Dragon Lord Avess strode across the stony outcrop that jutted from his cavern home. Inside the mountain behind him was the home of the Drakku, the dragonkind of Rowyth. He’d been anticipating this meeting with the griffons of the southern lands for years, and now that it was here, nerves grew thin.

The griffons were a distant cousin to the dragons under his charge, though in truth, the griffons were technically under his leadership as well, even though they hadn’t been in formal communication for years. Not that there was any animosity between the cousins, but long-term peace within the world didn’t need the Drakku meeting often.

“Father, are you well? Can I get you something?”

It was Etain, his one and only child and heir to his title. He loved her more than anything. Which often meant he could be harsh.

“Etain, you were commanded to stay behind with the griffons. Are you with them now?”

“No father. But I

“You disobeyed me.”

He turned on her, standing at least twice as tall with wings that could wrap around them both. While in the meeting, he preferred to remain in human form as did the griffons. It helped so that no one was looming over the other. The griffons hated when the dragons did that.

Etain lowered her head. “But father. It was a break in the meeting. There were no discussions for me to learn from.”

“That’s why I’m the Dragon Lord and you are the little girl unfit to lead!”

“Father!”

Avess rose to his full height and extended his wings. Etain knew what that meant.

“If you were paying attention at all to what I’ve been trying to teach you, you’d know that a break in the formal meeting often leads to idle talk. It is during those moments when you learn the most from your enemy or in this case, our brethren. Do you think they will keep up their formal dialogue amongst themselves? You can learn a lot as they talk of drinks and family. Have you considered that maybe they are here to assert themselves as free of the Drakku? What do you think they’d talk about if they thought no one was listening? You wouldn’t know because you’re here with me instead of remaining where I commanded you.”

“I’m so sorry father. I only meant to assist you.”

“You’d do better if you remained inside with Grymryg. At least he’s there doing what needs to be done.”

Small puffs of smoke escaped her nostrils and Avess knew he’d gone too far. He hadn’t meant to get that angry with her, but she had to see why he did what he did and why he told her to do the things he wanted her to do. He understood sitting quietly while the negotiating partners spoke of dinner or other mundane things might be boring, but he needed eyes and ears to catch what they tried to hide from him while formally discussing the matters at hand.

Avess reached down and held her face in his hand. “Etain, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you like that. I get so protective of you and want the best for my daughter. You know I love you. I’d do anything for you.”

Small tears fell from her eyes. “I know father. Since mother died, I’ve wanted to help look after you like she did. You lead the Drakku and she made sure everything else was under control.”

“Your mother was an amazing dragon. You don’t have to try and be her. You need to be the best Etain you can possibly be.”

Etain turned to leave and Avess snorted. “Come here, I’m not done yet. Next to me.” He motioned with his arm and Etain sat next to him, snuggling under his extended wing.

The anger left his voice. “There will come a time when you will rule over the Drakku. Don’t pretend gaining your title means anything other than headaches. The sons and daughters of the other dragons will want their place as Dragon Lord, but it is yours to lose.”

“I will make you proud father. Your legacy will live on in me.”

A warm proud feeling came over him at her words. She could be petulant at times, but he knew deep down her heart was pure. She’d make a fine Dragon Lord.

“It is close to time for you to change. Are you ready?”

Etain shifted under his wing and stared up at him. “I think so father. Will it hurt?”

Avess laughed, smoke billowing out of his nostrils. “No dear, it won’t hurt. It’s different, like when you shed your scales, but it’s not painful in the least. You’ll gain an entirely different perspective on the world. The time comes soon, but do not change until you are told. Am I clear?”

She nodded. “Yes father.”

“It’s important the change is done right. When you’re in the company of humans, your other form will be more agreeable to them and they won’t fear you.”

“But why care? We’re much more powerful than they are.”

“Size does not equal power. Fear is not the answer. Knowledge and understanding go further.”

“My Lord, the griffons require your presence. They stir with anxiety.”

It was Grymryg, the son of the Onyx Dragon Lord. He was loyal and Avess hoped one day he’d be a fine warrior for Etain. He appeared in his dragon form, all black and sleek.

“Thank you Grymryg. Have they said anything of value while I’ve been gone?”

Grymryg seemed to mull over the question. “They talked of meade and the ‘tooth of the dragon,’ though I don’t know what that means.”

Avess laughed. “It means they got too drunk last night and they need a drink to overcome the pain in their heads! Have some brought in to the meeting. I’ll be there in a moment.”

“As you wish my Lord.” Grymryg glanced at Etain before he left. Avess swore he noticed a twinkle in the dragon’s eye.

“I think he likes you Etain.”

“Grymryg? No thank you. The Onyx dragons only want to usurp me. Now the Lapis dragons…”

“The Lapis? You’d rather find a mate amongst the water dwelling, ice-breathing dragons of the sea?”

