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It was early in the morning when the sentinel, the captain of the garrison, came down into the dragon quarters to awaken everyone and call them to breakfast. The bell of the sentinel rang heavy on Henry's mind as he was pulled from his sleep. He didn't even recall falling asleep as he did. Currently he was curled up protectively by Cyrvanyx like he imagined a dragon would curl up at night with their hatchling. It made him smile despite his unwanted awakening.

“Mmh? Is it morning already?" He heard Cyr grumble with his eyes still closed and his body unmoving.

“Apparently so, yeah." Henry responded followed by a sigh. Cyr opened his eyes right away in surprise, both his ears swiveling into his direction.

“I completely forgot you were here." He said with a slight smirk and a chuckle, one which Henry could only answer with a chuckle of his own as he rose to his feet. Brushing off some of the dust that his clothes had gathered, he stepped forth and stretched his sleepy body, trying to get it to wake up. When he looked around he saw two empty bottles of wine, good wine at that, right beside a crate filled with bottles yet untouched. He had forgotten about that crate entirely. Thankfully they didn't drain the entire crate or the quartermaster would have had his head.

Right as he cracked his back and started to feel awake there was a heavy knock on the doors to Cyr's room, almost making Henry jump. “Get yer arse up yer lazy lizard!" That was not the quartermaster's voice he heard, but rather that of the grandmaster. It should have caused him reason to fear and stand at attention but all it did for Henry was cause him to laugh as Grandmaster Maldwyn rehearsed the exact words he used to impersonate him last night. Even the way his highland accent came out heavily when he was angry, it was perfect. Cyrvanyx meanwhile rose immediately and rushed to the door, almost running Henry over in the process.

“My apologies, grandmaster." Cyr remarked before the door was even opened, lowering his head when his eyes and that of the grandmaster met. “Me and Henry did some… celebrating last night."

“Celebrating…" Maldwyn repeated in a baffled tone, glaring at Cyr and then at Henry who has taken his companions side, standing right at his side. “And what in Arthen's name are you celebrating?

Henry glanced at Cyr for a response but he seemed to be lacking one, only staring at Maldwyn, gaping like a fish on land. “Sorry, sir." Henry decided to jump in instead. “We were letting off some steam after the… grave… news we receive yesterday. It had me and Cyr shook to the core, as I am sure it has many others here. So I decided that my family's pending arrival was enough reason for us to relax and have a little fun in the face of our incoming doom." He ended his explanation with a slight bow and a sly smile.

The grandmaster's posture eased as he sighed at his words. And although he shook his head, he did smile, if only a little. “Come on then you two. And if you make me come down here myself again I won't be so friendly, understand?"

Both of them bowed their heads and followed their grandmaster's step as he led them up the stairs and into the hall. Inside the hall breakfast was already commencing and numerous voices filled the room as well as the sound of eating and tableware. Grandmaster Maldwyn moved to his own seat at the end of the long middle long table of the three that stood in the great hall. Henry and Cyrvanyx did the same, nodding to the other as they went to their respective seats. Henry sat next to Gareth again who greeted him with a grin, tilting his head over to his father. In mild embarrassment of having to be brought up into the hall in such a manner, he sat down. No one around seemed to really care however, as the only topic on everyone's mind was just one thing. What next?

The king was dead, the capital lost and the grandmaster had given them no further instructions so far except to keep up the daily training. From all around he could hear knights, both low and high ranking, agree on the subject of moving out. Henry himself agreed with it as well but he also knew it would need to be thought through. Should they move out unprepared without scouting first they could waltz right into an enemy army and face an overwhelming force. In the face of the current subject, spirits seemed low overall in the hall, despite how eager everyone was after Maldwyn's speech the day before. One night of sleep was enough for the true gravity of their situation to set in.

Overall the breakfast went over uneventful. He chatted some with Gareth and told him about what happened with Cyr the night before, mostly only to talk of anything other than their dire situation. He mentioned Ary and how Cyr admitted his feelings, however a glance now and then showed that except for looking at her more often now nothing had changed. He and Gareth agreed he would need to talk to Cyr about it again. Maybe Gareth could arrange something with Ary so the two of them meet somewhere alone and quiet. They exchanged ideas for such a plan until the end of the meal when the bell was rung, signaling the start of the training for the knights and the work for the lower servants and squires such as cleaning, preparing dinner and taking care of the horses.

The others all got into their regular training gear and went into the courtyard. The same feeling of dread lay above the courtyard as the men trained in melee and ranged combat. Blows were exchanged, dragon maneuvers were discussed and practiced and castle defensed were prepared. Henry and Cyrvanyx were training several combat maneuvers in the sky, especially dodging ballista bolts. Ulric's people had powerful ballista's, specialist for dragon hunting. They were light and had surprising accuracy, which they found out at Dimbarrow for the first time. It just meant the dragons had to get better at dodging them or better armor. The steel required to forge armor strong enough to stop a ballista bolt from penetrating would need to be dragonsteel. The iron from which it is won has become rare however and thus the armor of all the dragons in the order is made from a mixture of regular steel with dragonsteel, same for the armor of their riders. Only the best for the inner circle.

