Just as they arrived Jakkzo landed, fully armored with the other soldier dragons who were partnered with those called.
The remainder carried their weapons at all times, not requiring to leave, or even dress up. Weapons were checked and a quick bite to eat had everyone ready.
As Moril was speaking for a few moments, Xamii’s own armor, one much more elaborate, lined with gold filigree and engraved from countless battles slid into place and locked while she stretched out so she could put it on quickly rather than her proffered way, by hand.
Everyone gathered with their companion and took off. Last to do so was Cage and Daku. Daku made sure his flock promised to be save and stay away from trees for now, almost losing three cubs in the attack. Out of everyone, he was the most pissed. None threaten his flock and would live to tell the tale.
Chapter 7
Fourteen dragons armed to the teeth and a griffin of equal size teleported just outside the eastern access to the Fire Mountains range. Ash from a recent eruption still belched out debris far to the north of where they found themselves. Dragons flew behind a dense barrier that halted and kept all flyers at bay. But inside though, it wasn’t often so many dragons didn’t hide their presence from the world. And even from afar, they were seen as agitated.
Not a second after the spheres successfully teleported them more than six days flight from home, thirty massive red dragons in full armor, each wielding a great sword and a shield in their massive hands, appeared all around them. Each readied to strike with both body and magic instantly, should there be any deception. “State you business!” the largest male in the group demanded in Draconian.
Moril heard Xamii’s instant translation in her mind thanks to their bonds. Moril got out of her metal seat Xamii made for her on her back. Moril then flew on her conjured board and landed on her dear friend’s snout to say “I am Chieftain Rex Moril of the Cage Island colony and Utala. I have been summoned here by Rex Nattan of the Fire Mountains.”
The red male cocked his head to Xamii questioningly, not yet having been given the translation spell. She then repeated Moril’s words so he understood. When his bright red eyes glared at the rings around her wrists and ankles, then to the greatest powers of the group, specifically black. “Lower your spell, warlock.”
“You first!” Cage roared back. “If you do not lower that vacuum your about to launch at Moril, I will kill you first and still stop your spell. I don’t give a flying fuck you do not like a human as a Rex. And if you kill her and the two coming up behind me somehow kill me first, Rex Nattan will still have your head.” The two stealthy dragons behind stopped, realizing any further approach will end them as a set of spells beyond their own capabilities were trained on their position.
A silent battle of wills made both groups uncomfortable, but it all ended as a mighty blue hand wrapped around the red leader’s throat. Barbav was not only larger, but so was her anger as she single handedly choked him. Her angry eyes bore into his as she growled “You dare aim such a spell at a Rex?! I ought to be done with your petty incompetence. Return to your quarters and await punishment. Rex Nattan will hear of this transgression against an ally.” She let go and with a might double kick, knocked him out of the air.
It took a few moments to recover before dejectedly he flew alone in utter shame.
General Barbav of the Fire Mountains looked around one of her finest battle squadrons and each could not hold her wrathful and highly disappointed gaze. When she saw Cage, she smiled as he had already lowered his power. When she regained control of the situation she returned to the human language, being one of the first to receive the translation spell, without needing many weeks of study to speak fluently. “I’m sorry and apologize for the harsh reception. The others are all waiting. Follow me please.” Barbav flipped around, showing just how supple her body can contort despite her bulky appearance.
Moril went back and grabbed Xamii’s horns, already hearing in her mind, what just happened. While following and being escorted she sent her voice privately to Cage saying “Thank you for doing that.”
A black orb appeared next to her ear, about the size of a pea. “He deserved no less than what he intended. Be sure not to leave Xamii’s reach. She was about to kill him too, had I not drawn attention to myself.”
