CHAPTER 1074: THREE DRAGONBORNS

The night passed quietly within the walls of the Elven house, though Aesa barely closed her eyes. Sleep felt like a luxury her body no longer knew how to accept now that she was in an unfamiliar place.

She sat in silence for hours, listening to the faint breaths of Krono and Eccar, the muted life of the kingdom outside, and the ever-present pulse of her own thoughts.

The hours felt long, but she endured them as she always had.

When dawn finally broke, pale gold light streamed through the carved wooden shutters.

It spilled across the table, catching on the strands of her white hair and painting her in an almost ethereal glow.

Aesa rose soundlessly and moved to the window. The kingdom stirred beyond the window and she saw Elves walking their paths, carrying baskets of fruit or flowers, Elves children chasing each other along the roots of the massive trees, and the distant sound of instruments carried on the wind can be heard. Though she didn’t understand how people were playing music this early in the morning already.

Eccar’s groan broke the calm. He rolled over, hair a mess, rubbing his eyes.

"Ugh. Morning already?" He blinked at Aesa standing rigid by the window, her silhouette stark against the light. "Do you ever sleep?"

Her pale gaze flicked to him briefly before returning outside. "Sleep is for those who can afford peace."

Eccar snorted but didn’t press. He swung his legs off the bed and stretched, his movements loud compared to her stillness.

Krono was also already awake, his posture composed though shadows lingered under his eyes.

His eyes carried the gravity of someone who knew the day ahead was not meant for lingering.

"We should go now," Krono said. "Erend will be in his world."

The mention of the other places with a lot of people made Aesa’s lips press thin again. Too many eyes and too much life. But she gave no protest, only a faint nod.

Soon, Lyrel and Caelthar returned, knocking softly before stepping inside.

Lyrel inclined his head slightly toward Krono. "The king has been told of your arrival. You are to be brought to the palace at once."

Eccar smirked as he tightened the strap of his pants. "Straight to the king, huh? We must be important."

But Aesa remained silent, her mind caught on something else.

She could feel her own anticipation rising, sharp and restless. Soon after this business here she would see this Dragonborn they spoke of—this man who had been human, who carried power that should have been impossible, who glimpsed the strands of fate.

Her pale fingers tightened faintly at her side as she thought.

"Erend... let me see what kind of being you really are."

The group left the house, the path leading upward into the heart of the palace that was located not far from it.

Aesa could see that the trees grew taller here, their crowns touching the skies, their roots winding into walkways that led toward a palace of breathtaking design. Its walls grew from living wood, woven with stone and silver veins that shimmered.

The Elves passing by slowed to watch, their whispers soft but insistent.

Krono walked at the front, unbothered. Eccar smiled and waved at a few familiar faces. Aesa kept her eyes forward, her presence like a shard of ice moving through the warmth of the crowd that made even those Elves feeling coldness.

The towering doors of the palace opened with a slow creak and then the group were led into the vast throne hall.

Light filtered through crystalline windows, catching on the silver-veined walls and casting shifting patterns across the polished floor.

At the far end, King Thalrion sat upon his high seat, flanked by guards and advisors. Yet as his gaze found them he did not remain still.

With an almost uncharacteristic eagerness, Thalrion rose from his throne.

His robes swept across the floor as he descended the steps, a warm smile on his face, his eyes bright with admiration.

When he stopped before Aesa, he bowed his head slightly and raised his voice so all could hear.

"Truly, it is an honor," Thalrion said, his words rich with reverence. "To see with my own eyes the true form of a Dragonborn in our world, a being sung of in ancient tales. You carry an aura unlike any I have known. The forest itself stirs at your presence."

He stood close—far too close for Aesa’s liking.

Even though his voice steeped in respect, it grated against her patience. Her pale eyes narrowed and her lips curled into the faintest frown, almost disgust.

She leaned back slightly, unwilling to have him within her space.

The reaction rippled instantly. Advisors and guards stiffened, their sharp stares cutting toward her.

To them, no one had ever met their king’s warmth with such rejection. A hush swept the chamber, tense and heavy.

But none of them dared act. For even without lifting a finger Aesa’s presence pressed against them like invisible frost. It was a warning that feels bigger than words. If they move against her it would mean their death.

King Thalrion faltered for a heartbeat as he caught her expression. The warmth in his eyes dimmed and a bittersweet smile curved his lips instead.

With a slow step back, he returned to his throne. When he spoke his voice was quieter now.

"Forgive me. My admiration made me forget myself." He sank into his seat, his smile lingering but tinged with regret.

Krono stepped forward then, his face calm yet resolute. "We thank you, King Thalrion, for allowing us to rest within your kingdom. But our time here is short. We must go now."

The king’s expression softened, though his voice carried disappointment. "Too soon. It is unfortunate, but I will not hold you when duty calls. At the very least, my people, Lyrel and Caelthar already record your deeds. What they bring back will become our most treasured archive."

Krono’s stern gaze flicked toward the Elves, then back to Thalrion. He gave a slow nod.

"So be it." Then his tone shifted, harder now, carrying weight meant for all in the hall. "But you must prepare. Shadows gather, and this world will not remain untouched. When the danger finally breaks, you must stand ready and you will need the Aarakocra and humans by your side. Do not hesitate to join them."

The words struck the chamber like a bell. Some of the Elves shifted uncomfortably at the mention of the winged people and the barbarian.

And then, without another word, Krono lifted his hand. Magic flared and in the center of the throne hall a portal bloomed into existence.

Its swirling light cast long shadows across the chamber, drawing gasps from them.

Even King Thalrion, composed as he was, widened his eyes at the sight of a portal to another world being created just like that, awe breaking through his regal mask.

The Elves could only watch in stunned silence as the three Dragonborns step through.

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