The day begun simple enough and it continued to be until noon, shortly before their break. Henry was thinking about how to best approach the subject of meeting up with Ary to Cyr again while they were busy training. The dragon's mind was totally focused on duty for the moment, which was admirable, of course. It made Henry's task more difficult though. The leather harness around his armor strained but held steady as Cyr flew elaborate maneuvers that would send any other man into nausea. As a trained dragon rider though, he was used to it, and the harness that held him secured to the saddle stopped him from falling off no matter how many circles or looping Cyr flew. It was right after such a circle that Cyr spotted something in the distance and stopped mid-air, hovering. Confused by his sudden stop, Henry called out. “What is it, Cyr?" He looked in the same direction as his companion but saw only the vast hills filled with forest and the nearby village, surrounded by crop fields and farms that were currently barren due to the season approaching winter. They were the castle's main food supplier. It was still unharmed however, so he was confused as to what Cyr was staring at.

That was when he looked around him and saw below the other dragons had stopped as well, some perched upon the castle towers to look onwards alongside their riders and even some of the regular order knights and squires. With concern now Henry looked ahead, searching the horizon for something. Then he saw it.

A vast cloud of smoke rose from behind one of the hills where the road led to another village, one that was bigger and richer than the one bordering Dragonstone castle. And from the looks of it, it was burning, and it didn't take a genius to put together how or who did it. The message from Brenin reached the only a day ago but an army was already moving their way. Most likely they were dispatched right after the city fell to make their rapid approach before they even had a chance to move out, knowing they would stay in the castle under the king's orders which had been send under Lord Edwyn's seal, the traitor. That had to be their plan. All these ideas were running wild in Henry's mind as he watched the smoke with dread.

Cyrvanyx slowly descended to land on the wall, thick enough for him to do so as the men there moved out of the way. Henry unbuckled his harness right away when Cyr landed with a dull thudding noise, all eyes on the horizon. He could hear whispers exchange between the knights, squires and men-at-arms but he was too lost in thought to really pick up what they were saying. He leaned onto the battlements and looked out with wide eyes, watching the smoke cloud.

“There are some people on the road!" One dragon roared out for the entire castle to hear from on top one of the round towers that extended slightly out the wall. “Riders! Approaching fast!"

Whispers became louder as more spotted these riders, causing Henry to narrow his eyes and watch the road. It took some focus but indeed, he saw a group of riders approaching fast, very fast. They appeared to be running away from the burning village, survivors perhaps. When that thought ran through his mind, his blood went cold and his body froze. He could feel Cyr's eyes on him as he likely had the same realization. His heart stopped for a second as he watched those riders with fear, and yet hope.

That village that had been set on fire was in the crossroads of many roads, bringing many merchants to the place. The main reason the village was so well off. That also meant that the road from western Albia, where Henry's homestead, Morgraig castle, also went through that village from where one could move on to Dragonstone Castle. That meant that sooner or later, his family would move through there. If they managed to keep with the time schedule they should have been there at that very moment, resting until they moved on to Dragonstone Castle. Henry simply stared in terror, his fingers gripping the stone of the battlements tighter until his fingers were shaking. “Please, oh dear gods." He whispered to himself. “Please let them be you. Please be ok. Elise… William… please…"

He begged the gods again and again in hushed whispers as Cyr's watched him with concern, a single paw gently resting on Henry's back while his own eyes did not leave those riders for a single moment. He watched them so closely that he almost forgot to blink but also spotted that These riders didn't all look the same. The one's further behind had barding on their horses in a color he couldn't see from so far away while the one's in front did not. It could have just been his fear getting the better of him, or so he hoped at first.

That was when everyone watching let out a gasps and curses as one of the riders fell for reasons unknown since they were too far away to really see what happened. Henry's heart froze again as did his body. Not for long however, as fear drove him to action. “Cyr! We move!" He shouted and mounted his companion without another word. Cyr did not complain though, as he understood. If it was them they were in danger and they needed to save them at all cost.

“Henry stop!" Grandmaster Maldwyn came up to him from where he was watching the events unfold himself. “We stay here inside the walls, for we do not know who they are or- “

“With all due respect, sir." Henry answered quickly as he buckled his harness as fast as he could manage. “That could be my wife and son out there. And even if they aren't, I am going to see to it they reach this castle in one piece." He wasted no further words and tapped Cyr's neck two times, the signal for liftoff. Cyr did look back at Maldwyn with guilt for not following his orders but he knew too well the importance of this task. The one thing he knew just as well as Henry: sometimes to fulfill your duties you must object to direct orders and do what is right. Which was exactly what they were about to do.

Cyr jumped off the wall and opened his wings, beating the furiously to ascend and gain speed quickly. The grandmaster shouted something after them but it was lost to the winds as Cyr rushed towards the riders in the distance. Henry held onto the saddle as his eyes teared up from how fast they were going. That did not make him lose eye contact with the riders however, not one second. Trees, hills and the road rushed by beneath them in one blur. The closer and closer they got to those refugees, or so they were assumed to be, the easier it was to see details.

