Kaleb leaned against the slumbering Faelyr and studied the amulet in the new daylight. “To be honest, I'm not sure what to make of it. It looks like a common rock—maybe worth a few bucks. But if Torrent's forces suddenly mutiny, we'll know why.” He tossed it back to her. “Alla was back at that camp, huh? Why didn't she come with us? We could have flown her out of there.”
Minx shook her head. “I don't know, but I'm afraid it's because she didn't want to come with us. It's possible she fed me this whole story about the amulet just to fool me. I have no doubt that she's under Torrent's control, but the situation is probably more complicated than this dumb rock.”
Kaleb struggled to gain his feet. “Magic or no magic, the amulet isn't the important thing.” He stretched. “We're going back to the Talon Range and we're going to find some help. I'll convince the generals to give this alliance a real chance.”
“Oh?” After her reception at the Talon Range, Minx was more than a bit surprised at his willingness to help the Fae. “Is it personal now?”
Kaleb grinned. “Let's just say I've had a change of heart. This whole land is crawling with Torrent's guys. If the Fae fall, it's only a matter of time before the dragons get overrun, too. I've seen them with my own eyes, and I have the bruises to prove it.” He motioned to the wound on his head. “I'll make them listen. I shouldn't have sent you away the last time, Minx. I wanted to fulfill my duties, follow the laws. But the threat is greater than any of them realize.”
“Will they listen, though?” asked the Fae huntress.
Kaleb looked up into the brightening sky. “I'll make them listen.”
Chapter 12
That's twice she's saved me, thought Kaleb as they soared toward the Talon Range. I barely remember escaping the hunter's camp last night. If Minx hadn't been there, I may not have pulled through... He was mindful of the Fae huntress and Faelyr perched on his back, and after all of their adventures together, was becoming accustomed to flying with passengers in tow. Mau had more or less gotten used to flying; though she didn't enjoy it, she no longer gouged him with her claws. Despite the gravity of their mission, he was thankful to have this opportunity with the two of them. The quiet flight provided some much-needed peace and unity.
She's saved my life twice. I have to do everything in my power to get the generals to listen. Kaleb had rightly doubted the willingness of the dragon ruling class to assist the Fae in their hour of need. Their biases were too strong, their worldview too narrow. But Torrent wasn't an adversary to trifle with, and as evidenced by his talent for gathering large forces even after a sound defeat, he would pose a tremendous threat to the dragons soon enough.
It wasn't the threat to dragon-kind that motivated him, though. His chief desire was to protect Minx. He owed her a great debt—a debt that demanded repayment. He would allow no harm to come to her, and would do his best to defend her homeland and people even if he had to take on the dark army by himself. But let's hope it doesn't come to that, he thought. I'll talk some sense into them and put together a large force capable of putting down Torrent's army once and for all.
The peaks of the Talon Range came into view. They'd arrived quickly, within just a few hours, thanks to a pleasing wind and the renewed vigor he'd gained through Minx's healing. No sooner did the edges of the mountain compound enter into sight did he recall his rash dismissal of her during her earlier, unannounced visit. He cursed himself for his shortsightedness and realized that, in bringing her back into dragon territory, she was likely to be the target of much animosity. Even with Kaleb leading her around, she was bound to be looked at as an unwelcome outsider. The thought of her being spat on or despised by his brethren enraged him. Why can't they understand that the Fae aren't all bad? Minx has been a great ally, has saved my life. They have to listen to me this time. I can't leave until I've changed their minds about the Fae.
With a firm gaze, the great red dragon began to descend. He slipped past the nearest ridge and gave his wings a flap, easing his way onto the vast outer platform. Minx and Mau dismounted, but the dragon shifter didn't bother returning to his human form—not at once. Instead, with wild yellow eyes and flaring nostrils, Kaleb led the way to a large opening and marched in, his horn-tipped head nearly striking the tall ceiling of the passage.
Minx and Mau stumbled after him confusedly, and then—to keep from being trampled—scurried onto his back a second time. “You're not going to shift?” asked the Fae huntress.
