It was Mei who figured out that using the mirror in the throne room would get us here fast enough, Evren said, shaking its silver scaled body.
Caden stopped before Xipil. Like Mephous, the Red Dragon was the most unapproachable, but Mephous seemed to have warmed to him. Xipil regarded him steadily.
“You agreed to come,” Caden said, “thank you.”
Xipil inclined its red head. We are stronger together than apart. This is the only way.
“So you know…” Caden swallowed, “that you’re not alone?”
Xipil went very still and a faint look of amusement crossed that draconid face after a brief moment. You would have us all do a group hug.
“Uhm, are you down for that?” Caden lifted his shoulders.
Xipil tipped its head back and laughed, which was a dark, throaty sound. Then Xipil inclined its head so that he could give it a brief kiss before retreating back to Raziel and Iolaire. Raziel was regarding all the other Dragons with something akin to shock. Iolaire twittered and cuddled against the large black chest. All the Dragons regarded them.
We have come to have you lead us into battle again, Raziel, Zephyra intoned and bowed its head.
The others slowly followed suit with Xipil and Mephous bowing last, but definitely bowing. Iolaire twittered in awe. There was this exchange of power. Caden felt the blast of it from all of the dragons to Raziel. Raziel’s wings suddenly spread to the sides and Caden gasped as they were healed.
First among equals, Caden thought.
The Black Dragon rose up. Let us end this.
Battle!
“You’re healed, Raziel! And you’re stronger?” Caden hadn’t meant to make that sound like a question, but it was.
I am stronger. Raziel turned its head this way and that as if feeling that strength. My fellow Dragons are with me. My mate is with me.
Iolaire twittered and held its head up proudly. It was the mate of the Black Dragon. The mightiest Dragon. That made it mighty too.
“You’ve always been mighty, Iolaire. You resisted the Behemoth. You didn’t give in,” Caden said.
More proud twittering and a snort of frost of happiness.
Caden, you should return to my lair and rejoin your body, Raziel commanded as it stretched newly recovered wings to either side.
“I… I need to see this!” Caden objected, flying straight up in the air to be even with Raziel’s massive head.
Foolish little dragon, have you not seen enough? We will return to you and share all that occurred once it is done, Raziel told him indulgently.
“But what if you need me?!” The moment those words left Caden’s lips he felt a fool. When Raziel and Iolaire were alone there was great danger. He could offer something. A distraction. But with all nine Dragons? They didn’t need his help at all. “I mean… probably not, but still…”
You protected Iolaire and I, little dragon. We will never forget that, Raziel told him and Caden’s throat felt tight.
“You’re making me cry again!” Caden wiped away the tears. “I hardly did anything.”
We should call you ‘little waterfall’ then! Eldoron cried happily. Little waterfall! Little waterfall! The Golden Dragon sang.
Do not underestimate the power of water, Eldoron, Scylla said dryly.
Indeed! Lana nodded. We will drown the Behemoth! We will boil him in a great sea. You will witness it!
“Now, see, Raziel, I’ve got to witness the Behemoth drown!” Caden cried.
Raziel closed its red eyes and chuckled. Iolaire nuzzled Caden’s chest but then gently pushed him towards the mountain.
“Iolaire! You should have my back here!” Caden frowned.