The riders at the front were armored, except for one who was wearing some sort of long garment. A dress, perhaps. In front of them was someone else held in their grasp, someone small. It had to be them, they just had to be. “Cyr! Land on the road!" He called out and Cyr turned his head to look at him, a scaly brow raised in confusion. “Do it! We must get closer to protect them!"

Cyrvanyx did as Henry said and went down, folding his wings to be faster. They picked up speed fast as they were approaching the ground and the riders were not that much further away either. Shortly before hitting the ground Cyr threw his wings open and beat them to slow their fall. The landing was slightly rocky as he landed on his hind legs, abruptly falling onto his forelegs and almost tumbling. Only almost though, as he managed to catch himself just in time for the people to reach them. The riders stopped just a little way in front of them and were staring at Cyr's massive frame. Their pursuers had stopped their hunt upon seeing a dragon land on the road and retreated. They were still too far away to make out their colors but Henry was quite sure who they were.

He dismounted as quickly as he could manage, almost falling off of Cyrvanyx. “Elise?" He asked with ever brighter shining hope. “Elise is that…" He trailed off when he stepped around Cyr to see a child run towards him. He embraced him as his son basically jumped at him, crying. “It's alright Will, it's alright. I am here now." He held William's back and stroked his hair, feeling his heart beating fast as the adrenaline still coursed through his veins. The same could be said for himself too. Many deep breaths were needed for Henry to calm his nerves as he held his son in a tight embrace.

“Henry…" Elise spoke but her voice cracked. She walked towards him slowly, wiping away tears. Her black hair was wild and distraught and her otherwise loving green eyes filled with so much fear and terror, but also relieve, now that he was there. “Henry they came out of nowhere." Her voice was but a whisper as she stopped right before him. “I-I just grabbed Will and ran to the horses." She wiped away another tear while swaying her other arm behind towards the guards. “Thanks to our brave retinue we managed to escape. Some of them gave their lives protecting me and Will. I… Henry there was nothing I could do but run and… and so much blood and- “

“Elise!" He loudly said her name, loud enough for her to jump slightly. “Stop, please. You're only making this harder for yourself." He tried to say it as calmly as he could but his own eyes were watering as well while he still held onto his son who had a tight grip on Henry's back. He let one hand off Will and held it out to Elise. The invitation was accepted without a second thought and she too embraced Henry, however in a more composed manner.

“I am so glad you made it here, the both of you." Henry said with quivering lips. He glanced up at Cyrvanyx who in turn just smiled at him, nodding once before tilting his head slightly towards the castle. They should be moving; Henry knew it too. “Alright Will." He said as he managed to break off the tight embrace at least a little. Elise had taken a step back already but William was still clinging to him. “I need you to be brave now once again and go with your mother. Me and Cyrvanyx will escort you to the castle."

“No!" He cried out as he hung off of his neck, looking him straight in the eyes with tears still on his face. “We should come with you! What if they come for us again?"

“I promise, Will, they won't. Not when there is a dragon flying overhead. If there was another harness I would take you both but I can't- “

“I won't leave you!" He said aloud and pressed his head against his father's chest and Henry's arms were starting to ache from holding up the boy for so long. Young as he might still be he has grown quite a bit. He looked at Elise with worry but she smiled, as forced as it might have been. She gave a little shrug and waved for him to follow as she moved back to her horse.

“Alright… Cyr?" He looked up at his companion. “Stay on the ground with us please. I'll be walking on the ground with my family."

Cyr nodded in understanding albeit the look of concern on his face, probably for the lesson they would get once they returned to the castle. “I shall do so. But please hurry. I do not want to make the grandmaster angrier than he probably already is."

Henry allowed himself a little chuckle. “What do you mean 'probably'? He is most certainly angry with us already."

Thus the way back to the castle was made, albeit slower than hoped. Henry had to let his son down for he was simply getting too heavy. He did eventually agree to be seated behind his mother on her horse but his eyes never left his father. His poor son, Henry thought as he walked beside his family. William was only 12 years of age and yet he had to witness, gods know what, at the village when those raiders attacked. Henry blamed himself for his family being there but he knew that William would put all the blame on himself.

'I couldn't defend us!' He would say no doubt, as if that was expected of him at his age. In his own mind he was already a knighted adult instead of a squire for Henry's uncle back home. His fighting spirit was admirable to some extent. However, it would only get him killed at the current stage. Elise confirmed what he had already feared during their way to the castle, that William picked up a sword from one of their fallen guards and tried to assists the others to fight of the attackers, despite the slightly scrawny little bugger he still was.

That was when William chimed in, red faced as he still was from the tears, a fire burning in his voice nonetheless. “Someone had to help them! We just couldn't run and leave them behind!"

“It was their duty, Will!" Elise shouted him down, seeming angrier than he probably intended. The whole ordeal was weighing heavy on her as well even if she wasn't showing it on the outside as much at the moment. “And not your fight to pick! You could have gotten yourself killed if not for Cian here." She waved her hand towards one of the guards riding behind them which made Henry turn his head. The guard she meant held one hand to his face where a cut went across from his lower cheek to his brow. It wasn't hard to figure out he must have gotten this that wound saving his son. Henry put his fist to his heart and bowed his head. The man noticed and, knowing what it meant, returned the silent gesture of thanks alongside with a pained smile. That man deserved a promotion when they made it back home to Morgraig castle, if they ever would, that was.