He grinned, knowing he caught her off guard. “You do whatever your heart leads you to. I trust your judgement. But, if you change your mind, Grymryg would be an acceptable choice. He’s strong, he’s smart, he’s loyal…”

“To you, yeah! But to me? I have my doubts.”

“Fair enough. I won’t push you where you don’t want to go.”

He turned to go back into the cavern and in a bright flash, changed into his human form. Clad in a simple brown robe, a red beard tinged with gray adorning his face, and bright green eyes, he was ready for what was to come. He laughed to himself as he thought of the griffons. Were they ready for him?

Etain was at his heals, still in her dragon form. The time for change had yet to come, and she’d be in her Garnet dragon body a while longer. The griffons didn’t seem to worry too much that a few juvenile dragons remained at the meeting.

***

When the meeting concluded, Avess could barely think straight. The griffons twisted their conversation so much he wasn’t sure their agreement meant anything. Or if even they did come to an agreement!

They left on good terms, a round of mead drunk by all to seal the proceedings and make it official. Avess, still in his human form, retired to his room within the cavern, followed closely behind by Grymryg and Etain as well as two Magus from Tregaron. They were part of the meeting as objective observers.

“Lord Avess, well done sir. You handled their objections with such clarity and skill I doubt the Kull Naga would have stood a chance.”

Avess turned to the Magus, an older man he knew well. He was dressed in a red woolen robe with a black rope tied around his waist. He came from the tower in Fearglen and like the Garnet dragons, specialized in fire.

“Is that so Ildor? I like Ornas. He’s got his faults, but not too many. We’ve had our moments, sure, but not a bad one to have on your side.”

Ildor nodded. “Tis true my Lord. Kull Naga Ornas is a formidable figure, but I expect you’d more than hold your own with him.”

The other Magus was a novice named Gadlaf. He was a couple years younger than Etain and Avess wondered how he’d ever claim the title of Magus. Not once had he noticed a spark of life in the boy’s eyes.

“Etain, Grymryg, and…Gadlaf? Would you mind leaving Ildor and I alone?”

Etain looked as though she were to protest but Avess shot her a glare that said she should do otherwise. She turned and left with Grymryg and Gadlaf at her heels.

“She’s an intelligent dragon, but too often ruled by her emotions.”

“One day she’ll make a fine Dragon Lord. I have no doubt.”

Avess grinned. “I believe she will. Deavos help whoever stands in her way!”

Both men laughed. “Please, have a seat old friend.”

Ildor sat at the wooden table near the far wall, Avess across from him.

“Ildor, is it true? Has someone learned the gray-soul spell?”

Immediately the buoyancy of the room dissipated.

“I see you’ve heard the rumors as well. I won’t hide it from you friend.” Ildor leaned back in his chair, crossing his hands on the table.

“Two weeks ago, we discovered a gray-soul wandering in the forests south of Oakenvault. The little boy that first stumbled upon the creature, the poor soul, was soon relinquished of his life.”

Avess gasped. “Oh no. That’s terrible.”

Ildor nodded. “It was. I felt so bad for his parents. The Keeper from the Opal Tower soon found the culprit and sent word immediately of their discovery. We’ve been hunting for the Magus who cast the spell and have so far been unsuccessful in our efforts.”

Avess closed his eyes. If gray-souls were present, that meant one of the Drakku was dead and forced into the horrific service. When he opened his eyes, Ildor’s expression was that of pity.

“I fear if we don’t catch this Magus, we face a terrible calamity. The Drakku will need to be careful. I cannot stress the need enough. You know what it means.”

“I do. Thank you for telling me. How many within the Order know about this?”

“Not many. The Kull of course, all the Keepers, and maybe a few others. It wouldn’t be wise to share this information with all of them, then we’d alert the Magus we seek.”

A knock on the door interrupted them.

“Father? Father, we need you. I think the novice is in trouble.”

Ildor shook his head. “That boy. One of these days, I hope he grows up. I worry that he never will.”

Avess smiled and nodded. “I understand your sentiment. Thank you for the information. Stay in touch this time!”

Both men stood and while Ildor extended his hand, Avess hugged him instead. “Be well my friend. If you hear of any information about the Magus, please send word to me.”

“I will. Goodbye.”

Ildor left and grumbled about his novice when he entered the hall outside. Avess shook his head knowing full well the trouble Gadlaf was soon to be in.

“Etain, I need to be alone for a bit. I’ve had too much to think about today.”

“Yes father. I’ll make sure you aren’t disturbed.”

“Thank you my dear. Don’t rush into my position. Enjoy your life while you can.”

“Father?”

“It’s nothing. I’ll talk to you later.” Avess turned back to his quarters, closing the door behind him. When he did, he leaned against it, closing his eyes and running his hands through his long red hair. The griffons squabbling amongst themselves and now this. The Drakku might be in trouble if they don’t get themselves together. He’d have to make them do it. After all, he was the Dragon Lord.