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Chapter 36: Council Meeting, Disaster.

William Threlfall was a simple man, born and raised within Struport’s walls, spent his years learning the ins and outs of the local politics. Trained with a sword and highly devout, one would never question his loyalty. The man of forty sat composed at a sizable table, round and far older than even his family. His chestnut-colored hair was braided all the way down his back, pressed into the navy tunic he wore, fashioned with golden, polished buttons. He was polite, well natured and had a finger in most dealings within the city, which in this moment just happened to be the most important meeting one in his family could have, the Stonebridge Council.

It went back to the forging of this grand city, never used lightly in all this time. The most recent occurrence being the undead invasion of old. Back then it’s nasty tendrils hadn’t reached this far city, merely plaguing the forests of the elves, devastating their numbers and forcing the naming of Tetragon as the capital, thanks to all the refugees. This gathering was a means to summon forth all the local forces of power in a single place to debate and choose what course of action they should take. Today’s topics were the distressing testimony of Athenais and the other adventurers, of the shard of Bahamut and this terrible dragon calling itself Dreadflame.

The man gazed off to the towering chambers, his eyes catching the marvelous artwork that adorned the ancient halls. Elder elven painters had captured the beauty of the Drenedar countryside, from the snowcapped Wollowdale mountains to delightful autumn leaves of the unicorn grove. Strokes of color brought an aura of life to this otherwise stoic hall. The paint never chipped or faded, as tough and sturdy as the kingdom itself. Candles touched upon every surface with their light, held tight in a polished chandelier in the shape of a dragon’s claw. Enchantments reformed the candles as they burned, ensuring company below were safe from dripping wax. The air was abuzz with conversation, practically flowing from ever head currently sitting within this important hall. These were strange times indeed, for it seemed most of Drenedar was found beneath this roof.

There was the Tibelda, a brown furred female wolven with chestnut eyes, clad in animal skins of her people. She was the head of the order of shadows, a group of wolven scouts that where rumored to be able to follow quarry for miles, with hardly a path to follow. For the good of all they assisted the peoples of Drenedar flee from the dead, whisking them away to secret paths that only the druids whispered about among themselves. She hardly moved, a statue like appearance about her, that was until her ears perked at the sound of the dwarf beside her.

“Aye, wolf. When is this meeting going to begin?” Stout nobleman beside her. Milagor Ironmask as he was called, a great warrior with a bulbous nose, complete with eyebrows so bushy it looked as though two grey caterpillars had decided to call his face home. With gambesons and thick, furred cloaks, it looked as though he and his aides were ready for battle that could occur at any moment. He’d already threatened the representatives of the Ruby Guardian knights to a brawl outside, just to past the time. The dwarf rose his voice, clenching tight his metal tankard, filling it with another helping of morning mead. “I tell ya what missy, we don’t travel by boat at request of me cousin…You know…the king, to be told to wait like good little boys and girls!”

“Here I thought dwarves were supposed to be patient.” Noted a kobold dressed in fine garments across from Milagor, adjusting his spectacles on his snout as he didn’t peer up from his mounds of paperwork.

“It’s not about being patient! In case you didn’t notice mister Guv, chief representative of the Kobold Information network, the rest of us were here on time!” He gestured to the bare chairs in the hall, places reserved for the elves and druids. “I don’t see their dainty butts in their seats! I say, let it be known the dwarves were punctual, respectful, and bickering over the proper color of treebark.”

“They…won’t actually be coming.” Guv stuttered, scrambling to procure the report that said so. He thrust the proper parchment before him, smacking it with the backside of his claw. “Here we are, boarded a boat come morning. Called the Queen’s Lament if you’d like to know. Their destination was a small isle south of the Foggy mountains, evidently they decided its more practical to wait out this whole problem.”

Unsurprised by such things, Milagor and his fellows scoffed, their tankards thudding against the table in unison. “Typical! Leave it to the dainty pajama wearing elves ta turn tail and run! Especially when there a mother of a fight knocking at the gates! See there lads, that’s why you shouldn’t be trusting them.” He got approving nods from his other dwarves, muttering curses under their breaths. “But that’s why the humans be far smarter.” He grinned, thumbing at his chest. “They called the experts!”