The rest of the way was filled with only brief exchanged between Henry and Elise while William was sulking and fuming. She spoke of their journey and how great everything went until they decided to rest at the local Inn in the village that was later burnt down. Many of their guards had died defending them. Of course the topic of the king came up. To his surprise she already knew of his death, having overheard it in the Inn since it was pretty much topic number one in the whole village. It shouldn't have been a surprise however, since it should be clear that news of the capital of Albia falling for the first time in, probably ever, would travel fast.

The drawbridge was lowered for them when they reached the castle, the gate was opened and the portcullis was raised. Men were staring at them from all over the castle. Some looked indifferent, most gave glances of condolences in understanding of what they had to go through. “Bring water for these brave men! Someone!" Elise called out as everyone just gawked at their new guests.

Everything was quiet for a moment except for the gate closing again. “You heard her!" Grandmaster Maldwyn yelled out as he walked down the stairway from the walls. “Get those men some water! And the boy and lady as well!" A couple of servants mobilized right away, scurrying away and to the keep.

Henry breathed a sigh of relief and looked up at his wife and son, the latter of which was glaring at everyone around him warily. It made him frown. He went up to his family and smiled at William to get his attention. “It's alright, son, you're safe here." He glanced at Elise, putting on a hand her thigh. “You both are."

“They… surely won't be able to get in here?"

“Haha, no they won't." He allowed himself a little chuckle. “Dragonstone castle has stood firm ever since it has been built here on this rock.

All of a sudden, William's eyes lit up. “Wait… this is… Dragonstone?" He looked around at everyone again, apparently only then truly understanding that all the men around him were all allies. “Never seen so many dragons before." He mumbled in marvelous wonder as he stared at the several dragons that were currently lined up in the courtyard alongside their companions. It looked like Maldwyn's best attempt at organizing a formal greeting to their highborn guests. It was then that William suddenly leapt off the horse, yelling. “This place is amazing!" That got a few chuckles out of the assembled crowd, and Henry.

The grandmaster saw to it that this crowd disperse right away to get back to their duties. They obeyed his orders and so the crowd thinned down, the horses were brought to the stables and the servants were already running back with a several pitchers of water. William was about to run off to the wall when Henry caught his arm. “No running off now, Will."

“But father!" He whined angrily but did not tear away from his hold. “I want to see the whole castle. To see if it is as great as you've always said."

“You can do that after you and your mother have settled in." He said that, knowing Elise couldn't bear for William to run off somewhere on his own at the moment. Not after what happened. Deep down he was glad that his son's age still allowed simple things such as seeing Dragonstone for the first time could take his mind off of the recent tragedy. It would not last forever, but it was something.

The grandmaster stepped up before the lined up knights and dragons. “Now to get the formalities out of the way." He cleared his throat. “My lady, young sir, I welcome you to Dragonstone Castle. You will see that we will do our utmost to make sure you feel at home here. Especially after what you must have gone through to get here." With a smile on his lips that more political than genuine he pointed to Henry. “I am sure Henry will escort you to his room where you'll be staying."

Elise bowed with all her regal courtly manners while William sulked as he looked around the outer courtyard longingly. Only after his mother slapped him on the arm did he bow too, albeit while looking quite displeased with the situation. “I thank you for your hospitality, Sir Maldwyn. I know very well what gracious host you can be. Even though these troubling times will make celebrating difficult, we are both safe here at least."

As Elise went on to talk a little with Maldwyn Henry felt a tug on his sleeve. Looking down he saw William with that telltale expression that he wants to tell him something. Intrigued he went lower as his son motioned for him to come closer. William then whispered to him. “Why does that one's tail have spikes?" He asked that while pointing at one of the dragons behind Maldwyn. “Your dragon doesn't have those so why him?"

That question caught him quite off guard and even he had to take a look for himself as to see what his son meant. Sure enough instead of just the tail webbing that Cyrvanyx had this one, who Henry always just remembered as 'Brok' due to his full name being way too long, had spikes at the end of his tail. “Well… I am not sure myself. I think he just comes from a different place in the highlands. Perhaps he is just a little special like our family. Or have you seen any other people with golden eyes around?" He asked in a joking manner as he looked into his son's golden eyes, even brighter than his son, he thought.

“But eye color isn't the same as spikes." He said, confused as to how his father missed the point. “And how would coming from a different place give him spikes?"

“Runs in the family." A booming voice answered his question before Henry could, startling William. Brok smiled down William, glancing at the others as his little intentioned caused the Grandmaster and Elise to stop their conversation and look at him. “As well as the others in my clan. It's just how we are."

William stared at the dragon with wide eyes, his mouth agape as if shocked by the fact that he could speak. He quickly closed his mouth and gulped down his shock however, thanking Brok with just a sullen nod. Henry glanced down at his son with a little concern. With how much time he had spent around Cyrvanyx as he grew up when he came to visit at Morgraig castle he was surprised that he still seemed to be so afraid of other dragons. Perhaps it was just seeing stranger dragons for the first time. Whatever the reason, he would have plenty of time to warm up to all of them, for they would no doubt stay a while.

