A single act of kindness and our lives are changed forever... I stare at our newest additions rolling around in the snow: Storm, Sky and Meteor. Dragons. Who would have thought...

  “Something on your mind, Child?”

  “Do you think I am being stupid or selfish?”

  No response.

  “Emerald.” I nudge her lightly.

  “Who am I to judge you, Child. I am merely here to guard you.”

  “I hate it when you do that.” I look at her, resting next to me. “I know you have an opinion of your own...” I curl up again.

  “Even if – would it have stopped you? Would you have left them to suffer? Become someone’s play thing or lunch?”

  “Probably not.” I mutter...

  “Then I ask you again, Child, who am I to judge you, when you already know you cannot go against your instinct to help.”

  “But am I really helping or just meddling?”

  “If you had found three dead dragon hatchlings – how would you have felt then?”

  “Miserable.” I answer on reflex.

  “Then what other reason do you need?” Emerald swats at the Dragons as they try to climb on her muzzle and Meteor rolls away. Storm comes over to me and extends her neck towards me... I kind of get the feeling that she’s checking up on me when she does that. I scratch her under her jaw and she runs back to break up Sky and Meteor again.

  “A beautiful flower for a gorgeous lover.” A seductive low growl whispers next to me.

  “Where did you find this?” I take the beautiful deep, dark purple miniature flower with a single green leaf on its stem gently with my fingertips.

  “It was growing between two rocks with just the snow melted around it about an inch. I would have missed it too, but the color caught my eye. When I saw it - it reminded me of you.” Crile tells me softly, brushing my hair away from my face.

  “Fragile?” I give him a different look.

  “Willful.” He kisses me and disappears back into the shadows.

  “There you guys are! Oh my, what a pretty flower! Where did you find it?” Starlight sits down next to me and takes my hand into both of hers to get a better look.

  “I didn’t. Crile did.” I tell her and I see the smile change.

  “Sorry, Star, there was only one. I’ll get you the next one I find. Promise.” Crile creeps up on her from within her own shadow.

  “Sshi... COULD YOU NOT! You scared me!” She slaps him on the shoulder, curling up against me.

  “Nah. That’d be no fun.” He grins.

  “Big oaf.” Star kicks Crile off and storms off. Leaving the big oaf chuckling to himself.

  “Why do you tease her so? You know she hates it.” I tell him.

  “I know. But I have my reasons for it.”

  “And those would be?” I keep my eyes on the flower.

  “That’s a secret.”

  “I get the feeling you two are hiding something from me and I’m not sure I like it.” I pull my knees to me and pout. Meteor finally notices Crile and runs up to him, shrieking and flapping his wings. Crile picks his Dragon up, but the hatchling squirms around too much with joy and gets put down. Not that it stops the little guy. Meteor climbs on Crile’s back and nuzzles him, perched on his shoulder.

  “Nothing you need to worry about. I simply think she could afford to be a little bit more honest about her feelings. That’s why I tease her. So she doesn’t implode.” Crile gazes over into the horizon. “Besides – sometimes she just makes it too easy.” He grins again and I elbow him softly.

  “I’m simply afraid one day you’ll overdo it and she’ll really get mad...”

  “And leave you? You mean.” Crile finishes my thought for me. I sigh.

  “Relax. She won’t ever leave you. Neither will I. That’s probably the only thing the two of us have in common.”

  “What makes you so sure?” I tilt my head.

  “Call it... An Assassin's Instinct.”

  “Hilarious.” I roll my eyes.

  “He gives me another peck on the cheek. I should get back. The sooner we learn everything we need – the sooner we can go back.”

  “I hate babysitting. Makes me feel useless...” I pout.

  “You know what Max said – they need at least one of us with them. Star has her heals and I promised to take care of the heavy lifting, which apparently includes claw clipping too, besides the saddles...” He rolls up a sleeve and shows me the red streaks running along his arm.

  “I thought Dragons sharpened their claws on rocks?”

  “Adults. Teenagers learn from them. In our case we’re gonna have to file their claws a few times, before they learn to do it themselves.” Crile pulls his sleeve back down.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I intend to have my hard work rewarded later tonight in full.” He whispers the last words out onto my lips and seals in a kiss.

