The Dragons Queen Saga

Part 30: Unsettling Revelations

Deirdre turned sharply to face Dresden once Ardent had departed.

Her tone was assertive, firm. "He idolizes you."

The statement seemed simple enough, but Dresden did not want anyone to idolize him, especially after he had defiled himself in such a disgraceful way, and he didn't like the tone she's said it in.

"Now now, Dresden." Dierdre began, more sympathetic this time, sensing his thoughts correctly. "You mustn't be so hard on yourself about the changes you've made. They are truly strengths and not weaknesses as you seem to think." She regarded him fondly now which confused him. Dresden did not want her sympathy or pity, and bristled at it immediately.

"These ingots are connected. There is no doubt. Ardent is correct in assessing the role this egg plays to untangle events to come. Do not distress this, but be comforted in knowing that you and I have been chosen, as Lazarus had, in the safekeeping and orchestration of future events. This is a honor."

She took her egg shaped ingot back to its resting place in the larger part of the cave and returned to the table. Dresden glared at his ingot. He did not want to be part of any grander future. He never gave much stock in future events and he'd hated Lazarus for his vague and cryptic language regarding the uncertain but predetermined future.

Dierde had returned to her place at the table, stoic, silent. Allowing him the space required to think properly like a Dragon. She would not have spoken again to him even if they'd spent the next several hours in silence. It was his turn to speak, and he knew it. So he chose his next words carefully.

"You wanted clarification to the images your ingot holds within it, but I do not believe I have given you that by my descriptions."

Dierdre held his words in the air, turning them over between them before answering. "You have honestly relayed the visions in a way that tells me exactly what I need to know for now. There are more questions, which is to be expected, but all will be revealed in time.

She returned to sipping her tea and caressed his ingot again before continuing. "I know that you have questions. I will not be able to give you the answers you've come for. I can share enough with you that may ease your mind for now. Give me your hand."

She hadn't asked. She'd told him to. Since her rank gave her the right to address Dresden this way, he did not refuse her. He set his tea on the table and extended his right hand out to her obediently. She took it, cupped in both of hers, then closed her eyes. Dresden also closed his eyes. The world within him expanded and contracted, like a huge heart pumping, amethyst and rose colors faded in and out of the background while Deirdre joined with his mind. Then he heard it, loud and crisp, the same voice that had come to him before. His heart lifted with joy to know that she had helped him when he had been so vulnerable. He calmed the emotion and steadied his thoughts back to the moment.

"You will know what I know." She spoke the words aloud, shrouding them both in a misty aura of prophecy and wisdom.

His attention turned towards images forming in the corners of his mind. A group of eight Dragons stood together under the cover of trees, sheltered by an ancient forest. He recognized each one. Dierdre, Ardent, Adrastos Lazarus, Panshen, Mol, Ferasis, and Emeranda. They were discussing a plan, and Lazarus was speaking.

"All of you are vital in making this possible. I know you understand that. What I am about to tell you, you may not agree with, but must trust me if we are to succeed." The group of Dragons shared looks of confusion while Lazarus continued. "None of you can involve Dresden in this plan or inform him of our alliance."

Dierdre reared back, Mol growled, Ardent tugged at his beard thoughtfully while the others quietly considered his words.

Dierdre spoke first. "How do you anticipate succeeding if Dresden does not know what is expected of him?"