Chapter 49: Peace talks

Sorix:

The barrier is down, which I take as an invitation to get inside. The guards don't want to let me in, but after a coin purse changes hands, I am allowed inside.

It never ceases to amaze me, how the elves have turned a forest into a town. The tree houses look like nests perched in the crowns of the powerful oak trees.

The paved roads underneath, are more for visitors, than for the elves. I have seen more than one elf walk on the wooden bridges, which connect the trees.

With a grin, I make it to the only inn in town. It is on the ground, and three stories high.

I can sense my dragon inside. Ever since he defeated me, I stopped hearing the voice of the Dread. Not even a deity can break an honor duel, it seems. And now... I am aimless.

Before, I knew that I had a purpose. To extinguish all life on the planet. Yet, now, I wonder why I ever thought it was a good idea. It is not like I hate the living, or that I hated my life, when the whispers began.

It is a funny thing, becoming a champion. I remember how it all began. Of me dabbling in necromancy, to try and resurrect my mother. Of the ritual failing to do anything but give me power, and a voice in my head.

Now that my mind is clearer, I can go and speak with the dragon, without coming off as a stalker. To be perfectly honest, I am a bit ashamed how I chased after him.

The entire group, minus the vampire, is having breakfast. The elf, who is sitting on the right side of the boy who champions the Elder Dryad, frowns as he sees me. Yet, he doesn't stand to leave, when I near them.

"I owe you a debt," I say to the dragon. Givontair's mate looks at me with distrustful eyes. "And I intend to repay it."

"Never mind that," Givontair waves me off. "Do you still hear the Dread?"

"No, the only voice in my head, is my own. About the things I said..." I bow my head, a blush spreading across my face. I sounded almost desperate, when I chased after the dragon.

"I know you weren't yourself," Givontair says. I blink at him. "I will not hold any of your words against you. You were lonely, and on a path that promised you only destruction."

"Why didn't you try to fight against the Dread's influence?" The boy asks.

"Oh, I did. The first 500 years," I admit. If I had simply held my sanity together longer, I might have been the one sitting by Givontair's side. "But eventually, the deities always get you."

"I don't want to serve the Elder Dryad," Erik says. I smile down at him.

"For you, the choice is clear. Either use your power, or don't. The Dryad is not as hell-bent about world domination, as it tries to make you believe. For, if there are no animals and no higher races, there won't be any need for the plants, either," I give the boy a reassuring smile. Then, I turn to the elf.

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"My apologies for disturbing your dead. If there is anything I can do, to make it right, just say so," the elf doesn't look moved by my words.

"There is something you could do," the dragon's mate says. I feel a slight pang of jealousy, when I see that he is by the albino's side. This could have been me.

Yes, I am not Givontair's soulmate, but I could have given him the world, regardless. It is not like a necromancer can even have a soulmate, unless they are still not too deep into the craft.

Nathaniel seems to notice my burning stare, for he clears his throat.

"We need help with bringing down Ajax the Bold," he says, and then looks me straight in the eyes. "I am a dragon slayer, so I will probably strike the finishing blow, but you can still tire him out."

"Let us say I do this. Will my sins be forgiven?" I ask him. He looks at the dragon with worry in his eyes.

"Only Pope Basil can give you absolution for the grave robbing," Givontair says. I run a hand over my face at that. The last thing I want, is to have to spurge for bribes. "I can arrange it. After Ajax is dead."

"And what will happen, after the big bad is slain? Who will take his role as the leader of the dragons?" I ask. Givontair doesn't seem bothered by the question.

"I think I can be accepted for the role, as long as I do enough damage. Still, we will need to wait for me to heal. My tail is still damaged," he says.

A part of me wants to speed his healing along. Another part of me doesn't want for Givontair to ever become the King of the dragons. What if, whatever made Ajax come off the deep end, muddies Givontair's mind as well?

"You didn't tell me you wanted to be king? What claim do you even have?" Nathaniel asks. I quirk an eyebrow at that. Huh, troubles in Paradise, much?

"Considering I am his son, I do believe that I have the right claim," I blink at the dragon's words. So, doesn't that make him a prince?

"I never heard that Ajax had a son?" I ask. Givontair smiles in such a way, that I want to hug the sadness away from him. Never have I ever seen a being this broken.

"I was born on the wrong side of the sheets. He didn't even bother raising me, once he figured out, I can become a soul eater. Who needs him, eh?" Nathaniel wraps his arm around the dragon, and pulls him close. I want to be the one who comforts Givontair. Yet, I know that my jealousy will just turn things worse for him.

"He missed out on a lot," I say, as Givontair snuggles closer to Nathaniel. "Any father would be proud, to know that their son can defeat a Dread Lord."

"And the father will be even prouder, when he finds out that the Dread Lord turned from an enemy, to an ally," Nathaniel says. The two of us share a look, and nod at each other.

Giv needs support for the hard times that are coming. I can't even begin to imagine, how it weighs on him that he needs to kill his own father. I know I would have never managed such a feet. 

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