  We’ve already been here a few weeks and the end of learning is nowhere in sight. I sigh, rubbing my shoulders. Dragons might be able to heal their physical wounds the same way we do, but when it comes to other ailments – let's just say that hatchlings are too fragile. One wrong diagnosis and I could end up poising them with the wrong potion... If they manage to get sick at all that is. That’s the weirdest thing. Dragons don’t usually get sick, but there have been developmental problems noted that apparently, we should be aware off. Sometimes I think that Primerians just prefer to blow things out of proportion for no reason.

  Of course, I can’t complain really. Taking care of a Dragon is a major responsibility and the Tamer’s here are more than welcoming and eager to teach us. Of course, Max has already reserved the right to drop in on us and check on our Dragons whenever. I was against it. Kind of. I offered to send reports on a regular basis, but apparently nothing can beat out the good, old fashioned Primerian Curiosity.

  I open the door to my and Zarri’s room just to find Emerald curled up on the empty bed and Sky sleeping next to Storm in their basket. With a single flower in a cup by the Light Stone. I close the door behind me.

  “Wait. Single flower?” I walk over and set my pocket-sized Light Stone down and look at the flower again. A white, upside-down-bell-shaped blossom with a couple of tiny green leaves next to it, with a yellow tint shinning on them just barely. Or maybe that’s just the light playing on them...

  “What the?” I take the note left underneath the cup and open it. I recognize the handwriting instantly.

  “Pure – like you.” The note reads and I scoff with a smile. That big oaf...

  After three and a half weeks we finally are able to return. Of course, the journey back is no picknick since we can’t fly, so technically we return after four weeks-ish. Give or take. And Barrabus meets us in all of his glory, standing next to his horse, at our construction site the minute we emerge from the woods nearby.

  “YOU LOT! YOU! HAVE SOME NERVE!” He torrents down on us. “You have explaining to do!”

  “We will, but first we have business to take care of.” I answer him.

  “Oh no! Right now! You are going to march into that Palace and explain yourselves right now! I have been getting badgered by the Council this entire month!”

  “I thought Old Man Bell took care of things?” Crile asks, walking past Barrabus with Emerald next to him, carrying Star and the Dragons.

  “His highness is not as influential as he likes to think. I am the one who.”

  “That reminds me – how did you know when we were coming back?” I lean over him in my half form. The Robe looks away from me.

  “I see.” I smile and pick him up by the collar. “So, you have your spies stationed all over the place, but you can’t conjure up a network of Dragon Handlers to protect the beasts!” I growl at his face through my fangs.

  “That’s not my decision to make. This is for the Council to decide and they have decided that the Tamers are enough.”

  “THERE ARE BASTARDS KILLING DRAGONS LEFT AND RIGHT FOR PURE ENTERTAINMENT!!!” The sudden, never before witnessed outburst has me frozen in place. “HOW DO YOU THINK WE CAME ACROSS THESE!!!” Starlight approaches Barrabus covered in Dragons. “THEY DIDN’T JUST FALL OF A TREE!!!”

  Barrabus bites his tongue. I’ve seen that look before multiple times back home. I know what’s coming next.

  “Yes, well, perhaps that is a tragedy for some, but the Council is responsible for many problems that relate to the entire goodwill of Existara and cannot possibly obsess over a minor issue such as –” ... I knock him right in the teeth.

  “Minor. Issue. MINOR... Dragons are on the verge of extinction and you call that minor.” I tremble. I feel the rage surge and well up inside of me.

  “Where’s that damned council of yours at. Lead the way.” I pick him back up by his collar and hold him up for a few good feet before dropping him.

  “Looks like we’ll have to get back to you later.” Crile’s voice shouts to our Brigade and we walk back to the City with me leading Barrabus’s horse by the reins, as the old geezer curses us out.

  The guards at the Palace entrance try to stop us and subdue Emerald. I quickly solve the issue by grabbing Barrabus by the neck. He instantly lets me know just how foul of a move that was and I will be lucky if I make it out in one piece. I pay no attention to him and proceed toward the Great Hall, where, coincidentally the Council is having their weekly meeting. I push the doors wide open and all of us set inside. I nod to the King. Old Man Bell slowly acquires a morbidly curious grin on his face, leans forward in his chair and strokes his beard.