A bit of smoke seeped from Kaleb's nostrils. “No. It's time they take me seriously,” he replied.
Certain passages in the mountain had been made to accommodate full-size dragons, and every major site within the compound could be reached through these oversized tunnels. Usually, though, the dragon shifters preferred to wander about the grounds in their human forms. It was simpler, more discrete. To don one's dragon form in the compound was a sign of anger—and intimidation. As Kaleb carried his companions through the mountain, stooping beneath the arches and emerging into the plaza nearest the War Chamber, passing dragons and Kurgs steered clear. None dared stand in his way.
Some of the onlookers, though, assailed Minx and Mau with the usual dirty looks. Passersby eyed the foreign pair with unveiled suspicion and disdain, as if to ask “What're you doing here?” Minx was used to such treatment and took it in stride; if it bothered her, she didn't let it show. Kaleb, on the other hand, was further incensed by it, and stamped his way through the plaza with a low growl that sent the less confident dragons into hiding.
Standing outside the War Chamber, Kaleb loosed a great roar. All within hearing—including his two passengers—were stunned into silence, and others, nearly deafened, crouched and covered their ears. This terrifying call acted like a siren within the complex, with numerous guards scrambling about the plaza and a clamor arising behind the vast doors of the war chamber. The hefty doors were promptly thrown open to reveal a cadre of aged dragons—the generals—waiting within.
Kaleb didn't wait for them to speak, to demand an explanation for his interruption, but instead snaked his head into the doorway and forced them back into the chamber. The generals were seasoned warriors, but even they blanched at the sight of one of their own enraged. “We will have a meeting,” growled Kaleb, his bulbous yellow eye passing angrily over the assembled dragons. “And a vote.”
“What is the meaning of this?” demanded one of the generals, jabbing a finger at Kaleb. “How dare you enter this chamber and make such demands?”
Kaleb lowered his snout till its tip nearly met the general's pointing finger. A cloud of sulfurous smoke poured from his nostrils and washed over the general, who quickly stepped back. “Don't make me repeat myself. You are all very stubborn, and I have lost my tolerance for it. We will vote—on assisting the Fae immediately. Enter the chamber.” Kaleb finally shifted back into his human form, standing defiantly in the doorway of the War Chamber with Minx and Mau remaining to his back. Though he'd taken the form of a man, his glowing eyes were just as frightening as they had been moments prior.
The mob of dragon officials fell into chaos. The War Chamber resonated with shouts while some lobbed threats of their own and others begrudgingly started through the chamber in search of seats. None were willing to directly cross Kaleb, however, and before long the generals had taken their spots about the forum in accordance with his orders.
Kaleb outstretched his hands and began in a bellowing voice. “I come to you again in regards to the Fae. I insist that the Talon Range guard assist them. Even as we speak, Torrent is rallying his forces. Because of your aid, the dark army was struck a great blow, but the battle is not yet won. Quite the opposite, things are only just beginning to heat up. While out last night, I encountered a large group of Wuff and Krah raiders under the direction of a powerful human hunter. We received word that this group was seeking to meet up with another segment of Torrent's army. A large-scale attack is being planned, and unless they have reinforcements, it's doubtful that the Fae will surv
ive.
“But as I've told you before, the stakes are greater still. The fight will come here, to the Talon Range. Torrent is a real threat and cannot be ignored. Feeling as you do about the Fae, perhaps you don't care about the destruction of their lands, but the fact remains that Torrent will not be sated by their devastation. He'll continue, amassing more of his foul warriors, and will set his sights on us dragons next. Already the lands surrounding the Fae territories have been stripped bare. Forests and grasslands are being laid waste to. Is that what you want for our lands? Will your dislike for the Fae allow you to hand Torrent these lands on a silver platter? You lot may be stubborn, but I believe you're capable of reason.
“Torrent is clever. He knows a good deal about the races and will surely exploit our weaknesses given the chance. Much has been said about how this is a problem for the Fae alone, but when the Fae have been conquered, who will stand with us? Will you be content to see every other race fall under his control? Can you trust a powerful mage like him to stop once he's gotten a taste of victory? No... He can't be trusted, and he can't be allowed to continue this destructive campaign!
