CHAPTER 95: TO THE SOUTH

It was the next day after they had gathered in the war room. The council had ended late in the night, and they had all retired after Aeron suggested that he would take Draco to the south. His plan was to speak with the southern kings and lords, warn them of the threat, and try to convince them to bring their armies west to fight beside them in Dorch. It was a dangerous plan, but it was their only hope.

By dawn, Aeron had prepared to leave. His sword was strapped to his side, and Draco had already been readied outside the city gates. Before setting off, Aeron made his way to the throne room, where King Rollo was waiting. As he entered, he saw the king seated on his throne with the others standing near him with the others standing near him.

"There he is," King Rollo said as Aeron stepped inside. "I can see you are set to leave."

Aeron bowed slightly and answered, "I am, your majesty."

Rollo leaned forward. "Very well then. Since this is the only way we can hope to hold the wall when the enemy comes, we must trust in it."

The king’s tone grew heavier. "But you do know that you are not going alone. You do know that, right?"

Aeron raised his head. "I am aware, your majesty. The princess will be coming with me." He nodded toward Nyella, who stood already dressed for the journey.

"That is right," Rollo said, "but it is still not enough. We are not only going to make a point by showing them the dragon. We must also show them unity. A dragon is fearsome, yes, but men still need to see that kingdoms can stand together."

He gestured to his side. "And for that reason, I have asked my general, Amber, to go with you. Let the southern kings see that two kingdoms have joined hands. Show them that our cause is greater than pride, and they will be more willing to trust you."

Aeron nodded, slowly at first, then firmly. "That would be wise. In fact, I had thought of that myself. It is good to have someone from your kingdom beside me. But..." He glanced at the general and then back at the king. "It is not only about joining us. It is also about whether he can withstand flying on a dragon. I believe it will be his first time, and first times are not always easy."

General Amber, who had been standing tall near the throne, stepped forward and spoke in a calm and steady voice. "I have withstood more than you can imagine, boy. And a flight with a dragon is nothing compared to those."

There was silence for a moment, then King Rollo smiled, clearly pleased by the general’s confidence. He gave a nod. "Then it is settled. You leave now." He said. "One more thing. You must head first for Zeirath and then for the Blacklands. But you must be swift. Return in a few days at most. But you must be fast and be back in a few days at most or we may already be butchered before your return."

Aeron lowered his head in respect. "I understand, your majesty."

The king’s voice softened, though his eyes still carried worry. "I wish you three a safe journey. May you come back with armies, and not just a few, but thousands. Without them, we will not last."

Aeron bowed deeply this time. "Thank you, your majesty. I will do all I can to return with them."

With that, he turned and walked out of the throne room. Nyella followed close behind, and General Amber moved to join them.

As they were gathering their things and getting ready to leave, Ronan and Yvarra walked up to Aeron. Ronan spoke first. "You actually want to leave without us?"

Yvarra added quickly, "We want to go with you."

Aeron took a slow breath, looked at both of them, and said, "I cannot keep dragging you into every danger I run into. You are already far from home because of me, and I cannot take you even further. This place is safer than what lies ahead, and all I want is for both of you to be safe. So please, stay here until I return."

Ronan frowned. "But you know you need us. Me especially."

Aeron shook his head. "I have Draco, and I have a general with me. That is enough. I will be safe as it is."

He paused, then added, "Besides, you do not want Draco to carry more than three people. It will be heavy for him."

Yvarra crossed her arms. "You and I know Draco can carry as many people as he wants."

Aeron smiled faintly. "Even so, just stay. I promise you I will return safely. Stay here, be safe, and keep an eye on the king for me. Especially him."

Ronan looked surprised. "King Rollo? Why should we? He is good. He is kind, actually. Friendly. Since we arrived, he has treated us well."

"I know all that," Aeron replied. "But something about him does not feel right to me. I have dealt with royals before, and for this king, there is just something about him. So, watch him carefully. I know you will do a good job at that." He turned to Yvarra as he spoke the last words.

Yvarra looked down sadly and then said, "Well... I will, if that is what you want."

"I know you will. Thank you," Aeron said softly.

Just then he noticed Nyella walking toward them. He gave Ronan and Yvarra a small nod, dismissing them. When Nyella reached him, she asked, "What was that about? I saw you strangely speaking to them. Do you care to tell me?"

Aeron shook his head slightly. "Nothing, really."

Nyella narrowed her eyes. "I know when something is on your mind."

Aeron leaned closer and lowered his voice. "It is about the king, but..."

He stopped as General Amber came out, fully ready. The general walked up to them and asked, "Are we set to leave?"

They both nodded. Together, they walked to Draco, climbed onto his back, and the dragon spread his wings. A moment later, they rose into the sky and flew off.