She’s still alive! Valerius thought with a hope so strong it felt like it might burst out of him.
Iolaire did not land, but instead lowered itself to a distance where it could scoop Chione up from the bridge, a silver blanket wrapped around her. The Dragon Kings and Queens all stood up. Illarion offered Esme a hand up, which she accepted after a moment’s surprised hesitation. They called out his and Caden’s names.
“We’re taking her to the sun!” Valerius called in an explanation.
There were nods and calls of agreement and luck. Then they were flying to the east as fast as the White Dragon’s wings could take them.
Earlier...
Raziel circled the unconscious Dragons on the ground. Had the red one stirred? What about the orange or purple? Was that a flash of white out of the corner of Raziel’s eye? No. Iolaire was the only--the one and only--White Dragon and was safe in their lair, which Raziel wished to be. The Behemoth was gone. These Dragons were gone. Iolaire curled against its chest and beneath its wings. Iolaire’s purring vibrating through its body and filling its ears. Valerius’ mind and body and soul there, too. And Caden’s as well. Their family would be complete then.
But no.
They had to wait.
Mephous flew close to Raziel, their wing tips nearly touching. Raziel’s head snapped towards the Green Dragon. While Iolaire could come so near, Mephous could not. The Green Dragon blinked lazily at Raziel as if in affection. Raziel blinked back in confusion.
You do not know, but I saved your Valerius. Not once, but many times, Mephous slithered out.
Raziel narrowed its eyes. As if Valerius and I have not saved you and Illarion enough times?
It’s true, Zephyra said as the iridescent Purple Dragon flew near. Illarion and Mephous were as good as their word to you, king of kings.
Valerius and Illarion are becoming friends! Lana enthused as the Turquoise Dragon flew beneath Raziel, flipping onto its back to look up at Raziel’s great form.
I threatened them with death if they did not keep Valerius safe, Raziel muttered, but was a little surprised and maybe something more.
Your Valerius was brave when he was alone, Mephous said, surprising Raziel further. He would not give up through pain or threat of death. He trusted us. He made Illarion… Here the Green Dragon paused and a strange emotion rippled across the green scaly face, believe in himself again.
Hard to admit, Scylla rumbled, but true. Illarion acted heroically.
Heroes normally die, Xipil remarked, its flame-like body darting across Raziel’s flight path, but not near enough to get in the way, only enough to cause the air current to bob. But Illarion did not appear to care about that.
And you did not either, Evren, a silver shadow, glided above Raziel. It was you and Mei who told us to go to the throne room and what could be done to end the Behemoth and save everyone.
Xipil tossed its antlered head, but there was a gleam of pride in those dark eyes. Only because Mei would have died and I would have been enslaved if I did not. That is the only time to be a hero. When you have no other choice.
No, no, you did it because you love us! Lana flew circles around Xipil who gave the Turquoise Dragon an affronted look. I bet you still have the charm that Iolaire made you in your lair!
Despite Xipil’s red coloring, Raziel could have sworn the Red Dragon blushed.
I’m right! Aren’t I right, Eldoron? Lana asked the Gold Dragon.
Eldoron was flying a little ahead of them, preening in the sunlight, wanting them all to see its fine golden scales. It lazily turned its head as if it had not noticed that they were anywhere near it.
Oh, what? I wasn’t listening, Eldoron remarked.
Lana dive bombed the Golden Dragon, causing Eldoron to let out a screech of surprise and annoyance before flying away. Lana! You made me appear foolish and--
You were still beautiful even when you nearly fell from the sky, Eldoron, Zephyra chuckled.
Well… I suppose that’s true. I gave you all a sight to see, Eldoron responded still sniffily but slightly mollified.
I thought I was looking at the sun, Evren began, but it was just your big butt in my way.
Evren?! My butt is not big! Eldoron cried, aghast.
The other Dragons laughed, even Raziel chuckled smokily. Eldoron was so easy to rile up.