“I request aid, formally, for the Fae. We must work together to rout the dark army, and we must do it quickly. I will not budge or apologize—this is a matter of immense importance to both peoples, and it would be reckless to allow Torrent to amass more power. You helped the Fae once; surely you can help them again!”
The hall erupted into another bout of furious shouts. Some leered angrily at Minx, stationed near the door, as if she were the cause of all these problems. Others, stamping their feet in anger, took Kaleb to task for his rudeness in demanding a vote. “What right have you to ask for such a thing? There are procedures in place to make such requests! You will be penalized for this show of impudence!” called out one.
Kaleb held firm, though. Hands on his hips, he remained at the center of the forum expectantly, waiting for the voting process to begin. He wouldn't back down, wouldn't leave without getting his way. The last time he'd made an impassioned plea to the top brass on behalf of the Fae, he'd been unsuccessful in swaying them, but a few young dragons had sympathized with the cause and joined him in the initial defense of Pandling Grounds. Later, some of the older dragons had come around, too. This time, he hoped that they would join him outright. The time for waffling is over. We have to act. Now! he thought.
Kaleb's father, seated amongst the generals, was caught in the middle of the fray. On the one hand, he didn't want to throw his son to the wolves, however much he disagreed with this bold request. On the other, he was being egged on by the other high-ranking officials to rein in his son, to censure him for his arrogance. “Please,” called out Kaleb's father, motioning to the others, “let us have a vote, then. The motion has been introduced. I urge you to remain calm and vote your conscience!”
Even this appeal did not wholly silence the growls and grumblings of the incensed dragons, but an elderly official joined Kaleb at the center of the forum to begin the voting procedure. “To begin, we must have at least two-thirds of the Talon Range leadership in attendance.” He took a few moments to count heads, and then nodded to himself. “The requirement is met. Next, the vote must take place. Those in favor of assisting the Fae—of sending a force to Pandling Grounds to strike down Torrent and his army, please stand.”
Kaleb watched as a handful of dragons—once more, mostly the younger generals and their staff—rose from their seats. All told however, only a dozen had stood. He tensed, awaiting the result of the next choice.
The old official, stooping and making a few marks on a piece of parchment, noted the result. Then, continuing in his gravelly voice, he pressed on to the next part of the vote. “Those opposed to such an intervention, please rise.”
All around him, dragons began to stand. Thirty, perhaps forty took to their feet, grimacing. Kaleb's stomach dropped as their eyes all fell upon him, and he was doubly distraught to find his own father standing during the dissenting vote. His father looked to him not with annoyance, but with sorrow—the sorrow of a father who loved his son, but could not support his cause. Kaleb shook his head, loosing an incredulous laugh. “So... This is what you've decided, then?”
Once again, the elder dragon jotted down the results of the vote. To Kaleb's surprise however, he wasn't through. “I should like to introduce one more item for a vote before this meeting is adjourned.” He motioned toward Kaleb with a jittery hand. “All in favor of censuring young Kaleb—of charging him with a minor crime for this flagrant abuse of official procedure—please, stand.”
“What?” spat Kaleb, turning to the old dragon.
Many dragons once again took to their feet. Virtually every dragon who'd voted “no” on the matter of assisting the Fae had stood, and a few others who'd held back from the earlier vote had also risen. His father, thankfully, remained seated—though was being pressured by those around him to stand and condemn his son.
“No,” snapped Kaleb, yanking the parchment form the old dragon's grasp and shredding it to ribbons. “I won't stand for this! You heartless creatures... You think you can censure me for telling the truth? That punishing me will save us from what's to come? You're out of your minds, all of you.” Facing a cacophony of shouts, Kaleb turned his back on the assembly and marched out of the chamber, unwilling to hear the verdict against him. He took Minx gently by the arm as he neared the door to the War Chamber and led her and Mau out into the plaza. Without a word, he marched on through the tunnels, guiding them back to the outdoor platform they'd arrived on.