It was then that the grandmaster announced it was time for them to settle in. He formally led Elise and William to their room, followed by Henry and Cyrvanyx while the others standing in line were told to return to their training like the others. William couldn't stop bombarding his father and mother with comments about how incredible the place was once inside the keep, staring at the carved image above the entrance into the dining hall especially. A carving depicting, according to the stories, the first grandmaster of the dragon order and the dragon whom he rode upon into battle.

“And this is your husbands room." Maldwyn announced as he opened to the door to Henry's sleeping chambers. “And you are sure the guest rooms are not an option for you?"

“Oh no sir Maldwyn. This will suffice." Elise answered, smiling down and William who was standing very close to her. After his rush of energy upon seeing the place for the first time was over his exhaustion from the trip became more apparent. His eyes were already only half lid. “William will want to stay by his father as much as I want to stay close by my husband."

“That is understandable." Maldwyn remarked with a slight bow of his head. He clapped his hands, glancing everybody over. “Well, better get back to it. That goes for you two as well!" He sternly added, pointing at Henry and then Cyrvanyx. “You may have a moment with your wife, Henry, but I'll be expecting you in the courtyard again shortly."

Henry nodded in thanks and understanding, padding Cyr on the shoulder as he turned to follow the grandmaster outside, making him turn his head and smile before leaving. For once they were all alone, as a family. It dawned on Henry then that it had been so long since he has seen his wife and son, much less in so much privacy. As their son was getting struck down by his exhaustion they lay him in Henry's bed. To no surprise, he fell asleep almost instantly. Henry just watched him while his wife held him close to her. A smile overcame him at the sight.

“Can you believe it?" He whispered, chuckling. “He is almost ten years old already. I can still see him huddled in your arms just after he was born. So tiny… so fragile." As he smiled he heard a sniff come from his wife. He turned his head with a frown, fading right away as he saw Elise shedding tears while staring at William, completely still otherwise. “Hey, hey…" He whispered, softly taking her chin and making her look at him. She stared down a moment before she closed her eyes. “Everything is ok, my love. We're ok."

She then hugged him. Out of nowhere almost she threw himself into his arms, her face buried in his shoulder. Only then did she really start crying. That alone almost brought Henry to tears as well, but at this moment he knew he had to be strong for her, for his son. For both of them. He closed the door to his room as to not wake up William, moving into the hallways just outside. He softly stroked her hair and whispered hushed words of comfort into her ear. She had done a fine job keeping it together in front of all the others, especially William. Now, in private, she could let loose. And he would be there for her for however long she needed him to.

They remained like that for a good while until her tears were spent and then a while longer just for good measure. Elise just looked at him as their embrace loosened with the loving smile he missed so very dearly while staying at Dragonstone castle. “Thank you, Henry. I just… I am so glad to be with you again. I wasn't even sure who missed you more, our son, or me." She laughed a little, wiping away her tears.

He joined with his own laugh, smiling at her just as lovingly as she did. “Well, you certainly cried more than him so I guess it's a close bet."

That made her laugh even more, holding her stomach with one hand and slapping him on the chest with the other. “Hey now, I cried for you and for Will, so it doesn't count."

“Sure, my love, whatever you say." With those words said they kissed and embraced each other again. For that little moment nothing else around them mattered. All their worries and fears, the war, the dead king, nothing. It was only them in their own little world and they enjoyed it while it was still there.

After their embrace ended the day went on as normal as it could be under the circumstances. The training continued as usual, doing ground tactics instead of aerial near the end of the day. The dragons would be trained to maneuver around many enemies surrounding them, especially ones with polearms. The armor which the dragons of the order wore may protect most weak-spots on dragons such as part of their throat, the inside of their joints and their nether regions were scales became soft leathery skin.

The knights trained in single combat for the most part while the lower ranking members trained in big battle formations such as shield walls or pike walls to make sure no line would break in the face of an enemy charge. The only thing remarkable that happened was as Henry witnessed just after he just barely won a sparring duel against Gareth how Cyr was apparently approaching Arylaryl. Upon seeing that he quickly pointed it out to Gareth who joined in to watch. From afar it seemed he approached her and said something, probably a greeting. She turned to him briefly and opened her maw to respond before another dragon called her. It seemed it was time for her turn to practice against the encirclement. Cyr would not have chosen a worse timing. She nodded towards Cyr before making her way into the marked training zone. He lowered his head, his frills and ears practically deflating before their very eyes.

“Good gods, he is a right mess." Gareth joked, hitting Henry on the shoulder. “Go talk to him again this evening. I think he needs more guidance."

“Yeah well…" He sighed shrugging. “I don't really know what else I am to do."

“I do." Gareth said proudly and leaned onto his sword with the biggest grin. “The sky is pretty clear of any clouds today as you can see. If it stays that way until nighttime Ary will no doubt will be on top of the keep, watching the stars. She loves to do that, especially when she is stressed or worried. And it is safe to say, both of those feelings are going around plenty at the moment here." He chuckled, but it ended with a sigh.