Overhearing this conversation, Threllfall nearly fell out of his chair at that revelation. Had the morale with elves fallen so low that they would abandoned the place they called home? The man could already see the news be spread about his fellow nobleman, draining their faces of color, fear gnawing at their eyes. They soon started to whisper in hushed tones, wondering if they should also save what they could before the undead came slamming upon their gate. Thankfully the moment of unease was comforted away by the sight of the knights of the Ruby Guardians, their elders engaging with the other representatives with respectful tones, free of fear and despair.

Threllfall averted his gaze to a different set of knights, quietly packed into the halls many corners, clad in gleaming plate, armed to the teeth. Before them was a wooden chest, latched and bound, containing the mystical and mysterious orb of dragonkind. Among these guardians though was someone of far greater importance, a human with a deep navy vest, slicked back raven hair, dusted with strands of silver. Old, silver eyes rested upon the bickering nobleman of the hall as this man stood resolute, arms folded neatly behind him.

What was Storm doing here in human form? William thought to himself, stroking his bearded chin. Usually, the blue dragon knew better than to meddle in the Struport’s affairs. Besides the occasional request by the keep, Threllfall usually forgot they had a dragon such as he living within the walls, though when he was reminded it usually brought much ire and contempt. The dragon could be quite stubborn on his view of how things should be. He wished to order the dragon from his sight on account of his defending of the Lumarians, but knew the dragon had far too many sympathizers. William was forced to politely smile and endure this aggravation. Just as he was about to address Milagor threatening the representatives of the Ruby Guardians again, the hall’s doors opened with a resounding thud.

From the well-crafted doors came the knight Alonso, with the Emerald Lady right behind him. Honored to be in the presence of such an old and wise council, William stood an honest smile creasing his face. How many years had his bloodline known her guidance and foresight? Certainly, with her in attendance whatever they decided with the orb would be the correct choice. Within the span of a beating heart his smile faded, shifting to a frown. For on the Lady’s heels was the last thing he wished to see, Nivra, her bodyguard, Arcturus and what must have been his dragon taking human form. The well-tempered man could feel his blood boil.

“Guards!” He announced clearly, gesturing to these intruders. “Remove Nivra and her compatriots from our sight. What is discussed here is purely an internal affair to Drenedar’s borders, no matter what trickery the Lumarians negotiated.”

“That is all you wished to utter to us?” Nivra’s eyes flared with fire, her voice filling the hall like a storm. “After we diverted our passage to deliver the orb upon your doorstep? Need I remind you kind sir that it was one our gryphons that brought the warning of Dreadflame? To dismiss us like a drunkard long since last call, I am truly shocked such petty decisions are made by one such as yourself.”

“Petty?” William seethed, bringing an oppressive silence to the hall. “I’d worry not about common decency girl. After what deeds, schemes and monsters you brought upon our heads, you’re lucky you don’t find yourself in chains, locked within our dungeons. If not for the favored eye of some dragons, you might very well be.”

“Is that so wise with what marches towards your gates? Infesting, corrupting, slaughtering the lands you hold dear?” Emerald Lady replied, her disarming voice flowing through the air, her head held high, she looked just as regal and fair as the last time William had seen her. “It was I that wished for them to attend, if you deny them, you of course deny my council.”

That certainly changed things. The lord’s cheeks flushed a bright crimson as he stuttered, trying to find the words. “Of course, we would not be foolish enough to do that. The Emerald Lady’s council is most welcome within these halls.” He forced himself to smile as the hall erupted into a flurry of hushed questions, all deeply curious in her involvement. Things evidently were far more serious than anyone would have thought.

With a composure to rival the greatest of queens the Emerald Lady Strode to William’s side, eyeing the empty seat reserved for her at his side. She held out her gloved hand, letting the nobleman take it with a polite bow. “How long has it been since we last spoke?”

“Decade at least my lady. Meanwhile you haven’t aged a day. I wish fate had better reasons to bring us together.”

“We play the hand we are dealt William. Just be thankful curiosity turned my head.” She replied, letting him guide her to her seat.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have the seats for your guests.” He gave the Lumarians an evil grin, getting a scowl from both Nivra and what he assumed to be Crimson Sky. “They will be forced to stand for the entirety of the meeting. My deepest apologies.”

“Even with those over there?” She gestured to the elf’s empty seats.

“Those are for the elves. Who knows, they might be late.”

She gave a knowing nod, unconcerned with whatever petty games this human played. She simply sighed, gesturing for the humans and gryphon to be at her side. “Pity, I heard they were not attending. No matter, I do believe my guests have legs. They will simply have to stand and keep their ears ever open. They can do that can’t they?” She turned them, head tilted, getting begrudged nods in reply.

