Caden smiled so broadly that his eyes nearly shut. But then Raziel and Iolaire’s head snapped up to look towards the mountain that housed Raziel’s lair, and he supposed, Iolaire’s lair now, too. Caden spun around. At first, all he saw was the mountain as clouds passed over it, but then shapes--draconid shapes--started emerging from the mountain and clouds.
Caden began to count, “One… two… three… four… five… six… seven! That’s all of them! All of the Dragons! Holy cow! Mephous is in the lead!”
Caden couldn’t help the raucous laughter that left him. He was still flying so when he curled into a ball, he spun head over feet. Iolaire nosed him to stop his rolling. Caden wiped the tears of amazement from his eyes. It was the third or fourth time he’d cried in such a short space of time, but he didn’t care. This all warranted it. Even as he dried his eyes, the seven shapes were not only still in the air, but they were larger. The Dragons were really there!
“But how? How are they here?” Caden wondered.
The fools yet… Raziel shook its huge head, red eyes wide with wonder.
All seven Dragons hovered above them before landing heavily all around. Mephous was nearest. Caden flew right over to the Green Dragon and reached to embrace its snout. Its eyes widened and Caden lifted his eyebrows.
“No hug? Just a little one?” Caden wiggled his fingers.
Mephous reached with one huge clawed finger and gently rubbed Caden’s cheek while chuckling low.
I am here for battle, not hugs, little dragon, Mephous said.
“You know about that nickname, huh? Cool!” Caden hugged the huge finger.
His gaze swept over to Scylla next. The glittering blue of its scales was like water condensed to a solid. Scylla smiled at him even as its tail swept majestically. He flew to Scylla. Esme’s Spirit allowed the hug.
“Scylla! You’re here! You’ve no idea… thank you!” Caden said.
We heard the call of King Valerius and came, Scylla said.
“Valerius! Is he all right? Is he--”
He is well, but weak. He needs Raziel back as do all our bonded ones, Scylla explained.
Caden let out a whoosh of breath knowing that Valerius was okay. Weak, but still okay. That was something. He saw Eldoron’s glittering golden head rising up over Scylla’s shoulder.
“Eldoron! Oh, I couldn’t forget you! Look at how magnificent you are!” Caden enthused.
Battles are always messy, but I agreed to come. The others can’t do this without me, Eldoron told him.
Caden flew over to the massive Golden Dragon who posed and preened for him. Caden admired Eldoron and clapped at which Eldoron bowed. Then Caden kissed its snout, which had Eldoron blushing. Caden couldn’t help laughing.
Then it was Lana’s turn. As playful as Kaila, Lana snuck under Eldoron’s wing then muscled the Golden Dragon out of the way to get Caden’s attention.
“Lana! How are you? Wow! Look at the sun on those scales! So gorgeous. But you deserve a sparkling ocean, not this crater,” Caden said as he caressed Lana’s head.
Lana nodded. This place is suffering, but we will end that by ending the Behemoth.
It was Evren who spoke next, It seems like the battle already began. I see much blood and it is not yours, Raziel’s or Iolaire’s.
“No, both Raziel and Iolaire fought like demons,” Caden said.
Fought like Dragons, Zephyra countered. Jahara’s magnificent Dragon Spirit smiled at him. And I see that you played quite the role, little dragon.
“I couldn’t really do anything except distract the Behemoth,” Caden admitted, his throat getting tight as he remembered his helplessness.
Zephyra and Evren nuzzled him gently.
You were brave as always and led the way, Zephyra said.
Besides, the Behemoth’s destruction is our duty, Xipil said.
The Red Dragon had kept its distance. Caden slowly approached it.