  “I understand you wish to speak to me.” I stand front row center, with Crile, Starlight, Emerald and the Dragons surrounding me, a step behind, facing the gigantic oval table that the old, senile geezers are seated at.

  “INSOLENCE! HOW DARE YOU BARGE IN HERE!”

  “GUARDS!”

  “Don’t bother.” Old Man cuts in.

  “Stay out of it!” A voice barks back. Now I understand what the Old Man meant by saying he didn’t count for much...

  “I’ll have you know that these are my special forces squad, tasked with recruiting Dragons for the fight at the next Rebirth.”

  “Say what now?” Crile whispers. That’s what the note meant.

  “We owe him, remember.” I answer with half of my lips. This is it.

  “Nonsense! The Tamers will never agree to it!”

  “And for a good reason!” I catch on. “They can’t trust you lot.”

  “I beg your pardon!” Another Robed Geezer stands up.

  “Can’t really blame them.” I walk over closer a few steps and stop. “You have done nothing to help them, so why should they help you. Even if you would get off your ancient asses and do something about the dragon killings now – it would take years before you would gain the Tamers’ trust and respect.”

  “Ahem.” A baritone rings behind me. Didn’t let that one detail slide, huh? Fine. I can take the hint.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “Are you even aware that the Dragon population has decreased almost in half within the last 35 years? And that is not only because of the killings, but because there are less Tamers to care for the Dragons too? All because of your idiotically persistent habit of secret keeping.” I feel the burning glare of the Old Man on my back. So I slipped up. Bite me. I carry on.

  “I fail to understand why there are no Tamers or Handlers here in the City to begin with. You have Dragon Riders for the Royalty to use as a fancy carriage in the sky for their little trips to nowhere, why not establish a Dragon Trail from the City to the Docks? I believe that would ease up on your transfers? Of course, Dragons can’t carry everything, but food and supplies should be doable, no?” I scan the looks. The wheels are turning, I see it. But none of them will admit to like the idea.

  “Preposterous. The Tamers will never agree to it.”

  “Did you ask them?” I question the voice I can’t see. “Have you ever offered them anything of value in return?”

  “Oi!” I hear a snap and a shriek behind me. I glance over my shoulder. Old Man has snuck up to befriend our Dragons.

  “Careful, your highness.” Star whispers.

  “Judging from your lack of arguments I assume you have not done anything remotely of the sort. So. How about you start now. We propose –”

  “Who are you to order us anything!” Hate it when the geezers jump ahead. I sigh. And begin circling the table. In my half form still.

  “As I was saying.” I continue. “We propose a partnership with the Tamers from the North. To start with – we suggest that a secondary base be established within the Royal City, not on the outskirts. It will be safer that way, not only for the Dragons, but for the Handlers as well. That is the correct term we wish to establish. Now, the Tamers would dispatch a team here to train the new Handlers in the arts of handling and caring for the Dragons.”

  “And who would be these Handlers that you speak of? You?” A geezer next to me mocks me and I grab his hood and pull him to me.

  “I strongly suggest you wait till the end of my proposal for any questions you may have.” I growl the words out, wait a moment longer and let go.

  “We highly recommend using Army Recruits as a starting point. Preferably those who are not afraid of animals and beasts. I imagine you think Hunters would be the ideal choice, however, let’s not limit ourselves. Eventually, you could expand and create more bases throughout Existara, creating an entire network. Not only creating job opportunities, that would eventually open up to the public as well, but benefiting from a faster communication system, as well as preserving the tradition of Dragon breeding. Just think of the possibilities you could expand on.”

  “And how will you account for criminals, trying to infiltrate the system?”

  “Beast Druids. We are trained in the arts of lie detection.”

  “In the Old Country maybe.”

  “I fail to see how it cannot be taught here?”

  “I fail to see how you do not understand the obvious – that there are no Masters here that can teach it.”

  “No reason why you cannot ask for assistance from the Old Country with that.” I feel like they are purposely denying everything just to spite me.

  “And who would bother with that exactly?”

  I try to contain the strong urge to roar. “I’m sure you could look into that and find out.” I’ll be damned if I’ll be revealing my identity. Of course, on one hand I understand that throwing my weight around could benefit me, but then again – that is the last thing I want.