With the matter settled and the Lumarians not voicing their disapproval, William returned to his seat. He procured a brass gavel, bringing a silence to the hall as he unleashed it’s thunderous clacks.

“So the Stonebridge Council can begin. I and all the noblemen of Struport thank you for your attendance, especially in such troubling times.” He looked to the empty elven chairs, taking a long, composing breath. They would have to carry on, like any good Drenedarian would do. “You’ll note the absence of our elven guests, they lacked the confidence in this alliance. Instead of standing with us they fled back to their homes to the south, choosing their own peoples over us. I thank the rest of you for seeing wisdom in this gathering.”

“How could we resist?” Milagor remarked blustery, stroking his beard. “Undead marchin on the lands, the dwarven king asks ya, ya don’t exactly say no. I’ll have quite the words with Queen Lynalla when we meet though, rest assured.”

“And what of our noble queen?” A noble stood, a man with a fat face, not a trace of a day’s work about his heavy-set features. “I can’t help but notice her absence as well! Are we to believe she left us to our own? Hoping, like the elves we would draw the undead from their land?” Harsh whispers filled the hall, of terrible things and doubts of the queen’s promise. “Remember with the Lumarians! They surrendered, offered our lands as reward to our aggressors!” The man turned to Nivra and Arcturus, a look of utter contempt painted upon his face. The queen wisely held her tongue as William brought an abrupt silence with a thunderous encore of the gavel.

“Queen Lynalla sends her regards. I have had words with her just yesterday via a sending spell. She and her dragon ally are off to request aid from the Siigonis, to lend their arm in the coming conflict. Rest assured, her lieutenants are mustering what strength remains in the southern lands, riders, swordsman, rifleman. Mark my words, we’ll have a stronger force under a Drenedar banner than ever before.”

“Gathering an army to do what? Retake our city by force if politics does not work?” Another Noble stood, a fine dressed woman, golden hair falling down her crème dress like a waterfall. “This is the same people that sold us out for safety. Never forget that. When that army arrives at our gates, it will mean to conquer us as well. What help could she get from those dimwitted lizards? Our walls have already held the undead for scores of weeks, our southern border hasn’t even creaked to their claws.”

“Dumb…Witted…Lizards?” Guv slammed down his paperwork, eyes ablaze. “That madame is offensive in the highest of magnitudes!” The woman turned to him, looking as though she’d just noticed his presence for the first time since their arrival.

“Oh my, we have them in here as well?” She sneered in disgust, “What is this world coming to?”

“How can ya turn down a bunch of knights? Are ya Daft?” Milagor added, pouring himself a drink into his tankard. “This isn’t some scholarly debate won with some research woman, this is a coming battle.” He rose his glass to Arcturus, a gleam in his eye as he smirked. “We be needing all the help we can get!”

“That is highly debatable dwarf!”

Chaos soon gripped the hall as tempers rose in a matter of seconds. The air filled with insults, statistics, and words so foul it would cause any honor bound paladin to blush. The dwarfs could only lean back and laugh as these children before them put on quite an amusing show to behold. The halflings wished to join the elves, remarking there was no profit to be had in remaining, this of course offended the representatives of the Ruby Guardians, who saw it their personal duty to remain.

“Then remain!” The halfling in a lavender vest remarked in exasperation. “Take all the honor, the glory. The rest of us will live!”

“I agree with the small coward here!” Milagor belted, “Get all who wish to flee out of here. They deserve no glory in what is to come anyway.”

William could only watch on in dread as those who were supposed to be above such petty squabbles returned their quarreling roots. He had to regain some order again, before they tore themselves apart like rapid dogs, and he looked weak in front of his honored guest. Again, he banged his gavel until the hall fell silent, all eyes upon him.

“Let us put aside such things. For that is not why we are here. The undead are one concern of many. We instead must discuss other matters, of which they are just as if not more important.”

“More important than the destruction of our lands?” The wolven scout asked softly, having not spoken until this moment. There was a seriousness held within her piercing gaze that William couldn’t deny.

“Unfortunately, the matters force me to say yes.” He bowed apologetically, “Your lands are little consequence with what we must inform you.” He motioned for the Ruby guardians at the halls entrance, they left and returned with the gryphon Athenais. With a captive audience the brown feathered gryphon recounted her tale, making sure to give every detail. She left nothing back, insisted upon the danger, gave Dreadflame’s threat to retrieve the shard of Bahamut.