“I'll eh… think upon what you've said. It may be the best way for them both to connect." He responded while watching his friend Cyr watch Ary during training. The poor bastard really was never going to approach in the open like that. Gareth's idea seemed like the best option for his friend to find some comfort in this difficult time.

Dinner was served not long after. Overall the mood was higher as laughter rang through the grand hall. Elise and William were both with Henry, seated and either side of him. All his comrades made them feel right at home and he was deeply thankful to them for it. It was no doubt a big contributor for William to start talking as well. He was always a social boy and showed little shyness around strangers. To see him share the story about the time he was taken hunting first to these men who he just met like telling it to Henry's uncle that day, it was really reassuring that he'd be alright.

Elise kept a little more to herself, only doing little Smalltalk with the other men at the table, but for her that was normal. It was a nice change of pace to have a pleasant dinner with good food to combat the otherwise dreary mood felt in the castle most of the time in recent times. After the dinner was finished Grandmaster Maldwyn had held everyone off from leaving and announced he would be holding a speech before everyone would head to bed. Up to his podium he went and waited a moment for the whole hall to be coated in silence.

“Good evening, men." He began, inclining his head towards Elise. “And my lady. It is good to see some cheer in this place in spite of our situation." His words are met with cheers and raised mugs. He raised his arm to silence them but smiled at the same time. “It heartens me to see. Furthermore, we have a special occasion to celebrate, one most of you probably did not even know about." He waves his hand towards a dragon seated at the side of his podium. He was the oldest dragon at the order and probably about 500 years old and still in great shape, his deep bronze scales vibrant and hardened still. “My dear companion, Vrulgathnir, has been at this order far longer than anyone here. Why, he may very well be the oldest dragon in the whole bloody world for all I know." That brought laughter and cheers all around. Even Vrulgathnir himself cracked a little smile despite his stoic nature.

“And today, brothers, 400 years ago was the day he joined this order of ours!" Once again cheers rang out and it seemed old Vrul was enjoying the attention very much, his chest swelling with pride as he looked around the hall. “For all who don't know, dragons mature slower than us simple men, which is how they live so long. Back then he was I believe about 100 which made him about 18 in human years. He joined here young, like many of you also did and dedicated his life to this order and thus, to uphold the alliance between men and dragons in our glorious kingdom." He paused, cheers went around accompanied with raised drinks. “So, in the spirit of this occasion I declare that all who wish to remain here and celebrate may do so! Tomorrow there shall be no training so drink until you fall over and then drink some more!" He raised his own mug which he sat down on the podium. “Celebrate like tomorrow doesn't exist! slàinte mhath!" He proclaimed 'good health' in traditional highland tongue, gaining the same response from everyone, dragons included with raised mugs and bowls filled with ale, wine and mead.

The hall remained filled with laughter and conversation after Maldwyn stepped down from the podium. “My father sure knows how to hold speeches huh?" Gareth said to Henry, seated opposite of him.

“There's a reason he's the grandmaster." Henry remarked with a smile and a raise of his mug. Gareth raised his own and met Henry's after which they both took a long gulp. The sweet taste of northern mead was always one of Henry's favorites. After they both set down their mugs Henry glanced over at Cyrvanyx who sat next to all the other dragons, actually holding what looked like conversation with another of his kind. Too bad that someone was not Arylaryl though.

“Haven't talked to him about it again, have you?" Gareth asked with an amused undertone as he caught his glance. “You know, at this rate he'll never get around to actually getting on with her. If he truly loves her he should start proving it."

“Who loves who?" William suddenly asked out of the blue, having been busy talking to his mother.

Henry chuckled and looked at his son, patting him on the shoulder. “You know Cyrvanyx, right?"

“You mean, your dragon?" He quickly shook his head as he caught his father's expecting glare. “Ehm, I mean dragon companion, right?"

“Yeah, the one you met a few times before. He is in love with her." He said, leaning over a little to get on his son's eyelevel and pointing towards Ary who sat a little way away from Cyr. “He never had the courage to tell her though."

“Love her like… you love mother?" He asked, gears visibly turning behind his eyes.

Henry nodded with a smile. “You could say that, yes."

“Oh…" He exclaimed and looked between Cyr and Ary. “So… he wants to fuck her?" He asked with such innocence but still grinned at Henry.

Gareth almost spit out his drink as he tried to hold back laughter while the other two men in hearing range couldn't contain their drunken laughter. Henry on the other hand was just dumbfounded for a moment and stared at his son in disbelief. Elise was a lot faster however and stood up from her chair. “William!" She said sternly and he slightly deflated as he heard his mother speak so sharply. “Where have you gotten that word from?"

His grin returned a little when he answered. “From granduncle Rodric."

Elise sighed and gave Henry a sidelong glare as if it was his fault for how his uncle acted around his son. He just shrugged with a slight smirk, shaking his head. “Alright young man." She said sharply and walked around Henry to grab William by his arm. Not tightly, just enough to let him know he was in trouble. “You're going to bed."

“But I am not even tired!" He complained as his mother practically dragged him out of his chair. “I slept all evening!" To give him credit, that was correct, but Henry still agreed more so with his wife.