  “In any case, the major point I am trying to make is that your methods are outdated and are in desperate need of improving or you will be the beginning of your own end.” I notice the slow eye-shut look on the Old Man’s face and realize my mistake. I admit – I do lack the patience when dealing with moronoids.

  “I fail to understand how Dragons can possibly be of use against the Rebirth.” Damn it. I have no answer. Clever way to deflect, I must say.

  “Dragons are potent with Mana and Magic. That is the only way they are able to survive within the cold and frost of the Northern Mountains as reptilian descend.” Starlight steps forward, having now thrown the babysitting off herself and onto Crile and Old Man Bell. I wink at her, thanking her for the nice save.

  “Their fire and flames are different from Magic cast by the Mages.”

  “That does not answer my question.” The same voice criticizes again and I manage to trace it back to the Robed Owner.

  “I was getting to that part, when you so rudely interrupted me.” Star holds her ground and head high. I glance over at Crile. His satisfied grin says it all. Now I see what he was talking about. I keep on circling the Table – memorizing faces. I must admit, that the Table possess quite the craftsmanship. Stone Plate, supported on several round stone legs, with the Map of Existara carved into dark wood with gold and metallic blue paint symbolizing water and borders, covered with a thick layer of glass.

  Starlight clears her throat lightly and continues.

  “It is believed from Ancient Times that Fire purifies Evil. That is why to this day we burn our deceased – to prevent Dark Magic from reviving the corpses. I’m sure that sophisticated scholars such as yourselves are familiar with how the Undead are made.” Star makes a statement – not a question. “The Flames of the Dragons can prove to be rather effective against –”

  “We already had an instance in our history when hunters and their pets have participated heavily in the attack against the Rebirth – it bore no fruit.”

  “Hunt Pets don’t breathe fire.” Crile steps up, leaving the Dragons with Emerald and the giggling King. “But that is not the issue, is it? You will simply deny anything and everything we can possibly offer you, for no other reason than being stubborn old fools.”

  “How dare you!”

  “Same way you do.” Crile crosses his arms on his chest, shrugging his shoulders.

  “Is Rebirth all you ever think about? Is that the “many problems for the good of the whole continent” you speak of?” I ask.

  “Of course! That is the only and sole reason the Army is functional!”

  “That is the only reason they are getting paid to begin with!”

  I slam my claws down on the table, scratching the glass surface.

  “ARE YOU KIDDING ME! EVEN IF THAT IS THE MAIN REASON – THOSE PEOPLE NEED TO BE ABLE TO CHOOSE FOR THEMSELVES WHETHER THEY WISH TO DIE OR NOT! NOT SIMPLY BE BOUGHT LIKE SLABS OF MEAT AT THE SLAUGHTER!”

  “WATCH YOUR TONE!”

  Bite me. “If your way of thinking wasn’t as frozen maybe you wouldn’t have so much difficulty understanding what we are trying to say!”

  “Turn off that Heated Tone of yours this instance or I'll have you thrown into a Cell! That will teach you!”

  “TRY ME!”

  “ENOUGH!” Old Man roars ruthlessly. “I believe we are done here, gentlemen.”

  “You have no right to dismiss our meeting.”

  “Fine. Then I’ll let her do it. Care to make a bet which will be faster – she or you? I’ll count to five. 1. I suggest you get to the door before she does.” Old Man Bell points to Emerald again with his thumb, over his shoulder.

  “2.”

  “Now that you've brought it up.” One of the Robes steps forward. “I'd like to know how the three of you got into possession of what I believe is the Royal Saber of Noxanda?” No. I freeze and hold my breath. Whispers fill the air around me.

  “Easy - she's the Greatest Warrior. The Saber is handed down to the Last One Standing. Have you ever heard of the 100 Day Trial? Of course not, you're too busy twiddling your thumbs.” Crile makes a stand in my place.

  “Preposterous. The Old Country has been in a time of Peace since, ages ago. There is no such a thing as the Greatest Warrior anymore.”

  “Of course there is. You're looking at her.” Old Man chips in too. “Noxanda's King was the Greatest Warrior - logic follows that only the next Great One should have the most dangerous weapon.”