“He considers it a test of strength. Some honor that he shall win with a being he only called father. He will kill anyone who keeps him from this.” The gryphon shivered, her eyes large as plates as she recalled some dark memory. “He delights in the suffering he causes.”

Color drained itself from the audience as they came to know this shard of Bahamut rested beneath their boots, guarded by both Storm and his mate Fremra, and had since the ruling of queen Sumina. Silence soon gripped them like a still wind as they pondered, delved within their heads for some method of escape. All save Emerald Lady, who sat captivated by the dragon orb’s chest, like a moth to flame.

“Well, why not just hand this shard of Bahamut to the dragon then? If that’s all he wants, we could curry favor with him!” The crimson vest halfling nudged at his compatriots. “Let him have the stupid thing!”

“I second that motion! Let us be rid of this shard!” A human noble nodded, banging his fist. “We shouldn’t perish over some stupid trinket!”

Again, fighting resumed it’s normal cause through the hall. The chattering of so many voices getting under the calmest of dragon’s scales. This time it wasn’t a gavel that brought them to silence, it was Storm’s overpowering voice, like thunder shaking the walls.

“We cannot simply move the shard.” He began to pace around the hall of staring mortals, noting how scared they truly looked. It troubled him to what end they would give into that fear. “It can only be removed by one the shard deems worthy of it’s power.”

“Then why must we fright?” One noble asked, a woman with curly red hair. “Surely this beast would not be worthy.”

Storm sighed deeply, “He and his ilk managed to shatter the god they belonged to. It stands to reason they have a way to absorb them regardless of the rules. Now I concede that with one shard, his power would be great yes, but not beyond anything of this world. But if say he were to gain most of them, he very well might wield the power of a god once shattered.” There was an audible gasp around the room.

“You could wield the power of a god?” Veledar whispered to Arcturus.

The knight sat in silence as the nobles bombarded Storm with more questions. Could he? The thought seemed ridiculous to comprehend. He tried to focus his thoughts on the prospect, but all he could picture was Dreadflame with the might of a shattered god. The man shivered, only able to picture the death and destruction on a magnitude unthinkable. Un-noticed to this body, Emerald Lady had risen from her seat to stride towards the dragon orb’s chest.

“It must be a fake.” She whispered to herself, passing by bickering mortals like a ghost. Even the creaking of the orb’s lid did little to draw their attention. It was almost as if they were caught within a spell, or the orb wished for her to find it unimpeded. Down she stared at the innocent looking crystal, spying the swirling clouds beneath the surface.

It certainly looked real. She grimaced to herself, like all the orbs she’d helped construct. This one though would been far older. One even made by her father, if the rumor was to believed. But that would be preposterous.” Emerald Lady thought to herself, reaching for the orb. It had to be a fake, otherwise she’d have seen it in her visions, ones she’d spent decades perfecting their clarity. The thought was disturbing to say the least. Her heart quickened it’s rapid pace as she drew nearer, only when she was inches from it did anyone notice.

“What in the devil is she doing?” Lord Threllfall sprung up, heart racing. Who knew what would happen if she touched such a dangerous object. “Someone stop her! Before she’s hurt!”

But it was already too late. Before anyone could scramble to her side, drag her away, the Emerald lady’s hand came to rest upon the cool glass. Her back arched as a gasp ripped its way from her throat. There was a flash of brilliant light that dared to blind those that gazed upon it, joined by a ghostly wind that seemed determined to wrench every piece of parchment it touched. Nobleman screamed in alarm, dwarfs ran for cover, halflings clutched their coin purses as kobolds scrambled for their paperwork. It was only Arcturus, Nivra, Voidwing and the shape changed dragon raced towards the Emerald Lady, ignoring the mighty winds that buffeted them. William called for someone to stop them, but none would heed his command.

When the four reached her, Emerald Lady was trembling, she’d collapsed to the floor. Her eyes were rolled into the back of her head, any semblance of her consciousness gone. Arcturus held her tightly as Nivra tried to call to her. Nothing worked. Not even when Veledar smacked her across the face.

“What?” He remarked, not getting why they glared at him so. “She deserves it…a little bit. Come now, all of you would have loved to do it.”

While they questioned the morality of such a decision, Emerald Lady quarreled with far greater things. Inside her fluttering chest, her soul was burning, consequence of touching upon something she was never meant to. The urge to fade away into the orb was overpowering, almost consuming her very being. Images came flashing before her eyes, of places and dragons she’d never met. She saw her father, what he had in store, and the absolute fool she’d been through these many centuries. There was silence within her heart as her eyes burst open, color all but drained from her face.

