16

 

It took the better part of a week, but eventually, the king’s forces left the area, leaving an enormous swath of flattened grass and minor destruction behind. Anesko refused to lower the barrier until he knew for certain the army was gone, so Maren and Katori used their magic to see beyond the walls. They confirmed the enemy was indeed gone, and the barrier was removed.

The same day, a group of cloaked riders arrived, stirring up rumors around the school. It turned out to be the Assembly members, and surprisingly, Risod was among them. Maren and I joined Anesko for a meeting with them in the library, as there wasn’t enough room in his chambers for all of us.

“I am glad to see that Risod is safe,” I said, looking at her with concern. She was obviously exhausted, but her tired expression did little to mute her fierceness. She nodded her head in thanks.

“I am confused how you found her, though, considering you did not follow me to where the slayers held her captive.” I kept my tone friendly and tried not to make the words sound like an accusation. Had they shown up, things would have gone much differently.

“I am sorry for deceiving you,” Nemryth said. “I wanted to be sure you were not unknowingly leading us into a trap, and we waited to make our appearance. When we did, there was nothing but corpses waiting for us.”

“The work of Erling’s sorcerer, who is also his brother. Your aid would have been helpful, but I understand why you chose not to make your presence known immediately.”

“I trust you have no ill feelings toward us?” she asked.

“No. Things worked out in the end. As well as can be expected, anyway.”

Anesko cleared his throat. “Were you able to eliminate the rest of the dragon slayers?”

“As far as we know,” Nemryth replied. “There weren’t many left based on my count, but if any escaped, it would have only been one or two of them.”

“Good. I am glad to be rid of at least one problem.” Anesko leaned back against his chair and rubbed his temples.

“That is the reason we have come here. The more I consider their random appearance, the more I cannot believe that they came here accidentally. We must consider the possibility that they were scouts from a larger force. That, or they were sent here to find us specifically.”

“What do you mean?” Anesko asked. “They knew who you are?”

“Risod said they interrogated her endlessly, wanting to know where the temple was, among other things. She is strong and told them nothing, but to answer your question, yes, they seemed to know who the Assembly was.”

“I don’t mean to sound rude, but how is that our problem?”

Nemryth’s expression turned into a scowl for only a moment before she composed herself.

“If more of them come, then it will be your problem because they will hunt your dragons. The Order is already on the brink of disaster, and if the Order falls, all of dragon kind will be in danger.”

Silence followed, and I heaved a sigh before speaking.

“The wild dragons are still here. Perhaps they have changed their mind about leaving.”

“They haven’t,” Anesko said. “I spoke with Getarros this morning. They will be gone before the day is over. We cannot rely on them.”

I had hoped they would stay, but I was not surprised. Dragons were stubborn creatures.

“If I may be so bold as to ask, will the Assembly support us when the king resumes his war?” I asked.

Anesko snapped his head around to look at me, his eyes wide with shock. I wasn’t trying to step on his toes, but I wanted to know. After all I had done for them, it was the least they could do.

Nemryth smiled at me.

“Ages ago, we agreed to let our kind bond with yours. For a long time, I was disappointed in our decision, thinking that men were selfish and undeserving of the bond, yet I have come to see that is not true of all of you. The Assembly will support the Order, even in war.”

“Thank you,” Anesko said, bowing his head. “With our combined efforts, I have hope we will prevail against our enemies, wherever they come from.”

“With that said, I have a request.”

“Speak it.”

“The Assembly has decided to be part of this world. We ask that you allow us to live here at the Citadel with you. It is long overdue for us to leave our temple.”

“Granted,” Anesko said without hesitation.

“Thank you. This is a new beginning.”

 

 

 

I considered Anesko’s words as I stood on the ramparts of the wall. They struck a chord within me, and I knew they rang truer than any of us could yet realize. With the Assembly on our side, I was just as confident as Anesko that we could overcome any adversity. Perhaps that would eventually convince Getarros and the other wild dragons to change course and join the Order. Or perhaps we would find more dragons among the black-market traders. Or, to be even more hopeful, perhaps those who had previously provided dragons to the school would soon do so again.

Only time would reveal the next twist on our path, but I was determined to march forward with optimistic steps. I took a deep breath and stared into the distance, filled with a sense of hope and conviction. I was ready to fight for our future, and I would go to the ends of the world if I had to.

Whatever it takes, Sion said.

Whatever it takes, I replied.

 

 

THE END