“Listen to your mother, Will!" He said sternly, glaring at his son who almost froze at the golden eyes bore into his own.

“B-but I-“

“William." He said his name again, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. At this his son lowered his head and nodded somberly. He did feel sort of bad for totally ruining his son's good mood though and thus gave him a pat on the shoulder as he walked by with Elise holding his hand. “How about your mother stays with you and tells you a few of your favorite stories? Like the one with the dragon in the dungeon."

William lit up almost immediately upon hearing the story mentioned and tore at his mother's arm. “Oh! Oh yes, please mother, can you?" He asked in gleeful excitement.

She sighed and looked at Henry with a look of annoyance which quickly became a grin when he smiled and her and their son tore at her arm a little more, dragging her to their room instead of the other way around. “Alright, alright. But you have to apologize for- “

“I am sorry!" He barked out as they were already walking out of the hall, slowly getting out of earshot. “It did make the others laugh though..." That was all Henry could still pick up before they left the hall.

“Your son is quite lively, Henry." A young knight at the table remarked, one he did not know that well.

“That he is." He answered before he glanced over at Cyrvanyx again. The damn dragon was sitting quiet again, not talking with anyone, just drinking from his bowl now and then. “If you'll excuse me," He said with a soft smile as he got up from his chair, adjusting his fine gambeson. “I got some business to attend."

Gareth just smiled at him in return and raised his eyebrows. “Good luck."

“Thanks. I'll probably need it." That coaxed a little more laughter from Gareth and the men next to him. Henry though already turned away and made his way through the narrow path left open in between the two long tables towards Cyrvanyx. When he was close his friend looked up from his bowl and smiled at him as he approached.

“Henry!" He said cheerfully. “How are you this evening? I saw your son seems to already feel better."

Henry smiled at that, nodding. “he is, which I am very thankful for. It is a small solace despite it all." He took another step closer, close enough so he could jab at the dragon's chest with a finger. “You on the other hand are a real sad display from our table." Cyr narrowed his eyes, acting confused but Henry knew the dragon well enough to see his ears lowering slightly. “You know exactly what I mean, don't give me that look."

That made the dragon look away in a light wave of shame. “… of course I know. I just."

“We talked about this, didn't we?" He asked his friend, annoyance spiking up in his voice. He folded his arms as Cyrvanyx just looked away. “Didn't we?"

“Yes!" He growled through his teeth, looking around briefly to make sure they weren't catching any attention. “I am just… I don't know. I tried but nothing really came of it."

“You say that, but you don't really mean. All you are doing right now is searching for excuses." He glared at him but the only response he got then was an annoyed rumble. The way he thumped the fingers of his fore 'paw' against the ground told him that he was thinking about it though.

It was then that both his and Henry's train of thought were interrupted as the doors to the hall were opened and a man from the gate guard jogged in. Most in the hall were too deep in celebrating to pay him much mind, simply glancing over and then moving back to their drinks and food. Henry looked the man in the face however as he ran through the hall towards the grandmaster who was seated at the top of one of the long tables. “Henry?" He heard Cyr say with a confused tone. Henry did not turn to respond as he was too intrigues what was going on. The guard's face suggested something urgent since he looked quite distressed. He stopped next to Maldwyn who looked up the guard with confusion. They were too far away and the hall to loud to make out their words. All Henry could make out was the word “what?" By reading Maldwyn's lips, his eyes wide at whatever the guard had told him.

Cyrvanyx sat down next to Henry as he spotted that man too, probably happy to have this excuse to change the subject. “What do you think that is about now? Trouble?" He wondered, glancing at Henry.

“Who knows…" He narrowed his eyes with suspicion as Maldwyn got up to follow the guard outside. “Only one way to find out." He said and moved to follow the grandmaster. Not before turning around again to make something clear though. “And just to be clear: The subject of Ary isn't over yet." He remarked with one finger raised in warning. He only saw his friend look away briefly at his words before he turned away too to find out what was going on. He maneuvered through the narrow path between the tables to make it to the doors as well shortly after the grandmaster and the guards had already left the hall. On the way there Gareth halted him.

“So, what did he say?" Gareth asked with a wide smirk, made ever so charming by the food remains that currently hang in his short relatively long red beard.

“Hmm?"

“Cyrvanyx, you oaf! What did he say? Is he finally gonna grow some balls?" Apparently Gareth was totally oblivious to the guard who walked in and out with the grandmaster in tow. Feeling like he should get a move in, he simply said. “We didn't get to that yet. I am going to see what that gate guard wanted from your father."

“Wait what?" He asked but Henry already turned around. “What guard?"

Henry made it outside the hall in a quick pace, hoping it wasn't something bad. In the back of his mind he was just waiting to go on the ramparts to see an army outside, making ready for a siege. The position of the castle was on a very steep rock, the only way in being the drawbridge to the neighboring hill which was not nearly as steep, expect for the side where the castle was, where there basically was a cliff. Still, a siege that lasted long enough could dwindle any spirit. The dragons might try to get supplies in every now and then but how could that be enough to feed so many men as well as the dragons.

