, had been searching for the dragon.   

          When the sudden darkness and deep chill descended upon her position on the Horned Gate she knew it had nothing to do with the majestic beast still flying slowly towards her.  With great reluctance Ursula turned away from the beauty of the dragon and turned into the darkness, waiting patiently, although what she was waiting for she did not know.  Soon enough her beloved father’s voice filled the darkened air, calling her name just as the dragon had done.

          “Ursula, delight of my old age, my child, help me.  I am lost, The Kingdoms are in danger.  You must help me, my child.  Find the key.  Search the ruins, walk the labyrinth, find the key.  Look not for me.  Find the key and I shall be found, The Kingdoms saved but you must find the key, my child, find the key….” her father’s voice trailed away, leaving her alone with the now hovering black dragon.  Deep in her heart she knew the importance of her father’s message yet still the black dragon entranced her.  Gently she reached up with one dainty hand to touch the magnificent beast; its scales were warm to her touch, pulsating with life.    “My love,” she breathed the words out and as she did so finally awoke, the dream lingering.