DragonBound (Complete First Draft)

Chapter 16

Rioan was aware of his father. The famed, greatest serfi ever to live. The serfi of the dragon king, the dragon of embered scales. The madman that explored his fanatical passion for magic through human experimentation. The criminal mutilated so many innocents under the empire's nose. The reason why Seira Revendell, his mother, was dead.

"I didn't expect to meet you, as the representative of Melvidan." Sure, there was peace between the Melvidan and the Redigalian people. But it was taught and frayed, each serfi born in either of the nations bringing war even closer. And of course the both of them were of Redigalian blood. It was weird to think his father was on the other side.

"Well, we both know that the Empire does not care for me too much."

"I could argue against that."

"I'm sure you could. But rather, let's say that the Melvidans accepted me for who I am. And because of that, I've continued on living."

Rioan did not to dig deeper into his father's criminal record. He knew it was growing ever larger to this day. And he would rather not gain a stronger reason to hate his father. He had no reason to ask his father what he was doing with his time, so he did not bother.

"The Melvidan representatives you sent over after the tournament said the Melvidan army has a cure for Reina's legs. I supposed you developed it, did you not?"

"Not going to chat with me about your new life?" Deiren looked dissapointed. "Though I can respect business. Yes, I have almost developed a cure for Reina's legs."

"Almost?"

"It's missing a key ingredient. Something that infected your mother's womb and ruined her legs by eating away at the life behind them."

"Well as I'm sure you are aware, my mother is already ashes. And if what your missing was in her womb, then I'll take my leave. I have no business with you other than for Reina."

Deiren grabbed Rioan's hand, stopping Rioan from leaving much to Yueraza's displeasure and growls.

"It was in her womb, yes. But don't forget that your Reina's elder brother, Rioan."

Rioan was not sure if he wanted his thoughts to be coherent at that moment. He was not sure if he wanted to show his stoic face, but rather tap into the dragon blood altering his head, fueling his head in latent emotion. He was not sure if he wanted to know what he did.

"What are you telling me?"

"Rioan. You, are the key ingredient I am looking for. You, are Reina's cure."

His back was colder than expected. Sure, they were next to the bridge between the Resirium and Mavedia continents, right on the Tail's Sea that joined the two oceans, with the salt clinging to his hair and the pleasantly warm climate but his back still shivered with sweat that even Yueraza could not steam. He took a breath, hoping Deiren would not notice how stiff he had become and trying to relax Yueraza away from concern for him.

"It's my magic, isn't it," he asked, almost begging to be wronged.

"Yes."

He exhaled, deeply but hopefully in the most casual way he could. Hopefully so his father could not see what was going through his head, through his heart.

It was Yueraza that warmed his head with her own presence that calmed him.

"I am still going to need proof that this is possible. I'm not carting my sister to another country for a lie."

Deiren beamed. Rioan felt sickly.

"Yes! Yes. Meet me at the Edges Peak. I've got everything you need."