The Spark #2: Nightfall

Chapter 15: Arau

Arau led the others south of Heavenstead, where the Ironsparks were approaching from.

Alhan flew up alongside him. "It seems a lot has happened since I've been gone. Where are Jedhan and Sephas?"

"We're not really sure," Arau replied. "Dene, the leader of the Ironsparks banished Sephas and a friend of his, a Windspark."

Alhan looked at him quizzically.

"She's nice. I think. But it broke Jedhan. He couldn't take it anymore, and he just... ran. We haven't seen him since."

"Then as soon as this is finished, we have to go find them. I won't let myself forget about them until I know what's happened to them."

Arau smiled. "Thank you, Alhan."

A sea-green dragon flew toward them and met them in the air.

"Sery," Arau said. "Any news?"

"They're still attacking," she replied. "And they're not far behind me."

"Then we will convince them to stop," Koris said, flying by them.

"Queen... Koris?" Sery breathed.

"Oh yeah," Kaya said.

They hovered for another minute before a legion of metal dragons appeared over the trees. One flew out in front, her scales glinting silver as the sunset. She slowed to a stop when she reached the five dragons and motioned for the other Ironsparks to do the same.

"Arau," she said. "When I heard you had gone, I thought it was because you didn't want to hurt those you might have cared about. Clearly, I was wrong."

"We're not here to fight you. You know as well as any that the Wind Nation has been corrupted by Councillor Uden. This is Queen Koris. She's going to help us."

Dene eyed Koris. "And where were you when my people were being oppressed?"

"I was... unwell... for a long time. I have no wish to shed more blood, but to mend the rift."

"Whether that's true or not, the Ironsparks were imprisoned for thousands of years. Our pain was not due to one dragon's actions, but a world that stood by, using us. Now... At last, you shall receive a small taste of our pain."

"Those who imprisoned you are long dead. Let us be the ones who make amends."

Dene glared at Koris with deadly rage. "Your words are sweet, but our people's blood is on your claws. Even now, your army gathers behind you."

They turned and indeed, the Windspark army stretched across the horizon. Hakon motioned for them to hold, looking to Koris with dismay.

Koris turned back to Dene with a determined face. "We do not wish to fight but we will defend our home."

"So be it," Dene growled.

"Your people are hungry, tired, unarmed, and untrained. You are not warriors. You have a home now, none of us will bother you again, and we will gladly help you rebuild. It doesn't have to be this way."

"This is what fate has decided. The war that was set in motion by your ancestors and mine."

"Fate can be changed!" A voice called from the east. They all turned and looked in awe as a legion of dragons from all nations except the Ironsparks flew into the fray. They were led by a golden-scaled dragon wearing a crown.

"Queen Koris," he said. "Glad to see you're back to your old self at last."

"King Mortem?" Hakon said. "What is going on?"