Kaleb donned his dragon form and waited for Minx and Mau to climb on. “If they want to ignore what's happening all around them, then forget it. We don't need their help. We'll ride for Pandling Grounds and handle this ourselves. You and I together, Minx.”
The Fae huntress appeared thankful for his aid, but the sadness in her eyes was unmistakable. She looked to Mau, then uttered, “Thank you, Kaleb. We'll just have to give it our all. The odds have always been stacked against us. This time won't be any different.”
The dragon gained altitude and left the peaks of the Talon Range far behind, not bothering to look back at them as he glided through the clouds. Perhaps, he thought to himself in a blind rage, he would never return. Kaleb couldn't live amongst such backwards creatures, couldn't stand their stubbornness. I can't believe I ever thought they'd be capable of change. They know what's coming, but they just don't care. I should never have wasted time, asking them for help. We should have returned immediately to Pandling Grounds.
Kaleb's gaze narrowed and he caught a surging tailwind, picking up speed.
Propelled by anger, Kaleb flew harder that day than ever before.
Chapter 13
Minx had to hold on tight as Kaleb met a patch of turbulence.
Mau clung to her leg, shuddering all the while. Can we please find some other way to travel from here on out? We don't have any use for the dragons anymore, so we can probably spend the rest of our lives safely on the ground, right?
The flying conditions had been rough almost from the onset of their retreat from the Talon Range. Rather than adding hours to their travel by taking a roundabout path, Kaleb had opted to plow through a brewing storm system. The going was difficult, but the angry young dragon shifter had more than enough energy to burn and assured the other two that they'd be safe so long as he hurried. The headwinds proved fierce and thunder had begun rumbling in the distance. It would take them hours to arrive at the edge of Fae territory under the circumstances.
Minx was pleased with Kaleb, thankful that he'd stood up before the leaders of the Talon Range and demanded their help. She was gutted, though, at their almost unanimous refusal. They really do hate us, Mau. A few of them seemed willing to go along with it, but it looks like this is really the end. The dragons want nothing to do with us. If the Fae are conquered, they won't care in the least. It pained her to return home without the reinforcements she'd promised her father, but the chief source of
her anguish was what the vote had done to Kaleb.
The dragon shifter had hardly spoken since they'd taken flight, and his angry maneuvers bespoke immense frustration. He'd stood before the generals, making an earnest plea. Rather than securing their cooperation, he'd been censured and threatened with minor charges. That he felt hurt and betrayed was plain to her, and the fact that she could do nothing to ease his hurt only made her feel more hopeless.
Hours of stilted silence, of reckless flying, ultimately delivered them to their destination. Minx had found ample time during the journey to berate herself, to entertain sorrows for Kaleb's situation and to worry after the safety of her people. She'd been gone for days on this fool's errand; how many attacks had her people been forced to repel? Do you think they've been all right back home without us, Mau?
The Faelyr, eyes shut in terror as Kaleb wove between swirling clouds, had little to say. I hope they're getting by without us. If we get back there and find the whole territory in ruins it's going to be a real punch to the gut.
The long flight eventually brought them through the storm system and into familiar territory. They arrived before dark, just as the sun was beginning to wane, and upon arriving within miles of the Pandling Ground Trading Center, Minx could already tell something was wrong. Smoke rose up from the ground where swaths of surrounding forest had been left to burn, and the adjacent plains were left muddy and grassless for the ceaseless stampings of unnumbered feet.
The fields directly beyond the borders of the Trading Center were occupied by a large force—the largest she had seen since the day of the great battle itself. The agitators were not yet engaged in battle—they were marching on the front entrance in orderly rows, weapons at the ready. The militancy of their movements worried her; this force appeared better-trained and more cohesive than the roving bands of marauders they'd lately had to deal with outside the walls. This is going to be a problem. We aren't dealing with a simple mob here—this is a full-on army.
How to Save a Fae (Heir of Dragons Book 2) Page 10