“Its…real.” She blurted without thinking as Arcturus did something to heal her. If not for the weakness about her, she might have poked fun, but gone was her bluster and confidence. What she thought she knew was nothing more than an illusion.

“Is she alright?” William was standing over her, “If you’ve done something to her Lumarian, there will be hell to pay.”

“I’m alright.” The words came from her, tired and beaten, almost a whisper. Emerald Lady coughed, sat up, reluctantly with Arcturus’ aid. The room was silent, their wide eyes filled with questions. She’d almost smirk at how frightful they were if not for the look she was certain on her own face. She shook her head, “I know you have questions, It is called an orb of dragonkind. Great and powerful it may be, but it must be hidden away, kept safe…It’s master will want it returned, and if he get it…It will mean an end to everything as you know it.”

“End of everything?”Milagor scoffed, then chuckled at the nervous looks of his companions. “Shards of Bahamut, Orbs of dragonkind? Next you’re going to be asking us to believe in fairy tales!”

“Aren’t we all in the end.” She scowled, struggling to stand. “But the danger is real dwarf.” She turned to Arcturus with steeled eyes. “It must be hidden. Can you do that?”

“Well…” The man faltered; she’d manipulated them before. In fact there was a full certainty she was doing it now. Though as he gazed within her lavender pools, doubt creeped and clawed its way through his skull, whispering for him to trust her. He turned to Veledar, the dragon and he sharing a knowing look. Whatever could inspire this fear in the Emerald Lady must be terrible indeed. They nodded before accepting her proposition.

“But why go about hiding it?” One of the Ruby Guardian’s remarked, an elderly man in gleaming chain. He stroked a handlebar mustache well waxed and kept, his blue eyes filled with confidence. This was Hector Norton. “If it’s a weapon of some kind, I saw we use it. Send those undead and this dragon packing!” He rose his fist and got several shouts in agreement, he dwarves loudest of them all.

“Don’t be foolish now!” Guv shouted, the kobold’s tail lashing as he stood atop the table to just be seen. “We don’t even know how to use it!”

“Listen to the kobold.” Emerald Lady groaned, collapsing onto Arcturus side, all her muscles aching and strained. “Or you’re fools.”

“Then if we can’t use it, let us be rid of it!” Milagor slammed his fist, gesturing over for one of his aids for an axe. “Our enemy cannot retrieve it if it’s destroyed!” With the arrival of the gold-plated weapon, no one questioned his right to put evil at it’s end. When Nivra made mention he’d need a powerful magical item, the dwarf was not phased at all. “This here is Ole bloodbane, passed down from from dwarf to dwarf. Trust me lass, its what ya be requesting.” He tapped the axehead, whispering something in dwarven, summoning vibrant red flames to it’s surface. They flickered and danced, hungry for death.

He marched over, under Emerald lady’s warning glare and scoffed at such an unassuming bauble. “Sit there and watch Emerald Lady. Leave it up to the chosen people o Thor to rid this world of irksome crystal.” He pulled back his axe with a mighty yell and brought it down without the slightest of hindrances. The blade struck true; a blinding flash burst in all directions. The axehead shattered like glass as thunderclap sounded through the hall. The dwarf was sent flying back, slamming to the wall and tumbling to the floor in a tangled pile of steaming flesh. He was dead.

“I warned him.” Emerald Lady hissed coldly, as noblemen and woman screamed, casting her sight away from the stubborn fool. “It has a will of its own. Try to be rid of it and it will defend itself.”

“Then it must be kept away from here!” Guv stuttered, clasping his hands. “I suggest a brave fellowship of at least nine adventurers. In secret they take it somewhere safe, far away from his claws.”

She shook her head. “It would not help little kobold. The dragon you know as Dreadflame can sense it now.” She stared at the orb, even now feeling it call to her, beg her to unite with it once more. “It’s alive, a mind of its own, that of a powerful dragon far beyond any of you in this tiny hall. Know this, it wants to be found. It will twist and corrupt the hearts of those who guard it, demanding that they bring it to its creator. The group you’d task with this would fall prey. It must be hidden away, locked tight so that none can retrieve it.”

“But that only leaves burying it beneath this city.” Arcturus asked as the gathering started to debate among themselves. “Will it not give Dreadflame the strength to assail these walls, inspire him to appease this dragon? I have been training to resist such possessions, perhaps my companions and I could…” To his dismay, she shook her head.

