Book 3: Chapter 21 — Drakonias
Kaelan looked back at the four of them. You guys really arent used to it, huh? I suppose our roads arent the best given how we mostly fly around, the Draconian replied.
Are brick roads that strange? Seraphina questioned, looking at the four of them.
Hard to say, perhaps the southern kingdoms dont have them, Valeria replied.
Yeah, haha, I think being in air for so long might just screwed with our sense of balance a little, right Noah? Aurelia said, glancing towards him.
Right, yeah, sea sickness, but for the sky. Well be fine in a minute, just distracted watching the city, Noah replied.
That makes sense. Were not far now either, Kaelan replied, turning back around as all of them continued on their way.
Noah took a breath of relief at their flimsy excuse having worked out. But if Valros really did know, things might get problematic soon. The man, surprisingly, did not seem to notice their behavior, though his eyes still often went towards Zax.
I think I need an explanation, Aurelia said.
All of us need one. They have another dragon? Will it be as strong as you? You said your kin werent very kind to people, Noah replied.
Sky says he can smell something too. Its very faint but theres the scent of another dragon on the person, Snow added.
Yeah were certain. There is another dragon in this city. Which is curious because, as we told you Noah, our kin are not too keen on cooperating with creatures they see as sign of weakness and dilution of their bloodline. Draconians are akin to what a monkey might be to a human. There are some shared traits and ancestry, but one is far beneath the other. Well, to their eyes anyway. We obviously disagree.
Thats an understatement if Ive ever heard one. Dragons are like a hurricane. Except they can hold grudges and remember faces. Nothing good comes out of being in the presence of once, Aurelia said, before turning towards Zax. No offense.
None taken. You are correct in your judgement, Zax replied.
The all mother has been a friend to the dragons, Erwest sent, glancing towards Zax. But even she commented on their unwillingness to socialize with anyone or anything they see as beneath themselves. Not to mention, the dragons left at the end of the ancient era. Any sightings of one havent been seen in centuries. Its the thing that makes the claim of Drakonias being their descendants contentious. If there was a dragon around in Drakonias all this time why would they hide it?
Right, yeah. Also this is making me realize how weird it is that Ive gotten used to having Zax around. I keep forgetting that youre a dragon, youre nothing like I imagine one to be. I always pictured a dragon to be far more intimidating, Aurelia said, before pausing. Again, no offense.
If youd like we could transform back to our true form. Keeping a polymorh, illussion, and aura suppression spell going at all times does get a little taxing after you do it for a month with no breaks. A bit like sitting still without moving, Zax said.
I really dont think thats a good idea Aurelia trailed off.
Hes joking, Noah added, glancing to look at Zax who maintained a neutral expression. You are joking, right?
At last, the dragon gave a slight smile, but did not say anything further.
What do you intend to do? Erwest asked, looking at Zax.
Nothing. We simply intend to watch. Theres already a tracking spell on Valros that he wont be able to detect. And if he does, that will tell us more still about his capabilities. We are in no great need to hide our identity, it is simply convenient for us to do so.
Im not sure I want the kind of attention that would come with us hanging out with a dragon, within a kingdom that reveres and worships dragons, Aurelia replied.
I dont know, it sounds like it could be fun. Whats the worst that can happen?
The worst that happens is whichever dragon is hiding here decides it doesnt like another one barging into its territory and decides to fight. You do NOT want to get involved in a fight between two dragons, Aurelia sent.
Are these all your party members, brother? I thought you only had two, Kean asked, looking at them with curiosity.
Kean, you forget your manners. These are guests, we do not ask questions, Valros said with a sharp tone.
Apologies, Kean replied, lowering his head slightly.
Oh, dont be so harsh uncle, these are friends, Kaelan said, setting his sister down on the ground .
The girl apparently did not like that, as she tugged at his lugs, before shouting. Kaelan! Look, look, I can fly now!
The girl closed her eyes, focusing intently. Her wings flapped behind her back with intensity, and Noah felt magic pulse through them as a gust of wind rose around her, floating her a few inches off the ground.
By the skies, you really are! Thats amazing Keya! Kaelan shouted, and the girl laughed, pleased. Ill play with some more in just a minute, but first let me get my friends settled in, okay?
Keya, lets go to your room for now, Kean said, holding the little girls hand. Ill take care of her, he added to Kaelan. The boy glanced at the rest of them for a moment before he headed back out.
Kaelan turned to the group. So, you guys have seen half of my family already. Father might be here sometime as well, but I assume you probably want to rest a little first?
The group gave a mix of affirmative responses.
Alright, theres some rooms for guests, Ill show them to you, and afterwards we could head out. Theres a good place I know that serves the best Drake steaks in the entire kingdom, you guys will love it, Kaelan said, excitedly.
Noah nodded, but his attention remained on Valros, who stood there silently.
We would like to head out sometime. Theres a place weve been to here before, that wed like to visit again, Zax said.
Oh, sure, I didnt know you were familiar with this place Zax, Kaelan said.
It was a long time ago. A lot has changed so we arent too familiar, but finding the place shouldnt be an issue, Zax replied.
If you do not mind me asking, what is this place you would be visiting? Valros asked, looking at Zax.
Its a grave of an old friend. A little outside the city, on the south side, beyond the forest. A short flight away. We had told him we would visit if we were ever around here, Zax replied.
Whatre you doing? Noah asked
Confirming our suspicions. But also, exactly what we said. Going to a grave. The place we told him is the grave of a dragon.
Ah, thats dragon grave. I did not know anyone was buried in the part. Its a dangerous area filled with monsters. Even for someone of your caliber, I would be remiss to send a guest of our household walk away like this. Please, allow me to accompany you, Valros said.
Very well, Zax replied. We will be heading out then.
The group nodded.
Dont wait for us. Well be back soon. Try not to cause trouble, Zax sent to Noah.
With your expression, I feel like I should be the one saying that.
The dragon gave him a mischievous smile.
