The shimmering powder, black like coal but not as dull-coloured, rustled as it ran down Shezmon's fingers. As it hit the desk, Azganoth and Belialus flinched badly.
"There's no need to worry.. I have told the powder not to incinerate. You should remind yourself of its draconic origin."
"But can we use this powder for anything, Dragonfather?" Belialus stroked his greying beard in wonder of the substance. "It is not truly useful, for with the work it takes to place it, one could just as simply demolish the structure with a saw or other tool."
"I and Nur'mek have pondered this much, and realized the answer while inspecting one of the new mines. If given only one way out, the fire will have to use that way to 'escape', so to speak. Furthermore, the fire, should it burst forth rapidly, is always preceded by a blast of hot air, and trust someone who rides dragons many times more than you together, a wall of air can be more formidable than a mace. I've been working on practical applications for a few days now, and I think I've gotten it right."
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Shezmon walked familiarly along the cliffsides of Wyrmspine, his draconic agility letting him pass easily where others failed. And after hours of arduous climbing, he had reached the top of one of the greatest mountains of the ridge. Nur'mek had chosen to stay back and guard the tower, but Shezmon had to admit, there was a beauty to the mountains, one that he enjoyed the most when climbing them.
Heaving down the bag he was carrying, he opened it and brought forth a few apples, some of the powder he had called Dragonpowder, and a sturdy metal tripod with a powerful metal pipe, with one end closed, affixed to it. Shezmon quickly put in some Dragonpowder and an apple, checked everything, and touched the rim of the pipe with a finger.
The flame started burning towards the shut end of the pipe, and Shezmon backed away. In the next instant, a great clamour came forth as fire burst from the pipe, chunks of burning apple flying forth.
After allowing himself some private celebration, Shezmon cleaned the pipe, put in some more powder, yet added small stones and rough sand instead of apple. Then, he placed an apple a few steps away from the pipe, repeating the ignition procedure. This time, as the boom shot forth, the fruit was shattered as the hailstorm tore it, no chunk greater than a pebble left.
Shezmon's grin had not been as mischievous for quite some time.