Page 40 of The Forgotten Throne

“Now that they don’t need to be in hiding there is much we dragons will have to face as our world has opened up to us once again. Rules will need to be established so we don’t fall into a trap like we have in the past.”

“Do you think any dragon will want to interact with us humans after what we’ve done?”

“Now that free will is brought back to the situation I think there will be more dragons bonding with people. The difference this time will be that they can be apart from each other and when one dies the other won’t suffer. There is far more freedom and choice in the partnership than there was previously.”

“Has it changed how things are between us?”

“No, what is done is done, but it will end with our generation. I’m not worried though you and I will have a long life together and we will get to see the fruit of our work for a few generations.”

I smiled at that, running a hand along Vasin’s neck as we flew over the vast dragon lands that changed from barren desert to lush green fields with rivers flowing through it. Vasin had told me it’s been hundreds of years since humans ventured this deep into the lands and knew that this thriving land existed, but it did my heart good to know the dragons hadn’t been suffering in their self-exile. I could only dream of what our world would be like to have dragons once again flying freely where they choose, once again becoming a common sight in our skies.

As we reached a large oasis Vasin began to circle letting out a roar that seemed to carry through the air for miles. Birds burst from the trees and brush around the water filling the sky with activity as a few of the dragons snapped them up for a snack as they landed. For this trip I asked our clan dragon riders to come with us, trusting them more to go on this specific venture than those of Sheca. We’d been through battle and come out the other side unscathed and it gave me confidence to have them at my back. I could also communicate with their dragons while I was still having a hard time doing so with those from Sheca. Once we all landed and dismounted, they approached me and Vasin freeing their partners to roam about as we prepared for Vasin’s call to be answered. Along with his physical call he’d reached out mentally as well summoning all those who were in the area to him.

It didn’t take long before they arrived in droves almost to the point of blocking out the sun with their massive wings. Dragons of all size and color came as called, making me wish that I had the ability to capture this moment forever in my mind. Never had I seen something so magnificent in my whole life as this one and I was excited that I got to share it with the important people in my life. Paxton let out a shrill whistle and waved at them excitedly, while Cole almost fell as he stumbled back from a purple dragon who swooped low and flapped its wings stuffing up the wind letting out a bugle of joy.

“This is craziness!” Dayson called out as he laughed, turning in a circle trying to see it all.

Ezzu leaped off of Zan’s shoulder and joined the throng of dragons only to return with a group of other small dragons playing in the air currents. Closing my eyes I tossed back my head and opened my arms wide as I felt the joy flowing off these dragons. It was almost too much to handle but then Vasin rested his head against my back as if to keep me upright, helping me stand tall in the torrent of emotion. One dragon let out a roar, and the others followed suit as they landed belting out their triumph at the oath being broken and a new more promising one put in its place.

“We did this, Cass. You and I changed the fate for all dragons. Breathe in this moment because you deserve every bit of it.”

Tears of joy rolled down my face as I heard his words, causing me to turn and wrap my arms around his snout, hugging his large head as tightly as I could. “Never has a human been blessed with a better pair-bond as I have. Without you in my corner this never would have happened, we deserve this moment because as you said without you this never would have happened,” I whispered, feeling the words needed to be said out loud.

“They wish to speak with you by having me translate for them.”

Nodding I stepped back and wiped away the remaining tears from my face and took a steadying breath. Ready to face a horde of dragons I turned and gasped as the open grassy area surrounding the oasis was filled with dragons all turned to face me. Then as if someone gave a signal, they all bowed their heads to Vasin and I, letting out a low croon that seemed to ripple through the masses. Once the sound died down, they raised their heads up to the sky and those that could shot fire into the sky engulfing us in its warmth and light. Just when I feared we might set the environment around on fire they ceased settling down into an easy relaxed stance.

“We welcome the Dragon Queen to our lands and show our respect and gratitude for freeing us. The dragons across the world owe you a debt that cannot be repaid in one human lifetime.” Their voices echoed through my mind as Vasin opened up communication between us.

“There is no debt to be repaid,” I assured them. “I did what was needed to make amends for the prison we put you in when you trusted the first of us. A pact of friendship between humans and dragons should never come with chains that bind you together into acts you are unwilling to do, true friendship needs to be given on both sides. You bless us with magic and your bravery but we did nothing in return to deserve it. I hope that this new oath will bring forth many bonds of true friendship and create a wonderful partnership for the rest of your lives if you choose to make that type of connection.”

“Your gentle and true heart speaks honestly and even though you say there is no debt, know that we will gladly assist you in this battle with the Lost King. He threatens our world as much as he does yours, we see the evil in his spirit and wish to bring it to an end. He was once bonded to a dragon but when his dragon wouldn’t do as he demanded he killed his pair-bond. We don’t know how he survived the ordeal but we would like the chance to avenge our fallen comrade.”

“I would be honored to have you fight by our side if that is what you wish to do. As I am bonded to Vasin, your leader, we will do all that we can to get you your revenge and you justly deserve in this matter,” I announced, placing a hand over my heart and bowing back to them. “I pray that this will be the beginning of a symbiotic relationship between our people. If there is ever a need that arises for your kind, know that we will be at your service in any way that we can.”

“Would you allow some of our flight to join you and your men? There are those among us that wish to be a part of this right alongside your guardians.”

I couldn’t keep the smile off my face at this request knowing that all of my guardians who didn’t have dragons would absolutely welcome them. “They would gladly accept a friendship with those who would like to return with us.”

“Until we speak again, be well, Queen Cassarah, friend and champion of dragons.” With another deafening roar they took flight leaving behind seven dragons to come back with us.

Grinning, I stepped forward to greet the dragons. “Welcome new friends, please allow me a moment to explain to the others what is going on and then I’ll leave you to pick your partner for your time with us.”

“What’s going on, Cassarah?” Izel asked as he came to stand beside me.

Spinning on my heel I face my guardians with a beaming smile. “These wonderful dragons would like to return with us to Sheca and work alongside us as we plan our attack against the Lost King. It would seem he once had a dragon he was bonded to that he killed and somehow yet managed to survive the event where no one has before him.”

“Wait, are you saying these dragons want to partner with us individually? As in bond with us like you and the others have with your dragons?” Cole questioned as he kept glancing over at the dragons behind me.

“It will slightly be different now with the new oath in place. They will pair off with you yes, but it will be up to the both of you if the bond is put into place. Even with the bond given it will still give both you and your dragon full autonomy from each other meaning they can come and go as they please. If the venom is given, the magic will be given as well but without the fear of killing each other if something should happen to one of you,” I explained, double-checking with Vasin to make sure I was explaining this right.

“Okay so what do we do now?” Abbott asked, looking a little worried.

Taking his hand in mine I lead him forward to the row of dragons. “You will get to experience a slightly different version of a dragon hatching. The seven of you who don’t have dragons line up and allow them a chance to get a feel for you. I knew the moment Vasin’s gaze landed on me that we were meant for each other, some knew even before they were hatched that they were a good match. Trust what your heart tells you because they don’t pick based on your appearance or mental prowess, they look at your soul.”

They did as I asked, lining up with some space between them and as I retreated back to Vasin and my other bonded guardians we watched. Cole was the first to be picked but I should have guessed at how the purple dragon acted towards him earlier. He stepped up to my best friend and shoved him with his large, scaled head knocking him to the ground and snuffled him all over making happy chirping noises. I tried not to laugh as Cole tried to get up but his dragon wasn’t having any of it and gripped him by the back of the shirt and dragged him out of the line.

“You have to be kidding me, this is the dragon that matches my soul!” Cole grumbled as he wriggled trying to free himself.