Dragonborne - 6. Chapter 6

Merlin remained locked away in his study, troubled about the recent turn of events and the revelations that Morgana could be back. He was not surprised that she would return however, he did not think she would be back so soon. The barrier put in place was meant to last for at least another few decades, the last major conflicts and shifts of power may have had an unforeseen consequence. He stretched his wings and conjuring the image of Levi meditating peacefully. His pupil had come far in the last few months they have been together, alas though all the young drakes were progressing none were close to being prepared for the coming threat. He waved his hand releasing the image, there were too many pieces in play. With barely any unity among the clans and tension with the knights at all-time high things needed to change quickly or the fate of this kingdom would be nothing but darkness. He continued to sift through his thoughts looking for the missing pieces.

***  

“Navix!”

“Must you be so noisy, bursting into someone's chambers like you own the place? You are not setting the best example to those who wish to follow your lead.”

“I’ve no time for your games, you lied to me! You lied to all of us!” Hendrix shouted his anger barely kept in check.

Navix roused himself from his bed stepping out of the embrace of his more desirable company. He made no rush to clothed himself casually walking across his room, draping a cloak over himself. If Hendrix was bothered, he made no indication, but Navix did not care one way or the other.

“How exactly have I come to deceive you this time my righteous comrade?” he snickered as he filled his chalice with the wine.

“You informed us they had all been slain, that you dealt the final blow yourself. So why then is there one that lives?”

Navix narrowed his eyes at the man before him, his hands itching to summon his blade to his grasp.

“What exactly are you trying to accuse me of? Are you saying that I attempted to deceive the council and have the coalition disbanded under false pretenses?”

Hendrix couldn’t help but take a step back, the ominous aura flowing from Navix was almost palpable. It was at this moment that Sage came rushing in unaware of what he was walking into, but very much in a rush.

Navix eyed the boy with contempt as he shrank behind his master.

“Speak boy, I have better things I can be doing with my time.”

“I’ve been in the kingdom for an extended period on Master Hendrix’s orders and I have been enrolled in the upcoming joint sessions of knights and drakes. This new generation of drakes is unlike any that have come before. They are even considering the new crown could be among them. They are a cut above the rest and Merlin has returned even taking on an apprentice.”

A silent exchange between Hendrix and Sage confirmed there was much more that was left unsaid; however, this was neither the time nor place and was best saved for later consumption.

“The claims that the successor is among them was made by the black dragon himself and many are incline to believe and follow his vision.”

Sage scurried behind Hendrix as a chair was thrown across the room shattering upon impact.

“How can this be? Where is that boy, someone locate that useless boy and bring him to me.”

Sage looked at Master Hendrix expectantly. The last he knew Bastion was in their custody, but he hadn't been back in quite some time and was not yet caught up on current events.

Navix seemed to collect himself, running his hands through his dark hair before turning his attention back to the guest in his chambers. His imposing aura was still present and stifling to Sage.

“Hendrix, I say we continue our conversation at a later date, there are things I must attend to within my court it would seem and I have neither the time nor patience to deal with you. I bid you gentleman a good day.”

“You claim these new drakes to be rather extraordinary, what exactly are we dealing with?” Hendrix questioned as they returned to their chambers.

“There are three that are center stage at this time, Jin the red wyvern, Sune the water dragon, and the mysterious new apprentice we encountered.”

“Have the elders made their appearance yet?”

“From what I gathered outside of the elder Merlin; they have not made an official appearance but there are rumors they are set to be present at the closing ceremony. As these are only rumors, I cannot say with certainty they will be in attendance.”

“I want you to return to your duties back in the kingdom, along with the coalition force that was granted entrance. Your task is twofold, you must confirm the power of these young ones even if that means confronting them yourself. Also, before we can a move, we need to know who the players are.”

“Master, what are you asking?”

“I need you to confirm something about the cyan scales, our next move will depend on complete and accurate information there is absolutely no room for error in this task. Go and collect Bastion, a fool he may be but there is no doubt he is quite talented.”

***  

“Again!” Merlin commanded.

Merlin left his study to resume the sessions and keep a watchful eye on the growing drakes. There were also many others involved who are being pushed to the brink with Thade acting as another mentor. Everyone present knew firsthand just how fearsome the black dragon could be, but to see him outmatch everyone who stepped up to the challenge was something to behold.

Everyone came to a halt as a group of knights approached. Two of the knights stood out to Levi; both of which had been present the day his world turned around. Both of them kept a slight distance from the main group off to the side but present all the same.

“We holy knights are the ones who are going to be the ruling power once it is all said and done. Don’t worry I am sure you will make great house pets.”

The group silently chuckled as the loudmouth went on. He seemed to have a more robust physique than those around him but nothing special as far as the drakes were concerned. Jin stepped forward cracking his neck as he approached. He was getting bored anyway having his ass handed to him by the elder and was ready to let off some steam.

“What the hell?”

The group was blown back, scattered amongst the field. Everyone was in shock; this was expected from Jin and to a lesser degree maybe even Sune but no one was prepared for the cyan drake hovering above.

“Those who bark the loudest tend to lack the skill to fulfill those claims, power is composure. The proof of those with power is in their actions, not their words. Ready your weapons, as you are so inclined to make a name for yourselves.”

Levi readied himself, taking in a deep breath as the world around him came to an eerie calm. The group took several steps back leaving the would-be leader. Bastion and Sage looked on from a distance, both with the first-hand experience of what this young drake was capable of when they first met.

“I, Gillian of house Albion will not be made a fool of; I will make you regret this petty challenge” the knight bellowed as he summoned his weapon.

Levi charged at the knight and grabbed hold of his weapon before he could move to swing sending the boy flying with pure force. Gillian attempted to stand but his knees buckled as he steadied himself with his weapon.

“If that level of attack was enough to bring you to your knees, I would advise you to stay where you are that was your only warning, I won’t be held accountable for your wellbeing should you insist on continuing.”

Gillian couldn’t believe this was happening, his house was praised as one of the great houses; he could not stand the embarrassment. Jumping to his feet his blade vibrated as he charged the drake. The blade never made it to its intended target, in a flash the knight was disarmed, his weapon lay out of his reach as he was at the mercy of the drake.

“Be thankful I have a better disposition than some of the others here,” he glanced over at Jin before returning his attention to the boy. “I don’t believe the goal of having you knights present is to increase tensions further. In the future please mind your manners in the presence of our seniors,” Levi motioned in the direction of Merlin and Thade who observed the exchange from afar.

Jin cursed to himself as he watched it all unfold; this boy was getting to him again. Color him impressed, he smiled to himself as he let out a puff of steam as his blood ran hot.

Bastion and Sage looked on with the others. The boy had improved a great deal, somewhere in his core Bastion couldn’t help but see the drake in a new light and looked forward to what was to come.