  “And as far as memory serves - that King died a fool.” That's it! My spine sprouts fur and I jump across the table, grabbing the Robe by the throat. My jaw gapping, saliva dripping on his face.

  “You'll be wise to not disrespect our King.” Crile's shadow wraps around the Robe from behind, with his dagger underneath the geezer's jaw as well.

  “Cretins...” A single hiss.

  “I fought for my right to have that Saber. I earned that right. I trained and died for a hundred days straight while being starved to win that right. Ask yourself - would have managed to do the same?” I growl right into the Robe's miserable, wrinkled old mug for a face. It might have been my punishment, but if I had failed - Emerald would have gotten locked up indefinitely. If it weren't for Emerald - I would have never known and I would have never moved on my own. I might have inherited her, but only my actions could decide if I was worthy of keeping her... Mother was quite clear about that right before she slammed the cell door behind my back, leaving me to rot. I am the Heir - whether I want to be it or not. I did not realize just how much my actions influence the people around me. I was a fool to think that as long as I suffer alone - it makes it all ok. That is why I can never be free there.

  Over there - I am not allowed to make mistakes. Here - I can.

  “Any other questions?” Old Man Bell cuts into the frozen silence.

  “Have it your way. We knew that bringing in mutts of the street was a bad idea.” One of the geezers gestures the rest of them to leave. Guess that’s the Robe Supreme. Noted. I let the man in grasp go. Crile steps back too. Slowly.

  “3.” The Old Man continues to count. “3 and a half...” He opens one eye and waits for the last of the Robes to leave. “Not you.” Barrabus tries to sneak out with the crowd and flinches at the order given. The guards outside close the doors and I cancel my shift.

  “Well now you’ve done it.”

  “My apologies.” I bow.

  “Oh no, Beasty, not that.” He waves me off. “I mean, yes, they will be a pain to handle, but give them time and they will warm up to the idea.”

  “Give them enough time and they will probably present it as their own.” Crile chips in.

  “Ha! He knows how Robes think. I like it. Anyways, beyond the point. Tell me – the Dragon Cradle – how is it? I always wanted to see it for myself!” The King’s eyes sparkle at me, like a child's.

  “Is that what’s it called?” I ask, parking myself on the edge of the Table.

  “In old times – yes.” Barrabus confirms.

  “Right, now that you reminded me of your existence again.” Crile walks over to the Robe. “Tell me, what happened do that lead we delivered to you?”

  “What lead?”

  “The Thug that we chased to where we found the Dragon Hatchlings. He confessed being associated with some of the Raiders, or was it Poachers? Hunters?” Crile gets a bit confused.

  “Whichever one of the groups – chances are they are related to each other anyways. We need to shake out more information from him, or get our hands on the notes that the other officers have made from his confession.” Crile explains.

  “Pardon?”

  “You do know what I am talking about?” Crile pressures the Robe and I get off the Table and walk over to Barrabus.

  “Ah, yes, well, about that... You see, we have a Fair Justice system here and, well, most of first-time offenders are, no, I mean, can be bought out...” Barrabus leans back away from me and studders at the end.

  “Let me get this straight, not only are you saying that you might have lost our one and only lead to protecting the Dragons by catching these bastards, but you also tell me that ANY OF THE BASTARDS WE CAUGHT CAN BE OUT ON THE LOOSE AGAIN BECAUSE YOU VALUE GOLD AND MONEY MORE THAN THE SAFETY OF YOUR PEOPLE!” I thunder down and raise the clearly scared Cornutese to my eye level.

  “WHAT ARE WE! ROYAL HOUNDS! WE CATCH THEM AND YOU SET THEM FREE FOR US TO FETCH AGAIN!” I glare at the frightened man.

  “Ay, Barrabus, I keep telling ya to get rid of that silly system. There is no such thing as one time offender. Once is all it takes!” Old Man scowls behind me.

  “Yes well, I, we, it’s not my decision to make!”

  “THEN WHOSE!” I lose it and shake him. It takes Crile's both hands and his gaze to convince me to let the man go.

  “Let me guess – the Council’s.” Crile pries my hands of the Robe and holds them.

  Barrabus does not answer.