His thoughts ran wild as worry once again spread through his mind like wildfire. Once outside he saw the inner gate open, as usual. The day's light had already faded, early as per usual when winter was close. Both stars and torches lid up the castle enough still. Moving into the outer courtyard he saw lights on top of the walls, lanterns as well as torches. Many of the wall garrison had gathered at the outer gate, which remained closed, wooden gate and portcullis both. In the lantern light he also spotted grandmaster Maldwyn apparently leaning over the wall to look down on something. Actually, most of them were doing that. He didn't waste any more time with guessing and theories and made his way to the closest stairs up the wall so he could join them.

“Grandmaster?" He called out before he even reached the top, earning just a brief glance from Maldwyn. That brief glance already showed worry clear on his face, mixed with an array of other unclear emotions. “What is going on?" He asked looking around the wall garrison as he reached the top.

“See for yourself, sir." One of the guards said without taking his eyes off of whatever was out there. Growing tired of asking he pushed aside the guard who spoke to him gently. What he saw down there made his eyes widen slowly. There were no soldiers there, no tents, no trebuchets in the making. There were only a couple people standing before at the edge of the cliff where the drawbridge would come down. They all looked like ordinary citizens, wearing simple tunics and dresses. There were 17 people in total as Henry counted and only two men were amongst them. The others were woman as well as three children, one of which looked to be only three years old. The sight was not at all what he expected. It did not take long however form him to connect the dots and see why they were here.

“Refugees." He mumbled, taking a step back from the wall.

“You got that right, aye." The guardsman spoke up again and leaned onto the wall again when Henry had stepped back. “Survivors from the raid on the village down the road. Said they're the only ones as far as they know. Besides the noble visitors who were lucky enough to be able to flee on horseback." Henry knew he meant his wife and son, unable to contain his frown as he simply referred to them as 'noble visitors' with such a bitter undertone. “The woman there? Their husbands gave their lives to give them time to flee. The other two men they said only met them on the way here. Say they're from the village too. A bit weird if you- “

“Alright, I have made my choice." The grandmaster's booming voice cut him off suddenly, his tone causing all eyes to fall on him, including Henry's. “You will all be allowed refuge in the castle. There are no proper sleeping quarters for you available however, so for now you will have to make do sleeping on hay in our storage room. You shall all also be searched upon entering the castle, just to be safe." He then gave a nod to the men besides him who moved to raise the portcullis, open the gate and lower the drawbridge. Henry looked wished he could have seen the faces of the people outside as it was said they were to be searched. Maldwyn was right, better safe than sorry.

Once they were able to get in Henry was already down and watching the open gatehouse to see if anything suspicious would come out of it. At that point Cyrvanyx joined Henry at the gate alongside Gareth and a few other knights who were close to him at the table. “What is going on, Henry?" Gareth was the first to ask as he glanced between Henry, Maldwyn and the open gate with confusion.

Henry sighed, looking through the faces of the men and Cyrvanyx. “Refugees from the village. Mostly women, also children…"

“How many?" Cyr asked, his head slightly tilted and his frills raised slightly in what Henry knew was distress.

“I counted 17. As far as they know they're the only survivors." He answered solemnly, catching the shock and dread in their faces.

“Only… 17?" One knight spoke up. “There were, what, like 300 people living there, right?"

Henry just folded his arms, turning around to look at the refuges coming in and be searched by the guards. “Sounds about a right estimate, yes…" Maldwyn was there too as an observer. He clearly wasn't needed at the moment but he must have deemed it important enough to remain there for the moment. The drawbridge was raised again and the gates closed as the last refuge passed through. That was when Henry spotted one guard looked distressed as he looked through the survivors of the raid. He was probably looking to find someone he knew as the men-at-arms of the order, such as the garrison men and infantry troops of the order, were made up of lowborn men. It was the reason their order was so big.

On a closer glance he recognized the man, although his name slipped his mind. He came from the village, he was born there, had a family there. Henry felt a lump in his throat as he saw that man find someone he recognized amongst them, looking at the woman with hopeful eyes, barely visible in the light of the torch he was holding. The woman spoke to him quietly so Henry couldn't hear it but he could tell from the look on the man's face. That was the face of a man whose entire world just got torn down by a single tragic event. As the man fell to his knees, the woman doing her best to comfort her, Henry turned away. No longer could he bare to look. The others could deal with them should one turn out suspicious. The pain that man was feeling hit too close for his liking. He could easily imagine himself being in that position, falling to his knees as someone breaks the news to him. The words of that guard echoed through his mind. Besides the noble visitors who were lucky enough to be able to flee on horseback.

Cyrvanyx and Gareth both asked him if he was alright as he walked by but he simply waved them off and said he needed some time for himself. He knew it was obvious they caught onto what caused his reaction and he was sure Gareth or Cyr would mention it later. For the moment he was glad that they did not pursue further though as he made his way back to the keep, blinking away the tears that had started to form in his eyes. He had come so close to being that man, so very close. He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat and took a deep breath.

No, he could never let it come to that. He would do his best and more than that to make sure his family remained safe. Never would he let them be harmed.

Never.