CHAPTER 90: TO DORCH

For a long while, Uzek said nothing. He only kept shifting his gaze between the dragon and Aeron who stood calmly at its side. He just kept quiet and was deep in thought, still. Deep down, he knew the odds had turned greatly against him.

Aeron broke the silence. "What is it, Uzek? Has the almighty chief suddenly gone mute? Say something." he said.

Finally, Uzek stepped forward and spoke in a steady voice. "This is quite a strong army you brought here, boy, I must admit. But..." His words trailed off as he reached out and yanked Sira away from the man holding her. With his own hand, he pressed the knife against her throat.

His eyes narrowed as he raised his voice. "But I still have her. So you’ll do as I say. Otherwise..." He pressed the blade tighter, making his threat clear.

Nyella, who had been quiet for a while, spoke calmly. "Uzek, you don’t want to do that. Think carefully. Whatever happens here, your army and your entire village can be wiped out in an instant, forgotten by history. And I know you wouldn’t want that for your people. The ball is no longer in your court. So I advise you, send her to us, and we will leave quietly."

Uzek tightened his grip on Sira, glaring at both her and Aeron. "And how do I know?" he demanded. "How do I know she’s not the reason you’re holding back? How do I know that once I release her, you won’t strike us down anyway?"

Aeron gave a short laugh, but there was no humor in it. "If it is validation you seek, hear me clearly. I don’t even know her, not personally. If I were a killer, I would have attacked already, with or without her. But that is not what I want. All I want is for us to leave this place in peace. There is a greater trouble we must face ahead, and we don’t need another pointless fight. Worst of all, we don’t need more death."

Everyone was calm for a while Uzek’s hand trembled slightly on the knife. He stared at Aeron, then at Draco who was glaring at him. After a long hesitation, the chief finally shoved Sira forward, pushing her towards Nyella’s side. His voice was bitter as he said, "Fine. Take her. Leave, and never return."

As soon as Sira stumbled free, Nyella rushed to her and wrapped her arms tightly around her, tears spilling down her face. The soldiers of Ivarion began to march out as the nomads slowly moved aside, clearing the way.

Draco also opened his wings and rose into the air.

Aeron lingered behind, walking among the last of the men. Before he left, he turned to Uzek. "We will meet again, Chief," he said.

"I hope not," Uzek replied with a hard face.

Aeron gave a faint smile. "If we do, then next time it won’t be as enemies."

Uzek’s eyes flashed. "Even so, I would rather we never cross paths again. Now go, Aeron. Take your people and keep moving before I change my mind about being peaceful."

Aeron scoffed softly, then turned and left with the soldiers.

"..."

"..."

They had been moving for hours, and on the road. The army walked on foot. Only five people rode on horseback. Nyella led at the front. Behind her were Aeron, Ronan, and Yvarra, their horses moving at a steady pace. At the very back, Sira rode quietly, saying nothing. High above them, Draco flew in wide circles.

After a long silence, Aeron finally spoke. "You two are the last people I expected to see here," he said, glancing at Ronan and Yvarra. "Draco’s arrival, I might have guessed, but both of you, especially you, Yvarra." He gave a small scoff. "I’m surprised your mother even allowed you to come."

Yvarra smiled lightly. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, tilting her head. "We came for you. We sensed danger, and when we hadn’t heard from you, we knew something was wrong. And then Draco wasn’t calm. He was growling and restless."

Aeron chuckled and looked up at the dragon circling above. "Good boy," he said softly with a smile.

He looked back at Ronan and Yvarra. "I truly appreciate you both."

"Appreciate?" Ronan scoffed. "I’d do more than that to save your life. Especially since you refused to let me come with you in the first place."

Aeron grinned. "And yet here we are. Outside the borders of Varnmoor, the three of us together."

"Yeah," Ronan said, glancing around. "It feels good out here. Though, I won’t lie, a moment ago riding that dragon felt dreadful. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest."

Aeron laughed. "Honestly, I didn’t think you’d survive the ride. I thought Draco might throw you off." He smiled again before his eyes drifted to Nyella, who was riding ahead of them. Aeron tightened his reins and urged his horse forward until he reached her side.

"I told you I’d get you out of there safely," Aeron said to her.

Nyella’s gaze remained forward. "Barely," she replied. "You nearly got us all killed. Without Draco, we wouldn’t have escaped without bloodshed. So don’t try to take all the glory for yourself."

Aeron smirked. "Fine. But deep down, I know you agree I did well."

Nyella shook her head, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.

Aeron rode a little closer. "And where are we going exactly? Care to let me in on the plan?"

Nyella became silent. For a moment, all Aeron heard was the sound of hooves on the road and the soldiers’ footsteps behind them. At last, she spoke. "We are going to Dorch. There we will prepare for the next battle... against the Hydra."

"The Hydra?" Aeron frowned. "That would be a difficult task." He glanced back at the weary soldiers trailing on foot. "But don’t you think we’ve traveled long enough for one day? The men are tired, and the horses are weary."

Nyella looked around, studying the faces of the soldiers. She saw the truth in Aeron’s words; their steps were dragging, and some were breathing heavily from exhaustion. At last, she nodded.

"You’re right," she said, raising her voice. "Prepare to set camp!"