Eladea: A Hopeless Age

Chapter 38: Amber

Chapter 38: Amber’s POV

Ok I know that there has been a lot of dialogue these past few chapters but I promise that there will be more action very soon.

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His speech was perfect. It was everything it needed to be and more. I could feel the change in atmosphere among the people as his words were spoken, the fire of hope burning brighter with each sentence. I could never understand why my parents, especially my father, followed Sage so blindly. I could never understand their unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm to carry out her work. I mean we could ask for no better Queen, but I never thought she was anything special. But now, looking at my best friend inspiring hundreds of people so effortlessly, I understand. It’s not because they believed in the Queen, but they believed in their friend.

But yet another thing I will never understand is how Liam doubts himself so much.

Once he finishes a deafening cry of support rises from the people around me. I join in, me and my parents’ roars reverberating across the field. I glance back at the people that have been entrusted to me by Liam, and I can't help but feel pride. In the past few hours I had begun to learn a little bit about the group of people I had been assigned to command and protect, and I had come to appreciate each and every one of them. Their loyalty inspires me, and I know they will fight with the true hearts of warriors, despite being nothing but commonfolk.

Then I feel a sense of dread overcome me and I falter. I have never fought a true battle, not like my parents. I have fought a few humans and creatures over the last few months but nothing like this. Nothing this…big.

Sensing my unease, my father gently bumps his shoulder to mine, despite being almost double my size.

“It's going to be fine.” He says in that familiar way us dragons have of speaking.

“What do you mean? I never said it wasn't. I'm good.” I respond back.

“But you thought it.” He says playfully.

“Since when can you read minds?” I fire back.

“Always have.” He smirks my way and I can't help but let out a humorless laugh.

“You know, Amber, I was too hard on you before.” He says after a while. “I tried to stop you from going on that mission and I said some things I shouldn't have. I guess I saw myself in you, and when I was your age I wasn't ready to take on the world yet. But you...you're more than ready. I know that now.” He explains.

“Don't sweat it, pops.” I flick him with my tail and he chuckles.

“I love you so very much, dear.” He responds and nuzzles me. I smile and close my eyes, savoring the feeling of his embrace. “And whatever happens, know that I'm proud of you.” He pulls back and my yellow eyes meet his violet ones, and I can't help but feel my sense of dread deepening. I should say it back. Why do I feel such an urge to say it back?

“You did tell the triplets the same, I hope?” Mom chimes in playfully.

“Of course, dear. I tell them I love them every time we leave them anywhere, though I doubt they hear me. They’re too busy arguing over who can fly better.” He laughs, turning to his mate. Mom approaches me and looks me up and down once before smiling and nodding. Immediately a sense of validation surges through me.

“It’s a wonder they haven't taken each other's heads off yet.” I smile.

“I'm sure they would if they could- '' Mom trails off when she sees Dad go rigid, his head outstretched to get a better look at something.