“This is beyond your abilities Arcturus. Not to mention…” She gestured to the hall of angry noblemen. Even if allowed, this body wouldn’t permit a Lumarian to walk off with such a powerful artifact. “Not to mention he would follow wherever you go…No matter the distance he’d feel it calling…Even now…” She averted her gaze to the orb, “It taunts me, begs me to take it. I must not, I shutter to think what would happen.”

The adventurers looked to one another as chaos erupted again within the hall. Each representative arguing that they and they alone would be the best to keep it under lock and key. The halflings suggested they use their mighty vaults, the Ruby Guardians insisting upon their knights, still the nobles wished to be rid of both magical items drawing enemies to their land. It was only Arcturus and the others that remained in silence, deep within thought. Nivra wiggling her nose, fist on her chin, Veledar, his arms firmly crossed, Voidwing tapping his talons on the stone.

“What about your vast treasure?” Nivra snapped her fingers, turning to Veledar, “Arcturus mentioned it was in another dimension?”

The dragon shot her a hardened look. “I’ll have you not put my treasure at risk thank you kindly. Plus the entrance is far from here. You heard Emerald Lady, this Dreadflame will follow us. Don’t get me wrong…” Veledar’s glare could kill, “I’d love a chance to repay him for nearly killing my Umraadi.”

“Indeed.” The queen sighed, tapping her chin.

“What of the isle of Draconis?” Arcturus asked softly when silence had gripped them for far too long. When they looked to him, he already hated the thought, putting those he cared about in danger once more. He couldn’t help but think to his first encounter with Dreadflame and grimace.

“Would you though?” Veledar replied, gently clasping Arcturus hand. “We can find another way.”

He shook his head, fear already starting to bubble within. “It sounds as though we have no other options?” He looked to Emerald Lady, who’d already regained her composure, striding in silence for the doors. She waved a hand seemingly to cut through the cloud of chatter, whispering words that only Arcturus could hear.

“I trust you to keep it safe Arcturus. I cannot know it’s whereabouts. I fear what knowledge I possess will be used against us. I can only offer you the hope of my grandmother, may she watch over us, broken as she might be.” With a defeated look, the Emerald Lady turned on her heels and walked out of the hall, not even waiting for an escort.

The man sighed, any hope of idea had left with her passing. Fate had evidently decided to be cruel to him, place what he held dear once more in harm’s path. Veledar rested a tender hand upon his back, letting him know it was going to be ok.

“I have an idea.” Nivra gently pulled back Veledar’s hand, earning herself a dragon’s ire filled glare. “And don’t give me that look. It looks positively wretched in your human form.”

“I’ll show you wretch-“

She silenced him with a wave of her hand. “I have an idea…” She grew quiet, looking to each of them with reservations. “But it means you’ll have to trust me more than you’ve done before before. I know it’s still fresh, but can you do this for me?”

The pair exchanged troubled looks, reminiscing the night Veledar lost his wings. They’d trusted her then too. In unison they sighed, recounting they’d both sworn to forgive and move on. How could they do that if anchored by the past?

“Should we?” Veledar asked tentatively.

“We did say we would try.” Arcturus sighed, turning to the patiently waiting princess.

“Then I suppose I have to.” The dragon grumbled, wishing he had a tail to flick. “What do you want of us?”

She took in a deep breath, her heart starting to race. “I want us to consider Nigel for a moment.” She waved and cut off their stuttering counters, looks of distrust within their eyes. “He has powerful items, magics. He used to claim he had a laboratory apart from this world. If anyone could hide it from Dreadflame and this Emperor it would be him.” She levied Veledar with a softened expression, clasping his soft hands. “It’s a leap of faith I know, but what other ideas do we have?”

The dragon paused, unable to tear himself away from such a look of unease. She really didn’t wish to betray him. Fighting instinct roaring inside him, Veledar relented, giving the princess a confirming nod. “But don’t make me regret it.” He warned, “I shall not be as forgiving a second time.”

“And you?” she looked to Arcturus, who wore the same look of skepticisms of his dragon. “Will you trust me a bit further?” To her relief the knight took one look to Veledar and nodded. Now she just needed to sell the rest of the council on it. She stood tall, brushed off her robes and pressed a finger to her throat. With magic rushing through her, her voice was amplified to be equal to twenty as she shouted at the hall for silence. She just hoped they had the wisdom to listen.

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