Barbav opened her gigantic mouth and fired a blue ball from her throat. It impacted the massive barrier protecting the entire colony. A moment later appeared a large orb, golden and as radiant as the sun. She put her hand on it, just like a baseball would in a human’s hands. Behind it opened a wide golden oval large enough to accept two flyers at a time. She held onto the… well handle, to keep the path opened as one at a time, the entire group passed through. Barbav ordered the soldiers to return to patrolling as she went in and let go, sealing the gap that protected her home and people.
The general quickly led the host of powerful warriors to the tallest mountain and volcano in all of Raliea. Little was said, but everyone was on guard after their warm welcome. The mountain stretched so high that no human could survive without some kind of aid. The cap remained locked with snow year round despite being an active volcano, home to the mightiest Rex on the planet.
The blue general led the group to a massive opening that wasn’t close to being dark or lifeless. At the landing area lay five clearly elite reptilian soldiers under the early afternoon sun. Though they laid there comfortably, they we on constant alert, not even relaxing constant vigilance as their top general landed right between them, or even lifting their necks off the volcanic ground. Cage even noticed how they lay, clawed limbs tucked beneath for easy standing or jumping off the cliff to take immediately to the sky.
Daku was the last to land, but no one climbed down their partner as it was faster traveling due to one step for them was over sixty or so for a human. Just as they all entered the brightly lit tunnel, the entrance closed as a huge wall of metal acted like a portcullis. Cage was about to blast it and half the mountain away as his first thought turned to it being a trap.
And before anyone knew what he planned, two more guards walked out from adjoining tunnels and laid down, facing the closed exit. Their positioning was merely guarding from any breaches.
You guys got lucky. Cage thought as he took his hand off his blade.
Air was thinner up so high in the mountain, but manageable enough to not become winded just by moving around. Ground shook as the spacious tunnel accommodated ten dragons to easily walk side by side, but much of the tunnels Barbav led the through were relatively empty except for every mile where a pair of guards lay on higher levels. Most were silently following and had a grip on a weapon or were close enough to get it in the event one was needed.
Twenty more minutes of traveling began to make sense as their guide led them up a spiral tunnel, taking the pathways to reach the destination faster, but to also show her Rex took security seriously. Moril had asked many questions, but Barbav deflected by saying her Rex would explain soon. Moril dropped it.
Finally! Cage thought.
“Too true. I was just about to tell them to pick up their pace.” Daku thought back. “This system of tunnels is more elaborate than I last remembered twelve hundred years ago.”
At the end of the tunnel widened into a cave that had the appearance of a waiting room, only much more enormous. Long stone pallets uniformly lay on the ground where one side had a deep pool of fresh mountain water for drinking and the other side had a hole to relieve oneself, behind an oversized curtain. Gigantic books lined most of the walls. Most likely petitioners and those waiting for an audience with their leader spent longer periods here, but at the moment two dozen extra reptilian soldiers lay spaced on the platforms, most watching the entrance the group came through. At the far wall was a large set of golden doors engraved in Draconian. To either side, lining the walls were over three human compatible wooden chairs between two tables. But at the tables sat humans, most in armor or robes.
The door translated as ‘Justice
and truth reign absolute beyond these doors. Rue this rotation forevermore if deception is your goal.’
Barbav stopped near the door as many had stopped what they were doing to listen. “Rex Moril, aside from Former general Xamii, you may bring one other bonded pair inside. Warlock Cage, your mates and their companions may enter as well. Remaining escorts must remain out here they do.”
Moril didn’t need to ponder long as she turned around and said “Fredrick, out of all warriors, you have the most experience dealing in affairs between kingdoms.”
“Very well, Chief.” He replied.
Ulon and Poli brought Cage’s loves over to Daku before following Xamii and Fredrick’s very calm and calculating evergreen colored dragon, perfect mentality for one another.
Barbav opened the double doors easily with her snout. They opened to an even greater room where all the Rex’s had gathered, some with their mates, with the most influential men and women of the alliance between Emroc, Vlara and the dragons.
