Chapter Three

   We enter the room, all eyes turning towards us. I walk a straight path to the throne, sitting down in front of everyone. Flavius comes to a stop, standing next to me. The room is shrouded in silence, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear what I have to say.

     "In two days' time, I will be venturing to the Horde of Fates to gather allies for the oncoming war. During my absence, Norveig will act as Chieftain in my stead. Upon my return, we will ready the soldiers for battle," my voice booms through the room.

     A male with orange hair steps out from the crowd of dragons. He offers me a deep bow before daring to speak.

     "Chieftain, are you sure it is wise to leave so soon before a war? You have just taken over, leaving now could put everyone at risk," he says, concern evident in his voice.

     "There is no time to send an envoy, and considering we are showing up unannounced, it could be seen as insulting if I do not go myself. I trust that Norveig will be able to handle things in my place," I tell him.

     "I understand your reasoning, but still I worry. Please be sure to send word the moment you arrive in their territory, Chieftain," he says with a bow while backing away.

     "While I am away, I would like more groups to be sent out hunting since our resources are depleted. We will not have time to replenish them when the battle commences. Raud, I would like for you to be in charge of hunting," I say, calling a young red dragon forward.

     "It would be my honor Chieftain," he replies.

     "We also need to stock up on materials for weapons. Since we are facing a horde of unknown strength, we must be prepared for anything. Betsalel uses magical affinities, so we will need every advantage we can get," I remind them.

     "I will send a group to begin working at the Southfait mountain. Everything will be prepared for you by the time you return, Chieftain," one of the horde's blacksmiths says, stepping forward. I nod in reply.

     Next Caja, an older female, approaches me steadily. She bows, then lifts her head, meeting my gaze.

     "Chieftain, with war fast approaching, I am worried for those of us with young. During these dangerous times, the hatchlings could be at risk if they stay here. They will one day serve the horde as we do, and I fear losing them to battle," she says, her brown eyes shaking.

     As she speaks, Loki comes to mind. I cannot put him or any of the other hatchlings at risk. I pause, placing my hand on my chin while Caja waits for my response.

     "I have thought of a safe location for all the hatchlings to go until this war has settled. Those who have young, have your hatchlings waiting by the west entrance of the mountain and ready for departure by tomorrow morning. I will handle the matter of their protection personally," I assure her.

     "Thank you, Chieftain," she replies.

     I give a nod and watch as she returns to her spot.

     "If we have discussed everything, then I shall begin preparations right away," I say, beginning to stand up.

     However, I stop as Einar, one of the older members of the horde, steps forward. He offers me a bow, his long yellow hair swinging in his face.

     "Chieftain, I am aware of how dire our situation is. But I fear that you have failed to honor our traditions as our leader," he begins.

     "And how could I have possibly done that?" I asking raising a brow.

    "Since you have taken over the horde, we still have yet to have a burial ceremony for the late Chieftain Valdis," he says, peeking up at me through hooded eyes.

     "My father did not die honorably like past chieftains. Therefore, his body has been given as meat to the spitfires. We will not offer honor to those who choose to walk the path Valdis did. If you have a problem with how I run my horde, then feel free to challenge me, Einar," I snarl.

     "He was still a Chieftain, and tradition dictates that we should honor him for the time he served our horde," Einar challenges.

     I clench my teeth, stepping down from the throne. I walk steadily towards Einar. He stands firmly in front of me with a blank expression. I look up into his indifferent brown eyes. The room goes stiff as I unleash my dominant aura. Einar's body goes rigid, but he still stands firmly in front of me.

     He straightens his body, releasing his aura in an attempt to suppress me. My horde members stare on in disbelief at our silent battle. Einar's aura coils around me, trying to force submission. I take a deep breath, allowing my aura to run wild. Einar turns pale, staggering ever so slightly.

     "Valdis was a coward and a liar and under no circumstances will we honor him. Those who choose to do so will follow his fate. Do you understand me?" I seethe.

     A heavy silence weighs upon the room. Einar nods his head, taking a step back, not daring to challenge me further. My arms hang at my side, my fists clenched and my body shaking as I try to control my anger.

     "If that is all, then I will take my leave," I bellow.

     Turning towards Flavius, I signal him to follow me. He steps away from the throne, heading in my direction. I begin to walk through the room, ignoring my horde members standing in silence, their heads hanging low.

     I leave the throne room, slamming the doors behind me. Flavius runs up to me, grabbing my hand. Sparks run up my arm and I jerk. He lifts my hand, gently kissing my palm.

     I squeeze his hand, drawing in a deep breath. Once again, I lead Flavius through the labyrinth-like mountain until we reach my room. Entering my dwelling, I immediately drop my clothes.

     "Woah, what are you doing?" Flavius questions.

     "During the meeting, it came to my attention that the hatchlings had nowhere to go, thus putting them in danger. So we will be making a quick trip to Santar mountain," I explain.

     "What does Santar mountain have to do with the hatchlings?" he asks.

     "That is where my grandparents reside. I will be asking them to look after the hatchlings. I am certain they will agree given our situation, but I still want to visit them in advance," I breathe.

     "But isn't Santar mountain a little far from here? Are you sure there's enough time to make two trips there and back before we leave for the Horde of Fates?" he worries.

     "That is why we have to haul ass, so let us get going," I shout, clapping my hands together.

     I faze with a puff of violet fog. Shifting my body, I face Flavius, extending my wing.

     "Hurry, climb on," I instruct him.

     Flavius hurries onto my back, making his way to my head. Once he is comfortably seated, I leap out my window and take off into the sky. A warm breeze brushes over me as I begin my journey.

      Dusk sweeps over the sky as a warning for me to hurry. Wind whistles in my ears as I pick up my pace. Just as I begin to tire, the Santar mountains come into view. I pick up my pace, flying towards one of the many mountain entrances and make a swift landing in a cave, my talons dragging against the stone.

     With my feet firmly planted on the ground, I let Flavius off my back. Once Flavius is off me, I faze back and our eyes meet as he looks me over.

     With a sigh, he takes off his shirt handing it to me, "Next time, bring clothes," he reminds me.

     I chuckle, taking hold of the shirt and slipping it over my head.

     "I will never understand why humans are so strange about nudity," I comment, walking past Flavius.

     I glance back to make sure he is following and catch a glimpse of him shaking his head. He picks up his pace, soon matching mine. We walk deep into the dark stone cavern. I catch Flavius by the hand just as he stumbles, not used to the dark.

     My eyes close as light begins to fill the dark cave. I bring my arm forward, blocking the bright torch light.