Love of the True

The Conclusion

He waited there for no more than thirty minutes when he heard his shouts.

"Shyra!" Dag screamed desperately. King looked over his shoulder to find his figure quickly making its way there. King didn't move, but simply waited. He knew he didn't have to wait long.

Only when Dag saw that Shyra wasn't there did he stop shouting, but he didn't slow his rapid speed until he landed beside King. "Where is she?" He asked desperately, with his eyes scanning the territory forbidden for the dragons; not that it really stopped him before.

King gazed at him with stern eyes. He should feel some sympathy for him, he knew. The truth was he didn't feel a drop of sympathy. Though, for Shyramere's sake, he didn't feel hate for him either. "She is gone, Dag."

Dag's wild eyes scanned the woods again. "Shy!" He screamed towards the woods and waited for an answer. She didn't give one. "Shyra!" He begged, but she still gave no reply. Dag began to tremble at the realization that he was too late, and tears filled his eyes.

King still didn't feel sympathy. "You should be thankful to have had a sister like her." King said in his kingly way as he walked around Dag with his eyes on the woods as well. "Not many would have been willing to do what she did. I assume Queen has informed you of what has taken place here tonight?" Dazed, Dag could only nod his head as he gulped in air. "Good, then. I want you to know that this was all her idea, Dag. She wanted to do this."

Dag didn't have to ponder that long. "I know." He mumbled softly.

King stared at him hard. "I promised her that I would give her your punishment in full, and that I would forgive you completely."

That got Dag's attention. He finally turned to look at the King, not believing his ears. "You forgive me, King?" He asked timidly.

King didn't let off on his stare. "Yes, just as I promised your sister." Again, the king started walking around Dag, but his eyes remained on the green dragon. "Dag, few have been given what you have received. You should be grateful for your sister's sacrifice; she must have really loved you. However, with that being said, you must not abuse your second chance. Never before has a dragon condemned to this kind of punishment been granted forgiveness. You and your sister have made dragon history tonight. Do well with it, Dag.

"Also, remember that your problems haven't completely disappeared. Even though I and Queen have forgiven you, others might not. Once they hear about Shyramere, they may forgive you for her sake or they might despise you more. Who knows." The king shrugged nonchalantly.

" Then, there's your father." Dag visibly stiffened, probably forgetting about his father completely with the all drama. "At some point, you must confront your father about Shyramere's absence. You might even have to be the one to inform him on what took place tonight; though, I am sure he will hear of it soon enough."

Dag turned his gaze away from the king and back towards the woods. "Even so," King said, not taking his piercing eyes off of Dag, " if I must remind you, this still doesn't compare to what Shyramere had to go through." At that, Dag bowed his head in shame. At least he feels remorse. Thought King. Maybe Queen was right that there would not even be a need to punish him more after this.

"Dag, quit staring at the woods." King ordered, bringing Dag to return his gaze. "She won't come back. You won't ever see her again." King turned away from Dag and stretched his wings to take flight. "I invite you to my son's ending ceremony." The king pauses, "Though, you probably shouldn't come. I don't think Queen will want you to there." With that, King left. He wanted nothing more than to leave that spot and never to return. Her screams would forever haunt his dreams, he knew.

Dag didn't move from his spot for an hour. And then, when everything had settled in and there was nothing else to do, he dropped to the ground and sobbed. He sobbed throughout the rest of the night. Even when the last star hid her face, he sobbed into the earth. "Oh, Shy." He mumbled, knowing there was no way she could hear him. "I am sorry. I am so sorry."

After a few more sniffs and sobs, he shakily picked himself up. With head hanging and wings drooped, he walked away as newborn colors began to dawn in the early sky.

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Thank you SO much for reading this! I greatly appreciate it, and I hope you enjoyed it. =D God Bless!!

Enchanted_Rose