Rex Natta, Gralla, Semek, Shrral and Hessan lay majestically. Only Rex Semek and Shrral’s mates were absent. Behind them sat their generals. Rex Gralla’s new general was a vibrant peach male, rather than female. The warm and spacious room was made in a wide ring so all could see and speak to one another equally. Sitting across from them was King Skylar and Tate along with Generals’ Corbin and Kurk. Jormon, Gaz and King Skylar’s own personal sorcerer sat nearest their king. Behind them sat three advisors. But off too Rex Hessan’s left lay Theresa, the elegant amethyst dragon, Zikon’s Familiar. As usual, he lounged comfortably between her eyes. Beside them were four other pairings from the First Council of Twilight.
General Barbav proceeded to lay behind her leader, where Megdline and Frill awaited her return.
But this room was a treasure-trove. Gold and silver lined nearly every inch of the entire room and that of the luxurious seats. Jewels of varying size were placed in patterns to make artful decorations that also served as mana storage vessels for the magic that ran thick through the Fire Mountains.
“You may stay here with your Rex, Xamii.” Rex Shrral patted the empty dais next to him. Usually reserved for his mate, it now went to a new equal among them.
Daku heard Cage’s mental suggestion and moved to lay a ways back, behind the kings’ advisors. Fredrick and his partner took position behind Xamii while Ulon and Poli framed Daku, all laying down with few humans whispering.
As soon as the door shut Rex Nattan’s voice rang out clear. “We now convene. All truth will prevail at this time and any deception or lies will be met with death. I honor this once chance to leave.”
Those words initiated the start of the meeting, but none spoke during the two minute interval of allowance.
“We begin.” The great gold Rex spoke after the time was spent.
“Nattan.” Cage called out. Heads turned to him, but everyone knew Cage’s behavior didn’t get held or restrained in any circumstance. Even a meeting of such importance was like a laid back conversation. “I need a way for my island to contact me or Moril in case of another emergency. The wards of this place prevent access from the outside world and since our powers are so equal, I’m unsure we can be contacted.”
The gold Rex turned a hand over and a large crystal appeared out of thin air. “Impart the spells in this and I will modify my wards within this space to…”
“Not happening.” The warlock refused. “I’ve made wards that will ensnare outside interference and set in place a countdown to detonate the mind or gem to any who tamper with the emergency systems and security I have in place. Only Moril, Xamii, Brooke, Meeka, Tohka, Ulon and Poli have access to this emergency line I’ve made. If I give it to you, my island will either destroy your mind or that crystal since you haven’t been given access.” This had some advisors sitting a dozen yards in front of Daku’s hands whispering.
Rex Nattan’s eyes roamed the room before stopping on a piece of green Alexandrite. A moment later he said “Use that as a bridge, Cage Two-legs. Set it to only warn and not allow our words to escape the room. If something occurs, make it make us all aware. Permission is not granted for anything else. If the new colony needs Rex Moril, she will sense their need through her rings. The humans from your island may contact only in an emergency. Understood?”
“Thanks… I’m done. Go ahead.”
With the interruption now at a complete end Rex Nattan turned his attention to the entire room and all saw anger rise in his golden gaze. “A quadruple simultaneous attack has recently occurred that was barely thwarted before mass murder resulted. Megdline Two-legs and Feline Frill Four-legs returned to my general who in turn brought attention to me that Cage Island was also targeted. Our enemy struck dishonorably from deep below Raliea’s crust. Fire Mountains, Blind Mountains, Vlaran Mountains and the new landmass brought from space had almost erupted. The Vlaran Mountains should have remained dormant for another thousand cycles, but tampering with the geology has forced it active once again. Reports to me speak a hundred and fifteen dragons along with a total of two hundred and nine humans were killed… including a hatchling Utala two-legs.” Rex Nattan slammed a fist into the ground with such force the golden ground dented and chipped. “Dishonorable attacks will be met with force. Perish our enemies will.” That little bit of release of anger took some fire out of his eyes as smoke blew from his nostrils. “Skirmishes have occurred near each colony with deaths heavier on the Division Mountain’s colony. Our responses have been our greatest defense, but we need to push those who have dared destabilize Raliea’s functions.”