  “Great. Perfect.” I roll my eyes at the disgusting thought.

  “It gets worse.” Crile tightens his grip on my hands. “This means the group we are dealing with is an organization that can afford not only to recruit whomever, but also to buy them out after capture.” Crile gently lets go of my hands.

  “Oh...” I sigh and run my hands through my hair.

  “Alright. Explain it to me how can we begin to make the wheels turn to protect the Dragons.” I look back at Barrabus.

  “You can’t. There is no such a system, nor there is a request, not to mention the need.”

  “What if there was.” Old Man cuts in. “What if the Tamers issue the request and the need.”

  “It won’t work.” Barrabus shakes his head. “It will simply be lost along the rest of requests at the Guild. You’d need an Audience with the Council, or a Public Statement at the least.”

  “What if we can make it happen.” I look my team over. “We have backing at the Cradle now – we can do this.”

  “How many Tamers do you need do make a dent in that Geezer Circus?” Crile catches on.

  “20 at the bare minimum? If not 40 or 50?” Barrabus thinks it over.

  “20 we can manage.”

  “20 Dragons.” Crile smiles at me.

  “Even better.” I smile too.

  “There you go. Looks like you have a new lead.” Old Man smiles, stroking his beard.

  “That won’t be enough.” Starlight finally joins in too. “Based on what we’ve seen here today – even if we manage to pull of an Audience – they will never issue a task force.”

  “No. But we can recruit that later, after we make our statement.”

  “What makes you think people will want to join?” Star questions me.

  “Who wouldn’t want a chance to ride a Dragon? Let alone handle one?”

  “We’re about to have a hella lot of trouble on our heads, aren’t we?” Star sighs.

  “I know, right! Sounds like the fun is finally about to begin!” Crile gives us a goofy grin.

  "You'll be the center of attention again, Za, Breeze." Star tells me.

  "Maybe not. Like I said before - all we have to do is set the gears in motion and provide an example the people never realized they had the option to choose from."

  "Tell me Beasty, why the trouble?" Old Man asks, petting Emerald.

  "Because these bastards are worst than a plague. These bastards are just glorified prison guards brainwashing people - I only have so many options what to do. Kill them off, start a Civil War or."

  "Or - make the Public realize they do have choices and let them decide for themselves what they wish to do with it all." Crile finishes for me.

  "And by then the gears will have caught up in enough motion to keep moving by themselves and you won't have to do anything." Old Man catches on again. I nod.

  "Ha! That makes you sound like some kind of a Fighter for Justice!"

  "There is a difference between making the wrong decisions yourself and being thrown into them by someone else. Existara seems like the Promised Land till you get a closer look. All this is - is nothing more than a Beautiful Nightmare. My goal is not to divide and conquer - just be the wake up call..."

  After we diss the Council a bit more and describe the Dragon Cradle in explicit detail to the Old King – we get back to our rooms to strategize further. Luckily for us, Max did leave us a Lector Stone as a parting gift and as a quicker way of getting in touch in case there’d be an emergency with the Dragons. I especially am happy about this line of communication, as it means I won’t have to fly back to the Base by myself.

  With Max’s help we quickly hatch a plan and set it in motion. A few days later 30 Dragons and 20 Tamers show up. The entrance is grand and definitely not lacking in dramatic flair.

  The Dragons cover the sky above the City and land in the Main Square and on top of the surrounding buildings. The entire City life stops to a screeching halt. The Tamers put on a performance worthy of a standing ovation. They get the Public on their side within minutes of Max’s speech. After a good 15-minutes more the Council is left with no choice, but to accept the plead and issue and official statement on the spot that from this day on – Dragons are a Protected Species and anyone who dares to harm them shall be executed.

  Whether or not that “Grand Order” will remain in effects is yet to be seen, but the first move has been made and we managed to stay out of it. Well. Kind of.

  Since we so heroically saved three young, helpless Dragon hatchlings – I had Barrabus specifically choose us three as the representatives of the new Handler Guild, established together in cooperation with the Tamers.

  It seemed like the logical choice, since we already have gained some of the Tamers’ trust and respect during our stay. Which was evident from how the Tamers cheered when Barrabus presented us.

  That – shut the Council up.