CHAPTER 96: ZEIRATH [1]

It did not take long on Draco before they reached Zeirath. It was the first kingdom in the south. From afar, it looked like a small kingdom, but as they came closer, what they saw left them amazed. The people of Zeirath were great builders.

Their towers rose high into the sky, and their buildings were strong and beautiful. Even the homes of common people looked finer than many palaces Aeron had seen in the north. The streets were wide, the walls were firm, and everything about the place spoke of skill and order.

Aeron looked around in wonder. "I have not seen houses as beautiful as these," he said quietly to himself.

They circled above the kingdom on Draco, and soon their presence brought fear among the people. From every street, men, women, and children screamed and ran into their houses. The noise spread quickly through the city. People thought they were being attacked by some monster from the skies.

There were shouts from the market as merchants abandoned their stalls and scattered in all directions. Tables were overturned, goods forgotten, coins rolling across the stones. In moments, the busy city was almost empty. Doors slammed shut, and windows were sealed.

Draco kept flying in circles above the streets, with his wings spread wide, and his shadow covering roofs and towers. Aeron laughed loudly at the sight. "Look at that! They have never seen anything like him."

Nyella gave him a weird look. "You seem to enjoy frightening them. It is time to stop this. If you keep circling like that, they will think we truly came to destroy them."

Aeron grinned. "What can they possibly do to us? Look around you, Nyella. We have the upper hand here. Nothing can harm Draco in the sky."

Nyella crossed her arms and said firmly. "Do not be too sure of yourself. You forget that these people built such towers and walls as these. If they can raise stones like this, then do not doubt they can build weapons just as strong. Better to land in peace than to wait for them to attack."

What she said was reasonable. Aeron’s smile faded, and he gave a small nod. "Alright, you are right. Forgive me. We will go down."

Draco began to descend slowly as he lowered his wings. The soldiers and guards were already gathered below. Their spears and arrows all pointed upward, ready to strike.

The moment Draco landed on the open ground before the palace gates, Aeron, Nyella, and General Amber climbed down. But they found themselves quickly surrounded. Dozens of soldiers formed a circle around them, with weapons aimed at them.

Aeron raised his hands in front of him and spoke loudly. "Whoa, whoa, whoa... easy there. We come in peace. We are not your enemies."

The soldiers did not lower their weapons. One of them stepped forward and motioned with his spear for the strangers to move. They were being led toward the palace, still circled on every side by guards.

As they kept walking, Aeron said, "Can you at least tell us where you are taking us? Or do we keep going in silence like this?"

Nyella leaned closer and murmured to him, "Do not speak. Can you not see where we are heading? That tower before us must be the palace."

Aeron looked ahead and saw the tall structure kept quiet. They continued walking until they entered the palace gates and then a tall and beautiful tower. Inside, everything was bright and grand. The walls were carved with fine designs, and the floors shone as though polished with gold. Aeron, Nyella, and General Amber looked around in awe, almost forgetting that they were being led by armed guards.

Aeron whispered, "By the gods, this place looks like it was built by giants." Nyella glanced at him to keep quiet.

At that moment, just as they were about to enter a chamber, a man stepped out. He wore a fine robe that flowed to the ground and a crown of pure gold upon his head. His presence alone silenced the place. The guards immediately bowed before him.

The man looked at Aeron and the others and spoke in a strong voice. "Are these the ones who caused the uproar in my kingdom?"

The guards answered, "Yes, your majesty."

The king’s eyes narrowed as he studied them. "Who are you? And what creature is it that you have brought into my lands?"

Aeron smirked slightly and said, "Ah, so you must be the king. I can tell from the fine robe and that crown of yours..."

The king raised his hand and cut him off. His tone grew stern. "I asked a question. Who are you?"

Aeron glanced at Nyella, then at Amber, and quietly stepped aside. He motioned with his hand for General Amber to speak.

Amber took two steps forward and bowed slightly. "I greet you, your majesty, King of Zeirath. You may recognize this dress I wear." He pointed to the armor and cloak across his shoulder.

The king’s eyes studied him for a moment. Then he said, "Is that not the dress of the kingdom of Dorch? Far to the west?"

"It is as you say," Amber replied.

"Then tell me," the king said slowly, "what business does a man of Dorch have here in the south?"

Amber continued. "That is not all, your majesty." He then turned slightly and motioned toward Nyella. "Perhaps you will also recognize her dress too."

The king’s gaze shifted to Nyella. His eyes narrowed. "Wait... could it be? That is not from these lands. That fabric, yes, I know it. That is Ivarion make. And not just common wear... that is a royal garment."

Nyella bowed her head at once. "Your majesty."

The king’s face changed to surprise. "Does this mean... a royalty from Ivarion stands in my hall? And here also is a high-ranking general from Dorch?"

Amber nodded. "It is as you say, your majesty. Both kingdoms have come together to tell you about the weight of what we are about to face or rather, have faced once. A threat that no single kingdom can face alone. We come to ask not for pity, but for alliance. For if we fail to stand together, we will fall apart one by one.