We The Kings: Book Two

Chapter 41

Charles was the last to return from retrieving his recruits. He came back tired and cranky a couple days after Daniel had arrived.

"I need a bubble bath immediately. I reek of horse and sweat." He said wearing a disgusted face as he dismounted the steed.

Daniel took the horse by the reigns and led it to the stable. Charles brushed himself off.

"The villagers? Did they join you?" I asked him.

"Yes. Johnny is already taking care of them. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a lavender bath immediately." His nose didn't unscrunch as he marched toward the castle.

My lack of progress with Galen continued. I found myself extremely frustrated with myself. I tried harnessing my emotions; I tried being as angry as I was before. It didn't seem to work no matter how much I thought about Samuel.

"Do you think I can still even change? What if the dragon is gone? What if it was a one time use?" I plopped down on the ground.

"The dragon is still there. It cannot be lost, it is within you." Galen said.

"You can't possibly know that." I said.

"It is, your majesty. You cannot doubt yourself now."

There were no other options except doubt and fear. We didn't have a chance in winning the war without a dragon.

The next morning, we gathered in the planning room. Orion, Johnny, Daniel, Mavis, and Charles were seated when I entered. A large map spread across the table.

"Johnny and Daniel. How are our trainees doing?" Mavis asked them.

"The loyalists have completed their training. The Belmonte people are still training, but are fast learners. I believe the loyalists are ready for combat." Johnny said.

"Excellent. Thank you. We appreciate all of your hard work that you have put in." Mavis said to Johnny.

"Of course, your majesty." Johnny bowed her head.

"Zander, have you made any progress with harnessing the dragon?" Mavis asked.

I lowered my head.

"No. I haven't." I said.

"Have you been practicing with Galen?" She asked.

"Everyday." I said.

"It is crucial we have the dragon to win." She reminded me.

"I know! I know. I'm doing everything I can." I snapped.

"Alright, well. Orion, based off our current positions, what do you suggest our next move be?" Mavis asked, turning the focus on him.

He stood up and hovered over the map.

"Yes. Your majesty. I believe our next move should be traveling to Naporia and attempting to make them our ally. They are between Vendov and Belmonte, I believe Vendov will attempt to take them over next." He said, pointing to Naporia.

"You don't think he'll offer them allyship?"

"He may, but he will betray his ally's and take them for himself, I'm sure of it." He said.