Zander stood before Siergen, shoulders squared and posture rigid, but the strain in his jaw revealed the storm beneath his skin. “How may I be of service, my friend?”
Siergen’s golden eyes, usually laced with ageless fury and solemn weight, softened—just barely—as they met Zander’s.You must take the mantle of leadership until Dorian can claim the throne.
Zander’s brows pinched together, his voice low. “Even if my father lives?”
If he lives,Siergen said,he will no longer have the capacity to rule.
Zander stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “Why would you say that?”
Siergen lowered his massive head just enough for his breath to stir the grass between them.Emlem’s bond with Eldarn has severed.
Zander reeled back a step as if struck. “No…”
If he lives,Siergen continued, his voice a growl of sorrow and knowing,he will be severely weakened. He will no longer possess the strength to rule… or ride.
The pain that flashed through Zander’s eyes was as sharp as any blade. He opened his mouth, then closed it, his breath catching.
“Eldarn severed the link?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.
No,Siergen replied,Emlem did. He was connected to his dragon, feeding off Eldarn’s strength to stay alive. He cut that link so Eldarn would no longer feel the pain.
Zander exhaled hard, Dark Fire flickering faintly in his irises before it died away. He stared off toward the sea, then closed his eyes.
“Dorian will be a strong king,” he said finally, voice firm but quiet. “I hope Emlem lives long enough to see his legacy.”
As do I,Siergen said, the ache of a thousand battles in his tone.But in the meantime, you must take responsibility for the throne.
Zander turned back to face him fully.
My brethren are divided,Siergen continued.Many have riders who believe Theron would make a better king. I am not one of them, but I will not ignore their opinion. I have been wrong before.
Silence settled between them like a drawn breath, as dozens of dragons watched in stillness—waiting for their prince to choose who he would be.
Coldrath’s massive form prowled forward from the outer line of dragons, his red scales dull in the moonlight.Theron has stepped up while Dorian abandoned us,he said, his voice cold and smooth like frost on steel.Foran refuses our call. He is obviously enthralled by his rider and ignoring you.
Siergen turned, and I felt his voice thunder through my mind again, he wasn’t restricting his words to dragons alone. I was grateful to be included in the link, but I assumed he wanted me to know what was transpiring.
I have met with Foran on several occasions,Siergen replied, his tone level but sharp enough to draw blood.It is unsafe for the horde for him to communicate telepathically. Do not ask me to explain further. You know I do not lie.
Coldrath hesitated, then flicked his gaze to Zander with something that burned of resentment.You favor this human even though he is not your rider. One wonders if you knew he belonged to Hein. You have always deferred to your clutchmate’s chosen.
Siergen’s lips peeled back slowly, fangs bared in a silent, menacing snarl.I have not deferred to him because he is Kaelith’s chosen. I have groomed him to be my successor.
Coldrath recoiled half a step, the tension palpable in his scaled body, but the anger remained in the set of his wings. His golden eyes flicked to Zander again, and a flash of shame crossed them.I was unaware you had entered the reclaiming.
I am quite healthy Coldrath but it takes time to groom a successor and you have forgotten we are in mixed company.
Coldrath glanced at Zander.My apologies, my king.
This is not about apologies,Siergen said, stepping forward with regal fury rolling off him in waves.It is about truth. I am simply putting the needs of my horde first. If you or any other believe I am wrong, or that Hein is unworthy of carrying our strength, I open the floor to combat.
His gaze swept the gathering.
Any who believe they are strong enough to take Hein in a fight, step forward now.
The clearing fell into deathly silence. Dragons shifted uneasily, some lowering their heads. No one moved. No one spoke.
Not even Coldrath.