“And how do you plan to do this without tipping our hand of our alliance?” Zikon asked during the pause. “Your binding with humans have kept well as a secret, but when Heedi Rova finds out, which will be any time now, attacks on human settlements will become targeted due to weaker defenses both magical and natural.”
“Too soon it is for our humans to be effective.” Rex Gralla said as she moved and revealed a petite woman on her shoulder, one of the First Councilors of Twilight, a first class sorceress. “Many two-legs are unused to their abilities and need time to understand such capabilities. Attack now will not benefit survival and should our two-leg’s perish because of haste, we will require to bond another, pushing time back to train and be effective again. Twenty percent of my colony is unable to combat because they are working constantly with their two-legs. Males have it easier than females who can use mana outside rather than in.”
“How about a diversion?” Moril proposed. When none challenged her right away she said “You are all hunters looking for prey that has struck dishonorably. When hunting buffalo you do not simply run at them with a spear while screaming. That will get you killed should they stampede or charge. If the tribe we are fighting is dishonorable, make them look another way so we can cut their weaker warriors down. If you hunt greater numbers you know would be suicide in a fair challenge, make them look one way and strike while they are occupied. We are wanting to survive after. If our people are safe in the villages and can grow, make the other tribe follow the fit warriors ready to causing havoc.”
“If you were dragon, how would you devise discord?” Rex Hessan asked.
“They look to the south where all our tribes have gathered. Split the herd watching the predator that stands in the open. Come from the north or west of their village. Make it also appear you are making the empire’s men betray them. Pretend to help their armies, if you can. Weaken what they think they know about you. Utala are a war tribe. We’ve survived many generations for a reason. If our enemy is fighting dishonorably, we use every means to hunt them down so their lessons do not pass to another dishonorable generation. If we can take even some of their attention from us here in the southern lands, it could allow us the time needed for the newly bonded pairings to develop their powers and relationship. Our tribes must be safe before our preparations allow us to slit their throat.”
“That idea has merit.” King Skylar said as the other Rex’s co
nsidered her words. “My spies have already infiltrated their armies that are gathering in masse for an assault to retake both Wayward Way and Dragon’s Port so they can tear down the old magics that prevent large numbers from crossing the narrower pass between our kingdoms… along with deflecting some Jumps from their mages so they cannot just appear anywhere in our lands. If my spies that have been bound can bring in their partners, as I’ve gotten reports of dragons in their camps, we can effectively tear them apart from the inside after gaining their trust. If we can weaken their weapons, spells and morale it would give us an opportunity to inflict considerable wounds that will infect and cause fever throughout the ranks… and we all agree that until they release the Tiaxm, our alliance takes precedence of security.”
“I concur.” King Tate voiced. “Even now I’m still unused to my strength and am getting stronger. In this past week I’ve been able to lift eighteen hundred pounds when last week I barely lifted seven hundred. And who knows when it will slow, I do not. And my soldiers have needed to turn in their swords and learn new forging methods Rex Semek kindly offered my smiths, because our strength shatters lesser weapons. And until I know my potential and can control it perfectly… I cannot in good conscience lead my men and women into battle, especially if they too cannot fully utilize what has been given… My friend, what would it take for my own spies to pair up with your dragons and do as Chief Moril proposed.”
“Nothing would please me than to say it is possible,” Rex Semek said after a moment’s hesitation. “but there is no conceivable outcome than for my warriors to die. The enemy dragons would know as soon as to look that allies we are not.”
“Why?” King Tate leaned forward and sat his mug of ale aside.
Empress's Endgame (Book 5 and final of the Death Incanate Saga) Page 24
